This weekend we’re heading into the Kutting Edge Classic in Barrie for U10A, and unlike our first two tournaments, we finally feel like we’re trending in the right direction. We’ve had more practice time, more chances to break down what we need, and a better sense of who we are as a team. Matchups look fairly even, and although sickness has run through our group lately, it’s still a good gauge of where we’re really at.
Looking back, our first two tournaments taught us a lot. In the early bird, we had barely been on the ice a week, and it showed. We struggled to find chemistry, positional play was all over the place, and generating offense was difficult. A lot of the goals we gave up came from being out of position, and teams took advantage of it.
Our second tournament was a step forward. The matchups were tough, but we played much better hockey. We had two losses by a single goal, both due to crucial mistakes we made late — mistakes that are fixable and teachable. Even with the record, we were a better team overall. The positives were big ones: team bonding, dinners together, kids connecting on a deeper level, and learning how fatigue affects us in those second games of the day.
Since then, we’ve continued trending upward. Positionally, we’ve improved a lot. Chemistry is forming and it’s starting to translate into more offensive push. We’ve spent a ton of time on 2v1s, 3v2s, and 5v5 structure. We’ve worked on scoring, spacing, and making that first pass to exit the zone and move through the neutral zone with purpose.
Effort and attitude will be huge this weekend — quick, effective shifts to manage energy over multiple games. Trusting teammates, moving the puck, and not trying to do everything alone. If we bring that mindset, we’re already in a better place than the last two tournaments.
For myself, a big focus will be keeping my emotions in check. Less yelling from the bench, more positive reinforcement, and clearer, simpler pre-game messages. I’m breaking each game down into five-minute segments so the players have something small to focus on right from the opening faceoff. Faster starts have been a point of emphasis.
Something this group has reminded me of is that kids need time to gel. Positions don’t come naturally to everyone, and confidence grows when you build them up instead of knocking them down. Development isn’t linear — especially at U10.
We’ve also put in some work behind the scenes. Looking at team rankings, planning goalie matchups, and setting lineups with intention — but without letting that information shape assumptions. You can’t walk into a game thinking a team is “good” or “bad” based on numbers. The players feed off your tone, so I want ours to stay steady. My assistants know the plan for goalies, matchups, and when we might need our timeout. Goals for and against matter in tournaments, so attention to detail will be important.
But above all, this is our first overnight tournament of the season. These events become memories for the kids — the games, the hotel, the team meals, the laughs. Minor hockey is finite, and weekends like this are part of what makes it special. So while we’ll prepare the right way and compete the right way, we’ll also make sure they enjoy the opportunity.
Because progress is happening. We feel it. And now it’s time to see where we stack up.
About the Author
Jesse Candela is a regional scout in the OJHL, a U10 Rep A coach, and a contributor to The Coaches Site. He shares real, practical experiences from the rink to help other coaches grow, simplify the game, and find clarity in the everyday moments behind the bench.
