Tryout season is done. And whether your kid made the team or didn't, this episode is for you.

Derek Boogaard just finished three weeks of evaluations — two teams he coached personally, five or six more he assisted with, and conversations with roughly 250 players. And the same problem kept showing up everywhere.

It wasn't skating. It wasn't hands. It wasn't compete level.

It was Hockey IQ.

Kids who couldn't answer basic questions about strong side, weak side, or what they're supposed to do away from the puck. Kids whose hands were moving faster than their feet. Kids who could score 25 goals at Double A but had no idea how to earn ice time at Triple A.

This episode breaks down exactly what coaches are looking for — and it's not the 15 most skilled players. It's the right players. The ones who can play a role, kill penalties, win battles in the d-zone, and connect the dots in real game situations.

If your kid didn't make the team they wanted — or if they did and they want to stay there — this is the episode to listen to.

You have one year until next tryouts. What you do between now and then is completely up to you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.