Welcome to the 2025/2026 U13 Osgoode Richmond Romans Hockey.  My name is Stephen Wilson, and I will be the head coach for the season. 
 
Coaching Philosophy
 
My philosophy is that these kids are only 12 years old and are still developing their skill and love of the game.  My goal is to focus mainly on skill development while spending time on positions and game play.  My aim is to find a balance between fun and serious.  This being competitive hockey we will aim to push the kids a little harder than if they were still in house hockey but not at the expense of them not wanting to come to the rink each day.  I expect myself, coaching staff, players, and parents to all treat each other with respect.  If you have any issues with anyone or anything during the season, feel free to talk to me. 
 
The goal of all the above is to foster a fun environment for players and parents no matter if we win or lose.  Winning is always fun but shouldn’t be the main metric to a successful season. 
 
Skill Development
 
We will continue to focus on skating, shooting, passing, game play and positioning.  We will try to focus on all aspects the best we can with the amount of ice time we are given. 
 
U13 Pathway’s
 
24 Games
4 Tournaments (2 Home and 2 Away)
4 Exhibitions
Playoff will be 6 round robin games + quarter/semi/final
 
Games/Practices

1. League Games – League play will consist of 24 regular season games followed by a round robin style playoff. 
2. Tournaments – We are signed up for 4 tournaments.  2 away and 2 home
3. Exhibition – We will aim to play 4 exhibition games during the season
4. Practices – Expect there to be an average of 2 practices a week depending on how much ice we get allotted.
5. Off-Ice Conditioning – I would like to increase the off-ice conditioning sessions per month for the kids depending on ice schedule.

Tournaments

1. Nov 7-9 – Kingston Tournament – Kingston, ON
2. Nov 28-30 – Capital Mid Season Showdown - Kanata, ON 
3. Jan 16-18 Capital Winter Classic - Kanata, ON
4. Jan 30 - Feb 1 – Dunsmuir Memorial – Newmarket, On 

Team Fees
 
Team fees owed to the Roman organization are approximately $1400. To support team activities such as tournaments, player development and any other costs, there will be an additional team fee of approximately $800 per player.  Final team fees will be subject to the final approval of the budget.  Sponsorship and fundraising activities will help offset these fees.  If you have any ideas for sponsorship or fundraising, please let me know.
 
Dress
 
Each player will be asked to purchase a Romans track jacket. Track Jackets are to be worn by players to each game.
 
Communication
 
We will use TeamSnap for main information.  It is a great tool to have roster and contact information.  It also allows us to include the season schedule and you can add your availability for each session so we know who will be at each game/practice. 
 
Ice Locations
 
Per last year they seemed to use Manotick, Osgoode, Richmond, Beckwith, Kemptville and Winchester.  Last year there was an ice shortage so we will have to wait and see what locations we are given. 
 
Commitment
 
As this is a competitive team, it is expected that this be your child’s primary commitment during the season.

• Games – It is expected that you child will be there minimum 60 min before puck drop. Pregame warmup will start 45 min before puck drop.  The kids should be fully dressed 10 min before we go on the ice to allow the coaches to have a pre-game talk. 
• Practices – It is expected that you are there 30 min before we get on the ice. Kids should be dressed 10-15 min before to allow coaches to have a pre talk if needed.

Off Ice Conditioning
 
I plan to continue to introduce off-ice conditioning.  This is important not only for hockey but for there day to day life.  Depending on the schedule we may hold the off-ice on a non ice time days or try and line it up before or after a practice. 
 
Tryouts
 
Tryouts will be evaluated by independent evaluators (i.e. evaluators who do not have a child trying out for the team) with hockey knowledge and experience in evaluating players.

Players will be evaluated on their effort level, sportsmanship, and skill.
 
Overall, I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season, and am excited for the opportunity to coach the kids this season.
 
Thanks
Stephen Wilson