The West Northumberland Wild is excited to introduce its first-ever U15 AA program, led by Head Coach Stefano Durante for the 2026-27 season.
This program has been built with intention. The U15 AA level represents a critical stage in a player’s development, and the focus of this program is to develop athletes properly, prioritizing skill progression, hockey IQ, habits, confidence, and long-term growth over short-term results. Players will be supported in an environment that values accountability, structure, and pride in representing the West Northumberland Wild.
Head Coach Stefano Durante
Stefano Durante brings experience from every level of the game. A former Junior A National Champion with the Cobourg Cougars, Stefano continued his playing career at American International College (NCAA Division I), before playing professionally in the SPHL. Following his playing career, he spent two seasons as a practice goaltender with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Over the past decade, Stefano has worked extensively in player development through Durante Goaltending, helping athletes progress to AAA, Junior, NCAA, OHL, and other elite pathways. He currently serves as the Director of Hockey Operations and Recruitment for the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and has coached within the league as an Assistant Coach and Video Coach with the Aurora Tigers.
Stefano’s coaching philosophy is centred on strong culture, accountability, and individualized development. His approach emphasizes teaching over yelling, consistent and constructive feedback, regular video analysis, and clear communication with both players and families.
What Makes This Program Different
The U15 AA program will be built to prepare players for what comes next. Development decisions will be made with a long-term lens, guided by an understanding of elite pathways and player movement. Athletes will benefit from structured skill development, weekly video review, and an environment that encourages player ownership, leadership, and growth.
Player-First Development
At the U15 level, development comes first. This includes technical skill progression, understanding the game, physical and mental habits, and confidence. Players will receive honest feedback and education about the pathway ahead, with the goal of building prepared, durable athletes who are ready for future opportunities when the time is right.
AA Import Policy Amendment
To support the success and competitiveness of the U15 AA program, the WNGHA Executive Board has approved an amendment to the association’s import policy specific to AA-level teams for the upcoming season. This amendment allows additional flexibility at the AA level while maintaining oversight and annual review. The amendment will be presented at the Annual General Meeting for ratification for future seasons.
Import Players
WNGHA allows three (3) import players per team from outside our catchment area, with the exception of the AA tier teams, which are subject to the import rules below:
No more than ten (10) imports are allowed on AA teams. AA tier teams shall be allowed the latitude to increase this number upon presentation by the coach to the three members of a tryout committee agreeable by the executive council. Factors include talent level, competitiveness, and number of players attending. Two out of three members would need to support a decision to increase the allowable number of imports. This would be reviewable annually.
After a deemed “import” player has played with the WNGHA for TWO consecutive years (U15 and below) or ONE year for U18, that they no longer be referred to as an import. This amendment will be retroactive to players who played on the 2015-16 rep teams.
The WNGHA catchment area includes all of Northumberland County (Municipality of Brighton, Township of Cramahe, Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, Township of Hamilton, Town of Cobourg, Municipality of Port Hope, and Municipality of Trent Hills).
Imports will not be grandfathered.
Additional U15 Teams
We remain fully committed to the growth and development of local players within our catchment area. Alongside the U15 AA program, the association will have a U15 Tier 2 team with potential for a Tier 3 team for the 2026-27 season. Calls for coaching applications for additional teams will be posted shortly.