The Ride To The Rink - The 4 Things Coaches Will Look For At Tryouts This Season Artwork

Our Kids Play Hockey | Hockey Stories & Teamwork Tips

Our Kids Play Hockey delivers engaging hockey stories and expert advice on teamwork and youth sports. Focused on parenting athletes, hockey parents, and young players, our podcast offers insightful interviews and practical tips to create positive sports experiences. Featuring knowledgeable hosts and guest experts, we explore skill development, sportsmanship, and the unique challenges in youth hockey, including specialized series on girls in hockey and young goalies.

The show features three hockey parents, who all work in the game at high levels:

Christie Casciano-Burns - USA Hockey Columnist, Author, and WSYR Anchor
Mike Bonelli - USA Hockey Coach and Organizational Consultant
Lee M.J. Elias - Hockey Entrepreneur, Author, and Team Strategist

In addition to the main podcast, there are several spin-off series that dive into specific aspects of youth hockey:

1. Our Girls Play Hockey – This series, co-hosted by Olympic Gold Medalist and Walter Cup Champion Hayley Scamurra, highlights the growing presence of girls in hockey, addressing the unique challenges they face while celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the sport.

2. The Ride to The Rink – A shorter, motivational series designed to be listened to on the way to the rink, offering quick, inspirational tips and advice to help players and parents get into the right mindset before a game or practice.

3. Our Kids Play Goalie – This series is dedicated to young goalies and the unique challenges they face. It provides advice for players, parents, and coaches on how to support and develop young goaltenders, focusing on the mental and physical demands of the position.

Together, these shows provide a comprehensive platform for parents, players, and coaches involved in youth hockey, offering insights for all aspects of the sport, from parenting, playing, or coaching to specialized positions like goaltending.

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Our Kids Play Hockey | Hockey Stories & Teamwork Tips

The Ride To The Rink - The 4 Things Coaches Will Look For At Tryouts This Season

March 28, 2024 • Season 1 • Episode 228

0:00 | 4:05

In this week’s episode of "The Ride to The Rink," Mike shares invaluable advice for young athletes heading to their hockey tryouts. Whether you're a seasoned player familiar with the team or someone stepping into a new organization, Mike's tips are designed to help you prepare effectively and stand out during tryouts.

Key Points Discussed:

Preparation is Key: Mike emphasizes the importance of arriving at the rink fully prepared. This includes knowing the location and timing of your tryouts, ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed, and getting your gear ready. Taking care of these elements beforehand can significantly reduce stress and set you up for success.

Dress for Success: Like a job interview, first impressions are crucial in tryouts. Mike advises dressing appropriately, suggesting team gear if available, and avoiding a casual, disheveled appearance. This shows coaches your seriousness and professionalism.

Hydration and Nutrition: Proper preparation extends beyond gear and paperwork. Mike highlights the importance of staying hydrated and well-nourished, especially during longer tryouts. Planning your meals and snacks can keep your energy levels high and improve your performance on the ice.

Making a Lasting Impression: Finally, Mike discusses the significance of making a positive impact during the tryout. This includes demonstrating your skills, being a supportive teammate, and engaging positively with coaches and players. It's your opportunity to redefine or reaffirm your reputation within the team.

Whether you're trying out for a new team or looking to secure your spot once again, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to acing your hockey tryouts. Join Mike Bonelli on "The Ride to The Rink" for these crucial tips and get ready to make your mark.

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Speaker 1 1:27

Okay . So I hope you're in the car and you're getting ready to go to your tryout right now . And if you're thinking about preparing for that , I thought we'd give you a couple of tips . When you go to these tryouts whether you've been to that rink a million times or you're new to the organization a couple of things you really need to think of . So number one is be prepared , meaning know where the rink is , know what time the tryouts are , have all your paperwork in . Make sure mom and dad have helped you get everything you need ready for tryouts . You don't want to walk in missing paperwork . Maybe mom and dad are out in the car . Something didn't get signed , waiver didn't get done Take the stress out . Make sure all that stuff's predetermined before you get into the rink .

Speaker 1 2:07

Number two just like a job interview , dress for success . If you're brand new to an organization or you're trying to set a new first impression , make sure you come in there dress appropriately . If you have your team gear , that's great , but try not to walk in with flip-flops and old shorts and look like you're disheveled and not ready to go . Especially as you get to the older levels , coaches are really going to want to see that you want to be there and you want to be prepared . Being prepared is also one of the things you need to do as far as hydration nutrition . If it's a long tryout , if you're going to one of these tryouts where it's over a two or three hour period , or maybe two or three days , in a rink pack accordingly , make sure you have enough water , make sure you have snacks , make sure you're not running down the street and get Taco Bell Plan ahead , have your little cooler there , have everything you need your protein shakes and your protein bars and anything else . You need to make sure you're hydrated and you have all the energy you need for a tryout .

Speaker 1 3:07

And I think you know one of the last and biggest important things you want to do in a tryout is make an impression , whether that's getting first to the puck , making sure you're positive on the bench , making sure you're saying hello to the coach , making sure you're being a great teammate as far as being a cheerleader to other teammates , patting that goalie on the pads . This is the time of year when you can reset a lot of the things that you've been doing all year and have a chance to go in , see new teammates , see old teammates , reestablish yourself . The old adage that you never get a second chance to make a first impression Sometimes at youth hockey isn't always the case . Get in there , change the , change the narrative of who you are , or reestablish who you are . Make sure you're going with a positive attitude , you're prepared , you're ready to go and you know make a great impression . So good luck in tryouts .