Dear Parents and Players,
 
Welcome to the 2019-2020 Cumberland Jr Grads Minor Midget B season!
 
My name is Sean Baptiste and I'm looking forward to coaching the team this year.  I want to take this opportunity to outline my coaching philosophy and provide some information about the tryout process, as well as, some expectations for the up-coming season.
 
Background
I have been involved with the Cumberland Minor Hockey Association for over the last 9 years and this will be my fourth year as a Head Coach with the Cumberland Jr Grads.  I'll be looking to draw upon my experiences and many years as a coach with other organized competitive sports programs to guide the team this season.
 
Philosophy
My primary goal is to develop players, while emphasizing effort and the enjoyment of hockey.  In addition to developing a player's technical skills; life skills of teamwork, communication and leadership will be stressed.  I feel the combination of these attributes will lead to building social skills, self-confidence and promote a positive team environment for having fun both on and off the ice.
 
My approach will be disciplined but fair and hard work will be expected.  Practices will be organized, challenging and geared towards player's improvement in terms of both individual and team skills.  Skating, puck control, passing and shooting, combined with a strong and focused work ethic on play with and without the puck will be emphasized.  I see practices and games as an opportunity to learn and to develop; and that's how players will be taught and coached throughout the season.
 
Tryouts and Evaluations
Minor Midget B tryouts are scheduled to occur in early September and all tryout information will be posted on the association’s website.  Evaluations will be conducted by independent elevators, coaches and overseen by the Cumberland Jr Grads executive. 
 
Players need to show up at tryouts properly prepared mentally and physically.  This is not a conditioning camp; players will need to perform at their best.  In addition to hockey fundamentals and hockey sense, I am looking to build a team of players that are hardworking and display both team and two-way play.
 
Releases could occur after the first intra-squad game and after each subsequent intra-squad and/or exhibition game.  Some details may change slightly but the overall approach will be the same.  Players are reminded to bring their own water bottles.

Commitment
As with competitive sports programs, a high level of commitment is expected from everyone involved with the team.  There will be on average 3-4 team sessions per week.  This will include practices, games, and development sessions.  Fees are expected to be approximately $1500.00 (to be discussed/confirmed) over and above the Cumberland Minor Hockey Association registration and Jr Grads tryout fees.  Involvement from players and families will be expected for all team events and any fundraising activities.
 
Once the team has been finalized, a parent's meeting will be held to provide additional details on the up-coming season.
 
Tournaments
The team is planning on participating in the following tournaments:
Capital Blues Hockey Fest – Ottawa (27-29 Sep);
Jr Grads Volunteer Cup - Ottawa (25-27 Oct);
Kingston Canadians Midget Tournament Series - Kingston (6-8 Dec); and
Capital Winter Classic - Kanata (3-5 Jan).
 
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at sean.baptiste@rogers.com or call me at 613-590-1600.
 
I wish all players the best during the tryout process.

Sean Baptiste
Head Coach
Minor Midget B
 
Acceptance of a position on the team also constitutes acceptance of the Cumberland Jr Grads Parent and Player Codes of Conduct.