TBL announces 14A1 team and tryout information
Twin Bridges Lightning is planning to field an A1 Team at the 14U level this upcoming 2023-2024 Season. This team is being created for the players that are still striving to develop and move on to Central States the following year.
We will be hosting tryouts for this team in advance of regular season evaluations.
Tryouts will take the following format: skills work, scrimmage, and small area games
Tryout dates are listed below and will all be held at the East Alton Ice Arena:
· Wednesday, July 19th from 8:30-9:45PM
· Saturday, July 22nd from 9:15-10:15AM
· Sunday, July 23rd from 6:30-8PM
Though this is a new concept for Twin Bridges, and we are still building out details, we have attempted to anticipate the questions that you and your family might have about this team:
What will make this team different than other TBL teams at the same age level?
The 14UA1 team will have additional practice time and workouts each week as well as attend a combination of 3-4 high caliber Showcases this season. These showcases will be within 6-8 hours of driving distance. The team may scrimmage other Central States or Prospects teams as part of the season activities.
What if my child is unable to attend all three tryout dates due to vacations, etc?
If your child is unable to attend tryout dates, please contact TBL Hockey Director Tyler Elbrecht to discuss your availability. He can be reached at (618) 929-0341 or hockeydirector@tblhockey.com.
Will there be an additional fee to play on this team?
Yes, the costs for extra practice ice and showcases will be distributed among the families. Your normal TBL fees will cover regular in-season expenses like normal practice ice, games, referees, etc. We would anticipate this additional fee to be approximately $750-$1000 but will finalize this after additional ice is purchased.
What if we form this team and then are not declared A1 during the fall Missouri Hockey Declaration Season?
Our goal is to play 3-4 games prior to Dec season to get a feel for where we are. If we truly do not have an A1 team, we will drop to A2 and keep the same staff. The goal of the team would remain the same.
What if my child does not make this team?
Your child is still invited to attend regular season evaluations for TBL, held in mid-to-late August.
Who will be the coach for this team?
TBL is pleased to announce the addition of Coach Clint Ruwe to our coaching staff. Coach Ruwe has been coaching different levels of hockey since 2006. Clint’s coaching career spanned from youth AA to Central States Development Hockey League to Junior hockey. Coach Ruwe most recently has been part of the Peoria Mustangs of the NA3HL the past 6 seasons. He was an assistant coach and head scout.