Please Welcome Our U13AA Head Coach 2024-2025

I am thrilled to be the OVSS U13 AA Head Coach for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. My coaching philosophy emphasizes skill development, character building, teamwork, and fun. By focusing on these elements, I believe success will follow both on and off the ice. I have been part of the OVSS organization for eight years in various coaching capacities, including five years as a head coach and three seasons as an assistant.
We will focus on skating, passing, shooting, and puck control skills this year. We will also concentrate on team strategies, positional play, and overall game strategy, thus laying the groundwork for the players' continued advancement in their hockey careers. I am dedicated to enhancing their hockey IQ, helping players quickly process strategic plays during practices and games, and fostering an environment where they can confidently learn from their mistakes—an essential aspect of young players' development.
Goalies will receive specialized training in movements, positional awareness, puck tracking, and rebound control. As a goalie parent, I understand the importance of dedicated attention during practices and games. Our goalies are integral team members, and we will develop their all-around skills, encouraging active engagement in plays, such as initiating breakouts with accurate passes.
A culture of discipline and respect will be important for everyone, including teammates, opponents, coaches, referees, and parents. I firmly believe that hockey should be an enjoyable game, and I hope to have players leave the rink with smiles, eagerly anticipating their next team session. A culture of discipline and respect will be integral, not only among teammates but also toward opponents, coaches, referees, and parents.
Players should anticipate a commitment of 4-5 weekly sessions, including games, practices, virtual and in-person workouts, and team and community engagements. Aside from school-related commitments and family obligations, all team events will be mandatory. This year, U13 is part of the Hockey Canada Pathways program, which opens new opportunities. Learn more about the Hockey Canada Pathways initiative here.
Our season will also involve participation in four tournaments, with three scheduled as away tournaments:
•             October 25-27: Peterborough Hockey AA Tournament
•             November 1-3: 19th Annual Capital Fall Classic – Weekend 2
•             December 13-15: Oshawa Hockeyfest
•             January 31-February 2: Gene Harrington Rochester Cup Challenge
I look forward to starting this journey again with your player and am excited about what this year will bring. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out. I look forward to seeing everyone at the rink.
Coach Dave