QuestionQUESTION: Hi I am 16 and I have played hockey a lot of my life. From 5-10 on ice, 12-13 on roller and I moved back to and ice arena and got into ice hockey again this past January. I have really good skill. I play against adults who play "C" league and kids who are on travel and in high school. I have been asked to play on a few of the leagues but couldn't because I missed try outs. I have dedicated myself to hockey and I wanna make it big. Is there any chance I can make a college team?
ANSWER: Blake,
Thanks for writing. Check to see what colleges are in your area and see if they have hockey at their University. Generally you will find two types...NCAA and ACHA.
ACHA is a league for College Clubs. At some Universities, they will take anyone that can skate. At other, depending on the number of players that turn out, they will have a selection. Keep the good, get rid of the bad. It's just how it works.
NCAA College's come and see you. Generally the rule of thumb is...
If you are not playing Juniors at any level, they will not even look your way. In order to be even on the radar, you have to be playing Midget AAA.
Your only hope is to go play Junior A Tier III. A lot of kids go from this level into ACHA, not NCAA. NCAA only looks at players at the Major Junior level. Unless you are a super star, you might get looked at, but it will be from Junior teams.
I could probably help you get to Juniors, but you would have to be a Midget AAA/AA caliber player. In order to got there, you will have to submit a DVD or YouTube video link of your games play.
Once you have this stuff, then we can move forward.
Head coach
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QUESTION: I heard that you can get scouted at summer camps and in high school hockey. Is this true?
ANSWER: Yep! This is true. I saw a guy at the Okanagan Hockey School in Penticton, BC. He was a great defenseman...6'3" and mean. So I called A friend who sent a scout, but he went to another team in the draft. But he was playing major juniors in BC. So you see, the key is to get to major juniors.
Now, if you are a great skater, not a good skater, a great skater, they will find you. Now, in order for you to become a great skater, I would recommend you contact this guy. His name is Boris (
[email protected]) he is currently working with several NHL players.
But, he puts on a camp every year. A great camp! If you want to be noticed, I recommend you find his camp. This year it's going to be at several places. But get in contact with him right away before it fills up. Kids are lining up to work with him and he is selective. Tell him that I sent you. This might get you into the camp.
If you are really serious about your hockey, I would recommend that you work with him as much as you possibly can. I don't want to here I can't afford it. You will find the money if you are really serious.
Head coach
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QUESTION: Would i need to have played in youth hockey leagues to make it to college hockey?
AnswerNope! But it would hurt. If they (the committee) ever asks you how long you've been skating, just tell them how many years. Less information is More! Besides, they are not going to care as long as you are a great skater. Well, yes, you have to have some skills to get there.
You can't just rely on your skating. Hockey is 80% skating and 80% of skating is balance.
10% stick handling, 5% shooting, 5% checking. That's why the next thing that is important is stick handling. You can go through your whole hockey life and not score a goal. But your passing has to be right on!
If you step out on the ice with not stick handling experience compared to the rest, the coach will see it right way and cut you. That's life! Same in youth, same in College! However, Boris can take care of that.
Head coach
