Etobicoke U22AA
Abbey’s Goal
The Development Committee would like to announce the launch of the development program for the Dolphins organization that will provide a uniform development program across all ages and levels. The Dolphins Development Program (DDP) will have two divisions focused on Coach Development and Player Development led by Karolina Urban (PhD; U18AA Head Coach) and Kelly McDonald (U15AA Head Coach; Teacher & Women’s Hockey Director at Everest Academy).
“Over the past several months the Development Committee has spent significant time getting the advice of prominent hockey coaches, trainers, former players, current parents, and those involved in growing and developing the female game. What was clear from those conversations is that the time is now to create an organization wide development program that will support and continue to develop our amazing coaches, while leveraging the skill set, expertise, hockey IQ and education level of strong female role models and hockey players. ” – Karolina Urban, Director of Coach Development
“Our goal is to create more consistency throughout the Dolphins organization. Through this consistency, we will build momentum year after year as our athletes develop good habits that become second nature. Each team will become familiar with our highly qualified team of Skills Developers, all of whom are women and former or current elite athletes. The implementation of the Skills Development Plan will be guided by the recommendations of Hockey Canada and will be specific to each level. As players move through U9-U18 with the Dolphins, they will receive consistent instruction and build on skills that were learned the year prior. As an added bonus, we are very excited to expose these young athletes to more incredible women role models. We are looking forward to elevating the women’s game through this program to help our athletes reach their fullest potential.” – Kelly McDonald, Director of Player Development
“I’ve been fortunate to be involved in hockey all my life, first as a player and now as a coach. Throughout my journey in sport form novice player to national team coach, I know how important it is to develop physically, mentally, technically and tactically every year. As a university coach my goal is to maximize each player’s potential each session. Focusing on an appropriate developmental pathway is critical for progressing players to help them achieve their goals in sport and positive outcomes year over year. I am really excited to see the Etobicoke Dolphins New Development Program and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will make on players and coaches in the years to come.” Dan Church, Head Coach York University Lions Women’s Hockey Program & External Mentor to the Program.
Click the link Dolphins Development Program to read the details of our program designed to allow our players and coaches become the best they can be; in hockey and in life. Our program is designed to ensure a consistent delivery model across all levels with age and level appropriate instruction. It’s a new era in minor hockey!!
