2023/24 U13 Coach's Letter

My name is Paul Kelly, and I am proud and excited to be the head coach of the Romans U13 team for the upcoming 2023/24 season. I have played hockey since I was 5 years old and still do to this day. I have been involved in coaching for the past 10 years from IP up to U15 as an assistant coach and this is my 1st year as a head coach.

My focus this season will be to create a great competitive experience for the players. Over the course of the season, we will focus on developing individual/technical skills that are applied within our team concept. Players will be expected to work hard and always do their best while maintaining good sportsmanship and a team first attitude. Practices will aim to be high tempo and with a mix of individual skill, team play and of course fun. I want the rink to be an environment the players look forward to going to and leave with a smile.

For those players and families interested in the competitive hockey experience, this year’s U13 team will be looking for players to represent the Romans hockey club that best exemplify skill, effort and teamwork.

Players and parents can expect 3-4 team sessions per week, on average, including on and off-ice activities. This is a competitive team and it is expected that players will make a commitment to the team by attending as many practices, games and off-ice activities as possible.

The tournament schedule will consist of 4 tournaments:

• Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 – Capital Blues Hockey Fest (Ottawa, ON)
• Nov. 3-5, 2023 - Belleville Mid-Season Tilt (Belleville, ON)
• Dec. 7-10, 2023 - Green Mountain Avalanche Tournament (Jay Peak, VT, USA)
• Dec. 27-Jan. 1, 2024 (exact dates TBD) - Bell Capital Cup (Ottawa, ON)

To support team activities such as tournaments, player development and any other costs, there will be an additional team fee of approximately $500 - $700 per player. Final team fees will be subject to the final team approval of the budget. Sponsorship and fundraising activities will help offset these fees.

Please keep informed of upcoming conditioning camps and tryouts on the Romans website as they are posted.

I want to wish all players the best of luck during the tryouts. I look forward to seeing everyone at the rink.
 
Thank you,
Paul Kelly