2025-2026 U12A program outline

Team Level: GTHL U12 A, birth year 2014

Coach Name:
Livio Nichilo

Coaching Background:
Livio has been a dedicated volunteer hockey coach since late 2021, helping 2014-15 born players regain their enjoyment and improve their skills after missing crucial years of development due to the pandemic. Over the years, he has worked with multiple teams at different levels, from Single A to House League, sometimes coaching his son’s team and other times working with different groups.

In the past four years, Livio has completed all the required coaching certifications for the GTHL, including the Development 1 Clinic and Checking training from Hockey Canada. His deep knowledge of hockey stems from years of playing competitively and recreationally since high school, as well as his passion for studying the game, its players, and its most influential figures.

Beyond hockey, Livio’s expertise in building and leading successful teams comes from his experience founding, managing, and ultimately selling a thriving engineering company.

Coaching Philosophy:
Livio’s coaching philosophy is built on a team-first approach, ensuring that all players are held to the same expectations—both on and off the ice—and are treated equally when it comes to rewards for success and constructive feedback for improvement. He maintains a positive coaching style, never discouraging players for mistakes but being direct when effort falls short.

Understanding that each player has unique areas for development, Livio tailors his communication strategy to suit individual needs, ensuring effective guidance. He also prioritizes assembling a strong coaching staff that can provide players with the support they require to grow.

Every player is given equal opportunities to play, rotate through positions, and participate in special teams such as power plays and penalty kills. Any adjustments to this approach occur only when a strategic advantage in a game situation significantly benefits the team.

Parental involvement is a key aspect of player development. To keep families engaged and informed, Livio provides three player evaluation reports per year, offering valuable feedback from the coaching staff to support each player’s growth.

Vision, Values and Focus of the Team for the Season:
Key is to have a team culture where the players come away having fun in learning the game that can bring them strong physical activity and enjoyment and a chance to meet friends for the rest of their lives.  We are in a competitive league, and we want to reinforce the players ability to compete well and strive to succeed.

Team Rules:
Commitment is important and rules, outside of any normal expectations, will be developed only if needed.

Schedule and Commitment

Number of Practices per Week / When / Where:
Minimum of two practices per week will be scheduled, as game schedule allows. 

Number of Games per Week / Home Game / Other Games:
Two games expected per week on average but can be as much as four.

Exhibition Games, Tournaments:
3 sanctioned tournaments during the regular season, 1-2 pre-season tournaments, and potentially some exhibition games

Extra Training:
Players are encouraged to join team members and coaches at outdoor and indoor shinny, and we have a minimum of one off ice training session per week, that occurs before or after a practice or game.

Fun Team, Community, and Club Events:
Team typically takes part in a summer camp together to have fun and build friends before the season starts. We have a fun holiday and end of the season event. We have player of the game awards 

Cost Range:
Estimated cost range: TBD

Additional costs may include tournament fees and team apparel.

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