What Are Coaches Looking for at Tryouts

Next week tryouts begin here in Northern New Jersey for Mite-Bantam travel programs. My oldest is moving up to Bantam this year and, since the Winter season ended, he’s been working out, taking skating lessons, and of course playing Spring Hockey.

As I dread the stress of tryouts, I have to admit that I’m amazed that the coaches can make any decisions at all with so many kids on the ice together. To my relatively untrained eye, it seems like there are always a few kids who are clearly better than all the others. Then there are the few kids who are clearly struggling and can’t keep up with everyone else. Then there are the great unwashed masses in the middle – most of the kids including my son. I wondered what advice an experienced coach would give to these kids about how to put their best foot forward at a tryout. The coaches I spoke with had some interesting advice and I wanted to share it with all of you!

Coach Kyle Long from the North Jersey Avalanche program (http://www.icehousenj.com/) realizes how hard it is to spot one kid in the crowd and he advises that you have to do what you can to get noticed. “Whether it be a great shot, big hit, or fast skating you need to do something to grab the coach’s attention.” Bradford Johnson, General Manager of Stockholm, NJ’s Skyland Kings (http://www.skylandsiceworldnj.com/) concurs saying that you need to “Be outstanding at your one best thing.” If you’re not the Zach Parise or Ovechkin of your team, don’t try to do that. Do something else! Chris Nadeau, former Midget AAA Hockey Coach, former professional hockey player (http://hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=24663) and now web entrepreneur of HockeyTweets (http://hockeytweets.thehockeyzen.com/ ) and The Hockey Zen (http://hockey.thesportszen.com/) advises players to think of it this way. “Be remarkable” he says. He adds, “You know what you are good at. Be the best at it every shift and practice.”

Skyland’s Coach Johnson went on to reveal how a coach looks for different things from different players. You don’t want a roster of kids who are all the same. He goes on to explain that, “Teams are always in need of players who can fill a role. That role might be an ‘energy’ guy who blocks shots, hustles constantly, and throws a big hit to get his team going. Or maybe you need a third / fourth line ‘defensive forward’ who always shows defensive responsibility so the coach can confidently put him on the ice late in close games when his team is ahead. Another key role can be a ‘shut down d-man’ who may not score much but can keep the best player on the other team from scoring.”

The Avalanche’s Coach Long also thinks it’s important to stay on the ice between the end of the season and tryouts. According to Long, “A good coach can always spot a kid that has taken some time off from skating.” I certainly hope this is true, because it will make me feel better about all those hockey lessons and clinics I paid for!

Renowned power skating coach and ex-youth hockey coach Doug Brown (http://www.dougbrowspowerskating.com/) offers another strategy for standing out once you realize you are in the middle of the pack talent wise. He explains that “If you don't have the skill and speed of the top 5% of the kids at tryouts, you better come with a ‘no one is going to out work ME!’ approach. To get noticed pick out one of those kids in that top 5% and give them a real fight for a loose puck.” A hard working kid is sure to catch a coach’s eye! Coach Brown also added an important caveat about what not to do! He wisely points out that players shouldn’t “try to do things they normally don’t do. If you are a great passer make some great passes. If you have moves make some moves.” But, he cautions, “tryouts are not the place to try new things. Make sure you play to your strengths!”

While everyone is working hard to showcase their best hockey skills, Coach Matt Hazuda from the NJ Wild (http://www.njwild.com/) reminds us that there is more to being a great hockey player than your physical abilities. He points out that “a good work ethic is something that coaches look for in players. Players need to show the willingness and determination to out work all other players on the ice. This is the one thing that can not be taught.” Perhaps, most importantly, he cautions that a bad attitude can make a coach pass over a skilled player. So be on your best behavior!

Chris Nadeau, also emphasized the importance of demonstrating the right attitude. He always recalls an interview given by Milan Lucic in which he said the biggest thing he tried to focus on was making sure he showed up on the score sheet every game. Nadeau also tells me, that coaches are looking for great listeners. He suggests that, “If the coach asks you to do something in a drill or game, really go out and try and do it the way he requested. Coaches love players that are coachable.”

I know many parents worry that tryouts aren’t exactly fair. And maybe they aren’t. But giving in to all the whispers that everything is political or that the teams are already picked is a self-defeating strategy. Coach Nadeau concurs saying not only is it important for a player to stay positive, but be sure that you “Don't let any coach, player, friend or family member sway you from your dreams.”

Tryouts are stressful, and you have to go out and try your hardest, but you won’t be perfect the entire time. Nadeau has one final piece of advice. It’s something he learned late in his career and now realizes is the absolute key to being successful. “Stay in the moment” according to Nadeau. “Whether you make a great play or a mistake, don't carry it with you. It is over and you are onto the next shift or drill.”

So that’s what I learned about what coaches are looking for at tryouts. Thanks Coaches for sharing your words of wisdom! And good luck at tryouts everyone!

If you have any added advice or comments please leave it as a comment!