2016 Blades Players and Families,

Congratulations to all the players selected for the 2016 Blades team. This is a special opportunity to represent the state of Alaska in youth hockey, and we are looking forward to a fun and competitive season.

This year, we will be attending two exciting tournaments:

Stars and Stripes Tournament (Minnesota)

April 30 – May 3

https://www.mnmadehockeytournaments.com/starsstripes

Coast 2 Coast Tournament

June 17 – 21

https://www.c2cinternationalcup.com/page/show/8852305-tournament-guide-details

During tryouts, Emily provided a QR code for players to indicate whether they were interested in participating in one or both tournaments. Based on those responses:

• 6 players were only able to attend the Minnesota tournament

• 6 players were selected for only the Coast 2 Coast tournament

• 9 skaters were selected to participate in both tournaments

If you have any concerns or issues with the tournament your child was selected for, please let me know as soon as possible, and we will see if there are any options available.

My name is Dylan Troisi, and I will be serving as the head coach this year. I had the chance to meet some of you during tryouts and look forward to meeting everyone else. I commit to giving every player on our roster my full attention and respect. Our goal is to teach next-level hockey, build a true team environment, and create lasting memories for the players.

In return, I ask that we communicate using uplifting and affirming language. Let’s support one another, build each other up, and strive to bring out the best in our players and families alike.

This is a great group of kids and a unique opportunity for them to play alongside teammates they typically compete against during the regular season. I’m excited to coach them and get to know them better once the season concludes.

Emily Wettin will be our team manager again this year. Emily and/or Blades will be reaching out regarding player information, including jersey sizing and swag bag details. Thank you, Emily, for taking on this role once again. Please keep an eye out for upcoming emails from Blades.

Some notes and general information:

Blades uses the Crossbar app for scheduling. Once players are registered, they will be added to the team. Please download the app to your phone. For those familiar, it is similar to SportsEngine.

We will not hold any team practices or activities until after all state tournaments are complete. Players should remain focused on their home teams and continue individual work on stickhandling and shooting.

As discussed during tryouts, we will plan a few “super weekends” that include multiple practices and scrimmages to prepare for tournaments. Players from both teams will practice together during these weekends.

If you have any questions, feel free to call or text me directly at 907-331-8659.

Thank you for your time, and best of luck to everyone at State. Let’s have a great season and some memorable tournaments.

Coach Troisi