When evaluating players for your hockey program, having a systematic approach is crucial for identifying the right talent and building successful teams. Based on over 12 million evaluations in TeamGenius, these are the eight most common criteria coaches use to assess player talent and potential.
1. Skating
With over 1 million evaluations, skating is the top criteria coaches assess during player evaluation. Strong skating fundamentals are the foundation of every successful hockey player. Look for forward and backward skating speed, crossovers, quick starts and stops, agility, and overall balance on the ice. Players who can change direction smoothly while maintaining control separate themselves from the competition. Remember, you can have all the skills in the world, but if you can’t skate efficiently, those skills become much less effective.
2. Shooting
Wrist shots, slap shots, backhands, and one-timers – shooting ability encompasses accuracy, power, and quick release. Evaluate not just whether players can hit the net, but how quickly they can get their shot off and how they perform under pressure. The best shooters can find openings and capitalize on scoring opportunities while defenders are closing in. Look for players who can shoot effectively from different angles and positions to demonstrate versatility.
3. Passing
How well can players move the puck to their teammates? Passing evaluation focuses on accuracy, timing, and decision-making. Watch for crisp tape-to-tape passes, the ability to find open teammates through traffic, and whether players can execute both short support passes and long stretch passes. Quality passers also know when NOT to pass – understanding when to hold the puck versus when to distribute it shows hockey intelligence.
4. Puck Handling
Assess players’ ability to maintain possession while navigating through tight spaces and around opponents. Look for smooth stick work, the ability to protect the puck with body positioning, and creativity in beating defenders one-on-one. Strong puck handlers can buy time for their team and create scoring opportunities out of seemingly nothing.
5. Hockey Sense
This criterion focuses on instinctual reactions and positioning. It’s about players being in the right place at the right time without necessarily thinking about it. Evaluate how well players anticipate where the puck is going, position themselves to support teammates, and make smart decisions under pressure. This criterion often separates good players from great ones.
6. Hockey IQ
How well does the player see the ice and read plays as they develop? Hockey IQ represents the cerebral side of the game – understanding systems, recognizing patterns, and making strategic decisions. Players with high hockey IQ read the game well, understand positional responsibilities, and can adapt to different situations. They see opportunities before they fully develop and understand how their actions affect the entire team dynamic.
7. Compete Level
In one of hockey’s most demanding aspects, evaluate players who aren’t afraid to compete. Compete level measures a player’s intensity, determination, and willingness to battle for loose pucks. Assess how players respond to physical challenges, whether they back down from confrontation, and how they perform when the game is on the line. High compete level players dive for loose pucks, finish their checks, and elevate their performance in crucial moments.
8. Puck Control
This criterion complements puck handling but focuses on how players control the puck in different areas of the ice. While puck handling emphasizes stick skills and creativity, puck control is about maintaining possession in various game situations – along the boards, in traffic, during forechecks, and under defensive pressure. Strong puck control means protecting the puck effectively and knowing when to shield it, when to move it quickly, and how to maintain possession while making plays.
Building Successful Programs
These eight criteria provide a comprehensive framework for consistent player evaluation. Look for well-rounded prospects who demonstrate competency across multiple areas rather than just one or two standout skills – these players adapt better to different systems and game situations.
Beyond technical abilities, prioritize coachable athletes who compete hard, support teammates, and respond well to instruction. These intangible qualities often determine long-term program success more than raw talent alone.
Ready to streamline your evaluation process? TeamGenius helps you systematically assess all eight criteria and make objective roster decisions. Start your free trial today or schedule a demo to transform your hockey program.
Leave a Reply