Discover Where Colleges Play Hockey and How to Join Their Teams

If you’re an aspiring hockey player who dreams of playing at the collegiate level, it’s important to know where the top colleges play hockey and how you can join their teams. College hockey programs offer a unique opportunity to continue playing the sport you love while also pursuing higher education. But with so many colleges and universities offering hockey programs, it can be difficult to know where to start.

In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about where colleges play hockey and how to join their teams. We’ll discuss the top colleges with hockey programs in North America, the college hockey recruiting process, and what skills you need to have to prepare for college hockey. We’ll also take a look at how college hockey programs are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether you’re a high school student just starting to think about college or a seasoned player looking to take your skills to the next level, this article will provide you with valuable insights and tips to help you achieve your goals.

So, if you’re ready to learn more about where colleges play hockey and how you can join their teams, keep reading!

Top Colleges with Hockey Programs in North America

If you’re a hockey player looking to play at the college level, it’s essential to consider which schools have the best hockey programs. With so many colleges offering hockey, it can be challenging to know where to start your search. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the top colleges with hockey programs in North America.

Boston University is one of the most well-known schools for hockey, with a long-standing reputation for producing talented players. The team has won five national championships and produced over 100 NHL players.

University of North Dakota is another top school for hockey, with a history of success in both men’s and women’s hockey. The team has won eight national championships, and its players have gone on to play in the NHL and international leagues.

Michigan State University is a Big Ten school with a strong hockey program. The team has won three national championships and produced over 70 NHL players, including numerous All-Stars and Olympians.

University of Wisconsin is another Big Ten school with a storied hockey program. The team has won six national championships and produced over 100 NHL players, including Hall of Famers and Stanley Cup champions.

These are just a few of the top colleges with hockey programs in North America. Keep reading to learn more about how to get noticed by college hockey coaches, the importance of grades in college hockey recruiting, and what skills you need to have to prepare for college hockey.

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota (UND) is a Division I school located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, with a storied tradition in college hockey. The UND Fighting Hawks have made 23 Frozen Four appearances and have won eight national championships. UND has produced several NHL players, including Jonathan Toews, Zach Parise, and T.J. Oshie, among others.

The men’s hockey program at UND is known for its high level of competitiveness and consistently being among the top-ranked teams in the country. The women’s program is also highly competitive and has produced several Olympians.

UND has state-of-the-art facilities, including the Ralph Engelstad Arena, which has a seating capacity of over 11,000 and is considered one of the best college hockey arenas in North America. The university also has a strong academic reputation, with several academic programs consistently ranked among the best in the country.

If you’re looking for a top-notch hockey program with excellent facilities and academic opportunities, UND should definitely be on your radar.

How to Get Noticed by College Hockey Coaches

Playing for your High School Team: High school hockey is a great place to start playing and gaining exposure. You will have opportunities to play in front of scouts and recruiters, which will increase your chances of getting noticed.

Attend Hockey Camps: Attending summer hockey camps can be a great way to improve your skills and get noticed by college coaches. These camps are usually run by college coaches, and they offer an opportunity to showcase your skills in front of them.

Create a Highlight Video: Creating a highlight video can help you get noticed by college coaches. Make sure to include your best plays and skills in the video, and send it to the coaches you are interested in playing for.

Attend College Hockey Games: Attend college hockey games and get to know the coaching staff. This will give you an opportunity to talk to them in person and show your interest in their program.

Be Consistent: Consistency is key to getting noticed by college hockey coaches. Make sure to put in the effort both on and off the ice, maintain good grades, and be respectful both on and off the ice. This will show coaches that you are a dedicated and hardworking player.

Attend Showcase Tournaments and Camps

If you want to get noticed by college hockey coaches, attending showcase tournaments and camps is a great way to do it. These events provide an opportunity for coaches to see you play against other talented players in a competitive setting. Make sure to research and attend events that are attended by coaches from the schools you are interested in.

At these events, it’s important to showcase your skills and abilities to the best of your ability. Make sure you’re in top physical condition, and practice skills that are specific to your position. You should also bring your “A” game to every game and scrimmage, as coaches will be watching every play.

Another benefit of attending showcase tournaments and camps is the opportunity to receive feedback and coaching from experienced professionals. Use this opportunity to improve your skills and take advantage of any advice that coaches or scouts provide.

• Research coaches from your preferred schools and find their contact information.

• Send an introductory email to the coaches with your athletic resume, a highlight video, and a brief message explaining your interest in their program.

• Follow up with coaches after a week or two to check if they have received your email and express your continued interest in their program.

• Be professional and polite in your communication with coaches, and avoid bombarding them with too many messages or phone calls.

The Importance of Grades in College Hockey Recruiting

Grades Matter: It’s a common misconception that athletic ability is the only factor that college hockey coaches consider when recruiting players. Good grades can make a significant difference in the recruiting process.

Academic Eligibility: The NCAA has minimum academic requirements that student-athletes must meet in order to be eligible to play college sports. These requirements include a minimum GPA and certain standardized test scores.

Attractiveness to Coaches: College coaches want players who can contribute on the ice, but they also want athletes who can succeed academically. Players who have a strong academic record are often seen as more attractive to coaches because they are more likely to stay eligible and contribute to the team both on and off the ice.

