Welcome to the Stittsville Rams U13 Rep B 2025/26 season.
My name is Nikki McIntosh and I am thrilled to be Head Coach of the team this year. I want to take this opportunity to introduce my coaching philosophy, and outline my plans for the upcoming season.
About Me
This will be my fifth year serving as a Head Coach across SGHA, KGHA, and now SMHA. Over the years, I’ve taken on a variety of roles, including Associate Coach, Assistant Coach, On-Ice Helper, Goalie Coach, Trainer, Manager, and Development Coordinator with KGHA.
Coaching Philosophy
During my interview for this position, I spoke about my coaching philosophy and perspective on youth sports - topics that I am passionate about. I believe the hockey environment should be fun, positive, and competitive. As Head Coach, it’s my responsibility to cultivate the right balance to support player development while promoting love of the game. I expect all staff, players, and their parents to contribute positively to the team environment. Player expectations will be clearly laid out and communicated to ensure we are all on the same page. I strongly believe in a team-centered approach, where the culture and cohesiveness surrounding the group plays a key role in the overall success of the season.
Team Vision
Assistant coaches and other support staff will be selected after the team is formed and will be based on their positivity/enthusiasm, coaching philosophy and knowledge of the game. As a group, we will work together to develop our shared vision and goals for the season. As a starting point, this is really as simple as have fun, work hard, get better, and be a team. We will align with Hockey Canada’s pathways framework while also selecting key development areas to focus on throughout the season.
Commitment
As families, we devote a ton of time, energy and money into youth sports, especially hockey. You can expect to have ice time or a team event averaging 4 times a week once the season starts. To help our players become better teammates, we will emphasize and provide off ice opportunities this season. Equally important is the support of players' families. A successful season depends on everyone pulling in the same direction, so please be prepared to contribute in some capacity, as there are many roles to fill. At this level, players are expected to prioritize this team as their number one extra-curricular activity, while recognizing that family and school remains the overall priority.
Registered Tournaments:
- Oct 10-12: Best of the Best Halton Hills
- Nov 1 - Rams Day
- Nov 28-30 Rams Showdown
- Dec 27-31: Bell Capital Cup (exact dates TBD)
Tournaments to be confirmed (max 5 tournaments):
- Oct 24-26 Cumberland (waitlisted)
- End of Jan Anjou (Montreal) TBD (detailed not posted yet)
- March 26-29 - Spring Thaw Ajax/Pickering
Tryouts
I’m looking for 17 well-rounded, hard working athletes who embody a “team before me” mindset and are ready to fully embrace our shared vision. My evaluators and I will focus on skill development, teamwork, attitude, and work ethic. These intangible qualities are the foundation of teams that thrive, overcome adversity, and achieve winning seasons. Moving forward, they are the qualities that will be expected and reinforced during the season. Being selected for this team does not define a child as a player or a person. Each player develops in their own way and has their own strengths and weaknesses. This is just one season among many.
I will hold a parent meeting during tryouts to introduce myself and to reiterate much of the information found within this letter.
I look forward to seeing everyone back at the rinks!
Nikki McIntosh
Stittsville Rams U13 Rep B Head Coach