2025-2026 U13A program outline

Team Level: GTHL U13 A, birth year 2013

Coach Name: Rob Lee

Coaching Background: Rob Lee is a non-parent volunteer coach with 17 years coaching experience in Select / A / AA.  He has coached this 2013 Birth Year team from 2019 (U7) – Present (U13).  Rob is also an Executive at the Willowdale Hockey Club for the past 12 years.

Rob has played competitive and international level hockey.

Training & Certifications: Hockey Development 1 Certified

Coaching Philosophy:
Our team will be coached in a manner that promotes team play and in a system that is based on the contributions of all players working together.  The players will be coached in a hard-working and fun environment where they are constantly improving.  They will experience great camaraderie, develop friendships, and become better hockey players and teammates. 

Objectives for on-ice play will be communicated clearly and coached consistently.  The players will be provided with the knowledge and skills to execute successfully on the ice and they will develop increased confidence in their individual skills and a high level of trust in their teammates.

Ice time for skaters will be equal except that there may be special teams units for power plays and penalty kills.  Additionally, the last five minutes of the game will be at the coach’s discretion.  Player positions may be changed at the coach’s discretion.  It is intended for the goalies to play on a rotational basis in a 40-40-20 split.  With the last 20% at the coach’s discretion.

In addition, the head coach and 2-3 assistant coaches, we will have a supplemental third-party goalie coach and may employ skills/development coaches as needs dictate.

Vision, Values and Focus of the Team for the Season:
The primary goal is to teach our players to be responsible, respectful, and to compete to the best of their abilities within a team setting.

We will be a winning team in a positive environment in which players will develop the skills, hockey intelligence, and fundamental team play to compete well in our league.

The players will improve their individual skills and team play through a high compete level, attention to detail, and consistency in all aspects of practices and games.   

The players will be part of a challenging and rewarding environment and experience the benefits of team sports including fitness, teamwork, building confidence, and fair play.  

Team Rules:
Players are expected to give their full efforts and be respectful of their teammates, opponents, and officials at all times.  Bullying will not be tolerated and may result in missed playing times or games

Game Time Arrival: 60 minutes prior to start.

Practice Time Arrival: 30 minutes prior to start.

Dressing Room Policy: To be outlined to all players and guardians prior to the start of the season.

Schedule and Commitment

  • Practices
  • Number of Practices Per Week: 2
  • Days/Times/Location: To be finalized (arenas in North York)
  • Games
  • Number of Games Per Week: 2 (approximately), including one home game (Fenside Arena, likely Sunday nights).  Other rinks are located in the GTA.
  • Exhibition Games and Tournament
    • Tentatively 2 local tournaments (early bird, fall/winter)
    • Tentatively 1 away tournament (most likely Lake Placid or Buffalo for 2013,)
    • Exhibition games TBD
  • Extra Training
    • Additional skills and dryland training is recommended for all players but will not be part of the team program.

Fun Team, Community, and Club Events:

  • For the U12 Season, the team hosted an exhibition game and post game pizza dinner with a team from Korea
  • The team will usually have one beginning of year and one end of year party
  • Volunteer opportunities as they may become available

Cost Range:

  • TBD
  • Additional costs may include tournament fees, team apparel, hotels and meals

Refund Policy:

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