18uaaa or JRB

Question
QUESTION: My son is what his coach called a late bloomer. Played 16U American last year as a second year midget. Top defenseman, big, fast, physical. Wants to play at a Junior B team in the East during his senior year in high school. Wondered how many move onto Junior A after B and with only 6 teams in the 18UAAA league in our area is it really the place to be challenged. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

ANSWER: Mark,

Ok, I need just a little more information for me to assist you.

Position: Defense
Birth-date:
Birth place:
Height:
Weight:
Goals last year:
Penalty minutes:
Video YouTube link:

Now, here's the deal.  It really depends on in which direction he wants to take as far career path is concern.  Why? I guess from the information that you have provided above, I would think that you and the family as a whole would like to have him pick up the cup one day...is that correct?

Now to get there, the Scouts tell me that he has to be playing Major Juniors...now.  I have a friend that coaches at the NCAA division one level and he tells me that he would even waste his time looking at players if they are not at least playing Major Juniors.  Generally college coaches like to see the player at the Major Junior level at the age of 16.

However, it really has everything to do with speed and balance then goals and assists.  When I coached college, I didn't even look at a player if he didn't play defense.  Anyone can skate forward great, but not everyone can skate back at the same speed of the forward coming in.

Now you say that he is a second year midget and that age group starts at 15.  So this means that he turned 16 during this season.  Now, USA Hockey has a Major Junior program called...USHL.com  That is if you live in the USA and Canada has a Major Junior program that goes all across Canada. These are the top level league that he must play at to hold that cup.

Now for him to play that that level, he needs to have one or both of these things working for him.  First, if he's at least 6 feet tall, that's a Major Plus for him.  Next is speed.  Now I have been players that were short 5'.7" make it as well.  But speed and balance separates the players from dancing in the ball, or playing at their local beer league.

Now, I also have contacts in Europe.  This is another way for him to get to the next level.  But, I will need all of that stuff above answered before I go to bat for him.  You are more then welcome to send it to my email address.

Oh, and just throwing this out there.  I am currently building a University Ice Hockey League down here in Monterrey Mexico.  I have 8 Universities within this league.  One University (UANL) pays for all the students ice time practice and games.  If he wants to get a degree within another country and play hockey at the same time...this is a good place.

In fact, I have about 5 players that need to move up to the next level as well.  They have been playing roller hockey since they were 6 years old and let me tell you, you would be shocked on how good hockey is here...shocked, I tell you.  I was shocked!


Hoped this helped answer some of your questions.
Rob Lopez - CEO
Pass the Puck, Inc.
www.passthepuck.net
[email protected]




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

QUESTION: Thanks for the info Rob. I think our more realistic goal is to play college hockey at a high level. Not sure what level that means because between now and when a lot of kids are starting at school, it could mean up to 2-3 more years of playing at the Junior level. Thats a hugh difference in skill level and growth. The Empire league is the Junior B league near us and they have an Junior A team in the EJHL. Here are his stats off the top of my head.
Position - Defense
Birth - 4/9/94
Birth Place - Ridgewood, NJ
Height - 6'1"
Weight - 185
Goals and assists
High School - 10G-15A - 30Pen Minutes
16UMidget 3-8assists - 20PenMinutes
Probrably would have more goals with 16U but coach didnt like D shooting, very defensive style.
Picked for Chicago High School Showcase coming up in Pittsburgh in April
Not really interested in Mexico. Thanks, Let me know what you think

ANSWER: Ok...good.  Let me send this to an agent up around your area and let see what he thinks.  However, can you provide me with an email so he can communicate directly with you?

Rob

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

QUESTION: Thanks Rob.

Email is
Hope to hear from you. Thanks again, Mark

Answer
Yeah, the system didn't allow your email to be passed.  So, you will have to write to me directly and then I will pass the info to my friend and CC you at the same time.  If the system doesn't show you my email, then you can google me Pass the Puck, Inc.  and there should be a link that says "contact" and my email should be there.

Rob Lopez - CEO
Pass the Puck, Inc.
www.passthepuck.net
[email protected]