Jr Grads Tryouts

Updated: 2026-03-25

The schedule could be updated through the course of the tryouts so please check it often.

Jr. Grads tryout bulletin for 2026

Welcome to the 2026 Jr. Grads tryouts.

Cumberland Jr Grads AA/A tryouts for U10 to U16 players for the 2026-2027 season will run from April 25 to May 15, 2026. Registration will open March 25, 2026.

U9, U18 AA/A, and Rep B tryouts will take place starting at the end of August 2026. Registration for Rep B will open with 2026-2027 registrations.

As we get ready for the upcoming competitive season, our goal is to ensure every player and family feels informed and supported throughout the tryout process. This overview outlines what to expect, how evaluations are conducted, and how teams are formed.

We are committed to a process that is fair, transparent, and focused on giving every athlete the opportunity to perform their best.

Competitive Program Overview: Participation in the Jr. Grads competitive program is a meaningful commitment.
Time Commitment: Teams typically participate in hockey activities approximately three days per week, including 1-2 practices, games, and off-ice development. Teams may attend up to five tournaments and should expect to travel for regular season games as far as Pembroke, Cardinal, Cornwall and Canton NY.
Fees: Families should anticipate team fees of up to $2,000 in addition to CMHA registration fees. These fees support tournaments, development opportunities, and team operations.

Beyond hockey, the program emphasizes personal development—helping athletes build leadership, teamwork, accountability, and resilience.

AA/A Tryout Structure

Dates: April 25 – May 14
Levels: U10A –U16AA

April 25–30: Non-evaluated conditioning skates
May 1–14: Evaluated sessions:
- U10 & U11 begin with skills evaluation sessions
- All divisions progress through to intrasquad games (2) and exhibition games (4)

Each athlete will participate in at least one intrasquad game.

Release Process (General Overview)

Player movement occurs throughout the process:

Initial releases after intrasquad play
Additional releases will be made following exhibition games
Final rosters will be confirmed by May 15

Players released at any stage will have to register for Rep B tryouts in Fall 2026.

What Evaluators Look For

Players are assessed across multiple areas:

Skating, puck control, passing, shooting
Game awareness and decision-making
Work ethic, attitude, and coachability
Team play and communication
Physical readiness and consistency

Evaluation begins when players arrive at the rink; preparation, focus, and behaviour all contribute.

Team selection reflects both individual ability and overall team fit.

U10 & U11 Position Evaluation

At the U10 and U11 levels, players will not be evaluated or selected based on specific positions.

In alignment with the Hockey Canada development pathway, the focus at these ages is on developing well-rounded athletes. Players are evaluated as skaters, with emphasis on overall skill, hockey sense, and competitiveness.

Teams will be formed by selecting the top 15 skaters, regardless of position, to support long-term development and provide experience across multiple roles.

Goalie Evaluations

Goaltenders are evaluated using position-specific criteria, including:

Technical fundamentals
Game performance and awareness
Competitiveness and consistency

Evaluation Standards & Fair Practices

To ensure fairness:

Multiple evaluators at every session
Independent CMHA hired evaluators support team staff
Criteria align with Hockey Canada Long-Term Player Development model
Convenors and the Competitive Director provide oversight
CMHA evaluators are assigned to avoid conflicts of interest

No single session determines outcomes—decisions reflect the full body of work.

Team Selection & Notifications

Final rosters will be confirmed by May 15:

Early releases: email
Later releases: in person or by phone

Feedback may be requested after tryouts through the Convenor.

Roster Construction Philosophy

Teams are built for balance and long-term success, considering:

Positional needs (U12+)
Player roles and team fit
Overall team chemistry

After Tryouts

Selected players will hear from their Head Coach with next steps.
Non-rostered players will receive Rep B tryout details in August 2026.
Opportunities such as affiliate player (AP) call-ups may occur during the season.

Communication & Expectations

All communications during tryouts will be conducted through the Convenor. Each family will receive ongoing emails from their Convenor with tryout details and next steps.

Families are asked to:

Communicate absences/injuries promptly
Avoid approaching evaluators and Head Coaches
Demonstrate sportsmanship and respect

There is zero tolerance for abusive behaviour.

Supporting Your Athlete

Players should focus on:

Effort and attitude
Being a good teammate
Competing consistently
Applying feedback

The goal for our players is not perfection, it’s to show us their best.

