Hockey is an extremely competitive sport, with a wealth of talented players earning competitive opportunities at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. One of the toughest spots for a competitive hockey player is the level between college -- or major junior hockey in Canada -- and the professional ranks. Many talented players do not earn roster spots in the pro leagues worldwide, leaving semi-pro hockey as the only option. These teams often offer spots through the tryout process.
Step 1
Identify the teams for which you want to try out. A list of semi-pro hockey leagues, their teams and tryout information is available online or at your local hockey rink.
Step 2
Contact the team director and ask for information about the tryout process. Focus on the details, such as cost, location, time, length and criteria for making the team.
Step 3
Complete the application and pay the appropriate fee. Semi-pro teams are not revenue generators like their counterparts in the National Hockey League. They most likely charge a fee for the tryout process.
Step 4
Polish your game and sharpen your skills. You want to perform at your best during the tryout process, so hard practice for at least a month ahead of time will increase your chances of success.
Step 5
Increase your endurance. Properly conditioned players are an asset to any semi-pro hockey team. You should be able to take regular shifts during a 60-minute hockey game with a minimal decrease in performance level from fatigue.
Step 6
Arrive early to the tryout to warm-up, stretch and dress properly. Storing your equipment in a large hockey bag will save time and effort.
Step 7
Try your best in each drill and finish each exercise with maximum effort. The chances are that scouts and general managers of the semi-pro hockey team will notice.
Step 8
Contact the head coach for tryout results. Ask how you can contribute to the roster if you made the team, and if you didn't, ask how you can improve your game for future tryouts.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't be discouraged by failing at one tryout. There are a wealth of playing opportunities in semi-pro hockey, and all it takes is one good tryout to earn a roster spot.
- Beware of for-profit tryout scams in which teams take your money but don't consider you for the team. Establish a good conversation with management before the tryout to ensure this doesn't happen to you.
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