How Do I Get Noticed?
How do I get noticed? This is one of the most frequently asked questions in hockey. There is no simple answer. You must come to the realization that there are several alternatives and routes a hockey player can take in achieving his or her goal.
The informed student athlete has a better chance of reaching the optimum hockey opportunity. Consider that there are well over 6,100 midget, junior, and high school teams in North America. Coaches, scouts, and recruiters cannot possibly cover all the teams and leagues. The NCAA restricts the number of annual contacts a college coach can have with a player. Prior to your senior year, a college coach cannot initiate contact with you, but he can observe or evaluate you seven (7) times. During your senior year, you can have personal contacts with a coach plus four (4) additional evaluations.
There are certain parts of the country where college and junior teams find most of their players. If you are not in a geographic “hockey hot bed,” your chances of exposure diminish. Your current coach can have significant impact on your future opportunities. To improve your chances:
- Make yourself academically attractive. Programs are looking for the student athlete.
- Select and play for a coach who has a history of moving players to the next level.
- Contact programs you are interested in – your coach should be your strongest advocate.
- Contact alumni of programs; ask them to speak on your behalf.
- Look for teams/leagues that have a history of moving players to the next level.
- Participate in USA Hockey district and national camps.
- Participate in USA Hockey district and national tournaments.
- Investigate Chicago Showcase, Hockey Night in Boston, Top Prospect camps.
- Try out for affiliate or district teams that play in elite tournaments.
- Attend summer camps that offer the best exposure and training.
Good Luck!
Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Al Bloomer for the above article.
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