There are currently 31 active NHL teams, and each has a roster of 23 players that participate in a season. That means that every year, the NHL features around 700 players.
But the NHL doesn’t feature the same 700 players season after season. Some players retire and others are drafted from lower levels to take the place of the retirees. Most people know what’s going on with the 700-or-so athletes in the spotlight while the NHL season is underway.
But what happens to the NHL players who retire?
Some ex-NHL players fall back on the money they made from the sport and retire from working in general. Other ex-NHL players still have the motivation to work but completely switch careers like Sean Avery, who took up modelling and restaurant management after ending his 12-year NHL career in 2012.
However, NHL players spend years developing and perfecting a unique hockey skillset. If they choose to stop working or to switch careers when they retire from the NHL, their skills will largely be going to waste. So, many ex-NHLers stick with the sport. Instead of playing, they find something else that’s hockey-related, like coaching.
The transition from NHL player to hockey coach is natural for many ex-NHLers. They already have a professional hockey skillset from when they were a player, so they can now use their experience to teach current NHL players and other emerging hockey stars.
Here are four of the best NHL players turned coaches:
1. Randy Carlyle
One of the most recognizable names in NHL history, both for playing and for coaching, is Randy Carlyle.
Randy began his NHL career by playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs (and some games for the Dallas Black Hawks) from 1976-78. From there, Randy played for the Pittsburgh Penguins until 1984, then he played for the Winnipeg Jets until 1993, capping off an impressive 17-year professional playing career.
In total, Carlyle dressed for over 1,000 NHL games. He also won the James Norris Memorial Trophy during the 1980-81 season as the NHL’s best defenseman.
Immediately following his esteemed playing career, Carlyle switched to coaching, acting as the head coach for various NHL and IHL teams over the next 26 years. Carlyle coached the Winnipeg Jets, the Washington Capitals, the Anaheim Ducks, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the IHL’s Manitoba Moose. Talk about a breadth of experience!
Combined with his playing career, Randy Carlyle spent 43 years active in the NHL!
2. Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy, nicknamed “Saint Patrick,” is considered one of the best NHL goaltenders of all time, which explains why he had successful playing and coaching careers.
Roy was drafted to play for the Montreal Canadiens in 1984, where he spent 11 seasons as one of the strongest goalies in the NHL. Roy was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in the 1995-96 season after hefty arguments with Montreal’s new head coach, Mario Tremblay. Roy played for the Avalanche until 2003, when he announced his retirement after a 19-year playing career.
Roy then served as the head coach for the Quebec Ramparts of the QMJHL from 2005-2013, making a brief return to the NHL as the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche from 2013-2016, succeeding Joe Sacco.
Roy is one of the most decorated players in NHL history. He won four Stanley Cups during his playing career, he received the Conn Smythe Trophy three times (the only NHL player to ever do so), and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November 2006. During the 2013-14 season as head coach of the Avalanche, Roy won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s best coach. To top it all off, Roy was chosen as the “greatest goaltender in NHL history” in 2004 by a panel of sports writers and a fan poll.
Although Patrick Roy isn’t currently active in the NHL, he made a contribution that will long outlive his already impressive pro hockey career. Roy popularized the “butterfly” style of goaltending, in which a goalie drops to his knees to defend the lower portion of the net by aligning his pads horizontally. Today, the butterfly style of goaltending is by-far the most common technique for goalies.
3. Joe Sacco
Joe Sacco is one of two Sacco brothers (the other being David Sacco) to have played in the NHL.
Joe spent 13 years playing for 5 different NHL teams. He played for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1990-1993, the Anaheim Ducks from 1993-1998, the New York Islanders from 1998-1999, the Washington Capitals from 1999-2002, and spent a final season with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2002-03.
After his retirement in 2003, Joe spent a few years coaching AHL teams before acting as the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche for four seasons from 2009-2013. During his time as head coach, Joe was nominated for the Jack Adams Award. In 2013, Sacco was succeeded by Patrick Roy as the new head coach of the Avalanche.
On July 24, 2014, Joe was hired by the Boston Bruins as an assistant coach, a position he’s held ever since.
4. Bryan Trottier
Bryan “Trots” Trottier was drafted as a centre for the New York Islanders in 1974. Trottier stayed with the Islanders until 1990, for 15 seasons, during which he became known for his offensive success.
In 1978, Trottier set the NHL record for the most points scored in a single period (4 goals and 2 assists). He is also one of few NHL players who have scored 5 or more goals in multiple games. In the 1978-79 season, Trottier scored a total of 134 points, earning him the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s top scorer. He also picked up the Hart Memorial Trophy the same year as NHL MVP and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP the following season.
