2026-27 Tryouts
Information and updates for this season’s evaluations.
CURRENT TRYOUT DATES & REGISTRATION:
Check back soon!
The registration link will be available as soon as tryout registration opens.
All tryouts follow the official timeline set by the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA) and the Atlantic Hockey Federation (AHF). View the full district schedule by CLICKING HERE.
TRYOUT INFORMATION
Tryout Location:
All tryouts are held at:
Oaks Center Ice
100 Pennco Road, Oaks, PA 19456
Age Groups:
Players are placed in tryout sessions based on their birth year, following USA Hockey’s age classifications for the 2026–27 season.
BIRTH YEAR
TYPICAL AGE
RANGE
Mites (8U)
7–8 years old
2016–2017
Squirts (10U)
9–10 years old
2014–2015
Peewees (12U)
11–12 years old
2012–2013
Bantams (14U)
13–14 years old
2010–2011
Midgets (16U)
15–16 years old
Midgets (18U)
17–18 years old
Each age group may field teams at different competitive levels, following the AHF structure: AA (top level), Gretzky, Lemieux, and McDavid.
Teams declare their level each season through the AHF to ensure balanced, competitive play.
A tryout jersey will be provided to your athlete upon arrival + check-in
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Once registration is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your player’s assigned tryout group and times. Closer to your session, additional details may be shared by the coaching or hockey operations team.
Make sure your player is registered with USA Hockey before tryouts — you’ll need that number to participate.
- Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tryout time to check in and get settled.
- At check-in, your player will:
- Confirm registration and Player Agreement
- Receive a numbered tryout jersey (provided by VFC)
- Get directions to their locker room or warm-up area
- Once on the ice, players will go through drills and scrimmages designed to evaluate:
- Skating and edge control
Puck handling and shooting - Positional awareness and hockey sense
- Effort, attitude, and coachability
AFTER TRYOUTS
- Within a few days of the final tryout, families will receive an email with their player’s team placement and coach assignment.
- From there:
Accept or Decline Your Roster Spot using the link in your placement email.
Log into the Parent Portal to view payment details and complete your first payment.
Stay Tuned: Your coach and team manager will follow up with next steps and add your player to their TeamSnap page, where you’ll find schedules, communications, and season updates.
Every player who participates in tryouts will be placed on a team that fits their age and skill level. Tryouts happen once per year, typically in March or April, and determine rosters for the full season ahead.
USA Hockey Registration:
- All players must register with USA Hockey each season before completing VFC registration. Register with USA Hockey
AHF Guidelines:
- For information and official tryout start dates, visit the Atlantic District Tryout Dates page.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
See below for additional tryout details and answers to common questions.
Will I know who the coach is before tryouts?
No, not always. Coaching assignments are often finalized after tryouts, since the number of teams and coaching selections depend on player turnout and overall skill levels. Once teams are set, coaches are announced and posted on the Teams page.
Can I request a specific coach or team?
We don’t accept specific team or coach requests. Our coaching staff makes all placement decisions to ensure teams are balanced and competitive.
How are players evaluated? What skills are you looking for?
Coaches evaluate skating, puck skills, hockey sense, effort, and attitude — not just speed or size. We’re looking for players who show discipline, respect, and a love for the game.
What should my player bring to tryouts?
Full hockey gear, and a water bottle. A tryout jersey will be provided for your player to wear upon arrival + check-in. Players should also bring a positive attitude and a readiness to work hard.
Is VFC hockey co-ed?
Yes. VFC welcomes both boys and girls who meet age and skill requirements.
How many teams per age group are there?
We typically field multiple teams per age level to accommodate a range of skill levels and ensure appropriate development opportunities for every player.
When will tryout results be posted or sent out?
Families are typically notified within a few days after the final tryout session. Specific timelines and instructions will be communicated at check-in and posted here once finalized.
What happens if my child doesn’t make their expected team?
Our goal is to place every player where they can develop and succeed. If placement differs from expectations, our coaches will discuss the rationale and next steps directly with you.
How do players progress through the VFC program?
Every team at VFC is part of a larger development path — from Mites through Midgets. See how players advance through the program on our Player Progression page.
What if we’re new to hockey or VFC? Where should we start?
If you’re just getting started, check out our New to Hockey page for beginner programs like Learn to Skate, CHIP, and Flyers Learn to Play — these are all great entry points before joining a VFC travel team.
PLAYER PROGRESSION
Have questions or need more info?
Reach out so we can help!