Minor hockey tryouts (was: How to motivate a novice (or any) player for tryouts?)

[jetsmooseice]

I like reading your accounts Yukon Joe, it's interesting to hear other peoples' stories about this.

My kid doesn't get worked up about tryouts... I don't want to make him anxious, but I had to remind him to do his best since his placement hinges on his performance. I think he's headed to mid-tier which is fine, that's pretty well where I'd say he belongs. He played on a high level spring team this past year and he had fun, but it was not a great experience from a development standpoint, other than being on the ice against some exceptionally good opponents. When he is not one of the top performers on his team, I find that he disengages somewhat and (very visibly) becomes a passenger. This is in stark contrast to when he is one of the better players... then he's motivated and puts in a great effort, comes off the ice sweaty, etc.

 

[Yukon Joe]

I like reading your accounts Yukon Joe, it's interesting to hear other peoples' stories about this.

My kid doesn't get worked up about tryouts... I don't want to make him anxious, but I had to remind him to do his best since his placement hinges on his performance. I think he's headed to mid-tier which is fine, that's pretty well where I'd say he belongs. He played on a high level spring team this past year and he had fun, but it was not a great experience from a development standpoint, other than being on the ice against some exceptionally good opponents. When he is not one of the top performers on his team, I find that he disengages somewhat and (very visibly) becomes a passenger. This is in stark contrast to when he is one of the better players... then he's motivated and puts in a great effort, comes off the ice sweaty, etc.

Thanks @jetsmooseice Please share your own hockey parent stories.

I agree - there's a lot to be said about playing with kids (or adults!) that are at your level. I mean I have a whole thread about joining a new adult rec team just so I could be a meaningful player out on the ice. And my youngest kid: he may have quite playing hockey in any event, but I definitely feel that being placed in too-high a tier last year contributed to him losing any interest in hockey. I could just see him getting more and more discouraged, and putting in less and less effort as last year went on.

And you're speaking my language about being sweaty. That's all I really want from my kids - to see them red and sweaty when they come off the ice, so I know that whatever happened out there they were giving it their all.


Oh, and it's unrelated other than it being about kid's hockey... my middle kid has had AMAZING coaches the last two years. Both played university hockey, ran great drills, good motivators... So it's kind of a disappointment that his coach this year is really just an average dad coach. It's nothing I can complain about - I wouldn't be any better a coach, and this coach is putting in the effort. But the difference is really quite striking. Ah well, I guess that's how it goes in minor hockey.


Edit: and one more aside. My oldest kid played it pretty cool when he finally made his AA team, but he let his excitement show last night when he got to go to the "clubhouse" and pick up a bunch of club swag. He went to school this morning absolutely dripping in team logos. I didn't have the heart to tell him that 90% of his classmates would have no idea what that logo means, and the other 10% are his buddies who tried out and didn't make the team and might resent him for it.

 

[Slats432]

Thanks @jetsmooseice Please share your own hockey parent stories.

I agree - there's a lot to be said about playing with kids (or adults!) that are at your level. I mean I have a whole thread about joining a new adult rec team just so I could be a meaningful player out on the ice. And my youngest kid: he may have quite playing hockey in any event, but I definitely feel that being placed in too-high a tier last year contributed to him losing any interest in hockey. I could just see him getting more and more discouraged, and putting in less and less effort as last year went on.

And you're speaking my language about being sweaty. That's all I really want from my kids - to see them red and sweaty when they come off the ice, so I know that whatever happened out there they were giving it their all.


Oh, and it's unrelated other than it being about kid's hockey... my middle kid has had AMAZING coaches the last two years. Both played university hockey, ran great drills, good motivators... So it's kind of a disappointment that his coach this year is really just an average dad coach. It's nothing I can complain about - I wouldn't be any better a coach, and this coach is putting in the effort. But the difference is really quite striking. Ah well, I guess that's how it goes in minor hockey.


Edit: and one more aside. My oldest kid played it pretty cool when he finally made his AA team, but he let his excitement show last night when he got to go to the "clubhouse" and pick up a bunch of club swag. He went to school this morning absolutely dripping in team logos. I didn't have the heart to tell him that 90% of his classmates would have no idea what that logo means, and the other 10% are his buddies who tried out and didn't make the team and might resent him for it.

