Stepping Up: How to Make Your Call-Up Count Guide to impressing coaches at the next level

Getting the call to practice or play with a higher-level team is a huge deal. Whether you're moving from U18 to Junior, or from Tier 3 to Tier 2, the feeling is a mix of excitement and nerves. This is your chance, your opportunity to show that you not only belong but that you can thrive. But the key isn't to go out and try to be the hero. The goal is to be a professional, to be coachable, and to prove that you can be a trusted piece of their puzzle. This is your audition, and it starts the second you walk into the rink.

Your first job is to be a sponge. You are entering their world, and you're there to learn. Keep your mouth shut and your ears open. Watch the veterans. How do they prepare for practice? How do they communicate on the ice? What habits do they have that make them pros? Listen intently to every word the coach says, whether it's to the whole team or directly to you. Make eye contact, nod, and show you're absorbing it. If a coach corrects your positioning on a drill, your only job is to apply that feedback on the very next rep. Showing that you are coachable is often more important than showing how hard you can shoot.

You might not score a goal, but you can always control your work ethic. Your "compete level" is the one thing coaches will notice immediately. Be one ofthe first players on the ice and one of the last off. In every single drill, go 100%. Don't just win the sprint; win the entire drill by finishing hard at the net, stopping on pucks, and battling in the corners. Coaches are watching your habits. Do you coast to the bench? Do you take a rep off? Or are you the guy who treats every drill like it's the third period of a playoff game? Your effort is your calling card, so make it undeniable.

This is not the time to try and be a highlight-reel superstar. The biggest mistake young players make when they "play up" is trying to do way too much. They try to dangle three players or force a pass through traffic to prove their skill. The opposite is true. Coaches at the next level want to see if you can think the game and be reliable. Make the simple, smart play. Get pucks deep. Make a good, hard first pass to get out of your zone. Be responsible in your own end. They already know you have skill—that's why you're there. Now, show them you have the hockey IQ and discipline to play their system.

Your character is on display from the moment you arrive. Be a professional, even if you're not getting paid. That means being low-maintenance and high-character. Show up early. Introduce yourself to teammates, coaches, and especially the training and equipment staff. Be polite. Be the guy who helps pick up pucks without being asked. On the bench, be a good teammate. Stay engaged in the game, cheer for the guys, and don't pout if you miss a shift. Your attitude, body language, and how you treat others are being watched just as closely as your play on the ice.

Whether you are there for a single practice or a three-game weekend, your mission is the same: make them remember you for the right reasons. You want the coaches and management to walk away thinking, "That kid fits in. He works, he listens, and he can play at our pace." You're not just auditioning for a spot this season; you're building a reputation for your entire career. Leave no doubt that you are a player they need to have in their organization, both now and in the future.

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