A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right Tryouts
- Kevin Geist
- Jan 14
- 3 min read
Tryout season in youth hockey can feel overwhelming—for players and parents alike. Multiple organizations, different team levels, conflicting advice, and plenty of outside noise
can turn what should be an exciting opportunity into a stressful decision.
The truth is this: choosing the right team matters far more than choosing the highest-sounding level. The goal isn’t to “win tryout season.” The goal is to put your child in the best environment to improve, enjoy the game, and stay in hockey long-term.
Here’s how parents can approach tryout season with clarity and confidence.
1. Start With Development, Not Labels
“AAA,” “AA,” “A,” “Elite,” “Select”—these labels sound important, but they don’t tell the whole story. What matters far more is:
Quality of coaching
Practice structure and ice time
Skill development philosophy
Opportunity to touch the puck and play meaningful minutes
A lower-level team with excellent coaching and development habits will often outperform a higher-level team that focuses only on winning games.
Ask yourself:Will my child improve here—or just survive?
2. Be Honest About Your Child’s Current Stage
Every player develops at a different pace. Trying out for teams that are far above a player’s current level often leads to:
Limited ice time
Reduced confidence
Playing “not to make mistakes”
Stagnant development
On the flip side, teams that are too easy can lead to boredom and bad habits.
The sweet spot is a level where your child is challenged but still confident enough to play fast, make plays, and learn.
3. Evaluate Coaching Before Anything Else
Coaching is the single biggest factor in a young player’s experience.
Things parents should look for:
Do coaches teach skills, concepts, and habits—or just systems?
Are practices high-tempo and organized?
Do coaches communicate clearly and respectfully with players?
Is development valued during the season, not just wins on the weekend?
A great coach can elevate an entire team. A poor one can derail a season.
4. Ask the Right Questions at Tryouts
Instead of asking, “What level is this team?” consider asking:
How many practices per week vs. games?
How is ice time handled during games?
What is the team’s development philosophy?
How are players evaluated and given feedback?
What does success look like for this team by season’s end?
The answers will tell you far more than a roster label.
5. Beware of Chasing the “Top Team”
It’s tempting to chase the highest team in an organization—but that’s not always the best move.
Being a top-line player on a slightly lower team often leads to:
More puck touches
Special teams opportunities
Leadership roles
Faster growth and confidence
Being a bottom-line player on a higher team often leads to:
Short shifts
Less trust
Limited offensive chances
Slower development
Development thrives on opportunity.
6. Consider the Full Environment
Hockey is more than just games. Consider:
Travel demands and family balance
Team culture and locker room environment
Organization stability and communication
Time for multi-sport participation (especially at younger ages)
Burnout is real. The right environment should challenge your child without overwhelming them.
7. Remember: Tryouts Are Just One Moment
Tryouts are a snapshot—not a full evaluation of a player’s potential.
Some kids:
Grow late
Develop confidence over time
Excel once the pressure is removed
One team or one decision will not define your child’s hockey future. Development is a long game.
Final Thought for Parents
The best question to ask during tryout season isn’t:“What’s the best team my child can make?”
It’s:“Where will my child learn the most, play with confidence, and continue to love the game?”
When parents choose development, enjoyment, and opportunity first, the results—on and off the ice—tend to take care of themselves.