That is interesting about the oldest. Mine was never wanting to wear his team gear outside of hockey for the reasons you mentioned. Going to Pats and Silvertips camps, (As well as a ton of AJHL camps) could have worn them at conditioning or other camps but just didn't want to bring that attention to himself or make other people feel worse that they didn't get to go. Even when he signed in the SJHL, I don't think he ever wore the Melfort Mustangs gear. (I still wear the hat )

 

[Yukon Joe]

That is interesting about the oldest. Mine was never wanting to wear his team gear outside of hockey for the reasons you mentioned. Going to Pats and Silvertips camps, (As well as a ton of AJHL camps) could have worn them at conditioning or other camps but just didn't want to bring that attention to himself or make other people feel worse that they didn't get to go. Even when he signed in the SJHL, I don't think he ever wore the Melfort Mustangs gear. (I still wear the hat )

Hey he earned the right to wear it if he wants to.

But yeah, he's still only 12 so maybe not quite as attuned to such things.

 

[Yukon Joe]

I'm going to bump my favourite thread - as it's my favourite/least favourite time of the year - tryout time!

It's hasn't been an issue of motivation for years now. Oldest boy is trying out for U15 (formerly bantam). Tryouts haven't even started yet - only summer camps. Yet still we have other parents making spreadsheets of who they think will make/not make AA/AAA. I'm like 'there's probably some kid from Tier 3 last year who will play his ass off', but they still can't help it. Who knows what will happen. But this age category is where it starts getting super serious - junior hockey can draft from U15. God damn these "kids" are big now.

Middle kid is now moving in to U13 (former peewee). He's actually grown so much as a player. I doubt he'll make it to AA, but could be a huge year for him. I went back through this thread, and I called him a pretty mediocre player. Cool to see how far he's come. He plays D, is just a very smart player, if not flashy - is always at the right position, makes the smart if not flashy play.

And because I love him just as much - I should mention my youngest kid. He quit hockey over a year ago, has zero interest in going back, is worried about whether or not he can qualify for his next level of taekwondo belt in a couple of weeks. I think he'll be fine.

Anyways - as a parent one of the harder things is learning to "let go" and just let your kids pick their own path.

 

[WarriorofTime]

Never push a kid harder than what you can tell they want to be pushed. It’s a tough line to walk. Some kids do very much want to be playing “elite-level” hockey and just need to be set in the right direction as far as realizing the importance to putting in the work to get there.

Other kids are just having fun and it’s not life or death for them and they don’t need to put everything into these tryouts. So many times it’s the parents dream they’re trying to force on their kids. Ultimately you just have to know your kid, know their abilities and their desires.

 

[Yukon Joe]

Oof. A couple times there U15 tryouts are tough to watch.

U15 is the first level to allow hitting in local minor hockey. So the ice is full of 13 and 14 year olds - the 13 year olds may have never played in a hitting game before (depending on what camps or spring hockey or whatever they may have done). But you also have a couple of 14 year olds who must be at least 6 feet tall. And some of those kids are just looking to hit anyone they can.

But anyways - after 2 games for each group we already have reports of a broken collarbone and a broken arm.

 

[Slats432]

Oof. A couple times there U15 tryouts are tough to watch.

U15 is the first level to allow hitting in local minor hockey. So the ice is full of 13 and 14 year olds - the 13 year olds may have never played in a hitting game before (depending on what camps or spring hockey or whatever they may have done). But you also have a couple of 14 year olds who must be at least 6 feet tall. And some of those kids are just looking to hit anyone they can.

But anyways - after 2 games for each group we already have reports of a broken collarbone and a broken arm.

Maybe 25% go to hitting camps. I have noticed that many kids in federation have not been coached in drills that develop the awareness for hitting hockey. Hope there aren't that many injuries.

 

[biturbo19]

Takes me back to "Bantam tryouts" in my own day. My family didn't have the money and couldn't spend the time for it. But as a house league goalie...i actually still practiced with them a bunch. I even played games for the "rep" team. Most of the team was just the best players from each house league team i'd played with over the years prior.

I was never going anywhere as a small goalie who wasn't even that good. But...I quit part way through midget because the politics of the whole thing became truly insane, i had a particularly awful coach, and football was just a lot more fun at the time. It sounds like things have just become even more messed up and convoluted since.


It took me a bunch of years to finally pick it back up and actually enjoy playing hockey again.



