OJHL tryout camps often serve evaluation, recruiting, and future identification purposes simultaneously.
Families should treat camp invitations as opportunities to explore, not as proof of them.
Before Registering
- Ask how many real roster openings exist by position and birth year.
- Review the Team list from last season and examine size, height, and weight to see if Coaches have a bias towards larger players.
- Ask how many returners are already committed.
- Ask how many players typically attend camp.
- Ask whether this is a true selection camp, a prospect camp, or a future-ID camp
What Coaches Notice First
- Pace and competition level.
- How a Player thinks the game is under pressure.
- Body language and coachability.
- Whether the Player looks like he can help in a role immediately.
Best Tryout Habits
- Play simple, fast, and trustworthy Hockey early.
- Compete every shift rather than forcing highlight plays.
- Show awareness away from the puck
- Be engaged on the bench and in drills.
Common Player Mistakes
- Trying to do too much too early.
- Ignoring defensive detail.
- Floating through drills and waiting for scrimmages.
- Letting one mistake affect the next three shifts.
Common Parent Mistakes
- Confusing camp access with roster access.
- Not asking direct questions before paying.
- Chasing brand names instead of role opportunities.
- Judging only by one conversation or one game.
After Camp
- Ask for honest follow-up on role, timeline, and next steps.
- Clarify whether the Player is in the picture for this year or a future year.
- Compare several camps the same way.
- No matter the decision, send the coach a thank-you letter for assessing your child
Bottom Line
The best camp result is not only a positive comment. It is a clear picture of where the Player stands, what is open, and the next step.
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