Bantams: 

• Day 1:  Players split into 4 random groups.  Warm up drills followed by 4x4 scrimmages. NO CHECKING
• Day 2:  Players split into 4 equal scrimmage pools based on grades from day 1. Scrimmage 5x5, or 4x4 based on size of group. NO CHECKING
• Day 3:  3-5 pools based on combined grading from days 1 & 2.  Scrimmage 5x5, 4x4, or 3x3 based on size of group.
• Day 4:  3-5 pools of scrimmages based on previous days scores.
• Day 5:  3-5 pools of scrimmages based on previous two days’ scores. There may be an outside scrimmage for the last pool.

Peewees:

• Day 1:  Players split into random groups.  Warm up drills followed by 4x4 or 5x5 scrimmages.
• Day 2:  Players split into equal scrimmage pools based on grades from day 1. Scrimmage 5x5, or 4x4 based on size of group.
• Day 3:  4-5 pools based on combined grading from days 1 & 2.  Scrimmage 5x5, 4x4, or 3x3 based on size of group.
• Day 4:  4-5 pools of scrimmages based on previous scores.
• Day 5:  4-5 pools of scrimmages based on previous two days’ scores. There may be an outside scrimmage for the last pool.

Squirts:

• Day 1:  Players split into 4/5 random groups.  Warm up drills followed by 3x3 or 4x4 or 5x5 scrimmages.
• Day 2:  Players split into 4/5 equal scrimmage pools based on grades from day 1. Scrimmage 5x5, or 4x4 based on size of group.
• Day 3:  4-5 pools based on combined grading from days 1 & 2.  Scrimmage 5x5, 4x4, or 3x3 based on size of group.
• Day 4:  4-5 pools of scrimmages based on previous scores.
• Day 5:  4-5 pools of scrimmages based on previous two days’ scores. There may be an outside scrimmage for the last pool.

15U/12U/10U:

• Day 1 - Players split into one or two groups.  Warm up drills followed by 5 on 5, 4 on 4 or 3 on 3 scrimmage based on size of group.
• Day 2 – Players split into one or two equal scrimmage pools.  Scrimmage 5 on 5, 4 on 4 or 3 on 3 based on size of group.
• Day 3 – Players split into one or two groups based on grading from day 2.  Scrimmage 5 on 5, 4 on 4 or 3 on 3 based on size of group.
• Day 4 – Players split into one or two groups based on grading from day 3.  Daily scores will be used to determine players on each A and B team.  Scrimmages, 1 on 1, 2 on 2, etc. to help determine the cut between A and B.

The HDC believes that the scrimmage format is the best format to use in making our team selections.  This format allows the evaluators to rate the skills of the players under game conditions.  Some important factors that will affect scoring are listed below.

Player playing forward position:

• Quickness
• Forechecking ability – hustle, proper angling, finishing a check
• Back-checking – coming back hard and picking up the open player
• Body checking (at Bantam level) – proper use of body check and angles
• Team play – position and passing (don’t hog the puck).
• Competitiveness in small areas
• Passing
• Puck protection 
• Shooting
• Scoring

Player playing defensive position:

• Backward skating ability
• Lateral mobility
• Transition skating
• Gap control
• Quick puck movement up to forwards
• Angling and checking ability in defensive zone
• Does player jump up into offensive play
• Proper play of a 2 on 1 and 1 on 1 situation
• Puck control and playmaking
• Puck protection 
• Passing
• Shooting
• Scoring

Player playing goalie position:

• Movement (lateral, in/out, agility)
• Save selection/execution
• Rebound control
• Mental focus/competitiveness
• Angles/square to puck

Team Selection

Teams are selected based on the scoring achieved throughout the try out process. 

• The top 11 to 13 (depending on team size) highest rated players will automatically earn a position on the “AA” team.  The “AA” level coach may select the final two or three skaters provided that these skaters are ranked no lower than the 16th – 20th position (depending on team size).  If the “AA” level coach is a parent, he/she will not be involved in the evaluation process and the top 13 to 15 rated players (depending on team size) will automatically be placed on the “AA” team. 

• The process will continue for each level until all players are assigned to a team.  
• Volunteer head coaches will be assigned to these teams after the team rosters have been determined. 
• If two players have the same number of points, a 2nd yr. player will be given preference over a 1st yr. player.
• Final rosters will be posted on-line 2-4 days after tryouts have concluded. 
• Rosters are final.  No player will be moved to a higher team after rosters are posted unless the higher-level team has an issue fielding a full roster.
• Selection to a team as a first-year player will not entitle a player to a roster spot at the same level in subsequent years. 
  • If a player is going to be moved down a level from the previous year, the reasons for doing so will be communicated directly to the player and parents during or immediately after tryouts.