Tryout Process and Player Selection

Tryouts typically take place in the spring each year, with exact dates determined by ice availability from the Township and OWHA regulations.

The full tryout schedule (including prep skates) and registration for the 2026–2027 season will be available in late March / early April. Once available, this website will be updated and communications will be sent via email to current Mustangs families.

 **THIS PAGE WILL CONTINUE TO BE UPDATED AS WE SET UP OUR TRYOUT PROCESS**

Tryouts will consist of:

Internal Tryouts (*New 2026/2027 Season): Internal tryouts will be held during the last week of March for select age groups (U11 to U18). This opportunity is open to current Mustangs Rep players, allowing coaches to identify and offer roster spots to eligible Mustangs athletes. 

Prep Skates: Prep skates are not mandatory for the try-out process but great for players who haven’t been on the ice for a few weeks to get on the ice before tryouts officially begin. These are not included in the tryout fee and players must register to attend these sessions.

Tryouts:  

All players wishing to be rostered on a team for the upcoming season are required to attend tryouts. Participation in all scheduled tryout sessions is required. Any player who cannot attend must communicate directly with the head coach in advance.  Players must begin the tryout process at the highest tier offered for their age division. If a player is released from that tier, they will then attend tryouts for the next tier within the division. This progression continues until the player is either selected to a team or has completed the tryout pathway. This structured process ensures fair evaluation and appropriate placement for all athletes.  The Mustangs will use a flat-fee registration system for tryouts again this season - all participants will register only once and pay the same registration fee regardless of the level at which they start tryouts.

How Players Are Evaluated

Coaches put significant thought and effort into selecting teams. To support a fair and objective process, independent evaluators may be used during tryouts to provide additional, unbiased assessments. Players are assessed based on:
✅ On-ice skills
✅ Coachability & attitude
✅ Effort during warm-ups, on the bench, and in the dressing room
✅ Feedback from current and past coaches
✅ Internal evaluations throughout the season

It’s important to recognize that not all players will make the team they hope for, but that does not mean they won’t have future opportunities. Players who remain within the organization and demonstrate growth across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Local League teams often achieve greater long-term success. Rep hockey is always an option up to U18!

Understanding the Selection Process

• Players #1-13 are often clear-cut selections.

• Players #14-17 are more difficult decisions and may be chosen based on positional needs, role fit, or coachability.

• Coaches make final selections based on what is best for team balance and player development.

24-Hour Rule & Respect for Decisions

We understand that not everyone will agree with roster decisions, but respectful communication is key. We ask that families wait 24 hours before approaching a coach with concerns. This allows emotions to settle and encourages constructive discussions.

Commitment Expectations for Coaches, Players & Families

Our Rep coaches dedicate a huge amount of time to their teams, and in return, we expect the same level of commitment from players and families. If you are considering Rep hockey, be sure to:
✅ Ask the coach about their plans early in the tryout process
✅ Be open and honest about your own availability and expectations
✅ Only accept a spot on a team if you can fully commit to the season

For more information about the rep program please click  here. 

2026/2027 Season

Our anticipated team lineup is as follows. Please note that final team offerings are subject to change based on registration numbers and overall player evaluations. Team with two levels listed (AA/A, A/BB, BB/B, etc.) will be confirmed after teams are selected. The final level of play for each team will be determined by the coaching staff, in alignment with league placement guidelines and based on the overall composition, skill level, and competitiveness of the roster.

Proposed Team Breakdown:

-U18 Tier 1: U18 A/BB
-U18 Tier 2: U18 BB/B
-U15 Tier 1: U15 A
-U15 Tier 2: U15 B
-U13 Tier 1: U13 AA/A
-U13 Tier 2: U13 A/BB
-U11 Tier 1: U11 AA
-U11 Tier 2: U11 A/BB
-U11 Tier 3: U11 Tier 3 B (pending sufficient interest)
-U9 Tier 2: U9 B
-U9 Tier 2: (pending sufficient interest)

More Information