Of course, Trottier’s individual success translated to team success. He managed to win a whopping 4 Stanley Cups while playing for the Islanders.
After 1990, Trottier played another 3 seasons for the Pittsburgh Penguins before announcing his retirement in 1994. At the time Trottier retired, he had scored the sixth-most points in NHL history.
Unfortunately, Trottier’s coaching career wasn’t as successful as his playing career. After retiring as a player, Trottier served as the assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins (1994-1997) and the Colorado Avalanche (1997-2001). In 2002, he was named the head coach of the New York Rangers, but was promptly fired after only half a season because he faced franchise and fan backlash for his misuse of the team’s offensive players.
Trottier later served as the assistant coach of the Buffalo Sabres in the 2014-15 season.
Although Trottier’s coaching career is less illustrious, he’ll always be remembered as one of the greatest players in NHL history.
If you’re disappointed by the suspension of the NHL season due to the COVID crisis, imagine what the actual players are feeling. These are some of the fiercest competitors in the world, and their season was cut short just before the always-intense playoffs were set to begin. On top of their passion for the sport, playing the game is also their career, so they are currently without work.
The good news is that just like us, NHL players are well-rounded individuals with a variety of interests and capabilities. As professional athletes, they are also in a relatively fortunate position as far as having the funds and professional networks to help with humanitarian initiatives during the crisis. Many players have been spending their time helping others and keeping fans engaged during these trying times.
Players Getting Creative with Donations
Many players have taken it upon themselves to donate to organizations to help victims of COVID and to fund research that can slow the spread of the disease. Aside from simply donating money, it is popular for players to donate signed memorabilia and other items to be auctioned off at charity events whose proceeds will be donated to COVID relief.
John Klingberg of the Dallas Stars donated a signed Winter Classic jersey to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. The CDP currently has an auction geared specifically for COVID-19 relief, and has raised over $160,000 by auctioning off jerseys, artwork, game-used goods, and other desirable items. Other NHL Stars who have donated items to this fund include Marc-Andre Fleury of the Golden Knights, Rickard Rakell of the Anaheim Ducks, and Bryan Rust of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Many players and teams that already have their own charitable donations are expanding their funds and designated certain amounts to help COVID victims and to fund research for a cure. There are many wonderful philanthropic efforts going on across the league, and it is encouraging for young fans to see their idols stepping up and making a difference in the world.
In addition to donations directly sent to COVID relief funds, some players are making sure that team employees are taken care of. While many teams have announced that team and arena employees will be compensated during the suspension, individual players have also made contributions. Sergei Bobrovsky of the Panthers gave $100,000 of his own money to help pay employees of the BB&T Center, sparking all of his Panther teammates to do the same.
It is uplifting to see professional athletes going above and beyond to ensure the health and well-being of everyone around them.
Fan Interactions
Hockey players are well aware that the league couldn’t exist without the fans, so they are doing their part to keep them entertained during this time when hockey can’t be played. In a normal situation, players could host meet-and-greets and real-life events for fans, but with social-distancing guidelines and quarantine requirements, that isn’t possible. In light of this, many players have taken to social media to keep the fans engaged.
This isn’t just a way for players to stay in contact with fans, but also a good opportunity for them to spread awareness and educate people on what to do during these times. Morgan Rielly of the Maple Leafs shared a video showing proper handwashing techniques and added some humorous quips in during the video. Zach Hyman, also of the Maple Leafs, posted a video encouraging people around the world to practice social distancing and to be extra-cautious during these uncertain times.
Calgary Flames’ forward Matthew Tkachuk took to social media to post a FaceTime call he had to wish happy birthday to a fan whose party was cancelled due to Coronavirus. Many other players shared fun and informative videos of them performing impressive feats of skill in their own home or thanking the first responders and medical workers who are fighting on the frontlines of the crisis.
New Forms of Entertainment
While some players are interacting directly with fans on social media, others are taking on new forms of entertainment so that thousands of fans can join in on the fun. Just recently, PK Subban of the New Jersey Devils announced that he would be hosting a 30-minute weekly show called NHL Hat Trick Trivia.
Subban will film his part remotely from his home, while contestants every week will also be filmed in theirs, with a guest star showing up every week. For every question answered correctly, contestants will receive a prize – a hat for the first question, a jersey for the second, and two NHL tickets for the third. They must be careful, however, as a wrong answer means that they will lose everything.
