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 staff 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.

• For each ice session, we will start with warmup drills before transitioning into a full-ice scrimmage.
• A referee will oversee the scrimmage and benches will be monitored by members or our staff or some of our program's older players/alumni.
• Athletic trainers from Orthopedic ONE will be present for all sessions.
• Everyone will be notified via email of the tryout result. The email will be sent as quickly as possible and within 48 hours after the completion of your tryout.
• IF YOU ARE OFFERED A ROSTER SPOT, KEEP THE GOOD NEWS TO YOURSELF UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A FOLLOW UP EMAIL FROM THE AAA BLUE JACKETS. Cooperation with this request is paramount out of respect for others and the process.

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 COMPETE, HAVE FUN and BE A GOOD TEAMMATE!