A Guide to Making Rep Hockey
For young hockey players with aspirations of reaching the next level, making a rep hockey team is often a significant milestone. Representational (rep) hockey offers players the opportunity to compete at a higher level, further develop their skills, and showcase their talent. In this blog, we will outline the steps to pursue your hockey dreams and increase your chances of making a rep hockey team.
1. Assess Your Skills and Commitment:
Before embarking on the journey towards rep hockey, take an honest assessment of your skills, strengths, and areas for improvement. Evaluate your skating, stickhandling, shooting, and game awareness. Understanding your abilities will help you set realistic goals and identify areas to focus on during your training.
Commitment is crucial when pursuing rep hockey. It requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to invest time and effort in training, practices, and games. Assess your commitment level and ensure you are ready to make the necessary sacrifices to pursue your hockey dreams.
2. Develop Your Skills:
To compete at the rep level, it is essential to continually work on improving your hockey skills. Engage in regular off-ice training, practice shooting and stickhandling drills, and work on your skating technique. Consider enrolling in hockey development programs, attending camps, or working with specialized trainers who can help you refine your skills and address any weaknesses.
3. Seek Quality Coaching:
Quality coaching plays a significant role in a player's development. Look for opportunities to train under experienced coaches who have a track record of working with rep-level players. Seek out coaches who focus on individual skill development, tactical understanding, and overall game preparation. Their guidance and expertise will help you reach your full potential and prepare you for the challenges of rep hockey.
4. Play at a Competitive Level:
To catch the attention of rep hockey scouts and coaches, it is important to play at a competitive level. Participate in leagues or tournaments that attract rep-level teams and players. Showcase your skills and compete against strong opponents, as this will help you gauge your abilities, gain valuable experience, and increase your visibility within the hockey community.
5. Attend Tryouts and Show Your Best:
Rep hockey teams typically hold tryouts where players compete for roster spots. Prepare yourself physically and mentally for these tryouts. Prioritize your fitness, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and ensure you are well-rested before each session. During tryouts, give your best effort in every drill and scrimmage. Show your skills, work ethic, and willingness to contribute to the team. Display a positive attitude, respect for coaches and teammates, and a strong work ethic both on and off the ice.
6. Maintain a Growth Mindset:
Making a rep hockey team is a competitive process, and not everyone will succeed on their first attempt. It is crucial to maintain a growth mindset and view setbacks as learning opportunities. If you do not make the team initially, use it as motivation to work even harder, address areas for improvement, and try again in the future. Many successful players faced rejection early on but persisted with determination and resilience.
Making a rep hockey team requires a combination of talent, hard work, commitment, and perseverance. By assessing your skills, focusing on development, seeking quality coaching, playing at a competitive level, and showcasing your abilities during tryouts, you increase your chances of making a rep hockey team. Remember to stay dedicated, maintain a growth mindset, and enjoy the journey. Whether you achieve your goal immediately or face challenges along the way, the process of pursuing your hockey dreams will shape you as a player and as an individual.