General
Yes there will be multiple ways to show support for the New U13 AAA Team.
No, this program is being operated completely on its own and independent from the Lakeland Panthers Organization. The U13 AA Panther team is still fully separate and operational.
All administration, Ice Scheduling, Equipment, and more will be actioned by BMHA.
The Bonnyville Jr A Pontiacs will be managing all of the Hockey Operations portion of the new program. This includes Coach and Player selection, hiring of all staff and team managers, and more. They will liaise with BMHA on all operations but will be at the forefront for all hockey related decisions.
The program will cost around $2,000.00 with additional fundraising activities.
We're exploring all avenues for expanding the program in the near future. Both BMHA and the Pontiacs are large advocates in creating a great development program at home here in Bonnyville.
You can contact BMHA at the following Email: yaks@bonnyvilleminorhockey.ca or reach out on the Yaks social media pages.
Recruitment/Development
You will be eligible to tryout for the AA program with your home draw zone association. The AAA tryouts are beginning 3 weeks earlier than the AA programs for that specific reason.
Working within the Hockey Alberta Timeline, we understand that many families needed to make decisions on where they will be looking to play next year. Regardless of any past decisions all we can relay is that we promise there is no other U13 AAA program like this in the province and we guarantee that your experience in our program will be a great one!
Tryout registration will open August 13th, 2024. You can access registration via the link that will be provided here, or from the link located on the BMHA and Pontiacs Website's under their U13 AAA/AA Tab. AAA and AA tryouts have been combined.
The athletes will have access to the Jr A’s athletic therapist and strength coach to design programs. We will make use of the many amenities that the Jr’s have available for the U13 AAA’s, which will increase our level for quality athlete development in our program.
A true development program refers to a program that focuses on the athlete and the athlete alone. It will ensure that each and every athlete will leave the team with developed abilities and strong character lessons. Our goal is to develop and through development we will find success. So therefore, the program is being designed and built with that in mind.
Just like the Jr A Pontiacs we have a large expectation for our players to be great hockey players but also great human beings. Character will take you further in life then Hockey so we put a large focus on developing good people and good players!
Tryouts will now be held August 24th and August 25th. There will be a guarantee of 2-3 skates.
Team Operations
The AEHL allows up to 18 skaters and 2 goalies for each team but roster sizes will vary by program.
The team will have 2-3 ice sessions per week.
The Bonnyville Jr A Pontiacs will be selecting and hiring the new U13 AAA head coach and they will become a part of the Jr A Staff as well.
Current proposed games are 28-32 Regular Season Games. Not including any tournament or showcase games.
As mentioned before, the Coaching staff will be hired by the Jr A Pontiacs and will therefore be working closely with and receiving mentorship from the Jr A coaching staff, which we believe is one of the best in the game.
We will have access to high end skill and goaltending coaches along with knowledge in all aspects of the game on and off the ice. They will be treated to a non parent coach who runs the team full time and whose goal is to develop!
The Alberta Elite Hockey League which currently operates U15 to U18 AAA under Hockey Alberta. This new U13 AAA league will be a new extension for the league.
The proposed schedule will see practice start in the evenings after school.
Education
Our program is built and developed to form the complete person and athlete so we will have expectations that all athletes work to ensure they keep good grades and act appropriately on and off the ice.
