LEASIDE 
U22 ELITE
PROGRAM

Elite Level Coaching

At Leaside we are committed to top-notch coaching in all areas of the program. Collectively, the staff has 40+ years of coaching experience. The staff includes members with:

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• PWHPA, USport, U22 Elite and Provincial Team coaching experience.

• Professional playing experience – CWHL, and Swedish and English leagues. We even have a Clarkson Cup champion on the bench!

• Goaltending does not take a back seat either. The Wildcat goalie coach has over 20 years of coaching experience, including at Hockey Canada National Team Camps, and an extensive playing career at the pro- and NCAA level, including Two DIII Frozen Four appearances.

Focus on long-term player development

In a positive environment, we work to develop stronger and smarter players by supporting the athlete, person, and student. This is achieved through individual skills and mental development, and psychosocial growth (self-care, culture, communication)

We come together as a group, building on individual growth to create a hardworking, skilled, and passionate hockey team, dedicated to achieving their on-ice and off- ice goals.

Focus on Education & Hockey / Life Balance

Education is critical to success in life, and that is especially the case for athletes focusing on post-secondary education and the possibility of playing hockey at the college or university level. A core belief of the program is that education and sport must go hand in hand to ensure that student athletes are well prepared for all aspects of life, including hockey at the university level.  To facilitate this, this the team’s central location and predictable scheduling gives players time to focus on school and study times in addition to hockey. Structured study time and free time is planned for on road trips.

The focus enabling players to become well-rounded people – athletes, students, community members.

Sense of Community

Toronto, the country’s largest urban centre, is also a city of neighborhoods. Leaside is a great example of this, a neighbourhood with a small town feel and deeply rooted sense of community. Members of the program are expected to give back in a number of ways including supporting “young Wildcats,” and volunteering their time within the broader community. This community involvement breathes life into the program and gives its members a true sense of contribution to the broader society in which they live. 

Location and Schedule

Conveniently located in central Toronto the Leaside Memorial Arena and Community Centre is the hub for the program’s hockey operations. Its newly designed dressing room serving as the centre of activities for the team.  Program participants reap the benefits of having all practices, games and training sessions take place at or within walking distance of the arena – all at reasonable hours – minimizing commute time and freeing up valuable time for school and other activities.

Fun Fact:  The average commute time for players on the 2023/24 team is expected to be less than 12 minutes!!