Welcome Back to a New Season with Sarnia Hockey and the Sarnia Sting Hockey Club!
We hope this letter finds you in great health and high spirits. As we gear up for another exciting season of hockey, we want to extend our warmest welcome to both our returning families and the new faces joining our hockey community. Your dedication and passion for the sport of hockey continue to inspire us, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have you as part of our extended family.
This upcoming season promises to be filled with excitement, learning, and unforgettable experiences. Whether your child is just beginning their hockey journey or is a seasoned player, we have a place for them to thrive. Our dedicated coaches and staff are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment where every player can reach their full potential.
Here are some key highlights for the upcoming season:
- New Skill Program: We have developed a new program called FOUNDATIONS. The idea is simple, more ice time dedicated to skill development. Who does it include? Players aged 4 to 8 years old. What do we hope to achieve? More opportunities to learn and develop skills. More opportunity to build a strong athletic foundation as players grow and mature.
- The First Shift Program: A unique and inclusive initiative designed to introduce boys and girls, typically between the ages of 6 and 10, to the sport of ice hockey. Supported by Hockey Canada, in partnership with local hockey associations and sponsors, this program offers young newcomers to the sport a safe and fun environment to learn the basics of hockey. Participants are provided with all the necessary equipment, including skates, helmets, and pads, to remove barriers to entry. The First Shift Program focuses on skill development, teamwork, and building a lifelong love for the game, making it an accessible and enjoyable way for children to experience the excitement of hockey for the first time.
- Player & Coach Development: We will continue to focus on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. All U6/7 to U15 League teams will have a Power Edge Pro Lesson at a regular scheduled practice sometime in the early season. Watch your schedule for updates, PEP Admin’s are booking instructors. Our development goal is to help players achieve their maximum ability in a sport that is fun and exciting. We are also working on a COACH MENTORSHIP Program, we hope to announce this in the coming weeks.
- Safety First: The safety of our players, coaches, and families remains our top priority. We will follow all recommended guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
- Community Involvement: We are committed to being active participants in our local community, giving back through various initiatives throughout the season.
- Family Engagement: We encourage parents and guardians to get involved and support our players both on and off the ice. Your involvement plays a crucial role in our hockey community's success.
- Fun, Friendships and Camaraderie: Hockey is not just about competition; it's also about having fun and building lifelong friendships. We will organize events and activities that promote camaraderie and enjoyment. Do you remember being part of the Sarnia Hockey Sting Club last season? Well it has returned! This year we are asking any Recreational League participant (Player, Coach, Volunteer, or Official) that wants to receive special benefits like discounted FLEX PASS 10 vouchers from the Sarnia Sting Hockey Club to sign up HERE after 10 September 2023.
Please keep an eye out for upcoming communication from our coaching staff regarding team assignments, league evaluations for U6/7 and U8/9, practice/game schedules, and other important information. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team of coaches, managers, and volunteers. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Once again, welcome back to the Sarnia Hockey family. We can't wait to see the players back on the ice and the stands filled with passionate fans. Let's make this season a memorable one!
Sincerely,
Recreational Steering Committee
Sarnia Hockey Executive & Board of Directors
Sarnia Sting Hockey Club