Part 1 - Surviving Hockey Tryouts for Coaches: A Coach's Guide to Preparing and Selecting the Team

In the exhilarating yet emotionally charged world of hockey tryouts, coaches face a whirlwind of challenges and decisions. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-time coach, the journey begins with meticulous planning, dreams, and a vision, alongside a clear understanding of the association's goals and policies. During this time, it's crucial to navigate through the complexities of team selection with integrity, honesty, and foresight.

Homework Pays Off:

Early preparation is key to success in hockey tryouts. Start by scouting potential players and assessing team needs well in advance, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the talent pool available. Get to know your players inside out - understand their strengths, weaknesses, and the unique contributions each can bring to the team. With this knowledge in hand, align your coaching philosophy with the association's ambitions and weave it seamlessly into your strategy. Create a clear timeline for the season ahead, outlining goals, milestones, and strategies to maximize team performance and cohesion. By laying this groundwork early on, you set yourself up for a smoother tryout process and a more successful season ahead. Remember the season is a marathon, not a sprint.

Prioritizing Integrity and Transparency:

Integrity is the cornerstone of hockey tryouts, demanding a steadfast commitment to honesty over the allure of promises and guaranteed spots. Navigating the fine line between being well-regarded and transparent is no easy feat, and you will never make everyone happy. However, the pivotal truth remains: honesty fosters trust. Surround yourself with experienced evaluators who share your vision and passion for the game but are also not afraid to speak up and challenge your selections. While delivering unfavorable news isn't easy, embracing honesty cultivates a respected personal brand in the long term. By prioritizing integrity, transparency, and expertise in team selection, you establish the bedrock for your personal brand and a prosperous season ahead.

Crafting an Optimal On-Ice Environment:

Setting the stage for hockey tryouts involves more than just planning drills; it's about creating an environment where players feel both at ease and motivated to showcase their abilities. Begin by easing nerves with friendly introductions and clear expectations, setting the tone for a positive and focused session. Crafting the tryouts requires strategic planning - design drills and scrimmages that not only evaluate skills but also align with your team-building priorities. Keep a keen eye on players, both during gameplay and off the puck, assessing their attitude, coachability, chemistry, and skill. By maintaining a holistic approach to player evaluation, you can better identify those who will contribute positively to the team dynamic and culture.

The Art of the Cut:

Making tough decisions is an inevitable part of the hockey tryout process, and it's crucial to handle them with clarity and compassion. Swift decisions are key; avoid prolonging the inevitable; make cuts decisively to set clear expectations for both players and parents. Be mindful of the perceptions surrounding your selection process - offering unnecessary second chances may unintentionally alter how others view your decisions. When navigating tough conversations with players and their families, be prepared to address their emotions with honesty and empathy. By approaching these discussions with integrity and sensitivity, you can help ease the emotional toll of the selection process and maintain respect within the hockey community.

During tryouts and selections, coaches must support each other and maintain a united front. Even when differing opinions arise, refrain from questioning another coach's judgment. Avoid statements like "I can't believe you were cut" or "We're lucky you made it down to our team," as these can undermine the association and another coach who is trying to do the same job as you, and they don't make the player feel any better.

Instead, let's focus on fostering an environment of respect and collaboration, recognizing that each coach has a unique perspective, approach, and vision. Always prioritize the best interests and emotions of the players.

Delivering the News:

In the aftermath of hockey tryouts, the personal touch can make all the difference. This is not easily done, but consider reaching out to cut players or their families personally, offering sincere acknowledgments of their efforts and providing closure and feedback in a respectful manner. I am not suggesting that every cut from a 100-player tryout should be contacted, but recognize those with whom you have a relationship or those who may have played on the team previously. Conversely, there's immense joy in celebrating success - revel in the moment of delivering acceptance calls, taking a moment to recognize them for their hard work and dedication. Looking ahead, embrace the excitement of building a team and anticipate the journey with pride and anticipation. It doesn’t hurt to pour yourself a nice glass of Jameson by this point in the process.

In the rollercoaster of emotions and challenges that define hockey tryouts, coaches must skillfully navigate through uncertainty, guided by principles of integrity, empathy, and commitment to realizing their team-building vision. As the final roster takes shape, the true reward transcends mere player selection; it lies in the optimistic anticipation of the upcoming. Echoing the sentiment of Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip's "Ahead by a Century," where "no dress rehearsal, this is our life," coaches must recognize the weight of their decisions, understanding that there's no turning back in time for adjustments. By prioritizing meaningful and honest relationships, celebrating achievements, and embracing the future, coaches cultivate an environment where every player has the opportunity to develop, grow, and ultimately emerge as better athletes and people for the journey ahead.