Evaluations and Team Placement Guide

Millwoods Hockey Association – Evaluation & Team Selection Goals

  • Abide by the procedures and bylaws of the Millwoods Hockey Association regarding player evaluations and team selections.
  • Provide a fair and impartial assessment of each player’s overall hockey skills during skating and scrimmage sessions.
  • Ensure players have a fair opportunity to be placed on a team appropriate to their skill level, based on current year on‑ice evaluations.
  • Allow coaches flexibility to build teams using evaluation results, their coaching philosophy, and knowledge of player skills and attitudes in various situations.
  • Maintain uniformity and consistency in the evaluation process so player and parent expectations are met year after year as athletes progress through the program.
  • Form balanced teams to promote competitive play, equitable participation, skill development, and enjoyment of the game.
  • Provide feedback to coaches to support player development in specific skill areas.

Player Evaluations – Frequently Asked Questions

The following list addresses many of the most common questions that arise regarding the player evaluations and the overall process that is undertaken in order to place players on balanced and competitive teams.

 

When are the player evaluation sessions?

  • Evaluations are primarily held in September, though they may begin in late August.
  • Category Directors will clearly communicate which skate times are formal evaluation sessions.

Do U7 players undergo evaluations?

  • Discovery (first‑year players): No evaluations. Players are assigned directly to teams.
  • Jr/Sr Timbits: Players attend one 50-60‑minute skate to help place them with peers of similar skill level.

Where can I find evaluation schedules?

  • Dates vary by category and are communicated as early as possible.
  • Information is distributed by Category Directors and administrators, and posted on the Millwoods Hockey website.
  • Families will also receive skate times directly (via email or other communication) to ensure no player misses a session.

How many evaluation sessions are there?

  • U9 / U11 / U13: Typically one skating skills session, followed by 3–4 scrimmage games.

Who conducts the evaluations?

  • On‑ice coaches: Run drills and scrimmages.
  • Off‑ice evaluators: Assess each player’s performance during sessions.
  • Off‑ice administrators: Track results, manage scheduling, and communicate with families.

What equipment is required? Full hockey equipment is mandatory for all ice sessions (evaluations, practices, games, shinny). This includes:

  • Protective cup, shin pads, hockey socks, pants, skates, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, neck guard, CSA‑approved helmet with full face shield, stick.
  • Mouth guard is recommended but not mandatory. Parents should check equipment fit before evaluations. If new skates are purchased, players should break them in with practice sessions before evaluations to avoid discomfort that could affect performance.

What should players do upon arrival at the arena?

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before scheduled ice time.
  • Check in at the registration desk to receive a numbered pinny and final instructions.

Do evaluators know the players’ names?

  • Evaluators only see pinny numbers to ensure impartiality.

How are players notified of their progress?

  • Off‑ice administrators contact families after each session to share next skate times.
  • Information is not typically given at the rink.
  • Communication may be via email or posted online.

Are players evaluated in both skill and game environments?

  • Younger players are assessed more on skills, while older players are evaluated more heavily in scrimmage/game situations.
  • This ensures every player has a fair chance to demonstrate their abilities.

Have teams already been determined during evaluations?

  • Teams are not selected until all evaluations are complete.
  • Players are rotated through different groups and situations to assess individual skills.
  • Exhibition games or practices before official selections do not guarantee placement on a specific team.

Why isn’t my child grouped with last year’s teammates?

  • Evaluations are based on individual performance, not past team assignments.
  • Players are intentionally mixed to showcase skills in varied situations.
  • Teams are finalized only after evaluations conclude.

When are teams selected?

  • Typically within a week of the final evaluation session.
  • Updates are shared by Category Directors and posted on the Millwoods Hockey website.

How is evaluation information used?

  • Results are key indicators of player skills and potential.
  • Hockey Directors, Category Directors, and coaches use this data to place players at the appropriate level.

How can parents provide input?

  • Millwoods Hockey often conducts online surveys after evaluations and team selections.
  • Parents are encouraged to share feedback directly with Category and Hockey Directors and their assistants.

Team Selection FAQ – Millwoods Hockey Association

The following list addresses many of the most common questions that arise regarding the assignment of players to specific teams.

When will team selections take place? Selections usually occur within a week of evaluations ending for each category. Dates are communicated to players and parents as early as possible by Category Directors and administrators. Updates are posted on the Millwoods Hockey website.

What determines the number of teams in a category? Category Directors, with Hockey Directors, decide the number of teams and roster sizes based on total registrations. Numbers may vary year to year.

Who attends team selections? Selections are carried out by the Head Coach, Hockey Director (and assistant), and Category Director (and assistant). The Operations Manager has final authority to ensure selections follow association bylaws.

How are players assigned to teams? Players are tiered within their age group based on evaluation results.

  • Top 10 ranked players are automatically placed on the first team.
  • Coaches then select from the next group of players to complete rosters, considering evaluation results and specific skill needs.
  • The process repeats for subsequent teams.
  • For the final teams in a category, players may be evenly split to ensure balanced competition.

Can players move between categories? Movements are rare and must follow Hockey Edmonton guidelines. Approval is required from Hockey Edmonton.

Who has final authority on team assignments? The Millwoods Hockey Director and consultation with the Operations Manager .

What happens after teams are selected? Coaches contact players and parents directly to:

  • Introduce themselves and welcome the player.
  • Share dates for team meetings (if known).
  • Introduce assistant coaches (if known).
  • Provide practice and game schedules (if available).

Who should I speak to about evaluations or placement? Concerns should be directed first to the Category Director, then to the Operations Manager who will then consult with the Hockey Director.  Evaluation scores, rankings, and coach selection criteria are confidential and not shared with parents or players.

Can I appeal my child’s placement? Appeals are only valid if:

  • The process was not followed correctly.
  • Bias was present.
  • The decision was grossly unfair or unreasonable. Appeals cannot be based solely on disagreement with the outcome. The Hockey Director in consultation with the Operations Manager will have the final authority. Issues bypassing Directors will be redirected back through the proper channels by SEERA or Hockey Edmonton.

How is fairness ensured in evaluations and selections?

  • Strict adherence to Millwoods Hockey bylaws and procedures.
  • Objective evaluation processes; conflicts of interest are excluded.
  • Standard criteria for skills, attitude, and potential.
  • Oversight through spot audits.
  • A selection committee ensures coaches cannot stack teams.
  • The Hockey Director and Operations Manager ensures compliance and fairness.

How can parents provide input? Millwoods Hockey often conducts online surveys after evaluations and team selections. Parents are also encouraged to share feedback directly with Category and Hockey Directors and their assistants.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Millwoods Hockey wishes to recognize the contributions of Hockey Canada (and numerous other parties) that helped develop the initial framework and standard content for this document.