Minor Hockey Talks - Hockey Forum

My son turned 11 last week, he has played in house league since age 7. He was asked to try out for house league select for U10 but didn't make the team and wasn't asked to select try outs for U11. He has asked me to sign him up for U12 BB try outs this spring. I asked his house league coach and he said he isn't ready yet. He really wants to go. He is ranked about 20th in house league for goals out of 120 kids and those ranking didn't count anyone's assists and he often gets assists, maybe as often as goals. He is ranked 3rd in penalty minutes. My son was the only 9 year old to make it to the 1500m for track regionals in his school board last spring, since they don't separate by age for that category, it's grade 4-8 competing together. He ran against mainly 12-14 year-olds at regionals and came in 13th out of 25. I don't feel that they have tapped into his potential yet. He is the most driven individual I have ever met. Do I sign him up for try outs since he asked? Or am I just setting him up for disappointment? Thanks for any input! Just an fyi, my husband and I are not sporty or driven so having a child like this and knowing how to help him is difficult for us both.

My kid was top 10 in goals and points U11 LL (as a U10) , and again top 10 the following year of U11 LL, around 600 kids in the LL (80 goals in 24 games). My kid got cut from B and Select teams but I see no reason to not take him if you have the money, time, and he's asking to go. Sounds like you have a right to attend.

Honestly tho, the coaches already have their team picked. There might be only 1-2 actual spots he's really trying out for.