Subban is a big personality who hasn’t always endeared himself to fans of opposing teams, but he makes a great candidate for a game show host as he is well known around the league and provides an energetic demeanor. Perhaps he’ll be able to make fans of contestants who formerly considered him a rival.
A Higher Level of Social Responsibility
Although hockey may be a sport that is ultimately here for entertainment purposes, many stars feel that they have a heightened responsibility to contribute to causes that will help the world. They are in the public eye and many young people look up to them as heroes. Because of their status as public figures, they should strive to make strong examples to people across the world and to do the right thing.
It isn’t just about donating part of your salary to charity, but also about taking the time to help with relief efforts and striving to be upstanding citizens now that they have the time to do so. NHL players are showing that they are truly wonderful members of society by continually interacting with their fans and encouraging proper behavior during these difficult times. These players aren’t required to do any of this, but they are exhibiting to the world that the NHL is a league with plenty of class.
When it comes to securing a path to the NHL for young hockey players, the two main options are to either play in one of Canada’s Major Junior leagues or to go to college and play for a NCAA Division 1 team. Many excellent players have been developed into NHL stars in both of these leagues, but the NCAA has recently seen a lot more success than they did in previous years. While both leagues are viable options for young hockey stars to hone their skills, there are several differences to consider when making a decision which route to go.
Eligibility
If one chooses to play for a team in the CHL, they sign a professional contract, thus making them ineligible for future play on an NCAA team. This is something to consider for younger players who are consider going to college in the USA for a hockey program. While some players can have eligibility reinstated, it is a difficult process and is done at the discretion of the school.
Education and Facilities
The benefit to joining a team at an NCAA school is that players can also receive an education. Many Division 1 schools have great academic programs in addition to top-tier athletics, and that can go a long way in helping a player to get his degree. The CHL offers education initiatives, but simply cannot compete with the programs that are offered by American colleges. In fact, 88% of NCAA players go on to earn their degrees while only about 20% of their CHL counterparts do so. Making it to the NHL is an extremely difficult task, so it can be a major benefit to have a good degree to fall back on.
College athletic facilities have the financial backing of their institutions, which make them some of the nicest hockey facilities outside of the NHL. Many CHL facilities are much simpler, lacking the expansive weight rooms, therapy rooms (and trainers), and overall modern updates that make college rinks so appealing. It should be noted that the differences don’t just end at the hockey rinks themselves – NCAA students are given access to all college facilities including cafeterias, study centers, and student housing. This is advantageous as it allows players to enjoy campus life while staying near to their hockey facilities.
Length of Season and Age Restrictions
Major Junior leagues play a 70-game season whereas NCAA seasons are only 40 games. This may help CHL players be more prepared for the 82-game NHL seasons by the time they enter the league. However, some people worry about fatigue for the younger players whose bodies may not be fully mature, which could lead to injury and burnout. There’s also the idea that in a 40-game season, each game has more meaning and that may help to give a mental edge to the players in NCAA. Age Restrictions
Most players in the CHL range from 16-20, with 21 being the max age to participate. NCAA, on the other hand, consists of players who are 18-24 years old. This means that the CHL is more conducive to a faster, skill-based game while NCAA features a more physical style with stronger players. In some ways, CHL games actually look more similar to NHL games, but some people believe that the potential for extra time and development in NCAA better prepares players mentally and physically for the NHL.
Coaching and Conditioning
Although the CHL is home to some great coaching minds, the league simply can’t compete with the comprehensive staffs provided by NCAA teams. These coaches get paid good money by the school and are provided with full-time staff members, including assistant coaches, physical trainers, and even sports psychologists in some cases. In addition, they have access to experienced scouting teams and large equipment budgets, giving them quite a bit of an advantage over major junior leagues.
Although college players play fewer games throughout the season, they are often subjected to more intense, frequent practices and highly studied workout and weight-lifting regimens that may better prepare them for life in the NHL. The additional focus on practice and talent development can help them develop their skills without having as much pressure to do so in an actual game. However, some people believe that the best experience comes from playing the games, and as such they prefer the CHL model.
Lifestyle
NCAA students get to live the campus lifestyle, which is something that many say is highly beneficial for their personal lives. They get to make friends outside of hockey while getting an education that can prepare them for life after hockey, whether or not they make it to the NHL. Access to student housing and meal plans can take some of the stress out of finding a place to live, allowing them to focus on hockey and education. That being said, college life isn’t for everyone, and there are plenty of education options available for CHL players. Although they have more games, they often have extra time to get a job, which means they could set themselves up for a career outside of hockey without necessarily requiring a degree.
