There were double the tears last night.
Tears for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ stunning loss against the Boston Bruins in overtime after a 4-1 lead;
and tears because my son didn’t make the minor rep hockey team.
He was devastated. Of course I was saddened for him and very disappointed.
I swear it felt like the game on TV last night mirrored what happened to us – a strong journey and then it all just fell apart.
The rep hockey tryout process is gruelling emotionally and physically. There are levels of rep teams – from AAA to AE – and there are three tryouts for every level and cuts after each tryout. For example, my son made it through one cut of A level hockey but then got cut; he then made it through two tryouts for AE only to be cut last night.
Seven other hopefuls were also very disappointed last night. That’s eight little hearts broken in one evening – my heart goes out to all of them!
It’s very difficult for the coaches to select players for the teams – but more difficult for the players who are still only 8 and 9 years old. Players can be cut from a higher level also, getting beat out by lower level players who have improved over the past year. Players who were on the team the year before are automatically guaranteed to make it through to the third tryout.
If your child doesn’t start out young in rep hockey (Tyke), it just gets more difficult to make the team. The coaches already have their teams set up and dozens of kids are fighting for just a few spots. In most cases the coaches have 90% of their rosters already filled. If the coach has a child playing on the team, they’re in. Doesn’t seem fair but that’s the way it goes.
To make the team, your child will need to perform exceptionally well – he has to perform even better than those already on the team. Kids have to fight for a spot – that’s a ton of pressure! Like anybody, kids can have an amazing tryout (like my son did up to last night), and can have “off” days too.
Now what?
We pick up and move forward.
He tries out for the Select team again this year, which is kind of like an all-star House League (he was on the Select team last year).
If he really wants to play rep hockey, he’ll have to work even harder this year, improve his skills tremendously, and try out again next year.
He’s already bounced back, the tryout already a distant memory. Love how kids are so resilient. It might take me a bit longer.
No matter what, I’m proud of my son and all that he’s accomplished so far.
“Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.” ~ Terry Evanshan
Great article on Minor Hockey – “Is Minor Hockey Worth it?”
4 Comments
Aww… been there!! ‘Funny’ how they get over it quicker than us! Too much politics in rep anyway! Hugs Mom!
You know what, you’re absolutely right. It’s a tough process even without all the alternate agendas and politics, etc. Although, there are some good learning experiences that go along with it…for kids and parents.
It’s my son’s first year in rep (Novice) as well this year. Of course, we were realistic in our expectations of which level he would play…and we communicated that to him as well. We made sure that he knew that anything was possible, but we also helped him realize his skill level.
But there was one other risk…he turned Goalie on us! That’s right….every parent’s nightmare. But you know what, it’s not about us. It’s about him. It is something he always wanted to do. In the end, he made the Novice A team as goalie. But we’ve told him that the real work has just begun. He knows he will have to work hard to learn and perform.
It’s tough to see your child not attain what he/she wants. Be rest assured that there will always be tons of hockey to play.
Also, read this for a little perspective on the meaning of ‘success’
http://timbakerhr.com/losing-sucks/
Aw, poor guy. My son just finished his last Tyke season just playing house league and I honestly hope he never wants to play rep because the commitment and competition level is so high. But striving for something and not quite getting it is still a very valuable lesson. Next year!
Yes, I know how difficult it is for the players and the parents. I still can’t get over what happened with my son. You’re right! Players from last year get a ticket to the last tryout, but it never means you’re guaranteed. My son plays Atom, just made it back on the team, when we were sure he was a sure bet. He was rewarded most defensive last year, but this year he was given a bubble call regardless. Did we get our hopes up? Yes, but that was our doing. We hope to have a good year, and try next year, but who knows. Lots of politics plays a big role in rep hockey. It’s unfortunate, as the kids have no idea and believe that the harder you work the better chances they have. I believe it’s who you know. Coaches pick their managers and coaching staff before hand, that eliminates chances from the on set. Time will heal, lessons are learned, but they will persevere and try again. The beauty of youth, is the determination and the resilient human spirit.