GGHA Rep Open Tryout FAQ's
The Guelph Girls Hockey Association (GGHA) Representative Team Open Tryouts will begin April 14, 2026 for the 2026-2027 season.
Note: GGHA Rep Team Internal Tryouts will take place March 30, and April 6, 2026. For Internal Tryout FAQ's - click here
What are tryouts?
The on-ice tryout process that begins in April is the culmination of rep team selection. It is only part of the overall evaluation process, as coaches are expected to watch teams and players throughout the season, particularly toward the end of the year, to provide a broader and more representative assessment of players’ abilities.
This approach ensures that player selections are made with as much information as possible, and that a single bad day, illness, or absence does not prevent a player from being properly considered. However, the tryout sessions remain a key component of the final player selection process.
When are tryouts?
Tryouts start shortly after the conclusion of the hockey season. For the 2026–2027 season, the OWHA has stated that tryouts may begin on April 14, 2026.
Tryouts for each age group will run simultaneously. Within an age group, tryouts for different levels (e.g., AA, A, BB, B) will run consecutively. Top teams are selected first, followed by tryouts for second- and third-tier teams.
My daughter isn’t targeting the top team. Should she attend the top tier tryouts?
Yes, this is strongly recommended.
Coaches of all teams within an age group will be in attendance during the top-tier tryouts, and these sessions are an important part of the evaluation process for second- and third-tier team coaches as well.
What if my daughter is sick or otherwise can’t attend a tryout?
Coaches are expected to assess potentially eligible and interested players throughout the season, particularly toward the end of the year.
If you know in advance that your daughter will not be able to attend tryouts, you should contact the coach as early as possible. Coaches may undertake a more detailed assessment of your daughter leading up to the tryouts.
If your daughter is unable to attend on short notice, please contact the coach to inform them of the situation and confirm your daughter’s interest in the team.
Players who miss tryouts for legitimate reasons are still eligible for team selection. However, their competitiveness may be impacted if coaches are unable to evaluate them alongside other players during the tryout sessions. Final selection of players who are unable to attend tryouts remains at the discretion of the coach.
Who is involved in team selection?
The head coach of each team coordinates independent evaluators. These evaluators are individuals who do not have a daughter trying out for the team and do not have other conflicts of interest.
Coaches maintain evaluation notes during the tryout process. These notes may be provided to the GGHA upon request if there are any questions regarding selections. However, tryout evaluation notes are not provided to parents under any circumstances.
Who can I contact for more information?
For information about the general tryout process please contact [email protected]
