2025-2026 U15A program overview

Team Level: GTHL U15A, birth year 2011

Coach Name:
Ryan Dickey (ryanwillowdale@gmail.com | 416-807-7021)

Coaching Background:
Ryan has enjoyed instructing with the Gretzky Hockey School and Coaching at the York Mills Hockey Association prior to joining Willowdale. Ryan worked alongside NHL Skill Instructors from both the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers for several years at the World renowned Gretzky Hockey School. He also acted as Co Coach, Assistant Coach and on-ice Trainer for the York Mills Hockey Association.
Responsibilities include power skating instruction, team offensive/defensive zone faceoffs and powerplay systems, organizing line-ups and the ability to adapt team-play to the opponent’s game play.

Prior to coaching Ryan played minor hockey in the Markham organization at the AAA level winning two All-Ontario Championships and Junior lacrosse for Scarborough.

Ryan enjoys spending time with family in the summers in the city and Collingwood. They enjoy being outdoors dirt biking, golfing 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.

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

Coaching Philosophy:
🏒 Welcome to U15A Hockey! 🚀

Here’s the deal: We’re all about getting better, playing as a team, and loving the game. This season, we’ll start sharpening our game strategy while keeping practices fun and focused on teamwork.

🔥 Our Goals:
✅ Compete hard & level up our skills
✅ Build on last season & push ourselves
✅ Make sure everyone grows & has a blast

💬 Communication & Fun: We’ll keep things open and honest—players, parents, and coaches all working together. Expect a competitive but fun atmosphere where you can push yourself and still enjoy every moment on the ice.

⚖️ Equal Play for All:
🎯 Everyone gets their fair share of ice time, including goalies!
🔄 Forwards will have the opportunity to play each forward position, and D will be shown how to play both left and right sides —because knowing the whole game makes you a smarter, stronger player.
💡 Special teams? Yep, everyone will get trained to play those big moments! Get ready for a season of hard work, great hockey, and unforgettable memories! Let’s bring the energy! 💪🔥🏒

Vision, Values and Focus of the Team for the Season:
For the 2025-26 season, the U15A team is all about winning games and keeping the locker room energy positive. We’re building a team that works hard, plays smart, and has fun—because success is better when you enjoy the ride. 🔥💪🏒

Team Rules:
Commitment & Attendance: Players are expected to attend practices and games unless excused.

  • Effort & Attitude – Bring a positive mindset, give 100% effort, and show respect to coaches, teammates, and opponents. No exceptions.
  • Game-Time Mentality – Stay locked in during games—listen to coaches, stay engaged, and be ready whether you’re on the ice or on the bench.
  • Locker Room Rules – Respect the room. Keep it a good vibe, and follow team policies on music & electronics (coaches will lay them out).
  • Practices – Mandatory, except for school or illness. If you’re sick, tell your coaches & stay home until symptom-free for 24+ hours.

Schedule and Commitment

Number of Practices per Week / When / Where:
Expect 2 team practices per week, fewer during holidays and weeks where we have tournaments. Practices will be at rinks in North York. Practice days of the week TBD.

Number of Games per Week / Home Game / Other Games:
On average there will be 2 games per week, less during holidays, more during tournament weeks. Home games will be at Bayview or Fenside Arena TBD, Away games will be at a rink in the GTA.

Exhibition Games, Tournaments:
We will enter up to 3 sanctioned tournaments during the regular season, 1-2 pre-season tournaments, and may schedule some exhibition games, usually pre-season.

Extra Training:
Extra training is recommended – coaching staff may offer programs for players and goalies alike depending on priorities of players and parents, and budget flexibility.

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.