Youth Hockey Tryouts: Don’t Let Emotions Make the Decision

🚨 Tryout season changes families.

The car rides get quieter. Group chats get louder. Other teams suddenly look better. And parents feel the pressure to “make the right move.”

But here’s the truth:

The wrong decision in youth hockey usually isn’t about talent.
It’s about chasing something that isn’t aligned with where your child actually is.

In this Parent Edition of The Ride to the Rink, the message is simple:

Think before you leap.

The Trap of Chasing Letters

AAA. Elite. Select. Top Team.

Those labels are powerful. But they can also distract from the most important question:

Is this the right environment for my child right now?

If your player isn’t being recruited, offered incentives, or clearly dominating at their current level, it may mean they’re exactly where they need to be.

And that’s okay.

Development happens best when:

• The player feels confident

• The coaching matches their growth stage

• The environment is healthy and supportive

• They still love coming to the rink

Chasing a level that’s too far ahead often leads to:

• Loss of confidence

• Reduced ice time

• Stress

• Burnout

How Directors See Team Jumping

This might surprise you.

From a hockey director’s perspective, a family that attends 6–7 tryouts while asking for roster assurances doesn’t signal ambition.

It signals instability.

Programs value:

• Commitment

• Communication

• Self-awareness

If you love your organization, say it clearly:

“We want to be here. Is there a place for us?”

That conversation builds trust.

Walking in with:

“Convince us to stay.”

Does the opposite.

Stop Chasing the Winning Team

Yes — winning feels great.

But youth hockey isn’t about stacking banners at 10U.

Some of the most developmental seasons are the ones where:

• Your child faces adversity

• The team struggles but competes

• Coaches are forced to teach and adjust

• Players learn resilience

If your child wins every year, they may not be stretching themselves.

If they lose every game by one goal? That’s growth.

The key question:
Are they competing? Are they developing?

The “Turn the Key” Test

Every time you get in the car to head to the rink, ask yourself:

• Is this program helping my child grow?

• Is this environment healthy?

• Are we enjoying this?

• Is the stress worth the return?

If the answer is yes — you may already be exactly where you need to be.

Know Who You Are

The most powerful advice in this episode?

Know who you are.

As a player.
As a parent.
As a family.

Know what you can handle.
Know your child’s emotional makeup.
Know your goals.

And then choose a lane.

Because the families who eliminate noise and commit to their path are often the ones who enjoy the journey most.

Final Thoughts for Parents

Tryout season is loud.

But development is quiet.

The right decision isn’t always flashy. It isn’t always the highest level. And it certainly isn’t always the winningest team.

It’s the place where your child:

• Learns

• Competes

• Builds confidence

• Makes friends

• And wants to come back tomorrow

Take a breath. Think. Make the choice that aligns with long-term growth.

We believe in you — and your player.

And we’ll see you on the next Ride to the Rink. 🚗🏒