Central Vermont Black Bears was formed with the idea that players should play on teams of similar ability in order to maximize development. It is our goal to place players on correct teams with adequate number of players for a successful season. Numbers per team will be dictated each year by the number of players in each age group. It is our goal to have a minimum of 13 players on a team and we will try to build teams each year around that number.

Each age group will have an adequate number of identification skates to properly rank the players from the most skilled player to the lowest skilled player. Players will be assigned to the first identification by alphabet. Any additional skates players will be assigned by ability in order to best rank all players in the age group. Once all players are ranked, teams will be formed by ability.

Players should arrive at the rink 30 to 45 minutes in advance of the tryout time and must check in at the registration desk to receive a numbered pennie.  Pennies must be returned to the registration desk after the session is completed.  All tryouts will be held at Waterbury Ice Center.

Parents/guardians will not be allowed inside the rink during tryout sessions.  Parents/guardians can be inside the rink prior to the start of tryouts to assist kids with check-in, skates and equipment, but must leave the building before tryouts begin.

• Top Tier Teams will consist of 13-15 of the most skilled players in the age group.  This is typically at Tier 2 team, but in some cases will be a Tier 3 depending on the skill level of the players.
• Tier 3 Teams will consist the next 13-15 players identified by the try-out process.
• Tier 4 Teams remaining players will be placed on Tier 4 teams with a target size of 13-15 players. If there are more than one team at this Tier teams be made as equal as possible through the tryout process.
• House Teams if a critical mass of players is present at an age group that is not ready for travel hockey, we will form house teams that focus on basic skills needed to progress to the travel teams. This is needed yearly at the U8 level but can also be needed at other levels based on skill and experience of players.

Girls Teams
Girls teams will formed each year by age and by what teams are being formed around the state to ensure we have teams to play. Black Bears will not allow girls to tryout for co-ed youth teams and girl’s teams. They must decide by registration and tryout dates. Girls is a very fluid situation in Vermont and Black Bears will form teams to maximize development of our girls’ players and teams.