I’m excited to share my vision for the Jr. Falcons 2013 Elite team as we prepare for the 2026-27 season. This isn’t just about winning games, it’s about preparing young athletes for success at the high school level and beyond, both on the ice and in life.
The Foundation: Culture First
After eight years coaching AAA hockey at both boys’ and girls’ levels, I’ve learned that championships are built on culture. For the Jr. Falcons 2013 Elite, our culture will be rooted in two non-negotiables: hard work and respect.
These aren’t just words we put on a wall. They’re principles we’ll live by every single day.
Hard work means showing up ready to improve, pushing through challenges, and understanding that development isn’t linear. Some days will be harder than others, but consistent effort compounds into excellence.
Respect means respecting your teammates, your coaches, your opponents, and yourself. It means carrying yourself appropriately in Bentley Arena, a Division I NCAA facility, and understanding that how you act reflects not just on you, but on your family and your team.
The Environment: Training Like the Elite
We’ll be calling Bentley Arena in Waltham, MA home. This is where Division I college hockey happens. When players step onto that ice, they need to understand they’re in a special place. The standards we set will match the environment we’re privileged to train in.
High school coaches notice these things. They notice players who know how to carry themselves in a first-class facility. They notice players who understand what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.
The Structure: Intentional Development
Every practice will have a purpose. No “we’ll figure it out in the locker room” sessions. Every drill, every rep, every teaching moment will be directed by what we see in games and what our players need to succeed at the next level.
How We’ll Develop Players
1. On-Ice Repetitions
Hockey is a game of habits. We’ll build good ones through purposeful, high-quality repetitions that simulate real game situations. Players will learn by doing, with immediate feedback and coaching adjustments.
2. The Playbook
Players will receive a succinct, professional playbook that outlines our systems, strategies, and expectations. This isn’t a novel, it’s a reference guide they can use to prepare for practices and games. Parents will have access too, so everyone understands what we’re teaching.
Download Example Playbook (PDF) - This is an example from a previous team I coached. The Jr. Falcons playbook will follow a similar structure, tailored to our systems and the E9 level.
3. Learning Sessions
Hockey IQ wins games. We’ll hold regular learning sessions, some via Zoom for flexibility, others in the locker room for team bonding, where we break down game concepts, review video, and develop the mental side of the game.
4. Video Analysis with Scout Elite
I built Scout Elite specifically for this purpose. We’ll use video to accelerate learning in ways that weren’t possible even a few years ago.
Players will:
- Review their own shifts and see exactly what they did well and what needs work
- Study team systems and strategies with real game footage
- Build hockey IQ by understanding the “why” behind coaching decisions
- Track their progress throughout the season with organized video reviews
5. Complete Player Development
High school hockey requires more than just skating and shooting. Players will learn:
- Position-specific skills and responsibilities
- Team systems for all three zones
- Off-ice training principles and proper workout techniques
- How to be a great teammate and leader
- Time management and balancing hockey with academics
The Commitment: Developing the Whole Person
I believe in developing players and people. The lessons learned on the ice, resilience, accountability, teamwork, discipline, transfer directly to success in school, future careers, and life.
High school coaches don’t just recruit skilled players. They recruit young adults who will represent their program with class. That’s what we’re building here.
The Partnership: Educating Parents
Parents are partners in this journey. Too often, youth hockey creates an information gap where parents don’t fully understand what’s being taught or why. That ends here.
What Parents Can Expect:
Regular Communication
You’ll know what we’re working on and why. You’ll understand the development process and how to support it at home.
Parent Learning Sessions
I’ll hold focused sessions specifically for parents to explain our systems, share video examples, and answer questions about player development.
Open Office Hours
Got questions about your player’s development? Want to understand a coaching decision? I’ll hold regular office hours where parents can connect with the coaching staff directly.
Access to Video
Through Scout Elite, parents will have access to the same video reviews players receive. You’ll see exactly what we’re teaching and how your child is progressing.
The goal is simple: when parents understand the development process, they become effective partners rather than unintentional obstacles. Everyone wins.
The Path Forward: E9 White North
The Jr. Falcons 2013 Elite will compete in the E9 league, with our goal being to parity into the E9 White North division. This is the highest level of competition that will challenge our players while providing opportunities for meaningful development.
We’re not chasing the “highest level” for ego purposes. We’re choosing competition that serves our mission: preparing players for success.
The Timeline: Building Our Core
ID Skate: TBD during February vacation 2026
Tryouts: March 2026
However, I will be working to solidify a core set of players as soon as possible. The earlier players commit, the more time we have to build chemistry, establish culture, and begin development work before the season starts.
Why This Matters
The hockey landscape has changed dramatically over the past 15 years. The game is faster, more intelligent, and more competitive than ever. High school programs expect players to arrive with:
- Strong fundamental skills
- Understanding of team systems
- Hockey IQ and decision-making ability
- Physical preparation
- Mental toughness
- Leadership qualities
That’s exactly what we’re building.
I’m committed to bringing a modern, intentional approach to coaching that prepares players for this reality. With AAA experience, a structured development plan, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering commitment to culture and character, the Jr. Falcons 2013 Elite will be a program that high school coaches notice, and that players look back on as a defining chapter in their hockey journey.
Next Steps
If this vision resonates with you and your family, please let me know.
Contact Coach Scott:
📧 srehlander@jrfalconshockey.com
Let’s build something special together. Let’s develop not just better hockey players, but better young adults ready to succeed at the next level and beyond.
🏒 Go Falcons