Joining a team

Question
Ive played hockey back home in japan,however,when i came to Canada, i was injured during a power skate session,and for some reason,my back blew out.Because of that,Ive never gotten a chance to play registered hockey in British Columbia(where i reside). A few months ago, I was cleared by my doctor,as we found out my back problem is gone and no longer is a factor. I have my own private instructor now,and i practice on my own as well.(6 days a week, 4-5 hours,not counting workouts) I really believe my skill set as a fast two way player is good enough for a team top want me. How does a 18(almost 19) year old guy, with AHL/NHL aspirations, with no team experience in B.C, join a team? Ive been trying to find open tryouts information and the like,but no luck, and with summer on the corner,and me moving out of home,times running short. How do I get on a team? (echl/bchl/ahl)

Answer
hello Asuka!!

Yes you definitely need to join up with ANY junior hockey team -- you still have a couple years left that you can play at that level.   You need to get a track record going and get scouted!

Your first try should be the BCHL. They have a website and should be posting tryout dates and times....  see - http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/custom_page.cfm?leagueID=2393%26clientID=1413%26pageI...

Or you can take the initiative and mail/call/fax to find out more.   Send in your resume.  If you can - make up a video and put on DVD and send with your package.  YOU MUST GET THEIR ATTENTION somehow.  Here is the link for that: http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/teams.cfm?clientid=1413%26leagueid=2393

There are leagues in each province.  And of course there are the MAJOR JUNIOR leagues as well.   Like the WHL http://www.whl.ca/ OHL http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/ and the QMJHL http://www.lhjmq.qc.ca/lang_en/index.php?page=1..

You can research those sites as well.

Before you can go pro - you will need to work your way onto one of these teams and get scouted.   You may get picked up real quick if you can excel consistently.  

Hope this helps!

Feel free to follow up!

Good luck with the puck!

Martial