Welcome to the 2019/20 hockey season.  My name is Marc Lamothe, and I am honoured to be the head coach of the Cumberland Jr. Grads Major Atom AA team.  I want to take this opportunity to tell you a bit about my background and philosophy, as well as the expected time commitment, fees, tournaments and tryout process associated with the Major Atom AA Jr. Grads.
 
Background
As a goalie, I played all my minor hockey in Cumberland, followed by 3 years of  OHL hockey in Kingston and 17 years of professional hockey at various levels and in various countries. This will be my fourth year coaching a 2009-born Cumberland Jr Grads team. I was also head coach of a spring hockey team for three consecutive years from 2016-2018.
 
Philosophy
My philosophy is to ensure that the players have fun, try their best to develop their skills, and continue learning the game in a positive yet structured environment.  Players will understand that no individual is more important than the team. Team play and team success will be emphasized over individual accomplishments. Respect for coaches, teammates, opponents and referees will be expected and reinforced at all times. Expectations of the players will include a consistent effort, a competitive attitude and a team-first attitude. Of course, we all want to win, but my focus will be on creating an atmosphere where the players can continue developing their hockey skills while deepening their love for the game.
 
Time Commitment
Players should expect to be on the ice approximately four to five times per week. A weekday morning practice is likely to take place during the season.
 
Team Fees
Team fees will be higher than at the Minor Atom level because AA games are 1.5 hours long and practices will also likely be longer. Team fees will cover 5 tournament registration fees, practices, home game ice rentals and referees, additional skill development coaches and social activities. Players and parents are expected to participate in fund raising activities which can significantly reduce team fees.
 
Dress Code
A dress code, including Grads tracksuits and a long sleeve Grads mock neck shirt, is mandatory for all Grads events, including games and practices.  In addition, Grads players must wear blue helmets, blue pants (or pant shell) and blue gloves.  A blue hockey bag is also required.
  
Tournaments
We are currently registered in the five following tournaments:
 

Septembre 6-8	Ottawa AAA Shootout	Ottawa
Octobre 11-13	Whitby Thanksgiving Classic	Whitby
November 1-3	Eastern Ontario Cobras Tournament	Rockland
Novembre 22-24	PlayStation Platinum Cup	Toronto
January 10-12	Taylor Hall Classic	Kingston

 
Tryouts & Evaluations
Final tryouts will take place at the end of August.  They will likely consist of one intrasquad game and four exhibition games.  A number of Grads coaches and independent evaluators will assist me in the selection process of this team.  These evaluators will be sitting away from all parents; please do not approach them under any circumstance to discuss your child’s performance. 
In addition to superior hockey skills, such as skating, puck control, shooting and passing, I am looking for players that demonstrate the characteristics of hard work and determination, and those that demonstrate a positive attitude, good team play and good sportsmanship.
Additional tryout information is available at the Jr. Grads Major Atom page.
 
If you have any questions, I can be reached at marclamothe35@gmail.com.
 
Good luck to all the players.
 
Marc Lamothe
Head Coach – Major Atom AA