The pressure people put on kids these days is insane.

 

[Yukon Joe]

2010 kid has made it through and been assigned to a U15 AA team. Which is obviously good news - but there are a total of 28 kids assigned to the team, so there are still cuts to be made. He has buddies who didn't make it this far though.

2912 kid has his U13 AA tryouts starting tomorrow.

Like I said earlier - this is my most/least favourite time of year.

 

[Yukon Joe]

Since I've bumped this thread every year at around this time... it's tryouts season!

So I've got a 2010 who this year really wants to push for the top level AAA team. He played at AA last year as a first year. He's got a real shot at it, but lots of kids trying out and some really talented kids out there. Right now kids are divided into 6 teams worth, when at the end they'll for just one AAA team and two AA teams. First tryout game was last night. My kid looked - good? I have no idea how the evaluators do their thing at this level. My kid complained the forwards weren't good enough (he plays D) so there was nobody open to pass to, but it's an individual evaluation here and not a team game.

The really crappy thing though is it is all so serious. U15AAA is where you can then start thinking/dreaming about playing junior hockey, so all the kids are serious, all the parents are serious.

I also have a 2012. This year for the first time there have an AAA team to try out for (in years past there were two AA teams, now there's a single AAA and a single AA). He was an early cut from AA tryouts last year and played Tier 3. He can be a kid of few words at times so hasn't said much to us, but apparently told his brother he'd really like to make the AA team. I hope it works for him. He's improved a lot (and grown a lot!), but lots of good kids out there. You can normally expect a kid to go up 1-2 tiers when going from first to second year in an age category, but making AA would be jumping 3 levels. His former coach from 3 years ago is actually now the head coach for the AAA team - I don't know if it's significant, but it's interesting.

I went back and looked over this entire thread. I'd stand by everything I said at the time it was said, but there's obviously a huge difference between parenting/coaching a Novice kid (U9), and a Bantam (U15) kid. When it comes to motivation it 100% has to come from the kid himself.

My 2012 kid I might give whatever small tips/pointers I can in advance - basically just about showing positive body language and hustle away from the puck - but that's about it.

I'll probably also be out there volunteering for those evaluation drills I mentioned earlier for our home club, even though if my younger kids makes the AA team we won't even be with the club. I kind of enjoy it though - being out there and encouraging kids to try and get their own best possible times and give it their best shot.


Anyone else have any good evaluation stories or advice out there?

 

[Minnesota Knudsens]

Since I've bumped this thread every year at around this time... it's tryouts season!

So I've got a 2010 who this year really wants to push for the top level AAA team. He played at AA last year as a first year. He's got a real shot at it, but lots of kids trying out and some really talented kids out there. Right now kids are divided into 6 teams worth, when at the end they'll for just one AAA team and two AA teams. First tryout game was last night. My kid looked - good? I have no idea how the evaluators do their thing at this level. My kid complained the forwards weren't good enough (he plays D) so there was nobody open to pass to, but it's an individual evaluation here and not a team game.

The really crappy thing though is it is all so serious. U15AAA is where you can then start thinking/dreaming about playing junior hockey, so all the kids are serious, all the parents are serious.

I also have a 2012. This year for the first time there have an AAA team to try out for (in years past there were two AA teams, now there's a single AAA and a single AA). He was an early cut from AA tryouts last year and played Tier 3. He can be a kid of few words at times so hasn't said much to us, but apparently told his brother he'd really like to make the AA team. I hope it works for him. He's improved a lot (and grown a lot!), but lots of good kids out there. You can normally expect a kid to go up 1-2 tiers when going from first to second year in an age category, but making AA would be jumping 3 levels. His former coach from 3 years ago is actually now the head coach for the AAA team - I don't know if it's significant, but it's interesting.

I went back and looked over this entire thread. I'd stand by everything I said at the time it was said, but there's obviously a huge difference between parenting/coaching a Novice kid (U9), and a Bantam (U15) kid. When it comes to motivation it 100% has to come from the kid himself.

My 2012 kid I might give whatever small tips/pointers I can in advance - basically just about showing positive body language and hustle away from the puck - but that's about it.

I'll probably also be out there volunteering for those evaluation drills I mentioned earlier for our home club, even though if my younger kids makes the AA team we won't even be with the club. I kind of enjoy it though - being out there and encouraging kids to try and get their own best possible times and give it their best shot.


