A 14 year-old hockey player is entering the final stage of Act 2 in their hockey journey. They've likely had some ups and downs, some triumphs, some struggles, and they should well understand the challenge before them as they head to the rink in September to try and make the team. Evaluators' perspective should be shifted at this age as well. There will be players on the ice who might not be the fastest, but they excel in other areas, like passing or checking. Or a player might be quick but might chop the puck into bits. Raw skill is crucial, of course, but overall effectiveness starts to come into play. For example, once a player competes at the U18 level, they could go an entire season without scoring a goal, but if they don't let the other team score then they're still likely on the right team. We're not quite at that stage in U15, but we're getting there. This is an introductory practice, so only one drill separates players into positions - it doesn't matter if you're a forward or a defenceman, you need to demonstrate ability on both sides of the puck.

Each of these drills are going to separate the players into two or four groups, so make sure you have two colours so you can easily separate. Just two, not four. You should arm coaches with clipboards and names for their group, and have them rank each player in each event. The same can be done with evaluators in the stands.

The drills are also designed to give maximum eyes on each player. There's some standing around in line, but that's by design. Coach and puck placement is also important so everyone can watch as much as possible.

Drill 1: Weave Give & Go (Skating / Passing / Shooting - 10mins)

• Separate the group into two lines at opposite blue lines
• Make sure coaches are positioned where they can tell players to start without using a whistle
• Player skates backwards around first pylon and receives a pass from the line
• Player skates around next pylon and passes to coach
• Player receives pass after the next pylon and skates in to shoot
• Switch sides halfway through (you don't need to move the pylons)

What to Watch For

• Can the players perform efficient turns?
• Are they comfortable on their edges (inside foot, outside edge, outside foot, inside edge)?
• Are they maintaining basic control of their upper body?
• Are their passes on target?

Drill 2: 1on1 Racehound (Skating, Skating With Puck, Checking 10mins)

• Players line up on each side of the red line
• Players who are racing have to start with one skate touching the red line
• A coach blows the whistle for both sides
• Coach places a puck in the middle or toward one side
• Whoever touches the puck first goes for a breakaway or plays offence
• The second player chases and tries to get the puck back

What to Watch For

• Can't hide in this one! Who gets the puck first?

Drill 3: Kamloops Angling (Skating, Team Play 10mins)

• Both sides skate to blue line on whistle
• Coach spots puck on either side, that team is on offence
• Defensive players have to tag up blue line
• Can also progress from 1on1 to 2on2 to 3on3

What to Watch For

• Which players are aware of the specific situations in the game (touching the blue line, picking up the puck first, using teammates)?
• Do players scan the ice and get open?
• Who is communicating?
• Who demonstrates greater speed, agility, and power, compared to the rest of the group?

Drill 4: Neutral Zone 3on3 D Tag Up (Awareness, Compete 15mins)

• Forwards play 3on3 in neutral zone with D outside each blue line
• Players have to pass to their own D to tag up before going on offence
• Players can't cross the blue line
• If a puck is shot wide the coach can spot a new puck for the defence to pick up
• Defence can pass D to D or shoot
• Shifts should last 30 - 45 seconds

What to Watch For

• Are players scanning the ice with the puck on their stick?
• Are they getting open when they don't have it?
• Watch for evasive movements and players to break into open ice with and without the puck
• For the D, watch for scanning and eyes up, and making direct passes
• Players should be involved in the play, or nearby, demonstrating confidence and comfort with the competition

Drill 5: Scrimmage (Everything! 15mins)

This is why the kids are here: to play games and have fun. Your rankings will be pretty evident even at this point, so hop on the bench, throw a puck on the ice and let the kids play.