Next Level

Question
QUESTION: Hey Martial

I have a question about getting to the next level. I am a 13 year old (turning 14 in march) goaltender playing in a small city in Ontario. I believe I have what it takes to get into at least Semi Pro hockey, and I will always follow my dream to make a living playing hockey. I will be going to high school this coming year, and am getting a little bit worried. I am confused about how I will take my first steps on my path to the higher leagues. I have researched leagues such as the OHL, OJHL, QMJHL, ECHL, WHL, and others. I think that I would like to take the way of those leagues, rather than College Hockey. I just don抰 know how to get into these leagues. I know that they have a draft, prospect camps, and exclusive invitations, but how do I get into these? I have been constantly looking on the internet for tryouts, but can抰 find anything. I guess what I am wondering is, what league should I go to next? Should I play high school for one year, and then go to a tryout? I just don抰 want to run out of time.

Thank You.


ANSWER: Hi Adam...

My gut feeling is saying go at it "slow and sure"...  
Your first step is to play the highest level you can nearest you.   Do you have AAA leagues?  If you do shoot for those.   There will be scouts in your rink every now and then.   Over the summer do at least 2 good Junior Tryouts - any level - get some experience.   Talk to coaches, scouts every change you get.  Ask questions.  LEARN!

When you turn 15 - then go balls out with the information you will have gathered over this next year.   Now you shoot for the highest JUNIOR Hockey tryout you can...  Keep trying till you make the highest Junior Hockey Team you can...  in my opinion the more experience you get at that level the better!  Even if you change your mind and look at Colleges - they look for JUNIOR hockey experience as much as anything else.   

For next year - if you have a choice between AAA hockey and high school, pick AAA... Junior coaches prefer that experience over high school.

Hope this helps,

Feel free to follow up!

Good luck with the puck.

Martial




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

QUESTION: Thanks for the reply. I do have a AAA team about 4 hours away. They play a decent amount of games, but driving could be a factor, so I抦 not too sure about AAA. As I said before, I live in the middle of nowhere, and that抯 the closest AAA team. If it was up to me, i would do it in a heatbeat.

Now, about Junior teams and tryouts. Do you have any teams or leagues you could recommend that are close to me (northwest Ontario)? I have been looking on the web a lot over the last week, and haven抰 really found anything for my age. They all seem to be older people on the team (15-18 years)? Can I still try out for those teams when I抦 14, and get to know the coaches and team? I won抰 have much hesitation to go to tryouts and continue learning, but I just need to know some leagues, some teams, and if they are associated with my age. I got invited to go to an OHL Under-16 Program of Excellence goalie camp in April. Should I do this, or go to some junior tryouts? How would I go about contacting the teams if I wanted to know if I could have a tryout this summer?

Answer
Hi Adam...  

Unfortunately I am not too familiar with the various Junior Leagues in Ontario...  Did you look up the CHL website...?  most teams should be listed there.  

And yes most teams don't take players under 15 years old - I believe there may be a rule on that.   DEFINITELY I would say YES to go to the OHL under 16 camp...  THERE WILL BE SCOUTS OUT FOR THAT!!!

It will be important that you and/or your parents step up and sell yourself.   Make up a resume and business card....  This will make you look very serious and professional ...  Hand these out freely.  You NEVER KNOW who, how, when they will be picked up, passed around or read!!!

Keep digging...  You have the right altitude going in already!  ;-)  

Keep up the great work...  I'll be watching for a young star with first name ADAM in the Hockey News!!

OH and don't forget -- HAVE FUN!!!

Cheers,

Martial