Evaluation Transparency
When training camp wraps, you’ll have done your job if nearly every player who skated feels like they made the right choice signing with your team or trying out. It’s a tall task, no question, but I believe even players who are released or dealt should leave your program better for the experience.
You can’t keep everybody. The players know this. But what they don’t know is why – they might have felt great in camp, felt like they had a good chance to stick around, and even popped a few goals here or there, so the release might come as a shock. So again, being honest is the best way to get the player back on track as soon as possible, and sharing your evaluation is the best way to be honest.
A simple extra I’ve used that’s received positive feedback is an evaluation sheet that can be sent home with the player. This is particularly powerful for junior hockey players who might be getting cut for the first time in their lives. They’re not absorbing a single word once you’ve broken the bad news, so giving them a sheet that highlights their strengths, as well as areas they can improve on, as Kris spoke to earlier, is efficient and powerful. Older players and professionals might have a better perspective of where they’re at, but it’s still something they can share with their agents or skills coaches in case they want a little further evidence.
