Background & Purpose

Every year, the Assiniboine Park Hockey Association (APHA) is responsible for forming teams that will compete in the Hockey Winnipeg league. 

Our goal is to create balanced APHA teams at each age group and level. These teams will compete against other Winnipeg-and-area teams in the Hockey Winnipeg league. The number of teams and the size of each roster are determined by the guidelines found in the Hockey Winnipeg Rulebook, which you can view here (starting at Section D, pp 43 of the PDF or pp 29 of the rulebook).

For Winterhawks U9A only, players who may not be ready for the U9A competitive level are able to play in our APHA house league with their respective community clubs, where they can continue to develop their skills and enjoy the game. All players who wish to play U9 Polar Bears will be placed at either an A1, A2 or A3 level.

Approach & Rationale

Our evaluation process is designed to place each player in the appropriate level for their current skill level and abilities. This is an “evaluation” to ensure every player has the opportunity to experience both physical and emotional success in minor hockey.

To maintain fairness and objectivity, we use independent, third-party evaluators. This investment in unbiased assessments helps ensure that every child is placed where they can thrive.

The Evaluation Process

Your child will participate in four evaluation sessions spread over two weekends for Winterhawks and two weeks (during weekdays) for Polar Bears. You can find the full evaluation schedule on our website by navigating to Registration, Winterhawks or Polar Bears.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Advance Notice: Your player’s evaluation schedule will be sent to the primary email address linked to your child's registration. All email will come from info@aphahockey.ca. Please check your filter settings and junk folder if necessary.

• Winterhawks: We will notify you of your player’s first two ice times within one week before the evaluations begin. Your player’s third ice times will be communicated to you 2-4 days before the third skate, and your fourth ice time will be send to you Saturday evening following the third skate (sometimes this email is sent quite late into the night).

• Polar Bears: We will notify you of your player’s first three ice times within one week before the evaluations begin. Your player’s fourth ice time will be communicated to you 2-4 days before the third skate.

2. Preparation: To help your player feel confident, you can preview the drills that will be used in the evaluations on our website by navigating to Registration, selecting either Winterhawks or Polar Bears, and then selecting WH Evaluation Schedule (here for quick reference) or PB Evaluation schedule (here for quick reference) respectively. We encourage you to help your player familiarize themselves with these drills before each ice time. On the ice, our on-ice instructors will also describe and demonstrate the drills prior to the players being evaluated.

3. Check-In: When you arrive at each session (plan to arrive no earlier than 45 minutes in advance of your ice time and no later than 20 minutes prior to your ice time), head to the check-in desk. A volunteer will register your attendance and assign your player a numbered pinny for that ice time. Your player may receive a different pinny color and number for each session. Pinny colours and numbers have no relationship to rankings and are assigned in a manner to ensure a fair evaluation. Please return your pinny to the check in desk promptly after your player’s session has concluded.

4. Evaluation: During each session, 3-5 evaluators will independently assess your player on various skills demonstrated during the drills. This is not a practice! Please anticipate the on-ice pace to be slower. The evaluation has been designed to ensure each player has an opportunity to demonstrate their skills. 

5. Regrouping: 

• Winterhawks: After the first two sessions, players are regrouped into similar skill levels. You will receive an email between Tuesday and Thursday of that week with your player’s third ice time. Following the third ice time, the groups will be sorted one last time. Late Saturday night, you will receive an email with your assigned ice time for the final ice time on Sunday.
   

• Polar Bears: After the first three sessions, players will be regrouped into similar skill levels. We will communicate your player’s final ice time no later than the night before the ice time. 

Team Formation

Once the independent assessment results are compiled by our third-party evaluators, the 'Team Formation Committee'—comprised of a Male (for Winterhawks) or Female (for Polar Bears) Hockey Director from each member community club—will meet to review the results. Their goals are twofold:

1.  To create balanced teams at each level, ensuring that no one team is significantly stronger or weaker than the others within APHA.

2. To ensure each player is placed at an appropriate level where they can have a positive experience, develop their hockey skills and grow their love of the game.

When forming teams, the committee considers a variety of factors beyond just skill, including siblings, community clubs, and schools. However, the primary focus is on creating equal and balanced teams that can engage in meaningful competition.

The team formation meeting typically occurs within 2-4 days following the age groups final ice time. Within 48 hours of this meeting, you will receive an email from APHA with your child's level and team assignment. All team assignments are final!

At the same time, head coaches will be notified of their selection and will be given a shortlist of potential assistant coaches and managers to choose from. If coaching, managing a team, or being the designated Safety person is of interest to you, please apply here [insert link]. 

Goalies

Your child may opt to try out as a goalie in all levels of Winterhawks and Polar Bears, except U9 Polar Bears. We recognize the unique nature of the goalie position in hockey. In addition to the four ice times that all players must attend, all goalies participate in two mandatory "goalie-only" ice times. These sessions are specifically designed to showcase goalie-specific skills and help evaluators accurately assess each goalie's abilities.

Your Role as a Parent

As a parent, your role during the evaluation process is incredibly important. Your support, encouragement, and understanding can make a significant difference in how your child experiences this process. Here’s how you can help:

1. Be Positive and Encouraging: Your child might feel nervous or unsure, especially if this is their first time being evaluated. Offer words of encouragement and remind them that this is an opportunity to learn and have fun. Emphasize that it’s about doing their best, not about being the best.

2. Keep a Healthy Perspective: Remember that these evaluations are about placing your child at the right level for their development. The goal is to ensure they can grow, enjoy the game, and experience success on the ice. Avoid putting pressure on your child to make a specific level; instead, focus on their enjoyment and improvement.
    

3. Foster a Growth Mindset: Encourage your child to see evaluations as a learning experience. Whether they make the highest level or not, there are always opportunities to improve and develop new skills. Help them understand that every level of play offers valuable experiences.

4. Stay Informed and Organized: Make sure you’re aware of the evaluation schedule and any updates sent by APHA. Arrive on time, and ensure your child is prepared with the necessary equipment and ready to participate. Your involvement in these logistical details can help your child feel more at ease.

5. Respect the Process: The evaluation process is designed to be fair and unbiased. Trust in the system and the third-party evaluators. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to APHA volunteers and staff in a respectful manner, rather than discussing them with other parents at the rink.

6. Model Good Sportsmanship: Your behavior in the stands and at the glass sets an example for your child. Show respect for all players, coaches, evaluators, and other parents. Celebrate the successes of all players, not just your own child.

By playing an active, positive, and supportive role, you can help ensure that your child’s evaluation experience is a positive one, regardless of the outcome.

We’re Here to Support You

We understand that this process can be a bit overwhelming (as volunteers and parents - we’ve all been through it before), especially if it's your first time. Our goal is to make it as smooth and as positive as possible for both you and your child. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your community club hockey director. We’re excited to see your child on the ice and look forward to a great hockey season ahead!

All questions and comments can be emailed to info@aphahockey.ca.

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