Tryout Letter 2026 2027
Dear NWAHA Families,
Welcome to another exciting year of NWAHA hockey! As the tryout season approaches, we want to make sure every family… whether you are returning to our program or joining us for the first time feels informed, prepared, and confident heading into evaluations.
One of the most difficult and stressful times during the hockey season is the tryout process and research has shown that parents often feel this pressure more acutely than the players themselves! This letter is designed to walk you through exactly how our process works, what to expect, and how you can best support your young athlete throughout evaluations.
Please read this letter in full and save it for reference. We encourage you to share it with your player as well.
Objectives of Player Tryouts
● To provide a fair and impartial assessment of each player's total hockey skills through skating, small area games, and scrimmage sessions.
● To place players on the most appropriate team based on skill level measured against their peer group, while also factoring in coach feedback and hockey "intangibles" such as work ethic, coachability, and attitude.
● To provide uniformity, consistency, and transparency so that player and parent expectations are consistent from year to year across all age groups (8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, High School JV and Varsity).
● To form competitive teams at each level that maximize the opportunity for all players to develop their skills and most importantly, to HAVE FUN playing hockey.
2026/27 Tryout Schedule & Key Dates
Below are the scheduled tryout sessions for each age level. There are 2 sessions per age group. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend all sessions. Recreation and 8U players are NOT required to attend.
8U - Assessments August 1 8:00-9:00 August 1 9:00-10:00
10U July 28th 7:15 -8:15 July 29th 6:45-7:45
12U July 28th 8:30-9:30 July 30th 6:45-7:45
14U July 30th 8:00-9:00 August 3rd 7:15-8:15
HS Group 1 August 4th 8:30-10;00 August 6th 6:45-7:45
HS Group 2 August 4th 8:30-10;00 August 6th 8:00-9:00
* HS Groups to be determined week prior to Tryout
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tryout sessions are there?
There will be two tryout sessions per age level. We strongly encourage players to attend both sessions to give evaluators the most complete picture of their abilities. 8U does not have formal tryouts, but will have scheduled assessment times.
Does my child have to participate in tryouts?
If your child wishes to play travel hockey, attending at least one of the two sessions is required. Players in the Recreation Team program and 8U are NOT required to attend tryouts/assessments.
Is my child guaranteed a spot on the same team as last year?
Placement on any specific team is never guaranteed. All players must go through the tryout process. Decisions are made based on current skill level relative to the peer group and always in the best interest of each child's development. A player who moved from one level last year could be placed higher or lower depending on overall evaluation results.
Who conducts the evaluations?
● On-ice coaches, Off-ice evaluators, Independent outside evaluators (when available)
● The Head of Coaches, Director of Player Development, Goalie Coordinator and respective Head Coaches make final placement decisions
What will be evaluated?
Players are evaluated in skill station drills, small area games, and full-ice scrimmages. At younger levels, skating and fundamental skills carry more weight. As players get older, game sense and decision-making have a greater impact on placement.
Will prior season evaluations be considered?
Yes. Prior season coach assessments may be factored in alongside on-ice performance. Key intangibles evaluated include:
● Attendance and commitment to the program
● Attitude and behavior on and off the ice
● Work ethic, determination, and coachability
● Being a positive, unselfish team player
Will Goalies be evaluated at the same sessions?
Yes. Goalies will be evaluated during the same sessions with independent evaluators - both internal to NWAHA and external resources
How will my child be notified of placement?
Players will NOT be informed at the rink. Results will be communicated via email or final Head Coach communication following the final session. Families can generally expect communication within 2-3 days of the last session for their age group.
Player Selection Criteria
The following areas are evaluated across all sessions. The weight of each category varies by age group — younger players are judged more heavily on fundamentals, while older players are assessed more on game intelligence and positional play.
Skating Acceleration, speed, mobility, agility, balance, crossovers, pivots/transitions, and change of pace. Evaluators look at stride efficiency, knee bend, balance in motion, and the ability to stop and turn in both directions.
Passing Forehand and backhand passing, receiving with control, accuracy to a moving target, eye contact with the receiver, and hockey sense (knowing when to pass).
Puck Control Handling the puck with the head up, maintaining control in traffic, executing dekes and fakes, protecting the puck in small spaces, and sustaining puck possession under pressure.
Shooting Wrist shots, backhand shots, slap shots (14U+), quick release, accuracy, puck velocity, and the ability to shoot in motion. Slapshots not evaluated for 8U/10U.
Positional Play Reading the play offensively and defensively, supporting the puck carrier, patience under pressure, understanding of positioning, and anticipation.
Checking Concepts Checking applicable for older age groups, while competitive contact is evaluated at 12U. Angling, body position, stick checking, receiving contact, and defensive side positioning.
Goaltending Balance, quickness, low shot coverage, rebound control, angle play, post play, butterfly technique, and focus/concentration.
Parent Commitment & Expectations
Your role as a supportive parent is one of the most powerful factors in your child's success… not just during tryouts, but throughout the entire season. We ask all families to commit to the following during tryout sessions:
✔ Please DO
● Stay positive and encouraging with your child
● Sit in the hallway or go for a walk… stay away from off-ice evaluators
● Focus on the big picture and trust the process
● Help your child process results constructively
● Register on the NWAHA website by the deadline
✘ Please DO NOT
● Enter the rink during sessions – neither stands or downstairs is open to parents during tryouts (violation may result in removal)
● Count shots on goal or time individual drills
● Compare your child to other players
● Create a high pressure environment or mind-set on the way to the rink
● Discuss other players' performance or placement
A note worth remembering: research shows that even highly competitive players change significantly in relative ability between ages 8 and 18. The team level your child is placed at this season is not a "destiny"… it is a starting point. Many NHL players were cut or placed on lower-level teams before going on to great success, and even Michael Jordan was cut from his HS JV team. Encourage your player to use every evaluation as a growth opportunity.
Teams & Registration Commitment
Team composition will be determined by tryout registration numbers and final commitments. The NWAHA Board reserves the right to adjust the number of travel teams based on player availability and skill distribution.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: August 1, 2024
Registrations received after this date may incur a late fee, and placement may be subject to roster availability. Exceptions apply to new families who have recently relocated to the NWA area.
Coaching Announcements
Age specific Head Coaching assignments for all travel teams have been announced, however in age groups with 2 teams we could see movement/adjustments of Head Coach positions depending on tryout results. Any adjustments will be announced at same time team rosters are completed.
Closing Remarks
We hope this letter has answered your questions and given you confidence heading into the tryout process. Our entire staff is committed to making this a fair, transparent, and positive experience for every player and family.
If you have any questions not addressed here, please reach out to Brett Zaloudek - Head of Coaches or your specific age rep on the NWAHA Board of Directors. We are always happy to help.
We look forward to a fun and successful 2026/27 hockey season!