Join The Whitecaps Family (North Shore Whitecaps AAA)

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PrintJoin The Whitecaps Family

🌊Welcome to the North Shore Whitecaps Family!🌊

Fostering Success, Pride & Integrity On and Off the Ice

Here at NSW we empower players to reach their full potential in hockey and in life. Through competitive play, hard work and a culture of inclusivity, respect and sportsmanship, we shape well rounded individuals ready to lead in the rink and beyond. 

As part of the North Shore Whitecaps AAA Zone, you’re joining a growing and dynamic organization committed to player development, community connection, and excellence in minor hockey. Here’s what sets us apart and why families should choose us:

 

 

Read about what we have to offer and our plans for the 25/26 season and beyond below: 

Centralized Location

Our program operates in the heart of Southern Ontario, making it accessible and convenient for players and their families. With a strong base in Oshawa and Clarington, we are surrounded by key amenities and are easily reached from anywhere in the Durham region and beyond.

  • Game Arenas: Majority of games are held at three premier facilities:

    • Garnet B. Rickard Arena in Bowmanville

    • Campus Ice Centre in Oshawa

    • Delpark Homes Centre in Oshawa
      All three venues offer excellent viewing experiences, modern amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere for players and spectators.

  • Practice Arenas - practices will take place at various arenas throughout Oshawa and Clarington. Primarily: 

  • Delpark Homes Centre (Oshawa), Campus Ice Centre (Oshawa), Garnet B. Rickard Arena (Bowmanville), Darlington Arena (Clarington), South Courtice Arena (Clarington). 

 

 

Organizational Alignment and Mentorship

At the North Shore Whitecaps AAA Zone, we are proud to be an organization built on consistency, collaboration, and mentorship.

  • Aligned Expectations Across All Teams:
    The standards of being a Whitecap are the same across the organization, from U10 to U18. This ensures every player understands and embodies the values, work ethic, and sportsmanship that define the Whitecaps.

  • North Shore Whitecaps Day:

  • Each season we host a day to celebrate all of our teams. All teams from U10 - U18 will play on the same day at the same arena, where further connections can be made between age groups and teams can all support and cheer each other on. 

  • Coach Collaboration and Mentorship Programs:
    Coaches from all levels work together to share resources, strategies, and insights to maximize the development of every player. This collaboration strengthens our teams and ensures consistency across the program.

  • Player Mentorship Initiatives:

    • U16 and U18 players attend younger team practices to assist on the ice, serving as role models for our youngest players.

    • These interactions demonstrate leadership, build relationships, and give younger players a firsthand look at what it means to be a part of the North Shore Whitecaps family.

    • Older players benefit from developing mentorship and coaching skills, preparing them for future leadership roles in hockey and beyond.

 

 

Ice Time Allocation

We recognize that consistent and high-quality ice time is crucial for player development at all ages. Our program is designed to provide ample ice time for each team to focus on skills, systems, and game preparation:

  • U10 to U18: 4-5 hours (3-4 practices) of ice per week, not including games.

 

 

Commitment to Player Safety and Respect

At the North Shore Whitecaps, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all our players. To uphold these values:

  • Mandatory Training: All players from U14 to U18 will participate in annual sessions on:

    • Anti-Sexual Assault Awareness and Consent

    • Anti-Bullying Education

    • These programs are designed to promote understanding, accountability, and leadership, both on and off the ice.

 

 

Tournament Opportunities

To provide players with valuable competitive experiences:

  • Up to Five Tournaments Per Season: Each team is permitted to attend:

    • One Pre-Season Tournament to prepare for the season.

    • One tournament over the Holiday Break

    • Three In-Season Tournaments to compete against top teams in and beyond our region.

    • These events allow players to showcase their skills and develop against a range of competition.

 

 

Annual Cost Overview

We are transparent about the financial commitment involved in AAA hockey, ensuring families can plan accordingly:

  • Approximate Cost for the Season: $6,000.00 - 6,500.00 per player all in.

