Ep.24 | Tryouts, Open Borders, & What to do After U16 Hockey

In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, we break down one of the biggest challenges in youth hockey today: patience.We open with a clip from NHL coach John Tortorella speaking about players wanting everything immediately — roles, opportunity, advancement — without understanding the reality of how progression actually works.From there, we dive into the current state of AAA tryouts in Ontario, how open borders have changed the landscape, and why the traditional idea of “earning your spot” is becoming less clear.We also discuss the growing “entourage” around young players — parents, advisors, outside influences and how that can impact decision-making during some of the most important development years.The conversation then shifts to one of the most critical moments in a player’s path: after the U16 year and draft window. Whether you were drafted, overlooked, or moved teams, we break down how to think through your next steps with a long-term mindset.This episode is for players, parents, and coaches navigating tryout season, roster decisions, and the pressure of early development expectations.In This Episode, We CoverWhy players need to learn to wait their turnThe reality of progression in hockey developmentHow AAA tryouts and open borders have changed minor hockeyThe impact of parents, agents, and outside voicesWhat to do if you get cut — or make a new teamWhy families struggle with decision-making in youth hockeyWhat happens after the U16 draft (drafted and undrafted players)How to evaluate the right path moving forwardThe importance of removing bias and emotion from decisionsKey Moments01:50 – John Tortorella on players waiting their turn 02:35 – Andy’s reaction and perspective 04:30 – The reality of waiting your turn 05:30 – Rushing to the next level 07:30 – Is there really such a thing as tryouts anymore? 08:40 – The professionalization of youth sports 12:30 – The “entourage” around young players 13:30 – Being careful who you surround yourself with 18:00 – Tryouts and open borders in minor hockey 21:40 – Selling youth hockey to families 27:00 – What to do if you get cut or make a new team 35:00 – Why parents struggle with decisions 37:00 – Draft pick examples and realities 43:00 – What to do after the U16 draft 53:00 – Where players actually end up post-draft 59:00 – Taking off the rose-coloured glassesStay ConnectedWatch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTubeFollow on socials:@BuiltFromSteelSeries@BioSteelSports@BioSteelSportsAcademy@CoachEpzoloThe Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com