Closing Remarks, News, Atom Select, 2015-2016, Select (Ancaster Minor Hockey)

This Team is part of the 2015-2016 season, which is not set as the current season.
News Article
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May 10, 2016 | Rob Smithson | 1034 views
Closing Remarks
Hello everyone,

It's been some time since my previous communication, and this should be my final communication to you as the Atom Select team manager for 2015-2016.  If you have any questions at all, please reach out to me directly by phone or e-mail... I am always happy to help out.

I want to cover off some season ending items, and give a well-deserved shout out to the select team players as a whole.

Please click on the link above to read the entire article...

As a whole, it is the opinion of the entire coaching staff that the boys ended the year on an extreme high... we worked through some growing pains at the season start, and shuffled players around significantly, but the kids hung in there and the final results were FANTASTIC!

First and Foremost for the parents... finance.  You may have all noticed that you received an envelope from the Atom Select team that contained a variety of items... one of which was a cheque made out to the parents.  At the season close, we went through the budgetary numbers and ended up with a surplus amount.  This amount allowed us to prepare a refund cheque to each of you, resulting in a zero balance on the books to close out the season.  I kindly ask that you cash/deposit the cheques as soon as possible so that we can close out the bank account by end of May.

For those players who were not able to be at the season ending tournament in Barrie, your envelope included the team medal as well.  I want to echo Justin's comments from the awards ceremony in Barrie... each and every player on this team worked hard to achieve their goals this year. Each player should be proud of their play, and the progress that was made both on the ice, and as individuals.

Player Progression:
For most kids, playing on a 'Select Team' is an introduction to a more refined element of hockey.  It allows the coaching staff to introduce the kids to an overall team structure, which if implemented properly, results in a cohesive team strategy.  The goal, as with any development team, is to prepare the kids for the next step... what ever that may be. This year, the kids responded well to the coach's vision, and the results were exemplary. 

As many of you are aware, the AA and AE tryouts are now complete, and the coaching staff are unbelievably proud of the results.  From our select team of 15 skaters and 2 goalies, we had 8 players and a goaltender advance to the rep system... more than 50% of our kids were able to move up and away!!!

Please, Pause and Think about those numbers.
.. more than 1/2 of our team was able to move from House League to Rep, with only one season of development behind them.  Again, I want to echo our appreciation at the level of effort that the kids put in this season... the results are fantastic.

I believe a big shout out is deserved for Tobin, who was able to move from House League directly to the Major Atom AA squad.  To move from House to AA in one step is a BIG JUMP... Tobin was able to improve his level of play consistently week after week, resulting in a fantastic skill-set that should serve him well in years to come.

Another shout out goes out to Dante, who, as an Alternate Player, put in an unbelievable effort every time he hit the ice.  His work-ethic is unmatched, and he was able to use his determination to make a big jump from house to full time AE team member... GREAT JOB!

For the rest of the boys who made the move to rep (Mike, Andrew, Brayden, Mark, Jack, Hayden, Aiden) congratulations!  For those of you who did not, know that the select coaches for next year will be looking to you to step up and lead, like the skilled players that you are.  (Please excuse me if I missed anyone... with the new numbered system, i can only gather results on word of mouth).

In closing, I'd like to thank all of the parents this year for your patience.  As a coaching staff, we knew that we were at the lead-end of a long learning curve.  While it may have been difficult for all of us to watch at times, we are happy that you hung in there with us while we slowly worked the kids into the system... and were able to finish the year on a high note.

Thank you again for supporting us, and we look forward to seeing you at the rink in September.

Sincerely, Your Coaching Staff...


Justin Zielke, Head Coach
Justin Cowley, Assistant Coach
Steve Wilson, Trainer
Rob Smithson, Manager