Guide to Player Evaluations

The goal of evaluations (“evals”) is to place players on the right team for their skill level. This helps every skater have the best chance to improve, compete, and enjoy the season.

Night 1: Skills Check and Game Play

Coaches focus on basic hockey skills:

• Skating – forward, backward, crossovers, stops, and edge control.
• Stick handling / puck control – moving with the puck in different directions, with and without pressure.
• Shooting / passing – mechanics, accuracy, and strength.
• Goaltending – movement, mechanics, positioning, and overall ability.

Night 2: Game Play

Coaches look at how players perform in game situations:

• Positioning – being in the right place and working as part of a team.
• Effort – skating hard on both offense and defense.
• Hockey sense (“IQ”) – reading the game and making smart plays.
• Skills under pressure – showing the same skills from Night 1 in game play.

Night 3: Callbacks (if needed)

Some players may be invited back for a third night:

• This is not a “good” or “bad” thing.
• A callback means:
• The player is on the “bubble” between two teams (e.g., could be placed on B or C, or A or B, etc).
• Or, the player is there to help provide competition so bubble players can be evaluated more clearly.

Summary

Evaluations are about finding the best fit for each player—not about passing or failing. Coaches want to see how kids use their skills, work with teammates, and handle game situations. The goal is to place players where they can develop, be challenged, and have fun.