VISION & PHILOSOPHY:
The NJ Bandits are not a status driven organization. Letters are far less important than an athlete’s experience. Our objective is to provide leadership and create a complete hockey experience using USA Hockey’s American Development Model – Long Term Athlete Development Principals. Our goal is to cultivate each player’s passion for the sport and establish a culture of esprit de corps in a safe, clean and ethical atmosphere where athletes are empowered in an appropriately competitive environment.
SELECTION & TEAM DECLARATION PROCESS: MITES TO BANTAMS
In order to ensure athletes are placed on the appropriate team, and that the team is placed at the appropriate competitive level, we use a multi-phase selection and declaration process. It is our intention to field AA, A & B at each level based on the talent pool without compromising the integrity of the competitive component in the development process.
Phase I Open Tryouts (April): For a variety of reasons, tryout week often provides a false impression of an athlete’s ability. We evaluate candidates based on their body of work whenever possible. During the season three evaluations are conducted. The results of those evaluations are taken into account during the tryout phase. Depending on the quality and quantity of the player pool, the coaching staff for each level will determine and fill the roster spots. Once selected, each player will be required to secure their place in the organization with a non-refundable deposit on the final night of tryouts. This will insure that you have a place to play next year.
Phase II Spring Training Sessions (May-June): Over the next two months- as players continue to grow and mature at varying rates, they will participate in training sessions. At these practices, we will continue to challenge and evaluate each candidate and begin to assess the collective ability of the group.
Phase III Final Declarations (June): Conducted following spring clinics and just prior to the NJYHL team declaration deadline. Candidates will be sorted out and assigned to a team that best suits their ability. Coaches will be assigned a team and teams will be placed at the appropriate competitive levels (AA, A or B). Mites and Squirts competitive level determined by NJYHL seeding process.
Special Note: Midgets are placed on teams at the initial tryouts, as well as all Bantams, PWAA and PWAA Minor.
American Development Model (ADM):
The Bandits are proud to be one of only three organizations named as a USA Hockey Model Association Program by USA Hockey! Embracing scientific development principles and using the ten year, 10,000 hour training method. The Bandit coaching staff, takes great pride in striking a balance between letting the player be a kid and helping athletes realize their potential. There will be evaluations for the Mite and Squirt players with the intention of placing all participants on teams.
If you have already filled out a tryout registration and need to edit the information submitted, please visit the following link:
https://njbandits.sportngin.com/survey_result/list
You may also click the link in the upper left corner with your username and select Registrations or you can click the link in your confirmation email labeled "The survey entry can be viewed here."
Goalie Tuition for the 2019 - 2020 season have been lowered.
Click here for more information.
*Please note that while tuition has been reduced, goalies will still have to purchase the Bandits apparel package.