PURPOSE
Provide elite level development for female hockey players who have a high level of commitment to the SLW program and who have been selected as players who can excel at the highest levels in their respective ages.
The SLW High Performance Program (SLWHPP) encompasses a unified player and team development program for U18 AA, U15 AA, and U13 AA teams within the SDGHA. Coaches and staff will be working in a collaborative environment across these three teams to prepare Sudbury Lady Wolves for hockey at the highest levels in the sport. By working together to create a synergy between these teams we will be looking to optimize all of our resources in a more integrated fashion.
VISION
To be a leading youth organization in the north by providing elite female hockey players with a high-performance environment that will prepare them for Provincial, National and University opportunities.
To grow Women’s hockey by providing a fun and challenging learning environment
Recruit and retain female hockey players throughout their minor hockey development years
Develop role models on and off the ice
Increase registrations at grass-roots level
HOW THEY BENEFIT
U13AA: Start to get immersed high performance programming, get exposed to various coaches and learn what it takes to succeed from the U15 and U18 teams. Identify development opportunities while reinforcing strengths. Players will learn to grow beyond individual skill sets.
U15AA: Have graduated into the program. Players are aware of their development opportunities and are setting goals for their own development. Continue to learn from their U18 counterparts while pushing for opportunities to develop at a higher level. Prepare players to compete at U16 Provincial High Performance Camp.
U18AA: Build leadership skills by supporting development of all SLW teams. Players continue to push towards their individual development goals while starting to get prepared for opportunities at the post-secondary, provincial and national levels:
NCAA and CIS/USPORT
Provincial Women's Hockey League (PWHL)
Hockey Canada teams
U18 Provincial High Performance Camp
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Elite Competition - Our High Performance Program players will play against the top players within their age group and compete at premiere showcase tournaments.
Shared Philosophy/Curriculum - All our AA programs share similar principles of play, and the players are taught the key concepts and skills needed to excel at both their current level and the level above. Our teams develop a similar annual plan which is monitored by the SLW Program Director.
On-Ice Evaluations - All our AA players are evaluated by our High Performance coaches using a common template to help manage player development throughout the year into for the following years
Shared Resources: all teams will have access to shared resources such as Video Analysis, off-ice training, skill development sessions, team building and mental performance training.
Accountability towards Development: High Performance Coaches will meet regularly for progress checks. Coaches will be tasked to plan out season and set objectives that will help measure player and team progress.
Develop Coaches - continuously building our high performance coaching pool through coach mentorship, recruitment, and retention techniques. Coaches will support coach development opportunities throughout the association.
Focused Development
Grow/Learn - Our SLW Program Director coordinates regular workshops for our coaches and players focusing on training and playing. These seminars cover areas such as mental performance, team building, leadership and university hockey opportunities (for our older HPP teams).
Off-Ice Development - Our HPP coaches provide regular opportunities for players to develop the physical, mental, emotional and life skills necessary to succeed both on and off the ice.
Dryland Training - will be coordinated by a dry land instructor and all teams/athletes will have ample opportunity to train and bond with teammates
Mental Performance Training - teams work on areas such as goal setting, focus, composure and resilience at the beginning of the season, mid season and end of season.
Leadership Training - players learn what it takes to be a leader in a team setting as well as within the community
Give Back - players will use their skills to help other players in the SDGHA grow and develop
Video Sessions - coaches use video regularly to teach and inspire their team
Off-Ice Evaluations - These meetings between players/parents and coaches will occur at least twice a season to provide players with specific feedback on strengths and areas to improve.