Anyone else have any good evaluation stories or advice out there?

Wonder if you’ve ever dealt with this issue. My son has a lower level tryout this fall and he’s kind of overconfident and it bugs me a bit. He’ll basically be trying out for the team he played on last year, and yeah he’s a shoo in. I just don’t like the attitude and this summer has seen a major dip in his work ethic.

Last summer he worked really hard training for hockey and he grew tremendously. He’s only played for 2 years and he’s a natural. Turned himself into a borderline rep player. So now I figure it could be his year to shine, but man is he cocky. Anyways curious if anyone has any psychology 101 for me. As I’ve already stated, I’m not the kind of parent to chase him around harassing him to prepare. I just think that he’ll be more upset than me if things don’t go the way he’s imagining.

 

[Slats432]

Anyone else have any good evaluation stories or advice out there?

As a hockey dad.

My son did the jumps from Tier 3 U15 to U15AA the next season. Then we moved and he tried out for a different association at U16AAA.(which no longer exists) So U16AAA is a single year group of only 15 year olds.

My son had a great year at U16AAA and was named the club's best defenseman. His defense partner became a good friend, and their family was friends with ours. They helped their team make it to provincials and it was a successful year.

The next year trying out for U18AAA which is a two year group of 16 and 17 year olds, you always wonder whether the team is going to have mostly 17 year olds and you worry like heck whether your first year kid is going to make it. As the U16AAA defenseman of the year, I was pretty confident my son was going to make it, but you are never sure.

The first tryout skate was the obvious mix of players, returnees from last year, and the new crop.

My son and his defensive partner were on different tryout teams. Second shift of the tryout, my son who was a big strong defenseman with a strong lean to the defensive side of the game decided for some reason to dump the puck in on the rush and go after it.

His buddy/last year's d partner retrieved the puck and chipped it behind the net to his tryout partner. My son decided that he was going to finish his check and sent his buddy flying onto the ice with a big hit. I leaned over to the wife and said, "Well, that clinches it, he is going to make it."

I figured if he is willing to blow up his best bud, he is going to do whatever it took to make the team.

And hence comes the advice. If a player is solely focused on his goals, then he is likely to achieve them. Sometimes doing the uncomfortable thing is what might make the difference. (Hitting, blocking shots, backchecking etc)

 

[Yukon Joe]

Wonder if you’ve ever dealt with this issue. My son has a lower level tryout this fall and he’s kind of overconfident and it bugs me a bit. He’ll basically be trying out for the team he played on last year, and yeah he’s a shoo in. I just don’t like the attitude and this summer has seen a major dip in his work ethic.

Last summer he worked really hard training for hockey and he grew tremendously. He’s only played for 2 years and he’s a natural. Turned himself into a borderline rep player. So now I figure it could be his year to shine, but man is he cocky. Anyways curious if anyone has any psychology 101 for me. As I’ve already stated, I’m not the kind of parent to chase him around harassing him to prepare. I just think that he’ll be more upset than me if things don’t go the way he’s imagining.

How old?

So the "cockiness" - I mean it's just part of hockey culture that players are supposed to be kind of humble. So I get that can kind of be bothersome just in general, but I think that's more just a parenting in general issue so I'll leave that to you.

But reading between the lines... so last summer your kid worked really hard and grew a lot, but this past summer he didn't? And you think if he would've worked harder he could have made a higher level team, but instead he's just happy to make the same team as last year?

Yeah it's hard to figure out how much to push. When the kids were really little I made the decision for them to put them in hockey (I mean they were 5 or 6 and didn't have any real knowledge or opinions). As they got older though I've said I'm not going to force anyone. My youngest already quit hockey two years ago and is happier for it (he does other sports). My middle guy - we'll ask him if he wants to do certain camps or practice sessions - sometimes he says yes, sometimes he says no. I'll think to myself 'you know that session could really help you' but I don't say it out loud and I don't force him to go. And then my oldest guy I'm more worried about him injuring himself as he wants to do everything.

So - I think if your kid is just happy to make his lower-level team and has no desire to try and move up, that's just where he's going to play. You can't force a desire to play more competitive hockey on him.

That being said it depends on what else he's doing with his time. If he's choosing just to play video games all day instead you're well within your rights to insist he do other more productive things with his time - which could include hockey camps or the like. But if he's happy to just play Tier 3 hockey (or whatever it is) and is otherwise making good use of his time then so be it.

