Mar 31, 2025
ICE RAY Coach Daniel Ershov shares pro tips for Toronto minor hockey tryouts. Reduce stress, improve skills, and support your young athlete.
Why Child Development Matters in Hockey
As a Coach at ICE RAY Hockey Academy, I’ve trained hundreds of Toronto players through minor hockey tryouts. The truth? Success begins with child development—not just slap shots. We focus on building complete athletes who thrive under pressure.
Step 1: Know the Tryout Schedule In and Out
Most hockey organizations publish their tryout schedules on their websites.
- Double-check all dates, times, and rink locations.
- Arrive early for check-in, dressing, and warm-up.
- Bring any necessary forms or fees. Some tryouts won’t let your child on the ice without them. If they collect information on the web-forms, make sure you leave your info and contact details!
Staying organized sets the tone for the rest of the process.
Step 2: Stand Out on the Ice
There are usually more players than roster spots. Coaches have limited time to evaluate talent, and first impressions count.
Here’s what they typically watch for:
- Core skills like skating technique, puck handling, shot accuracy.
- Speed and agility—can your child play fast and adapt quickly?
- Decision-making under pressure. Smart passes and quick reads matter.
- Aggression and compete level. Do they battle for the puck and hustle back on defense?
- Coachability. Are they listening, staying focused, and showing respect?
- Leadership, even in subtle ways. Communication, attitude, and presence.
- Game sense in scenarios like 2-on-1s, breakouts, or defensive coverage.
To help them shine:
- Sign up for extra skills clinics or private coaching if needed.
- Simulate game situations in scrimmages or shinny games.
- Make sure the player is rested, hydrated, and mentally ready.
- Remember: hustle, be loud, stay confident. Show you belong.
Step 3: Ask the Questions That Matter
Tryouts are not just about being selected—they’re about finding the right environment to grow.
Parents, take time to talk to the coaches and team reps. Ask questions like:
Coaching Staff
- Who is the head coach?
- What’s their background? Years coaching, certifications, success stories?
- How long have they been with this group?
- Have they helped players move up to higher levels?
Team Structure & Commitment
- How many practices per week?
- How often are games, and where?
- How many tournaments—local or travel?
- Where do they train and play?
- What’s the season timeline?
Roster & Player Roles
- How many players will be on the team?
- How many are they selecting this year?
- How is the lineup built—number of forwards, defense, goalies?
- Do they envision a role for your child (e.g., special teams, top line)?
Development Philosophy
- Will they bring in specialists (skills coaches, goalie trainers)?
- How much video or off-ice training is involved?
- What’s their playing style? Aggressive? Possession-focused? Defensive?
Final Thoughts for Parents:
Remember, tryouts are as much about observing the process as they are about evaluation. As a parent:
- Stay positive. Celebrate effort, not just results.
- Let the coaches do their job—cheer, but don’t coach from the stands.
- Don’t stress the outcome too early. Development is a long road.
And most importantly, understand this: the “best” team isn’t always the top-tier one. It’s the team where your child grows, enjoys hockey, and is challenged at the right level.