Hockey Tryouts

Who knew that the intensity of competition starts so young? My 8 year-old wanted to try out for travel hockey so we decided go through the process and see where it would take us.

We went to the first tryout on Monday, where both the AAA and the AA coaches observed all the boys together to see where they would best fit. In case you don’t know these terms, AAA is for a very talented player and while AA also requires talent, players don’t have as intense schedule. The children for this level where all born in 2000. If they don’t make the travel team, they can still play what’s called house hockey. House hockey is less competitive and requires less time and money of parents.

I have to admit, since my son was really into this experience, I really got into it too. I let him dictate how I would handle the situation. I didn’t push him into anything. He really wanted to get on the team.

On the way, we listened to some fun music to get psyched. At that first tryout, you could see all the different parents, the intense, the nervous and the nonchalant. The same labels could be applied to the children. The energy was high and there was excitement in the air.

After the tryout, each child and their parents were invited into a private area to speak briefly with the coach as to what level he would move on to for the next tryout. My son was asked to come back to the AA the next day. He felt good about his chances and was happy with his level of play that he demonstrated for the evaluation. I encouraged him and supported how well he had done and assured him of how proud I was.

As a mother, this is one area that I feel a little inadequate. As much as I have a bond with him and like hockey, I cannot replace his father. I think this is one of those situations were Dads are appreciated by their sons. Truth be told, my son and only 2 or 3 other boys, were the only children accompanied by just their mothers, all others came with their fathers or both parents.

On the next night, they did drills and skated as coaches watched intently while taking notes. There was about 35 kids trying-out for 17 positions. After it was over, everyone was asked to return the following night for the final evaluation. Yesterday was the “make-it or break-it” night. He was very optimistic; yet cool about it, so again, I supported whatever the outcome might hold.

At the final evaluation, I even felt a bit nervous for him, knowing how much he wanted to make the team. This tryout was more individual so coaches could compare his ability with playing in a group. After two late-night tryouts, school and anticipation, I could see that my guy was dragging. He wasn’t himself. I suggested a nap, but he refused. What can I say?

Then with about 20 minutes until the end of the tryout, the coach would pull a few children off the ice and ask that they find their parents and meet in the locker room. My son was one of those children. Once in the locker room, the coach told the boys how well they had done and that they really represent top-notch players. He said that there are only a certain number of positions open and that the boys would not be able to fill a position on the travel team this year. He encouraged them to try again next year. My son was sad, but accepted the decision.

On the way to the car, I told my son how proud I was of him. That he played really well, but the competition was stiff. I reminded him that hockey is fun and that he will have other opportunities if he wants to try again. Hard work and dedication will help him achieve his goal is that’s what he wants. I told him that he behaved like such a good sport, it made me so proud. It was really eye-opening how the children handled the disappointment. Some yelled and screamed and made a scene, others were gentleman. All in all, it was a learning experience for everyone, parents and players alike. On the ride home I asked him what, if anything, did he learn from the experience. He said, that you always try your best and that even when you think you’re really good, there’s other people who are trying hard too who might be a little better, but it’s ok because he still loves hockey and wants to play in the NHL someday.

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