2026 Tryout fees

Level	Fee	Status
AA/A Tryout Fee	$275	Registration open from March 25 to April 24. Click to Register.
Rep B Tryout Fee for players who participated in AA/A Spring tryouts	$75	Registrations will open following AA/A tryouts. Price in effect until May 30.
Rep B Tryout Fee for players ONLY participating in Rep B tryouts	$225	Registrations for Rep B will open with 2026-2027 season registration.

Visit the CMHA Registration page for more information, or click the button to register directly.

Spring Tryout Schedule

Click the button to access the Spring tryout schedule.

Spring 2026 Tryout Schedule

Fall Tryout Schedule

U9, U18 AA/A, and Rep B tryouts will take place starting at the end of August 2026.
A link to the schedule will be posted on this page.

Any questions about the tryout process should be sent to director_comp@cumberlandminorhockey.ca
Questions about the registration process should be sent to registrar@cumberlandminorhockey.ca

Decorum during tryouts

Tryouts can be stressful. It is important to recognize that not all players will be selected. Though we strive to offer fair, transparent and ethical evaluations, some parents may disagree with decisions and/or outcomes. Please be mindful that this is organized sports for children, not professional hockey. We ask that parents, players and spectators remain polite and cordial with all participants and volunteers. There will be no tolerance for belligerent, impolite, aggressive or violent behavior.

Only designated supervising adults/parents will be allowed in the changerooms. Players are expected to carry their own hockey bags to the changeroom with the exception of U9 players and younger goalies.

Tryouts FAQs

How do tryouts work?

U12-U18 AA evaluations consist of 2 intrasquad games (meaning between players of our association) and 4 exhibition games against other associations. Players released from AA tryouts will need to register once more for Rep B tryouts. Releases WILL be made following the 1st intrasquad game, and after each session thereafter. Rep B tryouts consist of 1 intrasquad game and 4 exhibition games.

U9-U11 A/AA evaluations consist of one skills evaluation (4 stations), 1 intrasquad game and exhibition games. Releases are made following the 1st exhibition game, and after each session thereafter. For U10-U11 Rep B, tryouts consist of 1 intrasquad game and exhibition games.

Players will be evaluated on skating, puck control, game sense and overall skills.

WE EXPECT PLAYERS TO TRY THEIR BEST. EVERYONE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT TRYING IS A COMPETITIVE PROCESS AND THAT NOT ALL PLAYERS WILL BE SELECTED.

Will there be tryout jerseys?

Who evaluates the players?

Are teams selected prior to tryouts?

Why are some players sitting out an exhibition game?

My child has been released and I do not agree.

We understand the disappointment that may accompany being released. This is part of a competitive selection. The decision to release a player is final. Though we welcome emails seeking input and feedback on the players evaluation, we will not tolerate any email degrading the CMHA, evaluators, coaches or volunteers.

As explained above, players who are not selected for AA/A will be offered to tryout for Rep B. Players who are not selected for Rep B will be automatically redirected to the Dukes. Trying out for the Jr. Grads, and being “last cut” from the Jr. Grads does NOT automatically put released players in Tier “A” of the Dukes. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you also attend the Dukes tryouts to ensure proper placement if they are cut from the Reb B tryouts.

Another consideration for parents and players is to seek a competitive release.

What is a competitive release?

A competitive release is a process by which a player can get released from CMHA for the purpose of trying out with another competitive association.

First, the player must tryout and be released from Jr. Grads tryouts.
Second, the player must be accepted to try out for another. If selected, the player would play for that team for the season.

There is no guarantee that other associations would accept imports, but this is something you may want to inquire about.

EXAMPLE: Luke is not selected for Jr. Grads U12AA. He wishes to try out for the Cobras. Luke’s parents reach out to the Cobras, and they confirm they’d accept Luke to tryout. Luke can then seek a competitive release from CMHA. If approved, this will allow Luke to tryout with the Cobras. If Luke is successful and is selected, Luke plays for the Cobras for the season. Luke then returns to CMHA next season.

However, if Luke is not selected by the Cobras, Luke then returns to CMHA and can continue on with Rep B tryouts with us. If released from rep B, he can seek another competitive release.

Paperwork is involved with a competitive release. It is not an automatic process.

Can I make a friend request?

What is the financial implication of competitive hockey?

When will coaches be announced?

I have more questions. Who do I contact?