Some players make the mistake of thinking that their tryout is over as soon as the last drill is done on the ice. Here are two quick tips female hockey players can use to make a great impression and standout from the crowd after the final whistle blows.

Before I get into the messy topic of getting cut, I want to touch on one thing girls hockey players must do before they leave the rink after the tryout – in fact, it’s something they should do before they even step off the ice.

1) Say “Thank You”! I know… it sounds “cheesy” and it doesn’t seem like that big of a deal. Trust me again on this one – it IS a big deal. Coaches will remember when a player says “Thank You” at the end of any session on or off the ice – I know I do! The truth is that every player should say “Thank You”, but most don’t. That’s just another way to help yourself to standout in the eyes of the coaches. Because when push comes to shove and the coaches have to choose between you and another player who are almost identical in terms of skill, that little “Thanks” might just help you make the team.

2) Did You Make The Cut? The “cut” is the toughest part for female hockey players, parents and coaches. No coach enjoys cutting players and no players enjoy being cut. Getting cut “sucks” – but it is a necessary evil.

So if happens to you, what do you do?

Make sure to ask, “Why?” Girls hockey players and parents often forget to ask this question after getting cut from a team. The coach should be able to tell you exactly why you got cut. You may not agree with it, and you certainly don’t have to like it, but asking for and getting feedback is an absolutely critical part of getting better. You need to know exactly what you need to improve on to become a better player, and getting cut is a good opportunity to ask those tough questions. Ask “Why”, think about the answers you receive and use the information to become the player that you want to be.

Remember – You Can’t Always Control What Happens To You, But You Can Always Control How You React.

Getting cut is a reality for anyone playing competitive sports. All of us have to go through it. The fact that you got cut is not nearly as important as what you do afterward to make sure that it never happens again. Use it as motivation to work harder this off-season to become the best player possible for next season.

Work Hard. Dream BIG.

~ Coach Kim