What Parents Should Actually Look for at Tryouts

Tryout season is stressful. For players and for parents. But most of the stress comes from not knowing what evaluators are actually looking at. Spoiler — it's probably not what you think.

Parents tend to watch the scoreboard. Coaches watch everything else.

First shift effort. Evaluators notice who comes out competing from the first whistle. Players who coast through the opening drills thinking they'll turn it on later are already behind. First impressions matter and they happen fast.

Compete level without the puck. Anyone can look good with the puck on their stick. What separates players at tryouts is what they do without it. Are they forechecking? Are they getting back on defence? Are they battling in the corners or standing on the perimeter watching?

Skating. This is the biggest one. Coaches can teach systems. They can teach positioning. Teaching a player to skate at 14 is a much harder fix. Smooth, powerful skating catches the eye every single time — even if the player doesn't put up a point all weekend.

Coachability. Does the player listen during stoppages? Do they adjust when something is asked of them? Evaluators watch body language closely. A player who nods, listens, and tries to apply feedback immediately stands out more than the kid who scores three goals but ignores the coaching.

Consistency. One great shift doesn't make a tryout. Coaches are looking for players who bring it every shift, not just when they feel like it. Showing up consistently across every drill and every scrimmage is what gets you on the roster.

Talk to your player about these things before tryouts start. Take the pressure off the scoresheet and put the focus on effort, attitude, and skating. Those are the things they can control — and they're exactly what evaluators are watching."

Preparing for tryouts? Submit your footage for a Video Review and go in with a plan.