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Team Midwest Tryouts for Players in 2011-2012 Birth Years

By Webmaster, 05/01/23, 10:00PM CDT

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Team Midwest for Birth Year 2011 and 2012

On April 12, 2023, the Midwest Amateur Hockey Association (“MWAHA”) announced Hockey Development plans and specifically an opportunity for youth players born in 2011 and 2012.

In parts of the country some USA Hockey programs have AAA teams at the youth level that travel extensively. This is a major time and financial commitment for parents and players at these ages. Our belief within the MWAHA is that it’s a priority for younger players to have fun with their friends by continuing to play hockey for their home Association. However, at the same time we would like to offer a pathway for top MWAHA players to have a higher‐level competitive experience against AAA teams while still playing for their home Association team during the winter season.

Today we are announcing the formation of two teams that will primarily practice and play prior to and after the Association winter season. Team Midwest 2011’s and Team Midwest 2012’s. 

Tryout registration online is open at the below link. Registration will close May 29, 2023.

Team

Each team will consist of the top MWAHA players within the 2011 and 2012 age group.

• Team Name: Team Midwest

• # of Teams: 1 team for the 2011 age group and 1 team for the 2012 age group.

• Roster Size: 15 to 17 selected players with up to 5 alternates. 

• Coaches: Non-parent coaches with prior AAA coaching experience. 

• Cost: Estimated $1,000 - $1,200 per player

• Competitive Level: Top Midwest AAA programs (Minnesota, St. Louis, Chicago, others)

• Practice: 20 to 25 hours with most practice time prior to and after the 

Association winter season.

• Practice Locations: Des Moines, Omaha and other MWAHA Association cities.

• Games: 10 to 12 games with most games prior to and after the 

Association winter season.

• Schedule: Tentative schedule announced prior to June 30, 2023.

Tryouts
Tryouts are open to all MWAHA players within the 2011 and 2012 age group. The cost for the tryout is $35.00. Tryouts will be in Des Moines and Omaha. Players need to make one of the tryouts to be considered for the Final Tryout and team selection. 

o Tryout 1: Friday June 2, 2023, at The RecPlex in West Des Moines, Iowa

  • 2011s: 6:45pm to 8:00pm
  • 2012s: 5:15pm to 6:30pm

o Tryout 2: Friday June 9, 2023, at Motto McLean in Omaha, Nebraska

  • 2011s: 4:00pm to 5:15pm
  • 2012s: 5:30pm to 6:45pm

It is expected that these teams will be playing against the top players and competition throughout the Midwest and beyond. Parents unsure about the competitive level should talk to their local coach or Hockey Director for guidance regarding tryout participation.

Final Tryout
Prior to June 12, 2023, selected players will be invited to participate in a Final Tryout. There is no cost for players invited to the Final Tryout. Each Midwest Team will be announced by July 8, 2023.

• Final Tryout: Friday June 30, 2023, at Metro Ice in Des Moines, Iowa

• 2011s at 1:00pm – 2:15pm

• 2012s at 2:30pm – 3:45pm

The intent of these teams is not to just have a few AAA pre / post season travel teams. This is one piece of a plan to help all players over time. With the cooperation of all Associations, we hope to provide more ways for players to have a fun competitive experience. Also, as part of the Hockey Development Plan we are working on additional opportunities for coaches to join in a collaborative effort and grow this great game of hockey.

Questions
Questions can be directed to the following email TeamMidwestHockey23@gmail.com. Alternatively, a question-and-answer section has been provided below.

Question & Answers

Question:  What Associations make up the MWAHA?
Answer: Ames, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fremont, Iowa City, Kansas City, Lakes Area, Lincoln, Mason City, Omaha, Quad Cities, Sioux Center, Sioux City, Tri City, Waterloo, and Wichita. 

Question:  What Associations can have players tryout?
Answer: If your Association is listed above, your player may tryout

Question:  What age can tryout?
Answer: MWAHA players born in 2011 and 2012 may tryout. Beyond the 2023 – 2024 season the intent is to have teams at additional age levels. 

Question: My player is a 2013 would they be able to participate in tryouts?
Answer: This is only for the 2011 and 2012 age groups. Beyond the 2023 – 2024 season the intent is to have teams at additional age levels.

Question: Can female players attend Tryouts?
Answer: Yes, any MWAHA player that was born in 2011 or 2012 may try-out.

Question: Are tryouts required to make one of the teams?
Answer: Yes, tryouts are required to make one of the teams.

Question: Can my player play up age groups?
Answer: No players are allowed to play up. 

Question: My player did not play on a travel team last year; would they still be able to participate in tryouts?
Answer: Yes, but it would be wise to talk to your local coach or Hockey Director for guidance regarding tryout participation as these team are recommended for the top players among all the MWAHA Associations.

Question:  How long will the season be?
Answer: It is anticipated these teams will be together from the Final Tryouts until mid-April 2024.

Question: When will the schedule of practices and games be posted?
Answer: We want players that are selected to understand the commitment to the team. That said, a tentative schedule of games and practices will be posted prior to Final Tryouts on June 30, 2023.

Question: Will the schedule conflict with the Association Hockey Season?
Answer: It is anticipated that the schedule will not conflict with your Associations winter hockey season. Should there be a scheduling conflict, the Association Hockey season should take priority.

Question:  Where will these teams travel to?
Answer: It is anticipated these teams will only travel in and around the Midwest.

Question: When is payment due?
Answer: Balance in full is due prior to the first practice.

Question: What do the costs cover?
Answer: The cost will cover practice time, games, coaches, coaches’ travel cost, uniforms and other miscellaneous costs associated with operating the team. 

Question: What expenses are not covered by the costs?
Answer: Expenses related to traveling to practices and games. Hotel costs if overnights are needed. It is anticipated that most locations will be drivable and airplane travel will not be necessary.

Question: Are Refunds Available?
Answer: Refunds are not available.

Question: What is the scope of an alternate player?
Answer: Coaching staff will select up to five alternates. A combination of forwards, defensemen, and goalies. These alternates will practice with the team, receive uniforms, and incur a practice fee of $400. In addition to attending practices, alternates are welcome to attend games of their choice. If one of the selected players is unable to play a game, an alternate may be selected to play as a replacement for that game.