KAHA Tryout Expectations

Tryouts are CLOSED to parents! This is done to protect the players. Tryouts are a stressful time for all involved and we want to make sure the players can focus and perform without any distractions from parents. Players, coaches and evaluators are the only ones allowed in the rink while the tryouts are happening. If your player needs help with equipment, please make your trip to the locker rooms quickly and quietly or have them come into the lobby for help.

Evaluations will be made by our organization's coaching selection committee along with some independent evaluators. The head coach will have the final say for the team, but all evaluators will have input in compiling the rosters. No tryout selection is “perfect” but know our process to select the teams is solid and robust. Parent and player behavior/history can impact decisions.

• Each ice session will begin with warm-up drills, followed by a full-ice scrimmage.
• A referee will oversee the scrimmage, and benches will be supervised by staff members.
• Tryout results will be communicated via email. Notifications will be sent as quickly as possible, and no later than 72 hours after the completion of AA team tryouts. A-level team selections will be finalized and communicated after all AA players have accepted their roster spots.

Our focus is on the everyday process of development through relationships, teaching and challenging our players to be responsible and accountable for their attitude, effort and performance. We want our program to be represented by high character, competitive people that love the game and possess an internal drive to be the best that they can be.

Our evaluation will place emphasis not only on physical abilities (skating, puck skills, shooting, passing), but also traits such as competitiveness, decision making, team play, body language, selflessness, coachability, play away from the puck and emotional control.

Hockey is a dynamic game and mistakes are made on almost every shift. We want players to play without the fear of making a mistake.... they are going to happen! How they respond and react to those moments are critical to their growth and development.

Please encourage your players to WOR HARD, HAVE FUN and BE A GOOD TEAMMATE!