At hockey tryouts, evaluators focus on skating, puck skills, hockey sense, compete level and coachability. To make a strong impression, prepare your skating and conditioning in the weeks beforehand, check that your equipment fits and sharpen your skates a few days before. On the ice, go full speed in every drill, be first in line, play your position in scrimmages, keep shifts short and energetic, make simple, smart plays and communicate with teammates. Listen carefully to instructions and apply them right away. Coaches are often looking for reliable, hardworking players who make their teammates better, not just the flashiest skaters.
What evaluators watch
| Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Skating | Speed, edges, crossovers, backward skating, transitions |
| Puck skills | Passing, receiving, shooting, stickhandling |
| Hockey sense | Positioning, decision-making, support, reading plays |
| Compete level | Battles, backchecking, effort, finishing checks where allowed |
| Coachability | Listening and applying instructions |
| Attitude | Body language, teamwork, response to mistakes |
Skating is often the first thing evaluators notice because it affects every part of the game. Strong edges, quick starts and smooth transitions from forward to backward skating stand out in drills. Hockey sense, however, often separates players in scrimmages, where evaluators watch who reads plays, supports teammates and makes good decisions under pressure.
How to prepare in the weeks before
- Skate regularly, focusing on edges, crossovers, stops and transitions.
- Build conditioning with interval training that mimics hockey shifts.
- Practice puck skills such as passing, receiving and shooting off both sides if possible.
- Work on strength and mobility, especially legs, core and hips.
- Check equipment fit, replacing anything that is too small, worn or uncomfortable.
- Sharpen your skates a few days before tryouts, not the day of, so you can adjust.
- Get good sleep and nutrition in the days leading up to tryouts.
- Review the tryout schedule, including times, rinks and what to bring.
On the ice at tryouts
Energy and effort are visible to every evaluator. Be first in line for drills, listen carefully to the explanation, and execute at full speed. If you make a mistake, keep going and try again rather than showing frustration. In scrimmages, play your position, support the puck and backcheck hard. Keep shifts short, around 30 to 45 seconds, so you can go hard every time you are on the ice. Communicate with teammates by calling for passes and talking on defense. Simple, smart plays that keep possession and create chances often impress evaluators more than trying to beat every player on your own.
Common tryout drills and how to excel
Skating drills: Evaluators often start with forward and backward skating, crossovers, tight turns and stops. Stay low with bent knees, push fully with each stride and keep your head up. Finishing strongly through the last cone shows effort. Passing drills: Keep passes flat and on the tape, receive the puck softly and move it quickly. Talk to your partner by calling for the puck. Shooting drills: Focus on getting shots on net and following up for rebounds rather than only trying to pick corners. Battle drills: One-on-one and two-on-two battles in corners or small areas show compete level. Keep your stick on the ice, protect the puck with your body and never give up on a play. Small-area games: These test quick decision-making. Support teammates, move to open ice and make fast, simple passes.
What to bring on tryout day
Pack your full equipment the night before, including helmet with cage or visor as required, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, pants, shin guards, skates, jersey, socks, neck guard if required, mouthguard, water bottle, extra tape and a spare stick. Bring any registration forms or tryout numbers requested by the organization. Arrive early enough to dress calmly, warm up and check your gear. A relaxed, prepared start helps you focus on the ice rather than scrambling in the locker room.
Advice for parents
Parents can help by making sure players arrive rested, fed and on time, with equipment ready. During tryouts, stay supportive and avoid coaching from the stands or discussing evaluators’ decisions in front of the player. After tryouts, focus on effort and learning rather than only the result. If your child does not make the team, encourage them to ask for feedback and help them find other opportunities to keep developing and enjoying the game.
Off-ice preparation that makes a difference
Off-ice work can give players an edge. Plyometric exercises such as lateral bounds and box jumps build explosive skating power. Core exercises improve balance and puck protection. Stickhandling with a ball or weighted puck at home sharpens hands, and shooting against a net or target improves accuracy. Watching games and studying how players at your position move without the puck helps build hockey sense. Even 20 to 30 minutes a day over several weeks can lead to noticeable improvement.
Tips by position
| Position | What to show |
|---|---|
| Forwards | Speed, puck protection, net-front presence, backchecking, faceoffs for centers |
| Defense | Backward skating, gap control, first pass, shot blocking, positioning |
| Goalies | Positioning, rebound control, tracking the puck, recovery, communication |
Forwards should show they can play both ends of the ice, winning battles and getting back on defense. Defensemen should demonstrate smooth backward skating, strong gap control and quick, accurate outlet passes. Goalies are evaluated on technical skills and composure; staying calm after goals and communicating with defenders both make a positive impression.
The mental side of tryouts
Tryouts can be stressful, especially when spots are limited. Focus on what you can control: effort, attitude, listening and preparation. Remind yourself that one mistake will not decide the outcome, since evaluators look at performance across several sessions. Many players find it helpful to have a simple routine before each session, such as a warm-up, a few deep breaths and a reminder of two or three goals, like skating hard and communicating. Positive body language, even when tired, signals resilience and coachability.
Health and safety note
Tryouts involve intense skating and contact, so make sure your equipment fits properly and is in good condition, including helmet, mouthguard if required and neck guard where required. Warm up before getting on the ice and stay hydrated. Health note: this article is general information, not medical advice. If you have an injury, concussion history or medical condition, check with a doctor before tryouts and follow your league’s return-to-play guidance.
After tryouts
Whatever the result, tryouts are a learning opportunity. If you make the team, keep working on the areas evaluators highlighted. If you do not, ask the coach politely for feedback on what to improve, and consider other teams, development programs or skills clinics. Many players are cut at some point and go on to succeed by using the feedback to improve.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Coasting in drills. Every rep is being watched.
- Long shifts. Tired players make mistakes and look slow.
- Forcing highlight plays. Smart, simple plays usually impress more.
- Ignoring defense. Backchecking and positioning matter to coaches.
- New or poorly fitting equipment. Break in gear before tryouts.
- Negative body language. Stay positive after mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
What do coaches look for at hockey tryouts?
Skating, puck skills, hockey sense, compete level and coachability.
How should I prepare for hockey tryouts?
Skate regularly, build conditioning, check equipment and sharpen skates a few days before.
What if I get cut from a hockey team?
Ask for feedback, work on your weaknesses and look for other teams or development programs.
