Crossroads

Question
Dear Martial,

Hello, my name is Michael Penokie and I'm a 21 (soon to be 22 year old) player from White Lake, MI. Essentially I am at a crossroads in my life. I have just finished my undergraduate degree at Grand Valley State University and am in the process of figuring out my next move. At some point I would like to put my degree to good use, but in the interim I would like to give competitive hockey one last shot. I haven't played organized in a few years, save for a few adult hockey league games where I was essentially a mercenary. In each of these contests I scored goals and had numerous shots on net and positive ratings.

Additionally, I was going to play club division 2 hockey for Grand Valley and attended the summer camp in 2009 where I again posted 3 points and 1 goal over the course of 3 games. In high school, I was the leading scorer in the very difficult Kensington Valley Conference, often regarded as the premier conference in the country.

In any case, I know I still have it and have been told so on several occasions--former coaches who have played minors and the like. In all respects, I'm in the best shape of my life and have more wisdom as a player nowadays.

I'm really trying to find a place to tryout in the coming months. I could not think of a better way to do something "for myself" after school, than pursuing and playing a game I have a great affinity and skill in. If you could provide any advice or direction, it would be greatly appreciated. Fortunately, Michigan is a hotbed for hockey, but am not opposed to spreading my roots.

Thanks,

Michael


Answer
Hello Michael!  

I totally understand where you are at.  I was at that road when I turned 18.  (about 30 years ago).   Hockey wasn't exactly the same - the opportunities not as great - and the coaching not as "player" friendly!!  I chose school - but to this day continue to wonder "what if"!?!?

if you can get a foot in the door doing something that you are PASSIONATE about...  Give it your best shot.  Whether you make it or not - at least you won't be carrying that "WHAT IF" with you!!  Some days that's a pretty heavy case to carry!!  

Now I am not too familiar with specific teams that are looking for players - but I do have a few links you can start looking into.  And you can also google any of the teams you might be interested in and just send them your resume!  Just like any other job!  You need to apply - get an interview (tryout) ... and then go from there!  If you can throw in some video clips or some YOU TUBE video of you playing - that can help your case too.  It's alot like marketing a product... YOU!!  The better the packaging, presentation and product - the better the PRICE you can get!!

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...

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.

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