As we begin our annual player evaluations, we want to ensure all parents and players understand the structure, expectations, and guidelines for a smooth and fair tryout process. 

* Tryouts are held annually at William Chase Arena in Natick for all age groups.

* Players must check in with the Registrar before each session and will receive a numbered pinny. Lost pinnies incur a $50 replacement fee.

* Practice plans have been provided to all Head Coaches and will be run during scheduled practices before tryouts so players can become familiar with the drills.

Parent Expectations

* Parents and guardians are welcome to help their players dress, but we ask that parents exit the locker room as quickly as possible.

* Parents and guardians are welcome to remain in the warm room or on the upper concourse while tryouts are happening.

* Spectators are asked not to stand against the glass or sit in the stands where our evaluators will be positioned. This reduces pressure, distractions, and helps maintain fairness.

* Please do not contact evaluators, coaches, or Player Evaluation Committee members during tryouts. All communication should go through official channels.

* Encourage your player to do their best, have fun, and treat tryouts like a practice before a big tournament.

Attendance & Absences

* Players should attend all scheduled tryout sessions.

* If a player must miss a session due to injury, illness, or a family/school obligation, email the Registrar and Player Evaluation Committee in advance. Approved absences receive adjusted scoring; unexcused absences may result in reduced scores.

Who are the Evaluators

* New this year * Evaluations will be done in house by Comet coaches.

* We've made every effort possible to assign evaluators to groups that are not related to what age group their player currently plays in or is moving into. 

* Each player will be receive a minimum of six (6) evaluations each session to increase the checks and balances and reduce conflict of interest issues.

What Evaluators Look For

* Skating ability, puck handling, shooting, and overall hockey sense

* Effort, compete level, coachability, and attitude

* Position‑specific evaluation for goaltenders

Placement & Results

* The Placement Evaluation Committee will consider both on‑ice tryout performance and the player’s end‑of‑season coach assessment.

* Every player is evaluated for placement on the highest appropriate team, regardless of prior year.

* Team offers will be sent out once coaches and goalies are secured for each team.

* After rosters are posted, there is a 48-hour cooling‑off period before any questions may be submitted.

We appreciate your support and cooperation in helping maintain a fair, positive environment for all our skaters. Please direct any questions to registrar@natickcomets.com or playereval@natickcomets.com.

TRYOUT practice plans

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!

Registration Questions: registrar@natickcomets.com

Coaching Questions: coaching@natickcomets.com

Volunteer Questions: operations@natickcomets.com

Player Development Questions: playerdev@natickcomets.com

Girls Hockey Questions: girlshockey@natickcomets.com

Goalie Questions: goalies@natickcomets.com