We got the list for U13 AA/AAA tryouts last night - and it's interesting to see the kids who are trying out, and to see the kids who aren't. Whether it's a cost thing, or a lack of interest I don't know - but some kids who would at least have a fighting chance at it aren't even trying out.

 

[krown]

I have 2 kids that play hockey. The younger one is 14 and going into second year U15 (we're in BC). He's playing academy hockey in the JPHL this season, so his tryouts were in April. However, last night he was at a fun scrimmage, and some of the players he was playing with were going through tryouts right now. I was sitting beside some parents who were anxious because final cuts for the A1 team were to be announced at anytime. As luck (or unluck?) would have it, the email came while the scrimmage was on. A couple of parents got the bad news, and they were upset and first (the usual why did so-and-so make it?,) then they were trying to figure out how to tell their kid the bad news, who was literally on the ice at that moment having fun playing. Not gonna lie, I was glad I didn't have to be in their position.

My older son is 16 and entering second year U18 (we're in BC). Has played house/rec his whole life and enjoyed it up until last season. All the kids he played hockey with growing up went through puberty, and some of them became dicks. The dressing room became toxic, and some of the parents weren't helping. The parent volunteer coaching staff did all they could to rein in the couple of problem kids, but never worked. By the end of the season, my kid didn't want to play for the team anymore. Luckily, all through spring and summer, my son played 3 on 3 with me and bunch of dads. He still enjoys the game, but hates the dressing room crap. Unfortunately, since it's the association's only house/rec team, the troublemakers will most likely be on the team again this fall. He's decided to take a year off hockey and work as a referee. Honestly, I was sad he quit minor hockey (for now), but am happy he still enjoys playing the game.

 

[Yukon Joe]

I have 2 kids that play hockey. The younger one is 14 and going into second year U15 (we're in BC). He's playing academy hockey in the JPHL this season, so his tryouts were in April. However, last night he was at a fun scrimmage, and some of the players he was playing with were going through tryouts right now. I was sitting beside some parents who were anxious because final cuts for the A1 team were to be announced at anytime. As luck (or unluck?) would have it, the email came while the scrimmage was on. A couple of parents got the bad news, and they were upset and first (the usual why did so-and-so make it?,) then they were trying to figure out how to tell their kid the bad news, who was literally on the ice at that moment having fun playing. Not gonna lie, I was glad I didn't have to be in their position.

The cuts are no fun. It's really not fun to see big lanky teenage hockey players in tears at times.

Around here at least the first round of cuts is just posted to the internet. That's happening tomorrow for my 2010 kid. So yes, lots and lots of refreshing. Which sucks because you get zero feedback - no idea what you should have done differently, no idea how close or far you were from making it. You're just cut. But at least you find out at home.

Later cuts though are done in person. All the kids are told to stay after practice, and they get called in one by one to talk to the coaches. Parents are explicitly told to wait outside in their cars - not allowed in the building. So this is where you at least get feedback. But all those parents sitting in cars - you see the kids coming out of the building one by one either with big smiles or not, which has to be hard on the kids.

This really is my favourite / least favourite time of the hockey year. Favourite because it's so full of potential. You want to know if your kids hard work payed off. You want to know who else is on your kid's team (the parent mix makes a big difference). But least favourite because every year some kids are just CRUSHED.

I figured if he is willing to blow up his best bud, he is going to do whatever it took to make the team.

And hence comes the advice. If a player is solely focused on his goals, then he is likely to achieve them. Sometimes doing the uncomfortable thing is what might make the difference. (Hitting, blocking shots, backchecking etc)

Fun story slats!

And good advice for me to pass on to my 2012 kid. Obviously no hitting yet, but to not be afraid to be physical, make sure to backcheck hard, and be unafraid to block shots.

 

[Minnesota Knudsens]

How old?

So the "cockiness" - I mean it's just part of hockey culture that players are supposed to be kind of humble. So I get that can kind of be bothersome just in general, but I think that's more just a parenting in general issue so I'll leave that to you.

But reading between the lines... so last summer your kid worked really hard and grew a lot, but this past summer he didn't? And you think if he would've worked harder he could have made a higher level team, but instead he's just happy to make the same team as last year?