Which is the best way to go?
When looking at all the benefits that an NCAA can provide for a young hockey player, it seems like this would clearly be the best route – but it isn’t so cut and dry. Many factors such as proximity to family, financial constraints, and overall talent level can play a role in whether a young player decides to play Major Juniors or for a Division 1 team. The CHL signs some of the most talented young players in the game, and many go on to become NHL stars by the age of 19 or 20. This makes it an excellent option for those once-in-a-lifetime talents who may not need to spend extra time developing in college. The NCAA, on the other hand, provides a bit more time for certain players to improve their skills and offers a great backup plan should they not be able to take the strides required to be drafted to an NHL team.
Depth charts are utilized in all major sports, and they are extremely useful tools for coaches and players alike. In hockey, they help to set the lines and keep the coach on top of who’s performing and who isn’t. It is important to have a depth chart at all levels of hockey, from pee-wee leagues to the NHL. The depth chart is one of the most basic parts of setting up a team and every coach should be aware of its uses.
What is a Depth Chart?
A depth chart in hockey is based around the line system. The most common set up is to have four lines of forwards (right wing, left wing, center) who play alongside three lines of defenseman, called partners. Most hockey teams follow a pretty simple plan for setting up their linemates.
The first line will consist of the team’s most skilled offensive players. They will get the most ice time and are usually responsible for the majority of any team’s scoring.
The second line is often comprised of slightly lower-level offensive players who may play a better two-way game, making it a line that can both score and prevent scores against at a high level. Sometimes a player who may be skilled enough to be a first liner will be put on the second line in order to open up more offensive opportunities, especially if there is another elite player on the team with whom he shares a position.
The third line is a defensive-based line, often with larger forwards who are more focused on checking and wearing down the opponent. This line often gets matched against another teams scoring lines in order to minimize their goals and tire them out, as big hits and gritty play can be exhausting. Although they don’t generally score as much as the first two lines, they still have players who can contribute to some big goals.
The fourth line is the most physical line and is often made up of less skilled but durable players who don’t mind getting their hands dirty. They play the fewest number of minutes but continue to beat up on their opponents and provide a short break for the first lines who can come out with more energy after this line does their job.
The power play line, or power play unit, is made up high-scoring lines who take the ice when the other team commits a penalty and thus ends up short-handed. Although a coach will want to take advantage of offensive firepower and scoring opportunities, this line should have strong two-way players so as not to give up a short-handed goal.
A penalty kill line is put on the ice when the team commits a penalty and most go up against the other team’s power play unit. This is a defensive-minded line and often a physical one as players may have to sacrafice their bodies in order to block shots and make big hits.
Why a Coach needs a Depth Chart
Without a depth chart, a coach would simply be throwing players out onto the ice with no strategy or cohesion. This would make for a haphazard approach and would likely render his team unprepared to go up against a more organized team with specific roles. This doesn’t mean, however, that a coach has to stick to his original depth chart if it isn’t working.
In general, the first line should consist of the team’s best offensive players, but the coach may make a decision to split up the offensive firepower between the first two lines, especially if going up against a team with weaker third and fourth lines. This can help maximize scoring opportunities and tire out the opponent.
Coaches may also change lines around if certain players aren’t performing on an individual basis or if it seems like the forwards or defenseman don’t have any chemistry together. Two superstars, for instance, may have a similar style of play, or be best at the same position, so they may be split up even if they are both performing at an elite level. For players who aren’t performing up to expectations, they may be dropped to a lower line in order to motivate them to play better or to benefit from a change of pace.
Line changes can happen on the depth chart before game time, or they can happen in the middle of the game. There is no limit to the number of substitutions you can make, so if one line is getting really beat up on by the other team, the coach may make a live change the next time they go out in order to try to get something else going. It isn’t extremely common, but it has helped to light a fire under a team on many occasions. Sometimes you find out that certain matchups aren’t working out, so you have to change your game plan if you want to give your team a chance to win.
Depth Charts in Youth Leagues
Although pee-wee and other level youth leagues aren’t quite as organized as the NHL, it’s still important to have depth charts before a game is played. However, there is more room to juggle lines around and let players try out different positions and linemates. Confidence can be a major problem for young players, so giving everyone time on the top lines can be a major boost in helping them feel like part of the team and even bolstering their performance.
