COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS
The Halton Thrashers competitive league is a fast-paced, high level of play that offers a greater challenge to exceptional players over 10 years of age. Our competitive Thrashers players are selected via tryouts each year and typically teams comprise the most talented and skilled players in the age group. Playing with the Thrashers is a much larger time commitment than house league, involving two weekly practices, fitness training, and games/tournaments on weekends.
Teams compete in provincial club championships, tournaments, and exhibition matches during the outdoor and indoor seasons. They also participate in cross-border tournaments and leagues, which provide additional training for players pursuing post-secondary playing opportunities.
Player development is aligned with the “Training to Train” and “Training to Compete” stages of the Long-Term Hockey Development (LTHD) framework, based on Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model. Coaches are trained to provide the athletes with the necessary technical skills and physical training to look towards high-performance competition.
Players interested in tryouts can fill in this form to register.
2026 OUTDOOR SEASON
We are excited to announce our upcoming outdoor field hockey tryouts for the 2026 season. This is a great opportunity for players to showcase their skills and earn a spot on Halton's outdoor teams.
Cost:
-
Early Bird (ends Feb. 6): $45 per player
-
Regular Price (starts Feb. 7): $55 per player
Please ensure you come prepared with appropriate indoor athletic gear, a water bottle, and a stick.
Players should arrive a few minutes early for check-in.
Tryout Schedule
Below is the schedule for tryouts. There are multiple dates to choose from because we understand that players have conflicts. Each tryout date is encouraged, but not mandatory.
Friday, February 13th
U16: 6:00pm-7:30pm U18: 7:30pm-9:00pm
Location: Milton Sports Dome - 1151 Ferguson Drive, Milton,
behind Craig Kielberger High School
Saturday, February 14th
U12 & U14: 8:30am-10:30am U16: 10:30am-12:30pm U18: 12:30pm-2:30pm
Location: Sherwood Forest Park - Dome 3, 5270 Fairview Street, Burlington
Friday, March 13th
U16: 6:00pm-7:30pm U18: 7:30pm-9:00pm
Location: Milton Sports Dome - 1151 Ferguson Drive, Milton,
behind Craig Kielberger High School
Friday, March 27th
U12 & U14: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Location: Milton Sports Dome - 1151 Ferguson Drive, Milton,
behind Craig Kielberger High School
U12 COED
Players born after July 31, 2013
U14 GIRLS
Players born after July 31, 2011
U16 GIRLS
Players born after July 31, 2009
U18 GIRLS
Players born after July 31, 2007
Meet the Coaching Team
Vince Mascarenhas
U18 Head Coach
.jpg)
Rachel Spekking
U18 Coach
Samantha Marshall
U12/U14 Head Coach
Sam has been a member of the Halton Field Hockey club since 2014. She played with the Halton Thrashers competitive program for two seasons. Upon graduating from the program, she transitioned to a coach for both recreational and competitive programs. Sam is currently head coach of the U12 and U14 Thrashers Competitive Teams and supports the U16 and U18 age groups. Sam has been coaching for approximately 10 years and has experience leading a variety of different age groups ranging from 4-18 years old. She started her coaching path in gymnastics and soccer then pivoted to field hockey in 2016 after finding a love for the sport. She has coached recreational and competitively focused athletes, and has experience as an Assistant Coach for the Ontario Summer Games (2018). She has found a passion coaching the younger age groups, equipping her athletes with the fundamentals of sport. Currently, she is a NCCP Intro to Comp trained coach. As a coach, Sam strongly believes in creating a positive, safe and fun environment for all athletes to grow and develop as great people on and off the field. She places a large emphasis on overall health and fitness, encouraging habits of active lifestyles for all her athletes. She constantly challenges athletes to work to set and achieve personal goals, while contributing to a strong team environment. Sam strives to heighten her players’ self-esteem and confidence through celebrating players’ differences and bringing out the best in each individual athlete. Sam emphasizes the fundamentals of field hockey and introduces what it means to be a high-level competitive athlete. She believes that we are all constantly growing and improving ourselves and is proud to be a stepping stone in her players’ paths as they continue to develop as both athletes and people.
Rachel has been involved with Halton Field Hockey Thrashers program since its first year, having started as a player and progressed into a coaching role. She is an experienced field hockey coach with a passion for developing both athletes' skills and mental resilience. With over 10 years of coaching at various levels, including regional and provincial, she combines competitive programming expertise with a strong focus on mental health to foster a holistic approach to athlete development. Rachel began her coaching career at Halton Thrashers where she has led the team to many different tournaments both local and international. Understanding that peak performance goes beyond physical training, she integrates mental health strategies into practice sessions, helping players build confidence, manage stress, and cultivate a positive team culture. A certified NCCP Comp Intro coach, in training Comp Development and a Qualifying Psychotherapist, Rachel emphasizes the importance of mental well-being in sports. She works closely with athletes to develop coping strategies, encourage open communication, and create an environment where players feel safe to express their challenges and triumphs both personally and field hockey related. In addition to coaching, Rachel has developed competitive programming tailored to enhance athletes' skills in high-pressure situations. By incorporating game scenarios that simulate competitive environments, she prepares players not just physically, but mentally, ensuring they are ready to perform at their best when it matters most. Whether on or off the pitch, Rachel is dedicated to nurturing a supportive community that empowers athletes to thrive both in sport and in life. She believes that a well-rounded athlete is one who is mentally strong, emotionally balanced, and ready to face any challenge on and off the field.