NGHA

Spring tryouts will be held for Bantam, Midget and Intermediate in the April-May timeframe. Watch the NGHA website for details
Spring tryouts registrations will be done on line prior to the on-ice sessions. Watch the NGHA website for details
All female players of the appropriate age may try out for AA teams regardless of where they played the previous year.
Any players trying out who did not play within the NGHA the previous year must provide appropriate paperwork at the rink when registering (PTS or release if coming from another OWHA association, no paperwork required if coming from boys hockey or ringette).
All players attending AA team tryouts will pay a tryout fee as determined each season by the Board of Directors.
Players who tryout for a AA team and are offered a position on the team and turn down that offer, may not try out for a lower level competitive team or play on an NGHA House League team.
Any player who accepts a spot on a AA team and then withdraws, will forfeit her entire NGHA registration fee.

AA FAQ

What is "AA" hockey?

The Ontario Women�s Hockey Association, the governing body of female hockey in Ontario, uses a grading system to categorize the different levels of competitiveness for all girls hockey. Teams are graded from "C" through "AA". The "AA" designation signifies the highest competitive level offered within the province of Ontario.

When do "AA" tryouts start?

NGHA will be fielding "AA" teams in the Intermediate, Midget, Bantam & Peewee divisions for the 2009/2010 season. Spring tryouts will take place for Bantam, Midget and Intermediate. Peewee will be in August. Please watch the NGHA web site for details on timing, location, etc.

Who will be coaching these "AA" teams?

NGHA prides itself on the quality of the coaches that it attracts every year. Our "AA" coaches are usually NGHA veterans who have successfully led teams at this level before. They continue to pursue advanced training and also serve as mentors to less experienced coaches within the association.

What can my daughter expect from an NGHA "AA" program?

NGHA will offer an exciting and challenging "AA" program for the 2009/20010 season. Depending on the age group, players can expect:

instruction from an experienced coaching staff
age-appropriate technical development at individual, team and systems levels
off-ice fitness program
solid practice to competition ratio
competition in ODWHA league (Intermediate will be in the PWHL) versus a variety of teams
the potential of a 20 game season plus playoffs
participation in several OWHA, QFMHA or USA Hockey tournaments

As well, older players can expect guidance in:

Sports psychology development, team building, motivation, goal setting and achievement, visualization, and distraction control
contacts with U.S. prep schools, NCAA, CIS and Provincial (U18) programs
participation in several OWHA, QFMHA and USA Hockey tournaments and, at the Midget AA level, playing tours of various U.S. prep schools

Where will these "AA" teams play this year?

Girls hockey has not reached the size that allows for teams to play solely against their peers. In this region, only a few associations offer "AA" competition at certain levels. NGHA "AA" teams below the Intermediate level will play in the Tier 1 divisions within the ODWHA in 2010/11 and compete at the "AA" level provincially. Typically, ODWHA teams are pooled into leagues of equivalent talent. The Intermediate AA team will play in the Provincial Women's Hockey League, which consists of teams principally located in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area).

How much of a time commitment will players be expected to make?

The time commitment will vary depending on the age group and the level of parent support. In general, including the regular season, playoffs, and tournaments, players can expect to be on the ice three to four hours a week, plus additional dry land training. Subject to team discussions, the program would likely include:

3-5 hours of practice per week, depending on the age level
45 to 65 games (league, playoff, exhibition + tournament)
6 to 8 tournaments
Provincial championships

What are the expected annual costs for a "AA" player?

Team budgets will vary depending on the number of scheduled tournaments as well as additional ice and program costs. Typically, the per player costs � in addition to normal NGHA registration fees � would be in the $1,200 - $2,000.00 range, with the younger aged players being at the lower of this spectrum and the older players towards the higher end. Corporate sponsorship and fundraising team activities would help to reduce a portion of these costs. The cost for the Intermediate AA players will be in the $3,000 to $4,000 range due to the longer league schedule (36-40) games and game length (2 hours)

Does NGHA offer any financial assistance to "AA" players?

Yes, on a limited basis. The criteria include such circumstances as a death in family, marital breakdown, job loss; the number of children playing hockey and other sports; and a family income below $60,000. Applications must be submitted by October 15^th for the fall/winter season. Players who have been NGHA members for at least one previous year are given a higher priority for financial assistance than are new registrants.

My daughter is not currently registered with NGHA. How does this affect her during tryouts?

All players who were registered in 2009/2010 with another OWHA member association or who are currently registered for the 2009/2010 season with another OWHA member association must obtain a "Permission To Skate" or a "Release" prior to attending NGHA tryouts. Please contact your current association to obtain the necessary documentation, providing them sufficient notice to process your request. No players will be allowed on the ice without these authorizations.

How will you handle the selection process?

The selection process will be conducted to ensure a fair and impartial review of all candidates seeking to win a place on the team. Every effort will be made to provide each player with an equitable opportunity to demonstrate her skills and abilities.

Tryouts will review candidates for "AA" level competition. Initial releases to reduce the team roster will generally be made at the end of the second try-out session. Subsequent releases will be made through the tryout camp and after the final exhibition game.
Each player will be evaluated on the basis of a series of drills, exercises and game situations designed to demonstrate her hockey skills, attitude, work ethic, commitment, and knowledge of the game. On ice drills and exercises will be directed and supervised by the head coach and the team of evaluators he/she brings to the tryouts. Evaluators have no direct connection with any of the players trying out.
The selection team will consist of several independent observers, experienced in player evaluation and selection. Team members will caucus after each session to review and compile results, with the head coach making the final decision. Every player who fails to make the team will be offered an assessment of her performance and thanked for her participation. Parents will be invited to attend the assessment session if they choose.

How many "AA" spots are reserved for NGHA players?

All tryouts at "AA" are open. No spots on "AA" teams are reserved for either existing or returning NGHA players. All players will be selected on merit based on their hockey experience and performance during tryouts.

Will the "AA" teams carry a full 9-6-2 complement of players?

Although NGHA is anxious to see as many girls as possible playing hockey, there is no minimum roster size in place at the "AA" level. During the evaluation process the coaching staff will determine the optimal number of players on each team.

Will NGHA continue to enforce its equal ice policy at the "AA" level?

No. NGHA is committed to equal play for all participants. The demands of a competitive "AA" team environment, however, are different from those of our other competitive teams. As a result, "AA" teams will be governed by a fair ice policy that will afford coaches some flexibility in assigning playing time. However, since these teams will not be required to carry 17 players, there should be adequate ice time for all players.

Could my daughter play up an age group if she is a strong enough player?

Generally no. There are strict guidelines, supervised by the Competitive Director, that will allow a player to play up an age level if they can clearly demonstrate they can be an "impact" player on that team. Any player being considered for such treatment must first demonstrate they can clearly make the "AA" team at their current age level. Playing in a higher age group is only allowed on an "AA" team.

How much does it cost to attend AA tryouts?

Prospective "AA" players will be charged a one-time tryout fee set annually and published on the NGHA web site. All players are required to wear an NGHA tryout jersey while on the ice. If you do not have an NGHA tryout jersey, you may purchase one at registration. A completed registration form and tryout fee must be submitted at, or prior to, the first tryout.

Provided they still have their jersey, eligible players who are not successful at "AA" will not be assessed an additional fee if they subsequently try out for another NGHA competitive team during the same season.

What happens if my daughter does not make a "AA" team?

Players who are not selected are welcome to attend the tryouts for the next level of competitive play offered at that age level, as long as they have submitted an NGHA Registration. Players who played the previous season with another OWHA member association must still have valid paperwork allowing them to participate (Permission to Skate or release).