Blues U11

Prep Skates: September 1-7

Tryouts: September 8-15

Mike Harvey

Hockey Background:

I grew up playing minor hockey in Cumberland, along with several other sports. I have been coaching with the Blackburn Minor Hockey Association since 2020 at the U7 and U9 levels, and helped coach the U10 Blues last season. I am also entering my third year as a convenor with BMHA.

Coaching Philosophy / Season Goal:

My coaching philosophy is built around developing confident, competitive players who work hard, support their teammates, and enjoy coming to the rink every day.

There will be a strong emphasis on skill development, while helping players build a better understanding of team play, hockey concepts, and individual responsibility.

A key focus throughout the season will be accountability, both individually and as a team. I want players to understand what they can control: their attitude and effort. Taking responsibility for both will help them find success on and off the ice.

I firmly believe success is built through strong habits, consistent effort, and commitment to the team.

My ultimate goal is to create a positive environment where every player feels confident, supported, and has fun — both individually and as part of a team.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

2026 - 2027 Tournaments: (to be confirmed)

• Coco LeMay Tournament (Rockland) - October 9-11 
• Reg MacDonald Rep B Classic (Leitrim) - November 13-15
• Brockville Tourament - December 4-6
• 67th Annual Peterborough Lift Lock Tournament - January 8-10

Volunteers Are Required

Get involved! Similar to the last two years the Blues will be calling upon it's members to help with certain aspects of tryouts. A Sign-up sheet for the registration desk, trainers, timekeeper and bench coordination will be available late August; Blues Tryout Volunteer Schedule 2026. We will also be looking for on-ice shooters for the goalie evaluations. Volunteer Hours will be signed for those looking to complete their requirement. 

Please submit your interest to

Throughout the tryout process, as a volunteer, you may become aware of differing tryout-related information, ie. player name associated with which jersey #. To ensure a fair and transparent process, please do not divulge any information you may come across/be privy to.

Role responsibilities:

Sign-in desk:

• 1st session Arrive 45 minutes prior to ice time; subsequent sessions arrive 30 minutes prior to ice time
• Welcome players and parents
• Check-in player
• 1st session (TBC): hand out jersey and record the number on the sheet, hand out socks and record the size on the sheet
• Assign a dressing room (ensuring there are two dressing room attendants per room)
• Inform the player of the position they will be playing (pre-determined)

Dressing room/hallway attendant:

• Arrive 45 minutes prior to ice time for the 1st session only; subsequent sessions arrive 30 minutes prior to ice time (inform the sign-in desk that you have arrived as players may only enter a dressing room if there are two attendants present – Two-deep Policy)
• Be present to ensure players are focused on getting ready for their ice session; overall dressing room supervision
• Assist players at the younger levels with tying skates, and any equipment adjustments as needed
• Post session: both attendants must supervise the group until the last player has left

Timekeeper:

• Arrive 10 minutes prior to ice time
• Obtain game sheet from sign-in desk
• Record any information provided by the referee.
• Return game sheet to the sign-in desk (or referee – dependant on major penalties/suspensions)

Trainer:

• Arrive 10 minutes prior to ice time; inform sign-in desk of your arrival
• If you do not have a trainer kit, one will be provided
• You must provide your own helmet
• As you will be on the bench during the session, coaching on the bench is strictly prohibited
• Tend to players medical/equipment issues as needed

Bench doors:

• Arrive 10 minutes prior to ice time
• Receive instructions at the sign-in desk
• As you will be on the bench during the session, coaching the players is strictly prohibited
• Responsible for the bag of pucks
• Ensure players are in the correct, pre-determined lines, open/close doors, keep lines flowing/together.

Shooters/passers:

• Arrive 15 minutes prior to ice time
• Receive instructions at the sign-in desk
• You must provide your own helmet, gloves, stick
• As you will be on the ice during the session, coaching the players is strictly prohibited
• The instructor will explain/demo the drill; you are the shooter/passer

If upon a group change there is no instructor at your group, you may be required to explain the drill; however, there should not be any coaching/training

Thank you again for considering tovolunteering for these important roles. Tryouts can be a stressful time for many. Your assistance will help keep everyone organized and ensure each session runs smoothly for players and parents.