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 automatically become part of the eligible players 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?

Yes, tryout jerseys will be provided to all players. Players are to wear these jerseys for all tryout sessions. Jerseys are not to be returned, they are players’ to keep. Players released from AA/A are required to keep their jerseys for the Rep B tryouts.  If jerseys are lost, there will be a $50 replacement fee charged.

WHO EVALUATES THE PLAYERS?

Qualified volunteers and contracted evaluators will perform the evaluation of the players. To impress the importance of fairness and the absence of bias, each evaluator will have signed an “Evaluator’s Declaration”, in which evaluators will declare not having any relation to the players, no vested interest, to be fair, impartial and keep evaluations confidential.

ARE TEAMS SELECTED PRIOR TO TRYOUTS?

No, this is false. Players are not selected prior to tryouts. All players who are trying out must be evaluated – including coach’s children. All players are evaluated on the same criteria.

WHY ARE SOME PLAYERS SITTING OUT AN EXHIBITION GAME?

Players may be asked to sit out a game to allow their peers to play and get more ice time. This allows evaluators to perform an extensive review of the players who have been selected to continue with the tryouts and may need some extra evaluation.

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 will be released to Rep B and automatically entered in the Rep B pool. 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?

There are no friends’ requests with Jr. Grads teams.

WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATION OF COMPETITIVE HOCKEY?

In addition to the registration fees paid through the Hockey Canada portal, each player will be asked to pay a team fee. Team fees are usually between 1300-1800$ per player. A comprehensive budget is set up early in the pre-season by the coach and the team treasurer.

WHEN WILL COACHES BE ANNOUNCED?

I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS. WHO DO I CONTACT?

Questions about the tryout process or the upcoming season should be directed to the Director of Competitive: director_comp@cumberlandminorhockey.ca