About
The Buffalo Regals
The Buffalo Regals are NY's largest and most accomplished hockey organization. Home to numerous nationally ranked teams, the Regals consistently produce prep school, junior, NCAA and professional players.
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South Central AAA (SCTA)
Affiliated with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA), which itself is the largest minor hockey association in the world, the SCTA is the preeminent AAA hockey league in Ontario, featuring the top teams in the region.
Pathway to Junior A Hockey
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The SCTA has ties to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
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Provides exposure for players interested in Junior A hockey
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Opportunities to showcase skills and attract attention from scouts
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Make inroads to higher levels of competition and future hockey opportunities
Head Coach Joe Castle
Coach Castle is highly experienced with years of high-level coaching of both children and adults. A lifelong hockey player, Castle has dedicated himself to player development, culminating in being named Director of Player Development at NewEdge Hockey Development Academy, which was recently named the top hockey school in NY state. NewEdge works primarily with Jr. A, NCAA Div. 1 and NHL players and stays on the cutting edge of hockey training innovation, which Coach Castle relays to his Regals players.
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Staff
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Experienced professionals dedicated to player development
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Coaches selected based on their expertise and previous experience coaching at high levels
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Includes coaches who do not have a child on the team, ensuring unbiased coaching and focus on player growth
Training
"A coach is an influential player in a child’s personal development. I believe it is important to realize this responsibility and to provide the child with the lessons necessary to improve themselves on and off the ice. Youth athletics is a vital piece to a child’s physical and mental growth. As such, I place an emphasis on a number of attributes that I believe will benefit the child as an athlete and as a person."
- Coach Castle
Structure
Providing a thorough process that applies to before, during and after events (i.e. practices, games) will create a sense of structure and teach the importance of preparation.
Discipline
Players will be given a reasonable set of team rules to abide by while representing the Buffalo Regals organization. They will be taught that failure to adhere to team rules, is detrimental to the team and the organization as a whole.
Accountability
Bonds between teammates are important for the team to reach its full potential. As a coach, I stress that a “chain is only as strong as its weakest link” and that each individual is responsible for the progress of their peers.
Positive Feedback
Youth athletes will fail at something many times before succeeding. It’s vital that their successes are recognized and celebrated to encourage further improvements.
Dedication
This level of hockey is not for everyone! Our team is exclusive to talented and driven players and families that willing to put in the time and effort to become an elite hockey player. Players will be pushed to test their limits in order to grow
What Sets Us Apart
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3-4 practices per week
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120+ hours of ice time
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Weekly off-ice skills training with Rapid Shot Tech
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Weekly off-ice gym sessions
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Specialized goaltending coach
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Pre, mid & postseason skills combines to measure athletic improvement
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Game film review sessions
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Use of Helios Core wearable tech to track player skating development
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Optional additional small group skills training provided by New Edge Hockey academy
FAQ
How much does the season cost?
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- Costs are unknown as certain item prices are unavailable at this time. As we will require no hotel stays, costs are typically much lower than traditional travel hockey. Our team will rely heavily on a dedicated fundraising committee that will work to bring in sponsors as well as run fundraising events to bring this cost down significantly.
Who is eligible to make this team?
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- Players that were born in the year 2014. Canadian players are welcome provided they possess dual citizenship or attend school in the United States.
When does the season begin and end?
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- The team will train through the Summer months and expect to begin official practices in early September. Tournaments and exhibitions will follow until the SCTA season begins in October. We expect to conclude our season in March of 2025