Sudbury Lady Wolves Tryout Information for 2026-2027 Season

Please log into RAMP to register.

*NEW* Click on the following links for more information:

NEW Tryout Information 2026-2027

U13-U15-U18 Pilot Overview

SDGHA Parent & Family Q&A 

2026-27 Streamlined Evaluation & Tryout Model Pilot 

U13 / U15 / U18 Competitive Divisions 

Introduction 

This document answers common questions about the new tryout process being piloted for the 2026-27 season. If you have additional questions, please reach out to SDGHA directly. 

Questions & Answers 

What is the new tryout model and why is SDGHA making this change? 

For the 2026-27 season, SDGHA is piloting a Streamlined Evaluation Model for U13, U15 and U18. Instead of one large group tryout, the process is broken into three phases: registration by stream, an intake evaluation, and a five-session invitational pool. The goal is to give every player more meaningful evaluation time, ensure players are assessed against peers at a similar skill level, and provide families with a faster, clearer outcome. 

Which age groups are included in the pilot? 

The new three-phase model applies to U13, U15 and U18. The U11 and U9 divisions will continue with a familiar format (no intake evaluation phase). 

What does "registration by stream" mean? 

At the time of registration, families register for the appropriate competitive stream their player is trying out for: AA/A (targeting the top two competitive teams) or BB/B (targeting the developmental representative teams). This ensures your player is evaluated against peers at a similar level. 

How do I register my player for tryouts? 

All tryout registrations are completed through the RAMP registration portal on the SDGHA website. A step-by-step registration guide is available under the Competitive Info tab on the SDGHA website. Please note that tryouts are held under the 2025/2026 season in RAMP, so packages will be listed under that season. Players who are not registered will not be permitted on the ice. 

Do AA players need to register for tryouts? 

Yes. Even if your player holds Direct Entry Status (returning SDGHA AA players at the same age level), they must still register for the AA/A invitational tryout package through RAMP before the invitational phase begins. Direct Entry Status provides a bye through the intake evaluation—it does not exempt players from registration. Goalies with Direct Entry Status are not required to register for additional packages beyond the goalie evaluation. 

What happens in the intake evaluation phase? 

The intake evaluation consists of three on-ice sessions: a structured skill identification practice, small-area games to assess hockey sense and compete level, and a refereed inter-squad scrimmage. Groups are kept to 20-24 skaters so coaches and independent evaluators can observe each player meaningfully. Goalies also have a dedicated evaluation session. 

Does my player have to attend the intake evaluation? 

If your player does not hold "Direct Entry Status" (see below), yes—they must attend the intake evaluation to be considered for the invitational pool. Any player new to SDGHA, including imports and association transfers, must attend. 

What is "Direct Entry Status"? 

Direct Entry Status is granted to players who rostered on an SDGHA AA team at the same age level in the previous season (for example, a player who played U15 AA as a minor would receive direct entry into the U15 AA/A invitational pool in their major year). Direct entry provides a bye through the intake evaluation—it does not guarantee a roster spot. These players still compete for their position in the invitational pool alongside new candidates. 

Why do returning AA players get to skip the intake evaluation? 

There are several reasons. Keeping returning AA players out of the intake phase allows independent evaluators to focus 100% of their attention on new candidates, ensuring that "late bloomers" or "hidden gems" are identified and moved into the invitational pool. This approach aligns with Hockey Canada's Long-Term Player Development model, which encourages viewing player development over time rather than in a single snapshot. A player who competed at the AA level in the previous season at the same age group has already demonstrated the ability to compete at or near the required level. 

What is the five-session invitational pool? 

This is the final selection phase. Players who earned an invite through the intake evaluation join the direct-entry players in one combined pool. Over five sessions (practices and scrimmages), coaches and evaluators narrow the pool to final rosters. The AA/A pool runs first, followed by the BB/B pool. 

When can players be released during the invitational pool? 

No players are released before the end of Session 3. This protects against variable performance factors like nerves, illness, or equipment issues. After Session 3, coaches may release players who are clearly better suited for the next stream. A player is only "released" once—they are either placed on a roster or moved to the next stream's tryouts. 

How and when will my player be notified of a release? 

Release notifications will be communicated by email to provide clear documentation for families. Coaches may also choose to have a phone call or in-person conversation at their discretion, and any in-person discussions will follow the Rule of Two (two adults present). There will be no traditional "lineup outside a room" releases—SDGHA believes timely, respectful communication protects the dignity of every player. 

If my player is released from the AA/A pool, do they still get to try out for BB/B? 

Yes. Players released from the AA/A pool are invited to the BB/B pool tryouts. They do not need to pay an additional fee for the BB/B sessions, and they do not need to re-register. 

How much does the tryout cost? 

The pilot uses a pay-per-phase model priced at $25 per tryout skate. The intake evaluation fee is $75, and the invitational pool fee (Team 1,2 or Team 3,4) is $125. Players who are released from Team 1,2 tryouts and move to Team 3,4 tryouts do not pay a second $125 fee. Goalies from U11-U18 pay a $100 goalie evaluation fee. 

What are the key dates? 

U18, U15 and U13 intake evaluations begin April 14. Goalie evaluations are on April 14. The AA/A invitational pool runs April 20-26. The BB/B pool runs April 28-May 3. For U11 and U9, tryouts run April 17-28. Detailed session-by-session schedules will be shared closer to the date. 

Who are the independent evaluators? 

The SDGHA Board appoints paid, neutral, third-party evaluators who have no conflict of interest in the division being evaluated. A dedicated goalie evaluator will attend at least two tryout sessions per division. Evaluators use standardized scoring rubrics and work alongside coaches throughout the process. Coaches retain the final say on roster selection. 

How does this model benefit my player? 

Players are evaluated against peers at a similar skill level in structured sessions, which builds confidence and produces better data for coaches. The process is also shorter and more structured, reducing the prolonged uncertainty of the previous waterfall release method. Independent evaluators add an extra layer of objectivity, ensuring every player gets a fair assessment. 

Is this model permanent? 

No—this is a one-year pilot. Following tryouts, a survey will be sent to parents and participating coaches to evaluate the model. Results will be presented to the SDGHA Board, which will decide whether to continue, adjust, or discontinue the model for future seasons. 

How can I provide feedback on the pilot? 

A post-pilot survey will be distributed to all participating families and coaches. Your feedback is important and will directly inform the Board's decision on the future of this model.