Jr Tryouts

Question
Hey there,
Ive been playing competitive hockey since I can remember, Ive always been the best on my team whether its Jr or mens league. I'm a tall defense with great skating skills and powerfull to boot. I just do not know where to start looking to make it to the NHL and i KNOW it wont happen unless i start from the bottom again. Is there any way you can hook me up with an AHL or even any lower league tryout. I am currently 22 and everyone I know, even OHL'ers i face in mens league say i should try-out because they can never get by me or out of the corner with the puck. I live in Toronto, Ontario. If you can help me out, you'll honestly make my dream come true. No regrets!

Answer
You can look through this website (below) and or sign up for a camp...  you might benefit from getting yourself signed up with an agent.

http://esportsdesk.com/leagues/custom_page.cfm?leagueID=13721&clientID=4226&page...

You'll no doubt need to start near the lower leagues and really STAND OUT...  that will get you up FASTER - then going in too high and not being a STANDOUT...  - 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&view=frontpage&Itemid=...  

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 a recent track record...  i.e. recent stats? references.  However, some coaches are more open to 'risking' than others - you may have to PR yourself for that.  Make up a video - have some sort of "feature" they can remember/notice you by?

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