U11 Program Information for 2025-26 Season

Welcome to the 2025–2026 Millwoods Bruins U11 Hockey Program! 

My name is Jason Dyck, and I am the U11 Director. I’m pleased to introduce Jon Sweet and Ryan Irwin as Assistant U11 Directors. Please feel free to reach out to any of us with questions throughout the season. We’re looking forward to another great year of hockey and want to share some important information and key dates with you.

 

TeamSnap Communication

Millwoods Hockey will continue using TeamSnap for all team communication and scheduling. If you haven’t already, please create a TeamSnap account, as it will be required to access important updates and volunteer assignments.

MLAC U11 AA Program

This year, the U11 AA program will be offered through the Maple Leaf Athletic Club (MLAC). More information about the program can be found here.

To be eligible, players must meet specific tiering criteria. If your child is trying out for U11 AA, please email u11@millwoodshockey.ca so we can track participation. We highly recommend also registering with Millwoods Hockey in case your child is not selected for the AA team.

August Shinny Ice (Aug 18–22)

We have secured semi-organized shinny sessions at a cost of $15 per player per session. Players may sign up for a maximum of 4 sessions (subject to change if space remains).

• Registration is first come, first served.
• Register online: U11 Shinny Registration

Pre-Season Skates (Aug 25–27)

All U11 players are required to attend two pre-season skates before evaluations. Players will be assigned to a pre-season skate group based on last season’s tiering to keep skill levels balanced.

• Session 1: Drill-based / skill session to prepare for upcoming evaluations
• Session 2: Semi-structured shinny focusing on positioning and full-ice rules

Evaluations

Millwoods Hockey is pleased to announce our new partnership with Sports Evaluations, a professional third-party evaluation company. More information regarding the evaluation format and dates will be posted on the Millwoods Hockey website in the coming weeks. 

We aim to form teams immediately following evaluations. Your child’s first practice could be scheduled the following week, so please plan accordingly. Final groupings and ice times will be communicated after each evaluation round, once data is reviewed and processed.

We appreciate your patience and understanding—our volunteers work hard to deliver timely updates.

Volunteer Opportunities (August Ice Sessions)

To successfully run August Shinny and Pre-Skate sessions, we need several volunteers per ice time, including:

• Player check-in
• Timekeeper/scoreboard
• Bench helpers (no coaching experience needed)
• On-ice coaches

You can sign up via TeamSnap under each session’s “Assignment” tab. We’re grateful for your help. These sessions can’t run without volunteers!

Coaching Opportunities

If you volunteered to coach in your registration, your name is on our list of potential coaches. We will reach out soon to confirm your interest.

Coaching Requirements:

• Criminal Record Check (via Edmonton Police Service)
• Certification and qualifications per Hockey Alberta guidelines
• Coaches Respect-in-Sport course (available online)

Coach Selection Process:

Final coaching assignments will be made during evaluations. Participation in the evaluation process is strongly encouraged, as it helps coaches familiarize themselves with players early on.

If you’d like to be added as a coaching candidate, please apply here.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re looking forward to a great season ahead!

Warm regards,

The U11 Director Team: