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Rumors Revealed: The Truth About Tryouts

By Todd Smith, Special to Minnesota Hockey, 09/27/16, 11:30AM CDT

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The dates for hockey tryouts have been set and, more than likely, circled anxiously on the calendar. But as tryouts approach, the emotions of the players (and their parents) can begin to swing up and down, an emotional teeter-totter of both excitement and nervousness.

This is because tryouts usher in a new season and with it comes a new set of physical and mental challenges. Players could be moving up a level, gaining or losing teammates, changing positions and roles, or playing for a new coach.

The on-ice activity is a large part of the tryout process. But so is the degree of off-ice drama that can, at times, naturally build around the tryouts. Too often the rumor mill can crank up and this creates a swirling mix of fact and fiction, of information and imagination, and of reality and fabrication.

Wade Chiodo played high school hockey for Thief River Falls and Division I college hockey at the University of Alaska-Anchorage and Bemidji State University.

“I learned a valuable lesson about tryouts,” said Chiodo. “Mainly, that nothing is given to you. Rather, everything needs to be earned. I had a great experience with the game of hockey. I learned multiple life lessons that I still utilize today.” 

Now head coach of the Bemidji boys’ high school hockey team, Chiodo helps us decipher fact from fiction when it comes to youth hockey tryouts.

Rumor: To get noticed, a player has to do something dramatic and flash show-stopping skills in tryouts.

Fact: “Everyone thinks that they need to score goals or make an unbelievable play to be seen,” said Chiodo. “What helps a player get noticed is doing the little things right – consistently. Be a complete player in all three zones.”

Rumor: A tryout result seals a player’s fate for the future.

Fact: “It may feel like it does,” said Chiodo. “But believe me, it does not.”

Edina goalie Adam Carlson was twice cut from the Edina high school hockey team. He regrouped, got back to work, and earned a scholarship to play Division I at Mercyhurst and signed with the Washington Capitals this season. 

Rumor: Parents should coach their players throughout tryouts.

Fact: “Let the players play and the coaches coach. It really is that simple,” said Chiodo. “The best thing to do is celebrate your son or daughter’s successes and support them in disappointing moments.” 

Rumor: A good way to get noticed at tryouts is for a player to throw a big hit or get physical.

Fact: “If one of your attributes as a player is playing physical, then go for it,” said Chiodo. “But, if that is not your style, then don’t. Playing outside of ‘your game’ to try and impress a coach is not the ticket. As I already indicated, be yourself and play your game.  By doing so, you will capitalize on your strengths.”

Rumor: Players need to train year-round in hockey in order to make the top team.

Fact: “That players need to skate year-round is one of the biggest myths,” said Chiodo. “Players need to take breaks from skating and recharge the engine. I do believe that off-ice workouts should be a part of your day and that you can do off-ice workouts throughout the year. Plus, it is a healthy habit to get into.”

At the younger age levels, off-ice workouts are mainly accomplished through playing other sports during the offseason. As players reach the Bantam/14U level and beyond, it’s important to begin adding strength training and other off-ice components as well as playing other sports.

Rumor: Tryout preparation is all about physical skill sets.

Fact: “The mental side is just as important,” said Chiodo. “As a player, it’s important to remember to never be too high and never be too low, stay even in the good times and the tough times.”

Rumor: It’s all about practicing on-ice skills.

Fact: “To fully prepare, players need to look at all aspects: conditioning, nutrition, sleep.”

Many coaches place a priority on character and pay close attention to it in tryouts. Listening to coaches, trying your hardest, responding well to adversity and being a good teammate can all help you make a positive impression.

Rumor: Coaches and evaluators are only looking for skilled players, the ones that can dangle and snipe.

Fact: “What am I looking for are kids that are going to do the little things right and buy in to the coaching staff’s philosophy.”

Rumor: The most important result from hockey tryouts is making the top team.

Fact: “It’s really important for a player to stay the course and be yourself. Play the game the right way, respect the game, respect your teammates, respect your opponents, and make sure to never become complacent as a player.”

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