Jr A Trials Coming Up

[#44wannabe 4]

Hey,

I've got Jr A trials coming at the end of august for a team in the MJHL in Winnipeg.

Im really nervous because im from speaking to the coach im going to have to fight to get into the team. Ive had many fights before but hear these guys are pretty big... Im 6ft 1in and 210lbs so size wise i think im ok but apparently there are some seriously big guys out there.

I skated with a few current and ex jr A guys on Monday night and seemed to do ok, i set up a couple of goals and scored one.

I spent the last 6 weeks bulking up and now im focusing on fitness (cycling about 30-40km everyday on a fix gear).

Any tips or advice from guys that have been there?

Thanks

[greech 4]

You've just gotta go in with a good mindset. I just went through a junior camp in april, did well but still got cut. I wasn't totally bummed cause there were some real good kids there, and I knew I did as good as I was going to do in the circumstances. It sounds corny, but being ok with any outcome beforehand helps immensely in settling yourself down.

[Kevin 5]

Your cardio work (not speed work) should be interval work with work/rest ratio of hockey: 35-60s/100-180s (range due to variable of number of lines).

If you really have to fight to make it, some boxing lessons prob. would not hurt.

[gxc999 7]

Visualization is a good trick here. Mentally see yourself going through a fight step by step and winning. Also, see yourself making the team, then imagine your reaction and the feeling of satisfaction you would have.

[Tricky4L 0]

Cheers for being a fixed gear rider!

I've had similar experiences during my past tryouts years back and my main advice is if you need to scrap, you gotta know when to scrap. I can't tell you how many guys I've seen go into Jr tryouts thinking they need to fight, and they just end up going out there and fight at the wrong times, with the wrong people, constantly running their mouths, and often times try to showboat as if the coach is going to be impressed by them acting badass before they end up getting their ass handed to them. Keep in mind, any guy you fight might just be on the team with you after the roster is decided; just another reason not to run your mouth and act like an ass.

Focus on your game first and foremost. If fighting isn't your game then don't go out of your way just to make something happen. But if you must, its best to avoid fights that come off as looking selfish. Its best to have something come about when standing up for your teammates. If you see one of your line mates get smoked or see someone take a hack at one of your mates, these types of situations are what can help emphasize the team player image that all players should shoot for and posses. Someone will probably end up chewing me out for giving advice on this or even condoning it but fact is, its still a major part of jr hockey. Such is life.

As far as fighting techniques goes, anyone with experience will tell you that so much of it is all about balance. I ended up being really comfortable staying low and establishing some space while trying to pick my spots and keeping my chin tucked so that most of the shots I took were absorbed by my dome... not always the best technique but being as short as I am, I just wasn't physically suited to go toe to toe with larger guys while trying to toss as many as possible. Also a trick I was taught that helped me out a lot especially against taller and/or larger opponents was to duck under their arm that was grabbing onto my jersey in front and end up on their other side, all while still holding onto their jersey as normal with your non dominant hand. This allowed me to get the opponent somewhat off balance, have a chance for an open shot while they weren't facing me straight on, and more than likely be able to land one last big shot since I would be in a good spot to end the fight right there if I wanted to since the other persons balance is usually compromised at that point. I realize that this is pretty confusing but I guess its kinda hard to describe in text. Also, if you feel overwhelmed or just want to play it safe, (especially against guys with a larger reach) grab their jersey right around the front of their punching shoulder... this makes your arm an extra barrier and makes it harder for them to have complete control of their arm and land punches where they are aiming.

There are plenty of other sketchy tips and tricks that you'll more than likely learn of be on the receiving end of... especially in jrs. I'm reluctant to even talk about them since most are totally classless and further contribute to the argument of banning all fighting in the game. I realize the inherent hypocrisies that many people see in that statement but its already been discussed countless times, so just save your fingers the effort and let it go.

Overall have respect, class, and don't be an ass about it. I lose a lot of respect for guys that celebrate after a scrap or continue to run their mouths before and after something happens. Its not as though you scored a goal so just shut up and serve your time.

I had my personal coach tell me right before my first open tryout that "half of winning in a scrap is showing up and being willing"... I horribly lost my first fight and didn't even end up getting a single punch off, (I was so surprised at how fast that guy was throwing his punches that I just felt frozen and overwhelmed.) My coach then came over to me while I was serving my time and told me "I didn't think I needed to tell you that 50% is still an F".

[masterpeice_patrice 4]

dont go out there picking fights let the fights come to you. and when you fight dont think about knocking him out.. focus on protecting yourself and getting away from punches thats when the oppertunites happen he opens up. best way to think about it is you are trying to survive and dont underestimate your opponents. first things first.. always focus on playing hockey then everything else will fall into place.

good luck.

[pantherfan 0]

Goodluck with it and skate hard. :)

[flymonty3 0]

Dont run around trying to fight everyone and anyone.. I am sure there will be other kids looking for a spot as the tough guy also, so try to stick to fighting them unless provoked. And don't back down from anyone. I've had a good amount of fights in both Jr. hockey and my stint in minor pro, as well as my work in hockey, and I can assure you that a coach will have a hell of a time cutting someone who has the heart to stand up to anyone, anytime any game. It doesn't matter if you win or loose the fight. In Jr. I did well, but in pro I probably won or tied half my fights if I was lucky. I am not a heavyweight (6'1" 190 LBS) but I fought heavys, middles, lightweights... Never asked for a fight, but also never turned down a fight and it kept my spot on the team and even earned me opprotunities for looks at higher levels. Guys will respect you, and teams will value you. Balance is also key. It is much different being a skater with good balance, and a fighter with good balance, trust me. I stay up the majority of the time I take or give a big hit, due to balance mostly, but fighting is a whole different thing. Try to work on tieing up and grabbing during ice times before you go... And if it doesn't work out with this team then you can give it a go with a lower level team, or in a different league. It is all about exeperience, and your not going to get any until you get out there and just scrap. I may have some good info I can set you up with, pm me...

[biff44 0]

You do not have to fight everyone, and you do not even have to win. No JR A. coach expects a rookie to win a fight with a veteran enforcer. However, they do not want to see you turtle! You have to stand there, take it like a man, get a few good licks in, and if it is an older/bigger guy he will see when you have had enough and end the fight.

If you are really worried about it, go find a boxing club and pay the instructor for a few lessons on how to defend your face, and how to throw a good punch or two. If the guy can not get at your face, you really can not get hurt out there wearing hockey pads!

[ghockey11 0]

good lucks all i can say. I got my first jr season coming up the best advice i could give is dont psych yourself out just focus on protecting yourself