Yeah it's hard to figure out how much to push. When the kids were really little I made the decision for them to put them in hockey (I mean they were 5 or 6 and didn't have any real knowledge or opinions). As they got older though I've said I'm not going to force anyone. My youngest already quit hockey two years ago and is happier for it (he does other sports). My middle guy - we'll ask him if he wants to do certain camps or practice sessions - sometimes he says yes, sometimes he says no. I'll think to myself 'you know that session could really help you' but I don't say it out loud and I don't force him to go. And then my oldest guy I'm more worried about him injuring himself as he wants to do everything.

So - I think if your kid is just happy to make his lower-level team and has no desire to try and move up, that's just where he's going to play. You can't force a desire to play more competitive hockey on him.

That being said it depends on what else he's doing with his time. If he's choosing just to play video games all day instead you're well within your rights to insist he do other more productive things with his time - which could include hockey camps or the like. But if he's happy to just play Tier 3 hockey (or whatever it is) and is otherwise making good use of his time then so be it.

We got the list for U13 AA/AAA tryouts last night - and it's interesting to see the kids who are trying out, and to see the kids who aren't. Whether it's a cost thing, or a lack of interest I don't know - but some kids who would at least have a fighting chance at it aren't even trying out.

He’s 13, and he’s actually a really good kid. “Cocky” might be a bit of an extreme description. He just thinks he can make this team without even trying this year, whereas last summer he worked like crazy to make it. I just see a ton of raw talent and I don’t think he’s hit his ceiling yet. He wouldn’t have made a higher level, but there’s a chance he could fill in on one (backup player). Working harder just opens up more opportunities in the future, even if they’re not easy to see now.

But try and tell that to a 13 year old. It may be the case that he’s just not as into it anymore and doesn’t want to do the work. Either way he claims to still love the sport and it should be an interesting year.

 

[Yukon Joe]

He’s 13, and he’s actually a really good kid. “Cocky” might be a bit of an extreme description. He just thinks he can make this team without even trying this year, whereas last summer he worked like crazy to make it. I just see a ton of raw talent and I don’t think he’s hit his ceiling yet. He wouldn’t have made a higher level, but there’s a chance he could fill in on one (backup player). Working harder just opens up more opportunities in the future, even if they’re not easy to see now.

But try and tell that to a 13 year old. It may be the case that he’s just not as into it anymore and doesn’t want to do the work. Either way he claims to still love the sport and it should be an interesting year.

It's so hard to tell with kids. Their interests can change so much. For my 14 year old, last summer was all about golfing. But this summer he's shown almost no interest in golfing - he's all about fishing all of a sudden. Which I mean is a fine, wholesome hobby to have - but it could be something completely different by next year.

So who knows - maybe this year will be a rude wake-up. Either that he doesn't actually make the team, or when he does he realizes that other kids (who have put in the work) have surpassed him. Or maybe he'll keep just "skating through" (pun half intended).

But yeah at this age I'm prepared for any year for either of my hockey-playing kids to say "I don't want to play anymore".

 

[MeHateHe]

Working harder just opens up more opportunities in the future, even if they’re not easy to see now.

Gotta set goals, man. It's not enough to say work harder for the sake of working harder. The kid needs goals for himself - and they have to be his own goals. SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.) What specificially are you trying to achieve, and what do you need to do to achieve that? From there, it's a constant series of reminders: is what you're doing right now to achieve that goal.

For example: say you set a specific goal total. Then you break it down: how many scoring chances do you need per game to hit that total? What skills do you need to improve on to get those scoring chances? Did you put the effort in at this practice to improve any of those skills?

And then go back to reminders: this was the goal you set, and these were the things you said you needed to improve on to reach those goals.

A kid who buys in will put in the work, and they'll see results if they have proper coaching.

 

[Yukon Joe]

Around here at least the first round of cuts is just posted to the internet. That's happening tomorrow for my 2010 kid. So yes, lots and lots of refreshing. Which sucks because you get zero feedback - no idea what you should have done differently, no idea how close or far you were from making it. You're just cut. But at least you find out at home.

Aw hell - just realized the first "cuts" are coming tonight!

I mean they aren't "cuts" per se - but from there you'll get assigned to either the AAA or the AA groups. So if you're in the AA group - we'll you aint making AAA.

