“The most important thing about evaluations is communication,” said Ian Taylor on Breakaway, the Minor Hockey Podcast. “So people know what’s expected, they know what’s coming, they know when you’re making selections on a certain day, or even what you’re looking at during specific sessions.”
Coaches can even meet with the parent group beforehand to answer any questions and outline the expectations. This keeps everyone on the same page heading into these important skates.
The process can begin at the conclusion of the previous season. Coaches should have an exit interview with their players, outlining the positives of the year, what skills they can still work on during the off-season and what to expect during Evaluations.
If players choose to work on their skills during the summer, Taylor suggests focusing on individual skill development.