Mastering Tryout Season: A Message from TPH Virginia and Doug Shepherd
Doug Shepherd
TPH Virginia
Vice President
To Our NOVA & DMV Hockey Families,
Tryout season is officially here. Having spent over 20 years in this game—from the youth ranks to the NHL—I’ve sat in countless coaches' meetings and scouting rooms. I know the tension that fills the rink this time of year.
At TPH Academy Virginia, we believe in the “Study, Train, Play” model—but just as importantly, we believe in mentorship. Whether your goal is Tier I or Tier II, here are five ways to make sure you leave the rink with no regrets this tryout season.
1. Own Your Identity: Be Who You Are
Don’t walk into tryouts trying to be a player you aren’t. If you’re a gritty, defensive defenseman, don't try to be a coast-to-coast puck mover just because you want to "stand out." Coaches aren't looking for a team of 20 identical players; they are looking for specific pieces to fit a puzzle. Do what you do best, better than anyone else on the ice. When you play to your strengths, you play with confidence, and confidence is the first thing a scout notices.
2. Master the "Uncoachables": Body Language
I’ve seen elite talent get passed over because of poor body language. Coaches are watching you when the whistle blows, on the bench, and in the lobby.
- Keep your head up: Even after a bad shift or a missed shot.
- Eyes on the coach: When instructions are being given, be the one locked in.
- The "Next Shift" Mentality: If you make a mistake, don't slump your shoulders. Keep your head up and hunt the puck back. Coaches and scouts look for emotional resilience.
3. Win the 6-Foot Battles
Hockey is a game of puck possession, and possession is won in the "dirty areas." You don’t have to be the biggest player on the ice to win your 1-on-1 races and battles. It’s about leverage, stick positioning, and—most importantly—will. If there is a 50/50 puck in the corner, show the coaching staff that you want it more than everyone else on the ice. Winning small battles wins big games.
4. Be the Loudest Player on the Ice
Communication is a skill that requires zero "talent," yet it’s incredibly rare at the youth level. A player who talks—calling for the puck, directing a teammate in the D-zone, or offering encouragement on the bench—makes everyone around them better. Constant communication shows a coach that you have a high "Hockey IQ" and are an engaged leader.
5. Play Quick, but Don’t Hurry
There is a difference between skating hard and playing with pace. Many players get "tryout brain" and try to do everything at 100 mph, leading to fumbled pucks and missed assignments. Show the coaches you can handle the game's pace while keeping your head calm. Move your feet to get into position and keep your hands and mind relaxed enough to make the right play.
In closing, keep in mind that tryouts are a snapshot in time, not a final verdict on your career. Control what you can control: your effort, your attitude, and your preparation.
On behalf of the entire TPH Academy Virginia team, we wish every player in the DMV the best of luck this season. Work hard, stay focused, and we’ll see you at the rink.
Doug Shepherd
Vice President, TPH Academy Virginia