My name is Jesse McCann and I will be the head coach of the U11 Girls Tier 1 team. I have been coaching in the South Huron Sabres organization for the last six years and have enjoyed it tremendously. It is crazy to think we are already at the starting stages of the 2025-2026 hockey season. That being said, I am really looking forward to it and I hope the girls are as well. We strongly encourage all girls in the U11 age group to attend tryouts and challenge themselves.
The team motto for the year will be COMPETE. This is a particularly important characteristic for any athlete.
Compete is skating through the end line in every drill and not giving up a few feet short.
Compete is getting the puck back after it is taken away from you.
Compete is being a hard opponent to play against.
Compete is not giving up no matter the situation or score.
We will have high paced, efficient practices, that will have a determined focus on skill and personal hockey development. Appropriate age level team tactics and strategy will be incorporated throughout the year in a simplified manner. Our athletes will work hard at practice and yes, they will sweat….. but I also personally guarantee they will enjoy coming to the rink and will have fun when on the ice.
Our team will enter as either B, BB, or A. We will plan to play a series of exhibition games and possibly a tournament at the start of the season to determine which level is the most appropriate. Ultimately, we will compete at a level that is challenging and produces both wins and losses. This will help the girls grow and develop as competitive athletes.
We will be a committed, close-knit team, where each member is as important and valued as the other. We will teach them the importance of a team first mentality, a Sabres Squad, on and off the ice. The goal will be for no drama or friend cliques. Players will all be supportive of one another and will constantly encourage their teammates throughout the season.
The parent group will also play an important role in the success of this team. The season can be long and busy at times, especially if you have other kids in hockey, or other sports. It’s expected that the parent group work together to support each other as well, to make this a positive experience for your daughter. Ride sharing can greatly help the workload for all parents, and is encouraged. As the parents keep positive attitudes around their athletes, this will also help the long-term success of their athletes.
In the end everyone involved with this group will have a fun and rewarding year.
You want to be on this Sabres Squad.
Go Sabres, Go Leafs (this is the year)
Coach Jesse