 

[oldunclehue]

Tryouts here start next weekend for my oldest un u15AAA, from what I can see as to the roster lists, he won't make the AAA team, but I think that would be a good thing. Our AAA program has been decimated by Academies, 10 kids (13 and 14 year olds) were shipped off by parents to academies all over the country at roughly $40,000 a pop. The team will struggle mightily as they have only 2 returning players. Still no coaches announced even though tryouts are next week. I just want him to work hard and do what he can and see where he falls.

I don't doubt this will be one of the last years for the U15AAA program in our area due to this. Around my parts parents have drank the kool-aid and are willing to take out bank loans and even ask for sponsorship from local businesses to send their kids away to a private hockey academy. Sad that it will likely end a lot of opportunity for kids in the area, but its a free world.

 

[Yukon Joe]

Tryouts here start next weekend for my oldest un u15AAA, from what I can see as to the roster lists, he won't make the AAA team, but I think that would be a good thing. Our AAA program has been decimated by Academies, 10 kids (13 and 14 year olds) were shipped off by parents to academies all over the country at roughly $40,000 a pop. The team will struggle mightily as they have only 2 returning players. Still no coaches announced even though tryouts are next week. I just want him to work hard and do what he can and see where he falls.

I don't doubt this will be one of the last years for the U15AAA program in our area due to this. Around my parts parents have drank the kool-aid and are willing to take out bank loans and even ask for sponsorship from local businesses to send their kids away to a private hockey academy. Sad that it will likely end a lot of opportunity for kids in the area, but its a free world.

That sucks man.

I feel like I've slightly seen the opposite - kids, not so much from the private academies, but more the "rebel leagues" who are coming back to try out for U15. Now this may well be because our club (SSAC) is fairly well known, but who knows.

Anyways the big cuts come tonight for my U15 - and my U13 starts on Sunday. Nervous days for the Joe family.

 

[oldunclehue]

That sucks man.

I feel like I've slightly seen the opposite - kids, not so much from the private academies, but more the "rebel leagues" who are coming back to try out for U15. Now this may well be because our club (SSAC) is fairly well known, but who knows.

Anyways the big cuts come tonight for my U15 - and my U13 starts on Sunday. Nervous days for the Joe family.

How did it go?

Hoping for the best for your boys!

 

[patnyrnyg]

You guys are in tryouts, yet my daughter's team played 4 games last weekend in 1 league and the pre-season for their other league begins next week. When she first started and I found out tryouts for the next year were at the end of the season, I thought it was weird. Now, I understand why it is necessary around here.

For us though, the stress is not about whether the kid will make a team. The stress is how many kids are going to tryout elsewhere and how many are returning. We do not have the geographic restrictions it seems many of you do. The one argument I have heard is, "what if a kid makes the B team, but improves over the summer and is better than a kid on the A team?" 1) I have not seen that happen yet. It has happened a few times where a better player was put on the B team from the beginning. Usually it was the parents did not think the kid would get nearly as much ice time on the A team. In some cases it was because of the coach or the rest of the roster. 2) Rosters aren't frozen until Jan 1st. So, if a kid on the B/C/D team is absolutely dominating and is clearly too good for the division his/her team is in, he can be moved up to a higher team in the organization. And, vice-versa. Two weeks ago, one of the kids on our A team moved down to our B team at the family's request.

 

[patnyrnyg]

Tryouts here start next weekend for my oldest un u15AAA, from what I can see as to the roster lists, he won't make the AAA team, but I think that would be a good thing. Our AAA program has been decimated by Academies, 10 kids (13 and 14 year olds) were shipped off by parents to academies all over the country at roughly $40,000 a pop. The team will struggle mightily as they have only 2 returning players. Still no coaches announced even though tryouts are next week. I just want him to work hard and do what he can and see where he falls.

I don't doubt this will be one of the last years for the U15AAA program in our area due to this. Around my parts parents have drank the kool-aid and are willing to take out bank loans and even ask for sponsorship from local businesses to send their kids away to a private hockey academy. Sad that it will likely end a lot of opportunity for kids in the area, but its a free world.

Are you subject to the same geographic restrictions dictating where your kid can play? If so, are other organizations in your league dealing with the same problem of losing their best players to these academies? If the answer to that is "yes", can anything be done to allow teams to merge at the U15 level? Cut the number of teams, but make sure the kids playing AAA are actually AAA players and not just the 12 or so best the org has even if only 5 of them should be playing that level?