Good morning Flyers, 

I want to take a moment to remind our membership to please conduct yourselves appropriately in all aspects of our association, while this represents a very small % of our membership it is important as a reminder for all of us. Tryouts can be a very stressful time for all involved, players, parents, evaluators, coaches, board members, and all our volunteers. Please be kind to our volunteers, they are all giving their own time for all of us. They too have families of their own that are also going through the early stages of our season.

In our sport, unfortunately with only 9 forward positions, 6 defense positions, and 2 goalie positions, there will always be disappointment. Many times there are 6-8 times the number of players trying for these limited spots on each team. It is hard to make, no question. And most often players that were just shy could easily fit in and vice versa. Players are placed based on the evaluators' scoring of each player during each session. It is not based on what they did last year, which spring team, if any they played on, or how many hockey schools they did in the summer. Those are all great and can be very helpful for development. However, when it comes to tryouts everyone starts off at the same score, ZERO. It is then all up to the players to show the evaluators what they have each session. That is it, the board does not pick players, the bench coaches do not pick players, the division coordinators do not pick players, nor do the parents. It is solely based on the players scoring by the evaluators during the tryout process which groups they are placed in. Now granted, yes, it is based on someone's opinion which may be different from yours and may be different from mine, however it is their opinion and that is what is used along with the other evaluators scores to determine placement after each session.

There is no perfect tryout process as there will always be this disappointment factor and sense that a player should have made it that did not. As adults we need to help our children understand that adversity is part of life, we are not always going to get what we want, even when we think we deserve it. This is a valuable lesson, that life will throw obstacles and challenges our way and it is what we do with that that will define who we are and who we will become. 

  As many of you most likely are aware, several hockey associations in the metro area have moved to no parent admittance during tryouts. I am hoping we will not need to move in that direction as well.  

* Be positive and supportive of your players. If you are negative, they will see that and will react the same way and it will impact their performance.

* Encourage them to go out and give it their best every time.

* Remember this is a kids game and it should always be fun

* Respect our volunteers, coaches and officials, they are all doing their best so your kids can play the game

* Please also be respectful if choosing to post on social media, once it is there it is there. Please be reminded of our social media policies and please respect them. Failure to do so may result in suspension. They are shared here below, please take a moment to review.

Next season will be our 55th anniversary for SMHA! SMHA has been a staple in our community for generations, I ask you to please not speak disrespectfully of the heart of our community.

Robert Nurnber

President

Sackville Minor Hockey Association www.FlyersHockey.ca

President@FlyersHockey.ca

Good evening U9 parents, 

Please see the below update added to the U9 evaluations page. Please check the Flyers site for your updated games schedule.

-----

"September 4, 2025 6:45pm update:

Hello and thank you for your patience!

Please find below the groupings for the balancing games. Each child will play two games tomorrow, so please double check your scheduled times carefully.

All games will be held at the Sackville Sports Stadium. Please ensure to come at least 30 minutes early to receive your game jersey. Your child will wear this for both games.

Remember, these teams are for balancing and are not an indication of your child's final placement.

Thank you and look forward to seeing you all tomorrow,

Shawn

VP U9"

We are thrilled to announce that Hockey Nova Scotia will be joining us to provide specialized training for our Sackville Minor Goalie Coaches from U9-U18. 

Date: October 12, 2025
Location: Sackville Arena

• Classroom Session (Mezzanine): 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
• On-Ice Session: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• Cost: FREE - sponsered by Sport Nova Scotia 

Whether you're a seasoned goalie coach or just getting started, this is a great opportunity to gain valuable goalie-specific coaching techniques and insights directly from Hockey Nova Scotia and ensure our goalies receive top-tier development and support.

Each Sackville Minor team in Competitive and Rec from U9-U18 is asked to select only one coach to attend this training session.

Let’s continue building strong, confident goalies—one save at a time!

To sign up, we ask that only head coaches fill out the linked Google Form on behalf of their team and make sure the assigned Goalie Coach is aware of the above details. Sign up now!

Hello U9 Families,

What an awesome first session today! The kids worked hard and brought a ton of energy – we’re looking forward to seeing them back on the ice tomorrow.

A quick couple of reminders:

1. Please return jerseys after tomorrow’s session.

2. On Sunday, there will be two games at the Sackville Sports Stadium: one in the morning (8 or 9am) and one in the evening (5 or 6pm). Lists will be posted on the U9 evaluation page on the Sackville minor website. 

Jerseys will be handed back out before their first game.

Please continue to keep checking the U9 Evaluations page of the Flyers website for updates. 

Thanks for your cooperation

Shawn Wright VP of U9