The Right Mindset for Hockey Tryouts and Evaluations

For young hockey players, few moments feel as big as evaluations and tryouts.

Maybe you’re excited. Maybe you’re nervous. Maybe you’re worried about making the team you want. All of those emotions are completely normal.

But here’s the truth most players don’t hear enough: a great tryout isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being prepared, confident, and authentic.

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we break down how players should approach evaluations with the mindset that coaches actually notice.

Start With the Things You Can Control

Before you even step onto the ice, your preparation already says a lot about you.

Simple habits can make a huge difference:

• Make sure your equipment is ready

• Eat properly before the skate

• Stay hydrated

• Get a good night’s sleep

• Arrive at the rink prepared and focused

These sound basic, but coaches see players show up unprepared more often than you might think. When players neglect these simple details, it shows in their performance and attitude.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s showing that you care about the opportunity in front of you.

Motivation Is Good — Anxiety Is Not

It’s completely normal to feel something before a tryout.

You should care.

You should want to perform well.

But there’s a big difference between motivation and anxiety.

Motivation pushes you forward. Anxiety holds you back.

Instead of thinking:

• “What if I don’t make the team?”

Focus on:

• “I’m ready to play.”

• “I’m going to do my best.”

• “I love playing hockey.”

Positive self-talk might feel awkward at first, but it helps players stay loose and confident on the ice.

At the end of the day, it’s still hockey — the same game you’ve been playing all season.

Don’t Try to Be Someone You’re Not

One of the biggest mistakes players make during evaluations is trying to do things outside their game.

If you’re not known for dangling through defenders, a tryout is not the time to suddenly attempt five toe-drags at the blue line.

Coaches notice when players are forcing it.

Instead, focus on what you do best:

• Great skater? Use your speed.

• Smart playmaker? Move the puck.

• High hockey IQ? Make the right decisions.

The players who stand out most are the ones who simply play their game with confidence and consistency.

Versatility Is a Hidden Advantage

Another tip that can help players stand out: be willing to play anywhere.

Many players arrive at tryouts determined to play only one position.

But coaches often notice the players who say:

“I’ll play wherever the team needs me.”

Being versatile shows:

• Team-first mentality

• Adaptability

• Coachability

And those are traits every coach values.

Coaches Notice Effort More Than You Think

One story from the episode perfectly illustrates this.

During a skating drill at a tryout, a player fell down right after the whistle blew. Instead of giving up, he jumped back up and skated as hard as he possibly could — finishing the drill first.

Later, the coach told him that moment is what earned him a spot on the team.

It wasn’t the scrimmage.

It wasn’t a fancy move.

It was the effort and response after making a mistake.

That’s what coaches remember.

If You Don’t Make the Team You Want

This is one of the toughest moments young athletes face.

And it’s okay if it hurts.

But what matters most is what you do next.

Some players respond by blaming coaches or complaining about fairness. Others respond by working harder, leading their team, and proving themselves over time.

In fact, some of the most powerful growth seasons happen after players don’t make the team they hoped for.

Your response defines your character far more than the result.

The Big Picture: One Tryout Doesn’t Define You

A single evaluation is just one moment in a much longer hockey journey.

Players are defined by their body of work over time — the practices, the games, the effort, and the attitude they bring every day.

So if you’re heading to the rink for a tryout soon, remember:

• Prepare well

• Play your game

• Work as hard as you can

• Be a great teammate

• And enjoy the opportunity to play the sport you love

Because at the end of the day, hockey is supposed to be fun.

And if you keep showing up with the right attitude and effort, good things will follow.

🎧 If this episode helped you or your young player prepare for tryouts, share it with a teammate or hockey family who might need to hear it on their ride to the rink.