    • This cost includes both the team budget and registration cost combined. It accounts for ice time, team fees, tournaments, and training programs/development provided by the Zone. This is comparable to all other AAA programs when all costs are included. 

  • Monthly financial reports: Team managers will share team budget reports each month with all parents and will also send a copy to the Treasurer of the organization to ensure that all team funds are used appropriately. 

 

 

Why Choose the North Shore Whitecaps? 

  1. We’re a Growing Organization
    As a new organization, we’re fueled by innovation and ambition. We’re building a legacy from the ground up, offering families and players a unique opportunity to be part of something special.

    • Grow with us as we continue to expand and evolve.

    • Help shape the future of hockey in our region.

  2. Player Development Focus
    Our program prioritizes the complete development of every athlete, emphasizing:

    • On-Ice Skill Development: Comprehensive training programs designed to improve skating, puck handling, shooting, and game awareness. All teams will have access to a top skills vendor in the area that they can use throughout the season including: Kinetix, Scary Skate, 3 Zones, Perfect Skate, etc. 

    • Off-Ice Strength and Conditioning: Access to tailored programs that build strength, endurance, and resilience. Each team is provided development funding from the organization that helps cover additional off ice strength and conditioning throughout the off season and in season. 

    • Mental and Leadership Skills: Workshops and mentorship opportunities that promote mental toughness, discipline, and team leadership. The organization will offer a one day mental resilience training presentation geared towards various ages (U10 - U13 and U14-U18) and teams can then decide to provide additional mental training as well. 

  3. Hockey Pathways to Success

    • We prepare athletes to move on to the next stage of hockey, whether that is the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) or other Junior leagues, the NCAA and beyond.

    • Strong relationships with scouts, regional leagues, and development programs ensure our players receive exposure to the next levels of competitive hockey.

    • Our focus on personal and athletic growth opens doors to opportunities in U SPORTS, the NCAA, and professional leagues.

  4. Community and Family Atmosphere

    • Our North Shore Whitecaps family is about more than just hockey. We emphasize creating a supportive and inclusive environment where players and families feel connected and valued.

    • Social events, team-building activities, and off-ice initiatives foster lifelong friendships and memorable experiences.

Enhanced Player Development Offerings

Position-Specific Clinics

Our program includes specialized clinics to help players elevate their game in their respective positions:

  • Defense Clinics: Focused on gap control, positioning, and puck retrieval.

  • Forward Clinics: Emphasis on scoring, playmaking, and offensive creativity.

  • Goalie Clinics: Sessions designed to refine technique, positioning, and reaction time.

These clinics run throughout the season and into the summer development period, offering players the opportunity to train under the guidance of expert coaches, including former and current professional players as well as top development coaches who bring their experience and insights from the highest levels of hockey to help our players succeed.

 

 

Video Review Sessions

All teams have access to facilities for video review sessions, which are incorporated regularly into the training schedule.

  • Players gain a better understanding of game strategies, individual performance, and team tactics.

  • Video analysis is a powerful tool to help players visualize their progress and identify areas for improvement.

 

 

Off-Ice Development for U14-U18 Teams

We prioritize holistic athlete development through the following off-ice programs:

  • Nutrition Support: Guidance from professional nutritionists to optimize performance and recovery.

  • Mental Performance Coaching: Tools and techniques to strengthen focus, resilience, and confidence.

  • Off-Ice Conditioning and Training Programs: Customized plans to enhance strength, speed, and endurance, ensuring players are physically prepared for the demands of AAA hockey.

 

 

Coaches' Commitment to Excellence

  • Coaches are integral to fostering the development of players within our AAA pathway, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in competitive hockey.

  • They highlight the personal and professional growth opportunities that the Whitecaps offer both on and off the ice.

  • Focus on player potential while building connections to next-level programs, showcasing our players’ skills to scouts and evaluators.

🌊We can’t wait to see you around the rink as a Whitecap! 🌊