SJHA would like to announce our tryout and evaluation schedule for the 2011-12 season posted below. There are many factors that go into these decisions at all the different levels but the most important factor is to provide all players with the best opportunity to develop and have success at the level they wish to tryout for the upcoming season. Please read this email in its entirety to understand our philosophy on tryouts and overall player development training periods.

Tryout Dates

Tier I Major and Minor Team Seattle - August 5th - 7th.  Ice times will be announced by email and posted on SJHA Website.

Click on your division to Register Online

Pee Wee Minor ~ 2000
Pee Wee Major ~ 1999
Bantam Minor ~ 1998
Bantam Major ~ 1997
16u Tier I ~ 1995 and 1996 all players regardless of age tryout for the Tier I team
16U Tier II ~ 1995 and 1996

Tier II and Squirt Rep Major/Minor Tryouts: September 6th - September 11th (Ice times for this week will be announced via email and posted on the SJHA Website)

Squirt Minor ~  2002
Squirt Major ~  2001
Pee Wee AA ~ 2000 & 1999
Bantam AA ~ 1997 & 1998
Midget AA ~ 1996 - 1993

"C" Evaluations - September 10th - 11th, September 17th & 18th weekends.  may be some mid-week ice but will not begin prior to September 10th.

Mighty Mite
Mite
Squirt "C"
Pee Wee "C"
Bantam "C"
Midget "C"

Too many times tryout schedules around the country are based on what the competition is doing or a business plan for selling ice not a "Player Development Model".
 
SJHA and SKAHA, our partner at the Tier 1 level, will operate with "Player Development" and "Opportunity" as our foundation. At the same time, we are working on some exciting changes at all levels to ensure we are putting the best product on the ice at all levels. Updates will be sent from your local associations as any news becomes available.

 
In areas around the country organizations try and get a leg up on the competition by having tryouts and charging for ice time as early as April and June with the first game not being until September. We all know what type of development and growth that can happen with players over a 2-4 month period. We will not place business, budgets and competition ahead of what's best for our players and will give all our players a chance to fully develop over the off season. A hockey player can be much different in August or September than they were in April. Early tryouts also give an obvious benefit to players that were on the team the previous year. We want to ensure that all players who have focused on improving their skills get a fair opportunity to try out for the team they are attempting to make.

 
The following is a sample schedule of an off season for hockey players.

 
April and May - Recovery period and develop athleticism through rest and playing other sports. Limited on ice training working on skating and skill development or fun on ice games like 3v3 after a period of time off.  Tier 1 players should especially adhere to this model and avoid all Spring/Summer hockey leagues, especially those involving travel.  For C players this might be a good option to play against similar competition and a chance to play in Canada.
 

June and July - Strength Training, athletic development and specific hockey training with an emphasis on skating and skill development. Towards the end of this period beginning to focus on cardiovascular workouts to prepare for tryouts and the upcoming season.

 
August - Tryout period and the beginning of team operations at the Tier 1 level. Ongoing preparation for the season with team focusing on overall conditioning and    fundamentals to prepare for season.  Tier 2 and C players should continue with strength training, athletic development, and skill development along with competitive small ice games such as 3v3.
 
September -  Tryout period and the beginning of team operations at the Tier 2 and "C" level. Ongoing preparation for the season with team focusing on overall conditioning and fundamentals to prepare for season.
 
Exact ice times will be emailed to all players that sign up for each individual tryout as well as being posted on our website. Enjoy the off season!!