Young players, especially the apparent stars, need more rest than professional players, so it’s not a bad idea to move even the best players off the first line sometimes so that they aren’t logging so many minutes that they experience burnout. While everyone wants to win their games, the bigger point of youth hockey is to develop players skills and help them to learn about the importance of teamwork and friendship.
Hockey academies and boarding schools have been growing in popularity in recent years. These specialized institutions are designed to help talented young players reach their full potential and pave a path towards professional play. While they certainly provide access to some of the most elite trainers and classes, there are some controversies surrounding them.
If you are considering joining a hockey academy, there are many things to consider before choosing which one to go to. You should learn about the things that you can expect when you begin training at an academy and determine if it is the right choice for you.
What is a Hockey Academy?
A hockey academy is a type of prep school where the ice-bound sport takes front and center. They strive to take promising young players and turn them into even better players with the ultimate goal of getting them into the NHL. These are basically schools reserved for the best players in their area.
Many hockey academies provide a full curriculum for their students, so they act as a regular educational center – just with an extra emphasis on hockey. Students will have plenty of the same classes as their peers, but they will also have courses that focus on hockey and will be practicing several more hours per day.
Often times, former professional players or administrators are hired to be part of the school’s staff. They might help to put together the hockey program or even coach the team from time to time. Students are often scouted and hand-selected by such staff members, making these schools loaded with talent.
What to Expect from a Hockey Academy?
If you are considering attending a hockey school or enlisting your child, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, these schools are usually quite expensive, sometimes costing over $50,000 per year. They are also very exclusive, only giving scholarships to the top hockey players in the nation. If you are one of the very top players in your league, chances are high that you won’t be accepted or that you will have to take on the entire price tag on your own.
With that said, these academies are a dream come true for hockey players. They get to interact with some of the other top hockey players in their class. The schools provide them with pristine facilities that rival those of the NHL. They are often much more polished and comprehensive than college facilities or those of the Major Juniors.
But more than just the facilities or chance to be around a group of like-minded peers, these academies excel at teaching and improving hockey skills. There is an obvious focus on becoming a better player, and it is clearly seen that the students and staff are dedicated to the game of hockey above all else. That is not to say that you can’t get a good education here, but the real goal is to graduate from the academy as a player who has improved enough to become professional.
Benefits of Hockey Academies
Superior Facilities – Although many NCAA colleges have beautiful rinks and practice areas, hockey academies place a special emphasis on the sport, allowing them to allocate the majority of their resources to these features. Students rave about the quality of facilities at these schools.
Professional-level training – Hockey academies put everything into improving their players, meaning that they can benefit from training courses that can only be rivaled by those of the NHL.
Exposure to other players – When you join a hockey academy, you are giving yourself an opportunity to mingle and play with the best young players that the world has to offer. This will improve your game by allowing you to train with them and to compete against them.
Disadvantages of Hockey Academies
Cost Prohibitive – these schools are very expensive, making them inaccessible to many lower income families. Many people view this is very unfair, giving preference to those players who already have certain privileges and access to quality training.
Lack of Diversity – While it can be beneficial to learn and live with so many other hockey players, it could hurt a student’s social life as it often ends up revolving around the school without many options outside of it.
Potential for Burnout – With the lack of diversity, some students may feel as though they are spending too much time on hockey. While they may remain passionate about the sport, their motivation may decline, and it could have a negative effect on their playing abilities.
Is a Hockey Academy a Good Choice?
This is a personal question and will depend on the priorities and characteristics of the player in question. There is no doubt that hockey academies offer some of the best training programs and facilities that money can buy. If you attend one of these prestigious schools, there’s an excellent chance that you will come out of it a much-improved hockey player.
However, you have to consider the effects that attending the academy might have on your personal life and potential career prospects. If you can stick to a strict schedule without making too many sacrifices in your social life, you may very well enjoy your time spent at the academy. But if you have a lot of other responsibilities that will falter because of your increased focus on hockey, then you might want to consider taking a different route.
Skipping out on the academy experience doesn’t mean that you have to stop playing hockey. These schools are still only utilized by a small percentage of young hockey players who have the means to attend. If you work hard at your NCAA school or Major Junior team, you may have just as much of a shot as going pro as the players that attend academies. While they are certainly fantastic options for improvement, they are not the only way to become a better player.
It’s every player’s dream: to step off the ice after a dominant game and be approached by a hockey scout. The scout tells the player that they have incredible potential and offers them the opportunity to play at the next level of hockey. Any serious hockey player craves being scouted; it’s why they put in the countless hours of practice and make so many sacrifices for their sport.
