South Dundas Lions
Minor Hockey tryout guidelines
Adapted from Hockey Canada Player evaluation and selection guide
The ultimate goal of this process is to provide players with the best possible experience in an
environment where they can grow as hockey players and young people. For many minor hockey
executives, evaluators, coaches, parents and players this can be a tension filled, labourious and
frustrating experience – the goal of this document is to make it a more fulfilling and positive experience
Evaluations during pre-season for selection on to teams.
Obviously the evaluations done at the start of the season will place the kids on to teams, but the
information should also be given to coaches so that they can see what the strengths and weaknesses of
those players are.
Another key point is to post the criteria of what the evaluators are looking for, so that parents can see
what the players are being judged on. These criteria must be clearly defined, objectively assessed and
justifiable.
OBJECTIVES OF PLAYER EVALUATION
♦ To provide a fair and impartial assessment of a player's total hockey skills during the skating and
scrimmage sessions
♦ To ensure that players have a reasonable opportunity of being selected to a team appropriate to their
skill levels as determined during the on-ice evaluations of the current year.
♦ To provide coaches with the opportunity and flexibility to build a team based in part on their own
coaching philosophy and knowledge of player skills and attitude.
♦ To provide uniformity and consistency in the evaluation process such that a player and parent
expectations are consistent from year to year as players move through the various levels of the
association's programs
♦ To form teams to maintain balanced and competitive play where the athletes can develop and
participate equitably and have fun playing hockey during the season.
♦ To provide feedback in order to develop players
TOP 10 QUESTIONS ON PLAYER EVALUATION
All of the information below should be public knowledge - this sets the tone for the evaluations and
increases the transparent nature of the process.
I. When are the player evaluation sessions?
Must have a set schedule and be able to inform parents and players of when the initial ice session is and
when further ice sessions may occur pending the results of initial assessments.
II. How many evaluation sessions will there be?
Every parent and player should be aware prior to evaluations of the number of opportunities that the
player will have to be assessed. It is recommended that each player have a minimum of 2 evaluation
sessions before being released from a given program
III. What is being evaluated?
The specific skills, tactics and behaviours that are being evaluated. It is recommended that the focus of
each session be posted for parents and players so that they are clear on what is being evaluated each
session.
IV. Who will do the evaluations?
There are 3 key groups involved in the evaluations:
♦ On-ice coaches to take players through the session
♦ Off-ice evaluators who will be responsible to evaluate every player on the ice during the time allotted.
There may be on-ice evaluators depending on the particular situation.
♦ Off-ice administrators who will be responsible for tracking evaluations, contacting parents and players
and scheduling sessions.
V. What should my son/daughter wear to the evaluation?
Full equipment is always mandatory.
Players will be assigned a jersey/number upon their arrival at the rink.
VI. How are the players notified of their standing within the process?
Before you make decisions to release players, develop a clear plan to inform them. Never post a list or
read the names of players to be released in front of the team. Always meet with each player
individually.
Here are suggestions for these meetings:
• be honest and straightforward: tell players why they did not make the team, identify strengths and
weaknesses
• invite questions and provide players with constructive feedback to guide further improvement
• don’t make future promises
After releasing players, be prepared to answer questions from parents. Be honest and straightforward
with parents, and avoid confrontations. Releasing players is never easy; however, it’s really important
to meet with players one-on-one!
VII. Will the player be evaluated in a skill and game environment?
In order to give each and every player a fair opportunity to exhibit the range of skills that they possess
they will be evaluated in a game and skill environment. At the younger age levels a greater emphasis will
be placed on the evaluation of skills - as the players get older the game or scrimmage sessions will have
a greater overall impact on the player’s placement within the minor hockey program.
VIII. What happens after the evaluation sessions?
Upon the completion of evaluations players will be contacted by the coach of their team. The coach will
outline:
♦ Practice schedule
♦ Game schedule
♦ Introduction of other coaches
♦ Setting of first meeting with parents and players
IX. How soon after evaluations does the season start?
Each association has a different philosophy and timing of this progression from evaluation to the start of
the season. However, at the beginning of the evaluation process players and parents should be aware of
the duration of the evaluations and the potential start dates for the season depending on which team
the player is placed on.
X. How will the evaluation information be used?
Associations are highly encouraged to use the player evaluation information as a starting point for a
season of development. If a coach understands why he or she has the team they have been given they
will be better able to work on the skills required for that player to become more proficient.
PLAYER SELECTION CRITERIA EVALUATOR CUE CARD
Skating – speed, quickness, technique
♦ Forward and Backward
♦ Turn both directions
♦ Stop both directions
♦ Are they in a good position for stability and strength
Passing – technique, control, vision
♦ Forehand and Backhand
♦ To moving and stationary target
♦ Vision – do they take a look and select best option
♦ Advanced – board passes, chips, saucer passes
Puck Control – technique, open ice, confined space
♦ Open carry with speed
♦ Execute dekes and fakes on the 1 on 1
♦ Can they handle the puck in traffic and tight space
♦ Ability to maintain control while being checked
Shooting – technique, accuracy, velocity
♦ Forehand and backhand
♦ Wrist shot, snap shot, slap shot
♦ Velocity
♦ Accuracy
♦ Shot Selection – do they select the best shot for the opportunity?
Game Understanding – Principles of Offence and Defence
♦ Player understands positional play
♦ Player supports the puck on the defensive and offensive side of puck
♦ Player communicates with teammates
♦ Player has the ability to read and react.
GUIDELINES FOR SUPPORT STAFF
On-ice Coaches
During the ice sessions there should be a minimum of one lead coach and 2 assistants for the duration of
the session. The presence of a coach and/or parent on the ice does not indicate that a particular child’s
placement has been predetermined.
Guidelines for Contacting Players and Parents
As soon as you are aware of evaluation locations and times the parents and players must be informed.
It is absolutely essential for the process to be effective to have a strong communication structure to
avoid missed selection times and player absenteeism.
Notes:
No player is exempt from tryouts. In the event of injury or other extenuating circumstances that
prevents a player from attending, the player will be placed on the most appropriate team based on prior
playing performance.
Players should not be cut before the end of tryouts at the Novice and Atom level. If it is desired to make
cuts at the PeeWee, Bantam or Midget level before the end of tryouts, these early cuts should be from
the bottom up, not the top down (i.e. the highest ranked players should continue to participate in the
tryouts).
A player who does not wish to try out for a higher level team is still entitled to participate in the tryouts,
but should notify the coaching staff and executive of this desire, so the evaluators can be made aware.
Players, particularly Novice, Atom and PeeWee, should be selected on their general hockey skills, not on
their ‘positional play’. Minor hockey players are still developing and moving from defense to forward
positions or vice versa can be a component of continued player development.
Some flexibility in the selection process can be used in consultation with coaches, but not beyond 3
positions. For example if 15 players are being selected for a team, a player ranked below 18 cannot be
considered for that team.
March 2014