Tryouts are conducted to evaluate each player’s skill set and playing ability in order to place them on a team at the appropriate level of competition.

All players on the ice will be evaluated. The guideline is that the top 10 ranked players (approximately 2/3 of the team) make the team in question. The coach has a high level of input in picking the remainder of the players, in consultation with the age convenors. Consideration will be given to players trying out for AA, and to players who are injured during the tryout period. Teams at each age group will generally be divided into equal numbers of players.

There will be up to four non-partisan evaluators for each age level. Evaluators do not have players’ names, just their jersey colour and number. Coaches for each age group will be on the ice running the drills. Evaluation scores will not be divulged, however information on areas for improvement will be provided if requested.

The A1 team will be selected after the fourth tryout (after the fifth tryout for 8A1's). The A2 team will be selected after the fifth tryout. Tryout slots six and seven will serve as practice ice for the A1 team. Therefore, each player will receive at least five ice times for their tryout fee, a few may get to skate 6 times.

We will not be passing out letters to players. Players should attend the next tryout session unless informed otherwise by phone.

NWMHA will endeavor to host an A1 team at each age level, however the team formation committee will consider applying for variances when appropriate. Players are expected to play for the team for which they have been selected. However, consideration will be given, when received in writing, for placement on a lower level team. Examples of such consideration include financial or time constraints.

The A1 team will be offered to be hosted by the community centre with the most players on that team. If a community centre chooses not to host that team, it will be offered to the centre with the next most number of players, and so on. Hosting of the A2 and A3 teams will be done at an allocation meeting, with the intent that each community centre in good standing can host at least one team. Please be aware that your child may be playing out of any community centre in the North West Association.