Hoping Its Not To Late !

Question
Hey I'm a 24 year old hockey player, that hasn't been able to play
competitively for a while now.  I mean I've played in adult leagues and done
all that, but I can't get the hockey itch out of my blood.  Hockey is the only
thing I ever saw myself doing in life.  I played AAA my entire life for Elite
teams and won my share of state championships.  I then injured my knee and
wasn't the same for many years because I returned to quickly. In the
following years I ended up playing for my high school and did not get any
looks from Junior teams.  Following high school and not getting any
opportunities from teams I thought it was best to take a break from playing
for a year or so.  I took that time to finally have knee surgery and now my
knee is better than ever.  My small stature which seemed to hurt me early on
isn't a hurdle anymore because of weight lifting and much needed growing.  I
want nothing more than to get back into hockey on some level.  I know I'm
much older now and options are limited, but I need hockey in my life again
and was wondering what options there may be out there for me to pursue?  
Any knowledge you can send my way would be much appreciated.  I am tired
of people telling me I can't do it or I'm to old to be chasing this dream.

Answer
Hi Dayton,


I am never one to say things are impossible -  though some things certainly are lower percentage.  Your late start (and lack of any track record in competitive hockey) - will definitely be a strike against you ...  but if you can stand out and do it every tryout session - I believe you could get a shot!

If you are thinking minor pro: 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/) -- if you really want to aim higher you can try ECHL or AHL as well.  They usually have their open tryouts a little later in the year.

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: http://www.ihchockey.com/news.htm OR http://www.bloorstreetwest.com/hockeytech_old/agentcamp.html 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 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 -- again  - 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.

FYI - some of the leagues may be scheduling their tryouts "right now"!!  So start digging!

Feel free to follow up with anything if I missed something or if you wish that I elaborate.

Whatever you do -- HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THE PROCESS!!

Thanks and good luck with the puck!

Martial