As a player, it can be tough to spot scouts, especially if you’re used to playing in front of a larger audience. Scouts won’t always be at your games, anyway, so how do you know when to turn up the heat and give it your all in the chance that you’ll get recruited?
Trick question: it doesn’t matter. You should always keep the heat turned all the way up! Not only because it’s a good mentality to have, but all the other people watching your game can play a role in you being scouted, too.
Everyone Plays a Role
Scouts aren’t the only people who affect whether you get scouted. Parents and coaches are the two other parties that affect the scouting process. Depending on the situation, they can play a massive role in determining whether a player is scouted to a team. The main difference between scouts and coaches/parents? Coaches and parents are at every single game. Scouts aren’t. That’s why it’s a good idea to treat everyone as a hockey scout.
Scouts will often refer to a team’s coach for feedback about players. And, depending on influence and connections, parents who recognize the ability of a player (not necessarily their own child) can also help with scouting.
Coaches provide inside information for hockey scouts. Scouts watch you demonstrate your physical skills during games, but they don’t often get to see other, less visible traits. Your coach, on the other hand, has spent time working with you one-on-one and studying you as a player.
Any good coach will have at least some idea of each player’s attitude, mindset, work ethic, sportsmanship, etc. Those traits are just as important to hockey scouts as the ability to score goals, pressure the enemy team, or block shots. A scout doesn’t want to recommend a player for a team that’ll be a star forward but will bring the morale of the team crashing down. That’s why hockey scouts will turn to coaches for feedback about their players.
So, always do your best to impress your coach. Be courteous and sportsmanlike, but also passionate and fiercely competitive. Always give your all during practices and games. If you impress your coach enough, they’ll be more than happy to put in a good word for you.
Parents can even play a role in the scouting process, namely through connections. The hockey community is small and close-knit. Many of the parents, coaches, and staff know each other in some way or another. The kicker? Some of the parents know scouts (or other people who have influence with scouts) as well.
This is yet another reason to always try your best and give 100% during each hockey game. No matter how bleak the game looks or how tired you are, keep pushing yourself to your limits. You never know when a parent in the audience who knows a scout will mention your name because they recognize your talent and work ethic.
The “Always Watching” Mindset
Treating everyone who’s watching you play hockey as a scout is a beneficial mentality apart from simply affecting your chances of being scouted. I like to call it the “always watching” mindset: assume you’re always being watched by someone influential, regardless of whether anyone important is truly watching you. Even if you’re on the ice in an otherwise empty arena. Why? It creates accountability to others.
Adopting the “always watching” mindset makes you accountable for your performance on the ice not only to yourself, but also to that so-called “important person” watching as well. That extra accountability will motivate you to push yourself harder and always perform to the best of your abilities. Some scouts may even show up to team practices to observe your habits and work ethic.
Accountability to others is a powerful motivator. Imagine yourself as the only person at the gym; there’s nobody watching you. If you get tired, you’ll simply stop doing your reps and take a break. In a packed gym, however, you feel as though there are sets of eyes on you, which pushes you to do more than you thought you were physically capable of.
In general, people perform better when watched. So, always assume you’re being watched!
Market Yourself
There’s a third party other than parents and coaches that can help play a role in scouting: you!
If you’re serious about hockey, no matter your age or skill-level, you should take the initiative and market yourself as a player. Showcase your talent and make your presence as a dominant hockey player known.
One of the best ways to market yourself as a player is to use social media to your advantage:
Create highlight reels for YouTube
Fill your Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook with posts and short videos about your hockey career
Participate in hockey forums by asking and answering questions and discussing the game
The other effective way to market yourself as a player is to contact coaches and hockey scouts from the level you’re interested in (and even levels beyond). Research the names of scouts and coaches from the division and introduce yourself to them, letting them know your interest in being a prospect for advancing to the league. You can also send them a link to your YouTube and social media so they can see your hockey prowess for themselves!
Despite the effect that you, coaches, and parents can have on the scouting process, the hockey scouts still make the final decision. Sometimes, even with your best efforts, you may miss the opportunity of being scouted to play at a higher level. Just remember, success in hockey (as with everything) comes down to hard work and dedication.
Being scouted isn’t a race. Stay focused on the goal and if you miss an opportunity now, with perseverance you’ll have a much better shot at achieving it in the following season. Plus, if you adopt the “always watching” mindset, you can be sure that you’re always trying your best at every practice and game. Whether you get scouted or not, you’ll see improvement in your own abilities as a player, which is a great sign for the future.
