Minor League Hockey

Question
QUESTION: Martial,

I am a sophomore in college and i have always been a hockey fan. I was never able to play hockey in highschool because i could never afford the equipment. I did play alot of pond hockey with friends who were on the hockey team. My college is a top ranked NCAA III team. I was hoping to join the club team, (no where near the caliber of the actual college team.) If i get good enough, is there anyway i could pursue a career of minor league hockey. I don't want to be an NHL superstar (it would be nice) but im just looking to play the sport that i love. How would i go about pursing playing hockey after college possibly in minor league? Hope you can give me some advice.

Matt

ANSWER: Hello Matt

I am never one to say that something is IMPOSSIBLE...  If you REALLY REALLY REALLY want - I believe you can do it!  

Some may say that your odds may be a bit against you -  HOWEVER THEY ARE CERTAINLY NOT IMPOSSIBLE.  

Assuming you are still under 21... the first thing you need to do is do as many tryouts for a JUNIOR hockey team as soon as you can...  There are many levels from "C" level to tier 1 "A".  Almost any junior hockey experience is valued more than almost anything else.   Even if you don't make a team in your first try the experience will be invaluable.

You need to get as many games in and build a reputation through playing and getting some history of stats and scouting.

Once you "get in the system" you will then be able to climb the ranks to show your skills.

There are many junior leagues you can tryout for.  You can google USA HOCKEY to find out about the many leagues.

Then of course during your school year play on your club team and try to workout at same time as the top level team...  make sure they SEE you working...  and of course go to their tryouts.  YOU NEVER KNOW!  (Plus every skate is EXPERIENCE... since you started so late you have alot of cathing up to do -- if you really want to play semi pro... you MUST PLAY ALOT OF HOCKEY TO GET THERE!)

Another very important aspect is for you to ENJOY the whole process.  If you can enjoy all the workouts, the practice times, self improvement, disciplined diet and lifestyle - you not only improve your chance of success - but you also become successful and a WINNER NOW!  For the true definition of success in being content/satisfied/fulfilled "now" in the moment...

and the more of that you have - the more of it you will experience - and the easier that makes it to achieve your goals!!

Make sense?

Feel free to follow up with any other questions.

Good luck,

Martial




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Martial

I am under 21 however I don't think i will be able to tryout or even have time for Junior League. I work full time over the summer and i pay for my college myself, so i have very little time. However i will be skating at the local rink every chance i can get when i dont have work. I am most definitely joining the club team and if i get good enough i will try out for my college team. If i do not make it however, is there any league i can join after college that is a step below the majors for someone who will be over 21. Also is there any information you have on training techniques/specific diet training. thanks again for the advice.

Matt

Answer
Hi Matt...

I hear ya about the time and money...  the downside to almost anything in life ... the more time you can dedicate to something the better your "chances"!!  Playing it safe is a good concept - but it has held back alot of potential in alot of good people...  taking risks will have it's drawbacks, and even some "suffering" - but the rewards can be exponential... It will all boil down to choice!

In terms of training - cardio work is important - look up spin cycling, balance is important - look up plyometrics...  and of course your CORE muscles (back, stomach and thighs) are the focus of hockey players...  Diet can vary with body types - you can probably call any Junior hockey coach or trainer and most are very willing and eager to help our "prospects"...

As for low pro teams... If you are looking for minor pro (IN US)- there are several leagues you can look up --  SPHL (http://www.thesphl.com/), UHL (http://www.theuhl.com/) and CHL (http://www.centralhockeyleague.com/)to name three, or if you want to go to Europe - you can check out the Elite League (http://www.eliteleague.co.uk/) OR you can also look to http://www.pointswestinc.com/index.php?option=com_content%26view=frontpage%26Ite  

You can also buy the Hockey News or maybe look up their site - they will occasionally have an ad or two in there about OPEN FREE AGENT CAMPS (see: MAIL: P.O. Box 113454
Pittsburgh Pa. USA 15241
PHONE: 412-835-3801
FAX: 412-835-3801
EMAIL: [email protected]  (click to email)
WEB SITE: http://www.ihchockey.com
http://www.ihchockey.com/news.htm) for Minor Pro players who want to get scouted and maybe get an "agent".  These camps will get you exposure and from there you may get a tryout...  be prepared as sometimes it is in Europe...  It pays decent in Europe -- but it can be a trek if you are not used to it!

Know that there are alot of "players" on the market --  so what will make it tougher for you is if you don't have much track record...  i.e. stats? references, etc..  However, some coaches are more open to 'risking' than others - you may have to PR yourself for that.

Notwithstanding -- if you can stand OUT each and every game they watch you play -- you may get a shot somewhere and the key will be for you to keep the same level of play (or higher) going.

Feel free to follow up with anything if I missed something or if you wish that I elaborate.

Thanks and good luck with the puck!

Martial