It is that time of year again.  Try outs, picking the right organization for you and your son or daughter, hockey politics, town politics, trying to find the right fit for a coach in the upcoming season.  The biggest thing I am noticing at tryouts which Pro Ambitions evaluates, is a lack of urgency-obviously I am not talking about everyone but am surprised at the number of kids that are lacking fire in the belly.  This is something you can control in your try outs.  Everyone has a different skill level but it is easy to see fire in a kid's effort at ALL levels-mite C town all the way up to the elite metro and select levels.   You know you are being watched so finish your check, go your own personal full speed at drills, communicate on the ice to a line mate, block a shot or TRY to block a shot, strong HARD passing is noticed.  Don't be afraid to be a gentleman, speak to your potential coach or email.  You will get an extra glance because you are showing you want it. 

Do all the little things in try outs.  Make the most of the little ice time you get to show what you have.  Go full speed off the bench.  Last night in a try out that I was evaluating and picking teams for I noticed a guy all over the map that the other coaches did not have in mind for a top team.  I noticed him because he was all over the puck battling, sometimes totally out of position but this little guy had a fire in his belly.  He was a like a bee buzzing all over the ice and I liked him.  He was TRYING as hard as he could - he was doing the best he could in the parameters of his skill. 
I loved it.

I want to hear from you.  I want to hear about a situation in hockey that has affected you or one of your children that can help other parents.  I will send out a blog type newsletter that will hopefully help one another. 

Jeff Serowick

Pro Ambitions Hockey