2025-2026 THUNDERBIRDS TRYOUT DATES and FORMAT ANNOUNCED

18U, 16U and 15O begin April 9th, 2025 with 14U and 13O tryouts beginning April 11th, 2025

We have adapted our team tryouts process this year because of the changes in USA hockey rules in addition to adapting to the competitive tier 1 landscape across the country.  Additionally, we have introduced the training camp concept to accomplish THE FOLLOWING goals:

• Provide players with the best possible opportunity to make our fall USA hockey National tournament bound teams
• Provide multiple exposure opportunities to our coaches and environment Give players the opportunity to experience what the Thunderbird Development Process looks like first hand
• Grow and develop in a competitive OFF SEASON TRAINING environment
• To BUILD the most competitive and cohesive Thunderbird Fall teams as possible

Our midget tryout process is designed to mimic, as closely as possible, the training camp process that players can expect to encounter as they move on to junior programs. Tryouts consist of a first weekend of skates with a primary cut, then is followed by a one-month training camp before phase two. In phase two, advancing players will participate in two team practice sessions and two exhibition games against a AAA team to-be-announced, after which our final cut will be made.

The bantam tryout process is very similar, with a small tweak compared to our older players. Like the midgets, players will take part in initial tryouts and advancing players will then move on to a 10-day training camp. At the end of training camp, our bantam teams will travel to the Chi Town Shuffle, a spring AAA tournament where players will play together and compete for the final spots on our 14U and 13O team. The Thunderbirds would like to stress that while participation in the Chi Town Shuffle is highly encouraged, it is not required to make our bantam teams.

Our tryout process is now open to all players in the following birth years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. Please click on the images below to begin the tryout registration process and we can’t wait to see how YOU will be a part of history with the Colorado Thunderbirds!

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