Building Tradition, Skill, and Fun on the Ice
The South Oxford Storm U13 A are ready to lace up for another exciting season of hockey, with a mix of tradition, hard work, and a whole lot of fun at the heart of their program. Based out of South Oxford, the team is guided by longtime coach
Greg Mitchell, a respected leader in the organization who has been behind the bench for years. Mitchell began coaching in Tillsonburg before the amalgamation that formed South Oxford, and along the way, he’s led teams to multiple
OMHA championships and
International Silver Stick titles. His steady leadership has become a cornerstone of the program.
This season, Mitchell is joined by assistant coaches Riley
Balazs, Sean Mudge, and Shawn Lizabeth, along with trainer Doug
Bailey. Together, this staff has one clear goal: to make sure their players
not only grow as athletes but also as teammates and kids who genuinely love the
game.
“Our goal as coaches is to make sure the kids become better
hockey players, better teammates, and most importantly have so much fun that
they will continue to enjoy the game for years to come,” said Mitchell.
The Storm’s identity is simple but powerful: hard
work, discipline, and playing for each other. The players are
encouraged to compete every shift, focus on speed, and play responsibly in all
three zones. More than wins and losses, the coaches emphasize resilience,
consistency, and the importance of doing the “little things right.”
And while every team looks for a star or two to lean on,
Mitchell stresses that the Storm’s strength lies in their depth. “All of them
[are players to watch]. Each player brings something to the team,” he shared.
From blocking shots to winning puck battles to keeping the energy high on the
bench, this roster thrives because everyone has a role — and everyone buys in.
That balance has become the glue holding the team together.
“The unsung hero is a collective effort that holds us together,” said Mitchell.
It’s a team-first mentality that makes this group a tight-knit unit on and off
the ice.
Looking Ahead to Big Tests
Every season brings a slate of tough matchups, and this year
will be no different. Mitchell knows the U13 age group is filled with talented
teams across Ontario. “We come to the rink with the attitude that the team we
are playing can beat us on any given night. So to answer the question, every
team is our biggest competition.”
That mindset — respecting every opponent — helps prepare the
Storm for the biggest stages of the season. As always, the Silver Stick
Qualifier and OMHA Playdowns are circled on the
calendar. Both are high-stakes tournaments that not only bring out the best
competition but also serve as qualifiers for additional championship events.
These are the moments where the Storm’s discipline and team-first culture will
be tested most.
Success Beyond the Scoreboard
For the South Oxford Storm, success isn’t measured just in
banners or medals. Yes, they’ll compete hard every night, but the coaching
staff sees development and enjoyment as the truest signs of progress.
“If our players leave the season stronger, more confident,
and more connected as teammates, and they compete hard every game, then we’ve
been successful,” said Mitchell.
That philosophy is evident in the way the kids train and
play. Practices are filled with skill development, game-like intensity, and
plenty of reminders to enjoy the journey. It’s a formula that keeps the players
engaged, motivated, and excited to come to the rink.
More Than Just Hockey
The South Oxford Storm program has always been about more
than just goals and saves. It’s about building memories, friendships, and
habits that last well beyond the rink. Though the team keeps some of its
traditions “in-house,” there’s a clear sense of pride in the way the group
comes together, whether it’s celebrating after a big win, grinding through a
tough practice, or finding ways to laugh and have fun together.
At the end of the day, this U13 squad embodies the very best
of minor hockey — a love of the game, a respect for competition, and a
commitment to each other. With strong coaching, a balanced roster, and
a proud tradition behind them, the South Oxford Storm U13 A are poised for
another season filled with growth, competition, and plenty of memories.
Source:HOMETOWN SPORTS NETWORK