Evaluation Criteria
CURRENT MAHA EVALUATION STANDARDS
Squirts:
- Day 1: Players split into 3 groups based off a combination of Alphabetically by last name and some players getting moved around in an effort to simply even out the numbers of the groups. Skating timing.
- Please visit the Squirt In-House Program Tab for more information regarding the Squirt Evaluation process!
10U:
- Day 1: Dependent upon the number of registered skaters. If only enough for 1 team, Day 1 will either consist of skating timing or small area competition games, 2x2, 3x3, 4x4 based on size of group.
Peewees:
- Day 1: Players split into 3 groups based off a combination of Alphabetically by last name and some players getting moved around in an effort to simply even out the numbers of the groups. Skating timing.
- Day 2: Players split into 3 groups based off skating results. Small area competition games, 2x2, 3x3, 4x4 based on size of group.
- Day 3: Players split into 3 groups based off evaluations from day 1 & 2. Day 3 may consist of more small area games as well as a Scrimmage 5x5.
- Day 4: Players split into 3 groups based off evaluations from days 1,2, & 3. Scrimmage 5x5.
12U:
- Day 1: Players split into 2 groups based off a combination of Alphabetically by last name and some players getting moved around in an effort to simply even out the numbers of the groups. Skating timing.
- Day 2: Players split into 2 groups based off skating results. Small area competition games, 2x2, 3x3, 4x4 based on size of group.
- Day 3: Players split into 3 groups based off evaluations from day 1 & 2. Day 3 may consist of more small area games as well as a Scrimmage 5x5.
- Day 4: Players split into 2 groups based off evaluations from days 1,2, & 3. Scrimmage 5x5.
Bantam:
- Day 1: Players split into 2 groups based off a combination of Alphabetically by last name and some players getting moved around in an effort to simply even out the numbers of the groups. Skating timing.
- Day 2: Players Split into 2 groups based off skating results. Small area competition games, 2x2, 3x3, 4x4 based on size of group.
- Day 3: Players split into 3 groups based off evaluations from day 1 & 2. Day 3 may consist of more small area games as well as a Scrimmage 5x5.
- Day 4: Players split into 2 groups based off evaluations from days 1,2, & 3. Scrimmage 5x5.
15U:
- Dependent upon number of registered skaters. If only enough for 1 team, Day 1 will either consist of skating timing or small area competition games, 2x2, 3x3, 4x4 based on size of group.
Evaluation Format and Criteria
The MAHA Hockey Operations Director and designated Placement Committee use a combination of skating assessments, skill-based drills, small-area games, competitive situations, and scrimmages during the placement process.
This format allows evaluators to observe players in a variety of situations, including individual skill execution, decision-making, competitiveness, positional awareness, and team play. No single drill, scrimmage, or evaluation category determines a player’s final placement. Evaluators consider the player’s overall performance throughout the placement process.
Players may be evaluated using the following general criteria:
Forwards
- Skating speed, acceleration, agility, and quickness
- Puck control and puck protection
- Passing, receiving passes, and puck movement
- Shooting ability and scoring awareness
- Offensive positioning and awareness
- Forechecking and backchecking effort
- Competitiveness and willingness to engage in puck battles
- Decision-making with and without the puck
- Communication and team play
- Balance and strength on skates
- Effort, coachability, and response to instruction
Defense
- Forward and backward skating ability
- Transitions, pivots, agility, and lateral movement
- Gap control
- Defensive positioning and awareness
- Puck retrieval and breakout decisions
- Puck control and puck protection
- Passing and puck movement
- Shooting ability
- Competitiveness and puck-battle effort
- Decision-making with and without the puck
- Communication and team play
- Balance and strength on skates
- Effort, coachability, and response to instruction
Goaltenders
Goaltenders will be evaluated using a combination of fundamental skills, tactical awareness, game performance, and competitive habits.
Fundamental Skills
- Skating and mobility
- Positioning and angle control
- Depth management
- Recovery and post-save movement
- Save selection
- Rebound control
- Position-specific movement and technique
Tactical Skills
- Puck tracking
- Net-front and traffic management
- Rush and breakaway situations
- Awareness and communication
- Coverage and rebound recognition
- Puck handling and decision-making
- Ability to read and react to developing plays
Competitive Habits
- Compete level
- Focus and consistency
- Work ethic
- Resiliency after goals or mistakes
- Body language and composure
- Coachability and response to instruction
Evaluation criteria may be adjusted by age level and position to reflect appropriate player-development expectations.
Scoring for All Levels
Evaluators will complete an evaluation form for each placement session and score players on a 1–10 scale:
10: A+ | 9: A | 8: A- | 7: B+ | 6: B | 5: B- | 4: C+ | 3: C | 2: C- | 1: D
Initial sessions will be used to establish evaluation groups. Players may be reassigned after each session based on evaluator scores and observations. Group assignments are made for evaluation purposes only and do not guarantee placement on a specific team.
Skaters may be evaluated on:
- Skating and mobility
- Puck handling
- Passing and shooting
- Effort and competitiveness
- Positional awareness and hockey IQ
- Team play and communication
- Attitude and coachability
- Body checking or body-contact skills, when applicable
Goaltenders may be evaluated on:
- Skating, mobility, and positioning
- Glove and stick work
- Puck tracking and save selection
- Rebound control
- Puck handling and passing
- Effort and competitiveness
- Communication and team play
- Hockey IQ, attitude, and coachability
Scores from all completed sessions will help guide final placement decisions. Evaluator scores are one part of the overall review and may be considered alongside observations, positional needs, roster composition, and other relevant placement information.
Placement-group assignments and final team-placement decisions are not subject to the MAHA grievance process.