5 TIPS FOR REP HOCKEY TRYOUTS

Rep hockey is getting more competitive year after year. Players not only have to show that they are capable hockey players, but they also will need to show they are smart hockey players and can function as a quality teammate. In this article we will look at the top five tips that you may never have thought of that will help you make the hockey team.

1. Arrive Early

This seems like a basic tip, but a lot of people will arrive a few minutes before tryouts start and could be stuck signing in or getting ready. If you are already seen as unreliable due to being late and holding everyone up, it could be taken as a negative and someone that the coach may not want on the team. Getting there early can give you the chance to meet the coaches so they know who you are and will show them that you are serious about preparing correctly for the tryouts.

2. Go for Every Ball You Can

Hustling for every puck should be a no-brainer. Coaches love to see hustle out of their players, and showing them that you are willing and able to go after the puck  to potentially score a goal can go a long way. 

3. Try Various Positions

If coaches want to see you at different positions, that is probably a good thing. It means that they like what you can bring to the ice and they want to see what else you can do. If you think you aren't tall enough to be a D or not skilled enough to be a forward, you should still give it your best effort. It might turn out that the coach likes you even better at a different position which could be the difference between you making the team or not.

4. Be a Good Teammate

Coaches want good players but they also want players who will get along and play together. If you are constantly shoot the puck instead of setting up teammates for the best shots, you could be seen as detrimental to the team’s overall success. The same thing goes for not being aggressive enough. If you constantly just set others up or don’t go for a goal, you could be seen as too passive and therefore not good enough to make an impact on the team.

5. Communicate

Communication with your teammates is important as well. Coaches want to see that you get along and can work with your teammates through communication. They are looking for leaders and smart players. Talking with the coaches at tryouts also makes you memorable and potentially can get them to consider you for the team over someone just as good who didn’t communicate with the coaches at all.