BURLINGTON EAGLES "TYKE PROGRAM"
INTRODUCTION
City Rep has had a Tyke Program since the 1984-85 season. It started out as one team, and as the City’s population has grown over the years, we went to two, and now three Tyke teams where it has been for the last 5 years.
WHAT IS TYKE HOCKEY?
Tyke hockey is an introduction to competitive (“Rep”) hockey. At this level it is all about skills development, building confidence, and having fun. The overwhelming emphasis with our Tyke teams is on skating, and basic hockey skills. The use of “systems” training, e.g. forechecking, breakouts, etc is kept to the very basics.
We do not believe in pre-set power play, or penalty killing units. We believe at this age that all our players should experience these specialty situations. Our coaches are expected to “roll the lines”. We do not believe in “win at all costs” attitudes, especially at the younger age groups. “Winning” is a by-product of skills development, and inspiring confidence in the individuals, and the team. A player’s minor hockey career is more of a marathon, than a sprint, and we do not want to curb a very young player’s enthusiasm, and self-confidence with any emphasis on “winning”.
STRUCTURE
Our teams are all 7 year olds (possibly with a few 6’s). The centres they play against are also Tyke teams. There are a few scattered organizations in Ontario that have “Novice MD” (Minor Development) teams. These are a blend of 7 and 8 year olds. We believe that kids should play together in their respective age groups, where they can develop and compete on equal footing. There can be a big difference in the mental, emotional and physical skill sets between a 7 and 8 year old.
The “Eagles” Tyke Select teams are tiered (AAA,AA,A) to ensure kids will be developing, playing with, and against kids of their own age, and similar ability.
All our teams get the same amount of ice time. I.e. “A” and “AA” get the same as “AAA”.
TRAVEL
There is an abundance of Tyke aged teams in the OMHA in this area.
All “Eagles” Tyke teams play in separate divisions of the Tri-County Minor Hockey League, on behalf of the OMHA. Travel will vary somewhat, depending on which team your child makes. Typically some of the centres are as follows:
Tyke 1 (AAA) Brampton, Oakville, Guelph, St Catharines, Niagara Falls
Tyke 2 (AA) Brampton, Oakville, Flamborough, Milton, Ancaster, Georgetown
Tyke 3 (A) Brampton, Oakville, Dundas, Hespeler, Centre Wellington (Fergus)
To get a better idea of the travel commitments, practices, game scheduling etc, please see the monthly calendars for this current season’s Tyke teams. These are on our website: burlingtoneagles.com.
DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS
In addition to regular team practices, we will be having weekly sessions devoted exclusively to power skating. Professional instructors will be utilized.
We recognize that the Goaltender position is unique, and requires specialized one-on-one training. Our goalie clinics will also be conducted by professional goaltending instructors.
COACH MENTOR
We were the first minor hockey association in Canada to institute this position. Our Coach Mentor continuously gives guidance on the technical side of the game to all our coaches. This includes reviewing coach’s season plans, attending team’s practices and games, and giving constructive feedback. He has experience in coaching at all ages, and levels, including Jr Mites, and Tyke, up to the Ontario Provincial Junior ‘A’.
COSTS
See Fee Schedule on City Rep Website. The Registration Fee covers all on-ice costs (including Development and Goalie sessions), home and away socks, use of home and away sweaters, referee and timekeeper costs, team and individual photos, 2 tournament entry fees, and OMHA Insurance.
FUNDRAISING
There is no team fundraising requirement. Our experience has taught us that the vast majority of parents do not want to be burdened with fundraising. In addition, we do not want any perceived favouritism, or nepotism shown towards any family willing to donate to specific teams.
TOURNAMENTS
It is up to each of our teams to decide what tournaments to enter.
Our Tyke teams are permitted to enter two tournaments. Generally one of these is fairly local, and one would be a weekend travel tournament. Examples of tournaments our Tyke teams have gone to in the recent past:
Overnight-St Thomas, London, Detroit, Rochester
Local- Brampton, Milton, Brantford
TRYOUTS
For Tykes only, the tryout fee is refundable if the player does not make one of the teams.
Can you try out for more than one organization? Yes. All players (parents) will be advised of the player’s status at the conclusion of tryouts. If you do decide to sign with another organization we ask that you notify us, and withdraw from any further “Eagles” tryouts.
All “Eagles” teams are formed in the spring. Players do not need to worry over the summer as to whether or not they have made a team. We believe our players and their families should have their summers free to do other activities. We do not have any mandatory August “conditioning camps”, or tryout continuation sessions.
DID YOU KNOW?
Each year our Tyke teams take part in the Burlington Santa Claus Parade. The “Eagles” float is decorated with seasonal items, and our Tykes ride, proudly waving to the crowds along the parade route
Our club comes together every November to participate in our annual “Food Drive”. The kids start to learn what it means to “give back” to the community. Last year our teams accumulated an incredible 64,000 pounds of non-perishable food items, which were donated to the Salvation Army for distribution to the needy. Our Tyke teams were a major part of those totals! |
