Tryout advice from NHL’er Jeff Serowik

Hi guys,

I hope this message finds you well and excited for the upcoming hockey tryouts. As a coach, I've witnessed the dedication and hard work that young athletes like your kids put into the game. I want to share some real advice to help you make the most of this opportunity. Not generic tips. Stuff that actually matters when you step on that ice.

Preparation Is Key

Ensure you're physically and mentally prepared. Stick to a consistent training routine leading up to the tryouts, focusing on your fitness, skills, and tactics. Get plenty of rest the night before and eat a balanced meal to fuel your body.

The week before tryouts is not the time to cram in extra training or try something new. Your job that week is to stay sharp, stay healthy, and show up ready. Coaches can tell immediately when a kid is worn down or distracted. Take care of your body so your game can speak for itself.

Showcase Your Strengths

Identify your strongest skills and make sure to showcase them during the tryouts. Whether it's your speed, shot accuracy, or defensive abilities, let your strengths shine.

That said, don't play a game that isn't yours just to impress someone. If you're a defensive defenseman, be the best one on the ice. If you're a grinder who wins puck battles, win every single one. Coaches are evaluating value, and value comes in a lot of forms. Know what you bring to a team and commit to it fully.

Stay Positive and Confident

Confidence is crucial in sports. Believe in your abilities and stay positive, even if you make a mistake. Coaches look for players who can maintain a positive attitude and bounce back from setbacks.

Every player at a tryout is going to make mistakes. That's not what separates them. What separates them is how they respond. A player who puts their head down after a bad play is already losing the next shift. Shake it off, get back in position, and compete. That mental toughness is something coaches notice and remember.

Be Coachable

Listen carefully to instructions and feedback from the coaches. Show that you're eager to learn and adapt. Being coachable is a valuable trait that can set you apart from other players.

I've seen highly skilled players get cut because they couldn't take direction. I've seen less skilled players make a team because they absorbed coaching on the spot and adjusted. When a coach gives you feedback during a tryout, that's actually a good sign. It means they're paying attention to you. Act on it immediately. That response tells a coach more than any drill result.

Teamwork Matters

Hockey is a team sport. Demonstrate your ability to work well with others. Communicate effectively on the ice, support your teammates, and show that you're a team player.

No coach at any level is looking to build a roster of individuals. They're building a team. Players who make their linemates better, who call for the puck and give it back quickly, who back-check hard even when they're tired, those are the players coaches want in their locker room. Selfishness on the ice during a tryout will not go unnoticed.

Stay Focused and Composed

Keep your focus on the game and avoid getting distracted by nerves or other players. Stay composed under pressure and make smart decisions on the ice.

Nerves are normal. Every player feels them. The difference is learning to use that energy rather than letting it control you. Before you step on the ice, take a breath, focus on your process, and remember why you love this game. Simple decisions made with confidence will always beat flashy plays made in panic.

Enjoy the Experience

Remember to have fun and enjoy the experience. Tryouts are an opportunity to learn and grow as a player, so embrace the challenge and give it your best.

I mean this sincerely. The players who genuinely enjoy competing tend to play their best hockey in high-pressure situations. If you're so stressed about the outcome that you stop playing freely, your game will suffer. Trust your preparation, compete hard, and let the results take care of themselves.

Wishing you all the best in your upcoming tryouts. Remember, success is not just about making the team. It's about pushing yourself to be the best player you can be.

Jeff Serowik

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do coaches look for most during hockey tryouts?

Coaches are watching compete level, hockey sense, and attitude above almost everything else. Raw skill matters, but a player who battles for every puck, makes smart decisions, and responds well to coaching is more valuable than a highly skilled player who plays within himself. Show up ready to work and make it impossible for coaches to ignore you.

How should a player handle nerves before a hockey tryout?

Preparation is the best cure for nerves. If you've done the work leading up to tryouts, you have a foundation to rely on. On the day itself, stick to your routine, eat well, get to the rink early, and focus on what you can control. Nerves mean you care. That's not a bad thing. Channel that energy into your compete level.

Should parents give advice right before or after a tryout?

Keep it simple. Before the tryout, your job as a parent is to make sure your kid feels supported, not coached. After the tryout, ask them how they felt about their effort, not whether they think they made the team. The car ride home is not the time for a full breakdown of every shift. Let them decompress and process it on their own terms first.

What if my child doesn't make the team they tried out for?

Not making a team is hard. It's also part of the sport. The question to ask is what they can learn from the experience and where they can improve. A setback at a tryout, handled the right way, can be one of the most motivating things that happens to a young player. Use it as fuel, find the right development environment, and keep working.