2025-2026 U10A program overview

Team Level: GTHL U10 A, birth year 2016.

Coach Name: Michael Longato (Michael.long12@outlook.com | 647-861-2412)

Link here to the U10A Development Program

Coaching Background: Michael enters his sixth season of hockey coaching within the Willowdale Hawks organization. Michael was Head Coach with the 2011 Hawks for the past 2 seasons and previously with the 2006 AA team as Assistant Coach. Responsibilities included team offensive/defensive zone faceoffs and powerplay systems, assisting with the organization of line-ups and the ability to adapt team-play to the opponent’s game play. Michael is a Development 1 Certified Coach through Hockey Canada and the OHF.

Prior to coaching Michael played minor hockey in the Richmond Hill Stars organization at all levels from A-AAA. He then moved on to play in the Ontario Junior A hockey League with the Aurora Tigers organization.

Michael enjoys spending time with family at the cottage in the summers, being outdoors and fishing. His passion for hockey continues with the ability to give back to the students of the game and learn new skills that will elevate the performance of his coaching abilities.

Michael is honoured to be a part of the Willowdale organization team as head coach for the 2025-26 season.

Coaching Philosophy:
Our coaching philosophy focuses on skill development, teamwork, and fostering a love for the game. At the U10 level, we emphasize teaching fundamental hockey skills while helping players develop confidence on and off the ice.

  • Practices will be structured to maximize puck touches and game-like scenarios.
  • Development over winning: Our goal is to ensure each player grows throughout the season while competing at a high level.
  • Communication & Fun: We believe in open communication with players and parents while creating an enjoyable and competitive team environment.
  • Equal Play: We will provide equal playing time for players and goaltenders. We will provide the opportunity for players to rotate positions as we believe it is critical for players to understand all positions on the ice. We will train all players for special teams.

Vision, Values and Focus of the Team for the Season:

Our primary focus is on skill development, teamwork, and fostering a competitive yet positive environment. The key goals for this season include:

  • Individual Player Growth: Ensuring all players progress in their skating, puck control, and hockey IQ.
  • Teamwork & Sportsmanship: Encouraging respect, discipline, and responsibility both on and off the ice.
  • Competitive Play: Helping players understand team strategies, positioning, and game flow.

Team Rules:

  • Commitment & Attendance: Players are expected to attend practices and games unless excused.
  • Effort & Attitude: A positive attitude, effort, and respect for coaches, teammates, and opponents are mandatory.
  • Game-Time Behavior: Players are expected to listen to coaches and remain engaged, whether on the ice or on the bench.
  • Locker Room Rules: Players must show respect in the dressing room. Music and electronics policies will be outlined by the coaching staff.

Schedule and Commitment

  • Practices
    • Number of Practices per Week: 2
    • Days/Times/Location
      • 1 practice likely at Bayview Arena on Saturday mornings
      • 1 practice TBD at an arena in North York
  • Games
    • Games per week: 2
    • Day/Time/Location:
      • Home Game – likely at Fenside Arena in North York
      • Away game on different days of the week within GTA
  • Exhibition Games & Tournaments: 
    • Up to 3 Hockey Canada sanctioned tournaments
    • Additional pre- and post-season tournaments possible
    • Exhibition games TBD

Fun Team, Community, and Club Events:

  • Team bonding events throughout the season
  • Holiday and end-of-season celebrations
  • Community involvement and charity participation

Cost Range:

  • Estimated cost range: TBD
  • Additional costs may include tournament fees, team apparel, and extra training sessions.

Refund Policy:

The refund policy will follow the club’s standardized refund structure, which will be outlined prior to registration.