Winnipeg East Railcats

HOCKEY WINNIPEG PRESS RELEASE JULY 19, 2023
Hockey Winnipeg Announces restructure of AA Hockey Programs Winnipeg, MB. 

It is with great pleasure to announce that Hockey Winnipeg, in conjunction with the Executive Members, have agreed in principle to restructure the current AA hockey programs for the 2024-25 hockey season. The creation of a new AA/AAA Council, co-chaired by Mike Segal and Russ Cassidy, will drive the development of this new AA/AAA hockey program. 

See attachment below for further details.

As a board, we strive to offer one of the premier AA hockey programs in Canada.  Our commitment to a philosophy of individual and team skill development is paramount to our program’s success.  This year, the Winnipeg East Railcats will continue to enhance this philosophy by implementing further development strategies that will see the teams at each age group collaborate to deliver high level position-specific instruction, along with the small area drills and conditioning required to compete at the AA level. The focus is not on winning, but rather on athletic growth, and preparing our young players for advancement in their hockey careers.

The seasonal training plan will include:

• Skill development sessions for all players
• Position-specific sessions
• Checking/angling clinics
• Preparation for body checking
• Team concepts
• Special teams play
• Goaltender coach 

As an organization, we are focused on continually adjusting to the changes of how the game of hockey is delivered in Manitoba and believe that a well-adjusted approach to team composition and added innovation in the way skill development is achieved. This year we are focusing on position specific development and player advancement that will see the defensemen from both teams will be on the ice together with two of the goalies, and the next hour will see all of the forwards on the ice together with the other two goalies. These practices are designed to help each player learn the finer details of their position and provide the appropriate time needed to refine their craft.

Of course, this model isn’t possible without a committed group of coaches who are willing to work together with a primary focus being development for all players on and off the ice.  We are excited for the start of this season and look forward to seeing you around the rink.
        - Winnipeg East Railcats Board

The Winnipeg East Railcats AA Hockey Program is a joint venture between