For Evaluation Schedules please
go here
Evaluation Process
Background
Player evaluations and seeding always have been a potentially
contentious experience. We have strived in the past to improve
the system and we are continuing to do so moving forward.
Objective
Our goal is simple….to provide an unbiased, fair and impartial evaluation process to assist in placing the kids on a team where they may benefit the most. Our evaluation system strives to place the kids with equally skilled players so that they can improve and develop their skills while playing at a fun, yet competitive level, relative to their own skill level and ability
Evaluators
EPMHA has contracted an independent Evaluation Team to assist in the player evaluations and placement. By contracting an independent Evaluation Team, we can ensure there are no biases or favoritism by the evaluators. There is no direct communication permitted between the Board, coaches, or parents, with the Evaluation Team, except between the EPMHA Evaluation Coordinator and the Evaluators.
The process is as follows:
- All registered players are divided alphabetically into two equal groups
- The Evaluators are given pinney numbers and colors ONLY , as compiled and distributed by the EPMHA Evaluations Director/Coordinator (It is important to note that there is no exchange of personal information such as names, birthdates, prior hockey experience, previous level of hockey played, friends, etc., throughout the evaluation process).
- Each ice time begins with a warm up session followed by a few drills, before scrimmaging for the remainder of the ice time.
- The Evaluation Team compiles a ranking system of each individual on a daily basis. It is important to note that these rankings are cumulative. For this reason, it is also important to encourage your child to skate and play to the best of their ability for each and every ice time.
The Evaluators look at the following;
Forwards Skating;
Acceleration, lateral movement, crossovers (both sides), posture, edge control, pivots, turning, transitioning from one direction to another, edge control, speed & agility, balance
Backwards Skating;
Acceleration, posture, lateral movement, crossovers (both sides), edge control, transitioning from one direction to another, turning, speed & agility, balance
Stopping;
Stopping both forward and backwards, stopping both directions
Stick Handling
Passing
Vision;
Do the players see the whole ice surface and can they make smart, quick decisions?
Offensive/Defensive Play;
Are they in the play? Are they in the right position with AND without the puck? Do they play their position in both the offensive AND defensive zone? Do they back check? Do they fore-check?
General Hockey Sense & Team Play;
Though individual talents, abilities, and skills are fun to watch, hockey is a Team sport where Team play and puck movement is important
The Evaluators share notes and rankings with each other on a daily basis to place the kids into groupings of similar skill level based on the criteria above
At the Novice level, all skaters are evaluated as players. At the Atom level, skaters wishing to evaluate as a goalie may do so and will be evaluated as such
The players may or may not move from one group to another. They may or may not be asked to change pinney colors, however their pinney number will remain the same throughout the evaluation process.
At the end of the evaluations, the Evaluations Team compiles a "final" ranking system of all players. This information is shared with the EPMHA Evaluations Director/Coordinator ONLY. Neither the EPMHA Board of Directors, potential coaches, nor parents, are privy to this information.
The EPMHA Board will use these rankings to complete the roster of each team.
TEAM SELECTIONS
Depending on the number of registered players, the EPMHA Board of Directors, together with assistance and input from the Lead Evaluator, collectively pre-determine the number of “lock” players (typically anywhere from 9-12 players) on each team.
The process is as follows:
- With the EPMHA Board and the Lead Evaluator present, the Evaluations Director/Coordinator writes the names and pinney numbers, of the "lock" players, in alphabetical order (no rankings are shared), on a white board, for all Board Members to see. (It should be noted that this is the first time the Evaluators are shown the players' names).
- The next 6 ranked players names and pinney numbers are written on the white board (again, in alphabetical order, without rankings), in a separate column, to be used as "coaches picks" (or "bubble" players). For example: "lock" players may be those ranked 1-10, and "bubble" players may those ranked 11-16).
- "IF" a Head Coaches child is a "lock" player, he will be invited into the boardroom to select 3 of the next 6 players to complete his team. The evaluators are present to answer any questions, about a particular player, that the coach may have. In the event there is more than one potential Head Coach that have kids in the "lock" positions, the individuals are asked to leave the boardroom, collectively agree on and choose 3 of the next 6 kids to fulfill the team, and come to an agreement on who will act as Head Coach. They are then invited back into the boardroom to firstly announce the chosen picks, and secondly, announce the Head Coach. Potential Head Coaches with or Board Members with “bubble” players cannot be present for Team selection and are asked to leave the room.
- These names and pinney numbers are now erased. The 3 names NOT chosen are then re-written on the white board and grouped together with the next group of kids, as ranked (again in alphabetical order), to become the next group of "lock" players, for the next team. The next 6 players' names and numbers are once again written in alphabetical order for the next Head Coach to choose 3, to complete his teams' roster.
- This process is repeated until all rosters are fulfilled, and all players are placed on a team.
The coordinators are:
Registration Steve Trimble: home: 246-4095
Evaluation Shane Marchand: home: TBA
Parents are reminded that they should not approach
nor contact the evaluators during the evaluation process
The target date to notify the kids of the teams will
probably be September 29th.
Ombudsman
This year we are pleased to continue the role of ombudsman
to assist in dealing with any concerns parents may have during
the evaluation process and throughout the year. Kevin Sherwin has
assumed this position and will assist with any concerns. An alternate
ombudsman, to be appointed by the Board, will be available as
required. Kevin Sherwin will act as the association ombudsman whose
role will be to field queries and concerns that may arise amongst
parents and players about the hockey program. This position
will also be our association representative for the Turning Point
Program that deals with abuse in the minor hockey system. For
a description of this program and others in minor hockey please
visit the Calgary minor hockey web site at www.hockeycalgary.com. Kevin
may be contacted at 403-669-7447.
Affiliation
A player may be “affiliated” with a team above
their current level which means that that player is eligible
to be invited to play for the higher team when it is short a
player. If you have questions about this, please contact
your coach. |
