MAX™ Evaluation - Round 1

Players of all skill levels will be equally distributed into groups not exceeding 28 skaters per ice time and will each be assigned 1 or 2 ice times (depending on age). These evaluation skate(s) will focus on and be structured to assess the players level of skill in a variety of core areas, all based on Hockey Canada’s skill development matrix. The skill areas being assessed will include:

Skating – speed, quickness, technique

• Forward and Backward
• Turn both directions
• Stop both directions
• Stride length, form, and technique

Agility - pivots, transition, lateral movement

• Transition, changing from one direction to another
• Pivoting, maintaining control and speed
• Being able to track diagonally across the ice efficiently
• Balance and Coordination

Puck Control – open ice, around obstacles

• Ability to maintain speed and control in open areas
• Ability to maintain speed and control around obstacles
• Handling the puck in tight space

Shooting – technique, accuracy, velocity

• Velocity, quick release and speed of puck
• Shooting accuracy at targets, or on goalies
• Technique, hand and body position

Passing – accuracy, technique

• Giving and receiving passes
• Moving and stationary passes
• Accuracy and technique

Goalies will also be evaluated, and in addition will participate in a separate ice time that is designed specifically for them. Throughout the evaluation goalies will be assessed on a variety of core areas, all based on Hockey Canada’s skill development matrix. These skill areas will include:

Fundamentals

• Staking
• Hand / Stick positioning
• Stance and body positioning
• Foot positioning

Mobility

• Lateral Movements
• Transition from skates to butterfly and vice versa
• Tracking the puck
• Reaction and recovery

Save execution

• Ability to save the puck
• Work ethic and focus
• Rebound control

Once this round of skill assessment has concluded, players will be organized and regrouped with other players of similar skill level.

MAX™ Evaluation - Round 2

Typically 1 skate, players will now be assessed in game scenarios where the assessment will be focused on hockey knowledge, game play, as well as competitive proficiency and team play. This skill areas will include:

Tactics - offensive and defensive tactics

• Intent, in a good position and making the right decisions
• Execution, able to effectively make successful plays

Game Play - overall ability to perform

• Player understands positional play, and puck support
• Player is involved, and has an impact on the play
• Player is working hard in all zones of the ice
• Player makes good decision uses teammates appropriately
• Player can obtain and maintain the puck when being challenged

Depending on the number of players in each ice time, a variety of different game scenarios may be used (ie. 3 on 3, 4 on 4, 5 on 5).

At the conclusion of the the game assessment, another regrouping is likely to occur. Some players may be removed from the evaluation process, and their evaluation will be concluded, while other players will be asked to return for Round 3 of the assessment.

MAX™ Evaluation - Round 3

Typically 1 skate, this final skate is used to refine the assessment for players who are very close in skill level. This skate can encompass some additional skill evaluation, but is ofter more likely focused on additional game play evaluation.

At the the conclusion of this round, all players will have concluded their assessment and results of the assessment will be reviewed by the associations evaluations committee. The results collected during the evaluation will be used to guide level assignment and team formations.