TMHA and its volunteers are continuously striving to improve our evaluation process. We know that it is a stressful time for players and parents (a few of us have  kids are going through tryouts, too!)

To bring further clarity to the evaluation process, we're pleased to shared the following information:

• Evaluation criteria is posted below. This is taken directly from Hockey Canada and is what our evaluators are looking at.
• At U9, there will be 3 skates: #1 will focus on individual skills, #2 will focus on battle drill and small area games, and #3 will be a scrimmage. The groups will be re-sorted after Skate #2. 
• At U11 to U13, there will be 4 skates: #1 will focus on individual skills, #2 will focus on battle drill and small area games, and #3  and #4 will be scrimmages. Groups will be resorted after Skates #2 and #3. Keep an eye on your emails. 
• At U15, there will also be 4 skates and will follow the same format as above, however there will be also be non-contact scrimmages.
• Goalies will be grouped together at U9A/U11 and U13/U15 for an additional goalie-only evaluation.  You will get an additional email with that date and time.

A NOTE ABOUT EVALUATORS

As in years prior, members of the local Transcona hockey community will be acting as evaluators. This practice has enabled us to provide unbiased assessments while keeping our registration fees amongst the lowest in the city. **No evaluator has a child at that level -  no exception.**

If you have not made a payment arrangement or not followed it, your child will not be allowed on the ice.

U7 and U9 (House League) players will have a skate in early October to help coaches balance the teams and you will receive a email from the House League convenor with that information.

Please do not ask to change group or time, we will not accommodate.

Times subject to change.

Want to know what the evaluators are looking at during evaluation skates? Have a look at the player evaluation cue card below. This is taken directly from Hockey Canada's Minor Hockey Development Guide.

Skating – speed, quickness, technique

• Forward and Backward
• Turn both directions
• Stop both directions
• Are they in a good position for stability and strength

Passing – technique, control, vision

• Forehand and Backhand
• To moving and stationary target
• Vision – do they take a look and select best option
• Advanced – board passes, chips, saucer passes

Puck Control – technique, open ice, confined space

• Open carry with speed
• Execute dekes and fakes on the 1 on 1
• Can they handle the puck in traffic and tight space
• Ability to maintain control while being checked

Shooting – technique, accuracy, velocity

• Forehand and backhand
• Wrist shot, snap shot, slap shot
• Velocity
• Accuracy

Shot Selection – do they select the best shot for the opportunity?

• Game Understanding – Principles of Offence and Defence
• Player understands positional play
• Player supports the puck on the defensive and offensive side of puck
• Player communicates with teammates
• Player has the ability to read and react

Physical - balance and mobility

• Retains ready position after block shots
• Good recovery after scrambling
• Moves with speed
• Ability to recover from knees, side

Technical - butterfly, blocker, catcher

• Butterfly in low shots
• Use of stick
• Rebound control off stick, pads
• Position of blocker and catcher
• Quickness of blocker and catcher

Tactical - positioning and angles

• Looks for potential shooter
• Knows position at all times
• Lines up on puck
• Able to read telegraphed shots
• Good control of rebounds, digs for the puck

Mental - focus and concentration

• Alert at all times, follows puck
• Maintains concentration and composure, especially after a bad shot/goal/play
• Finds puck in scramble
• Controls temper, looks ready and eager
• Good work ethic

Skating - speed and agility

• Strong skates
• Displays quickness
• Good balance