Tryout Schedule and Information

Full 2026-2027 Tryout schedule released soon

10U-18U tryouts will start Saturday Aug 15

8U tryouts TBD

All coaches look to their team leaders for the same 6 essential qualities that can mean the difference between a good season and a bad season. While it is believed that some people are born leaders, leadership can be developed through practice and conscious effort.

Parents spend countless hours and thousands of dollars developing the physical skill of their children to excel in their chosen sport. Coaches know that physical skill is only one essential quality in selecting key players. It's the intangible, sometimes immeasurable qualities that make a player invaluable to an organization. Parents, players and coaches who work to develop these 6 essential qualities will see their efforts pay off.

1. Responsibility:  Leaders assume the responsibility of representing the coaching staff. During a game, players are often out of the earshot of the coaching staff. The team's leaders never lose control of the communication that occurs on the ice, especially between face offs. They take charge, remain positive, encouraging, aggressive and decisive. Leaders make good decisions on and off the ice. They dissuade teammates from engaging in unsportsmanlike activities. They associate with other "good kids" and resist common temptations that others cannot.
2. Morale: Leaders have insatiable morale. This doesn't mean just leading the team chant or keeping a smile on your face when the team is down by 10. Morale can be heard in the voice of a player who is determined not to give up. Morale is a tall, confident posture with actions to match. Morale is a "must win", cheerful, vigorous and passionate attitude that a player brings to every practice and every game.
3. Work Ethic:  It's not uncommon for a coach to be criticized for "playing favorites.” The truth of the matter is hard work and the right attitude will gain players the opportunity to prove themselves that players of the same skill and lesser determination will never see. Team leaders should possess an amazing work ethic. The actions and behaviors of the team’s leaders are contagious. A team leader who is complacent with his skill level is a malignancy. Leaders are the first to practice and last to leave. They seek assistance from the coaching staff on a regular basis. They ask what they can do to improve their ability. They are visible during the off-season. Leaders give it their all. They push themselves and others to do more.
4. Skill: Skill is an undeniable trait of a leader. However, skill is broader than the general notion of physical talent. Leaders possess both physical talent and the mental edge for the game. An excellent player must also be a smart player. He/she must become a student of the game. Their intimate knowledge will allow them to tum opponents’ mistakes into opportunities to score. The smart player is able to pull off the unexpected without it being a gamble. The physically skilled player works on their craft constantly. The leader reads, attends camps, watches videos, practices and trains specific to the sport. It is their passion and focus even in the off-season which elevates their game. Some players are born with skill, but a leader works tirelessly to improve their skill and the skill of their teammates.
5. Respect: Respect must be earned. It's often said that it takes time to "earn" the respect of others. This is not necessarily true.  A player should look to earn the respect of this coaches and fellow teammates on the first day of practice. Showing up early, demonstrating an exemplary work ethic, a winning morale, exhibiting tremendous skill and a sense of responsibility are things that will win the respect of your teammates and coaches immediately. Maintaining this respect day after day, week after week, season after season separates the leaders from the other players. Respect is tenuous. A player can lose the respect of his teammates and coaches with one careless comment or one thoughtless activity. Earning and then maintaining respect is a difficult job that requires self-control, sincerity, confidence, and determination.

​Summary: Many recruiters look more than what is visible on the ice. It's not surprising that they often want to know more about a player’s personality and leadership qualities than their skill. Physical skill speaks for itself. It shows up in the paper and in team stats. Leadership qualities are not as easily summarized but of equal importance to the success of an organization. To win the opportunity to prove yourself on the ice and perhaps more importantly, in life, develop the art of leadership.