Georgian Bay Islanders > FAQ (Georgian Bay Minor Hockey)

What are evaluation skates?
Evaluation skates are structured sessions where players are assessed for placement on representative teams.
When and where are the evaluations held?
Evaluation dates, times, and locations will be posted on the association's website and communicated via email. You can access them here.
How do I register for evaluation skates?
Registration must be completed online through the association’s website which will open at the beginning of April. Payment is required before participation. You can find more information and the exact dates for registration by going here.
What if I miss the registration deadline?
Registration is allowed before or during the evaluation window for each age group. If you fail to register during the evaluation window, then you will not be eligible to be selected for that team.
Is there a cost to participate in evaluations?
Yes, evaluation fees and a jersey fee apply. These must be paid at the time of registration. Fees help cover ice time, evaluators, and administrative costs. The jersey is yours to keep at the end of the evaluations.

How are players evaluated?
Players are assessed based on skating, puck control, passing, shooting, game awareness, and overall hockey sense. Evaluators may include independent assessors, past coaches, and association representatives.
Who are the evaluators?
A head coach and a combination of independent evaluators assess players to ensure a fair and unbiased selection process.
How many evaluation sessions will my child participate in?
Players who start attending evaluations at the "A" classification are guaranteed three sessions - minimum one at the "A" classification and two at the "B" classification. Players who start attending evaluations at the "B" classification are guaranteed two sessions - both at the "B" classification.
What happens after each evaluation session?
After each session, players will receive an email indicating whether they have:
- Been offered a roster spot,
- Been invited to continue in the selection process, or
- Been redirected to a different classification level.
Can parents watch the evaluations?
Parents may be permitted to watch from designated areas, but they must not interfere with the process. Some sessions may have restricted areas reserved for the evaluators.

Will my child receive an evaluation jersey?
Yes, each player will be assigned a jersey for the duration of the evaluation skates. This jersey is theirs to keep afterward.
What equipment is required for evaluations?
Full hockey gear is mandatory, including a helmet with a full cage, mouthguard, neck guard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, hockey pants, shin guards, skates, and a stick.
Can my child wear a jersey from a previous team?
No, players must wear the assigned evaluation jersey to ensure fair and anonymous assessments.

How are final team selections made?
The head coach makes final decisions, provided they align with the general consensus of the independent evaluators.
What if my child is not selected for the team they tried out for?
Players not selected will be redirected to the appropriate classification level within the association, where they will still have a great opportunity to develop their skills.
Can my child request to be placed on a different team?
No, team placements are final. However, if a player believes there were extenuating circumstances, they may contact the association for clarification.
When will final rosters be announced?
Final team selections must occur by the end of the evaluation window for the given team.

FAQ, Georgian Bay Islanders (Georgian Bay Minor Hockey)