Scholarship Opportunities: Good grades can also open up scholarship opportunities for players. Academic scholarships are available to athletes who excel in the classroom, which can help offset the cost of tuition and other expenses associated with attending college.

Future Opportunities: Even if a player doesn’t make it to the professional level, a good academic record can open up other opportunities after college. Having a degree and strong academic record can make a big difference when it comes to finding a job or pursuing further education.

Colleges Look for Well-Rounded Student-Athletes

While athletic ability is a significant factor in college hockey recruiting, grades are also an essential aspect of the process. Colleges want to recruit student-athletes who can excel both on the ice and in the classroom. They look for players who maintain good grades, demonstrate strong study habits, and show potential for academic success.

Colleges want student-athletes who are committed to their academics and who take their education seriously. The ability to balance a demanding athletic schedule with academic responsibilities is highly valued. Colleges also look for players who show leadership skills, have a positive attitude, and are involved in extracurricular activities.

Recruiting is a highly competitive process, and many student-athletes with exceptional hockey skills are vying for limited spots on college teams. Having good grades and a strong academic record can set a player apart from the competition and improve their chances of being recruited.

In addition to the potential academic benefits, being a well-rounded student-athlete can also lead to more opportunities after college. Student-athletes who excel both on and off the ice are often highly sought after by employers, as they possess valuable skills such as time management, teamwork, and leadership.

Overall, being a successful college hockey player requires more than just athletic ability. It also requires dedication to academics and a commitment to being a well-rounded student-athlete. By maintaining good grades, demonstrating strong study habits, and showing leadership skills, student-athletes can improve their chances of being recruited and set themselves up for success both on and off the ice.

Good Grades Can Lead to Scholarship Opportunities

Many college hockey programs offer athletic scholarships to recruit top players. However, grades can also play a crucial role in scholarship opportunities. High academic achievement can make a student-athlete more attractive to coaches and increase their chances of receiving a scholarship.

Some schools even have academic requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for athletic scholarships. In addition, maintaining good grades in college is essential to retaining athletic scholarships, as most programs require student-athletes to meet certain academic standards to remain eligible for financial aid.

Furthermore, some schools offer academic scholarships that can supplement or even surpass athletic scholarships. These opportunities are often awarded based on academic merit, and can be a great way to finance a college education.

Ultimately, student-athletes who excel both on the ice and in the classroom will have the most opportunities for scholarships and a successful college hockey career.

Preparing for College Hockey: What Skills You Need to Have

Playing college hockey requires a combination of physical ability and mental toughness. Here are some key skills you need to develop to be successful:

Skating: Skating is the most fundamental skill in hockey. You need to be able to skate forward, backward, stop, and turn on a dime.

Stickhandling: Good stickhandling skills are essential to maintaining control of the puck and creating scoring opportunities.

Shooting: A powerful and accurate shot is important to score goals and make plays.

Physicality: College hockey is a physical sport, and players need to be prepared for contact on the ice. Strength and conditioning training can help prepare you for the demands of the game.

Mental Toughness: Hockey is a fast-paced game that requires quick decision-making and the ability to handle pressure. Mental toughness, focus, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks are critical skills for college hockey players.

Skating and Puck-Handling Abilities

One of the most critical skills needed in college hockey is skating ability. You need to be quick on your skates and have excellent footwork to navigate the rink and stay ahead of your opponents. Work on your skating skills regularly, and consider taking a power-skating class to improve your technique.

Puck-handling is another critical skill for hockey players, and you need to be able to handle the puck with precision and speed. Practice stickhandling drills and work on improving your hand-eye coordination. Developing good puck control will help you stay in control of the game and make you a more valuable player to coaches.

Players who have a combination of strong skating and puck-handling abilities are the most sought after in college hockey. You can practice these skills at home or at a local rink, but it’s essential to take advantage of any opportunities to attend hockey camps or clinics to improve your skills.

Breaking Down the College Hockey Recruiting Process

Introduction: The college hockey recruiting process can be a complex and overwhelming experience for high school players looking to continue their hockey careers at the collegiate level. Understanding the various steps involved and the key players involved can help make the process more manageable and increase your chances of success.

Identify Your Target Schools: Research different colleges and their hockey programs to determine which ones align with your goals and abilities. Consider factors like academics, team culture, location, and level of competition.

Get Your Name Out There: Attend showcase tournaments and camps to showcase your skills to college coaches. Reach out to coaches directly via email or phone to express your interest and provide them with your stats and game footage.

Build Relationships: Once you have made contact with coaches, work on building relationships with them. Attend their games and practices, and continue to communicate with them regularly to show your continued interest in their program.

Be Patient and Persistent: The college hockey recruiting process can take time, and it’s important to be patient and persistent in your efforts. Don’t be discouraged by rejection or lack of interest from certain programs, and keep working to improve your skills and expand your options.

Understanding NCAA Division Levels and Eligibility

If you want to play college hockey, it’s important to understand the different NCAA division levels and their eligibility requirements. NCAA Division I is the highest level of competition and typically recruits top players with impressive statistics. Division II is a step down from Division I, but still highly competitive, and offers athletic scholarships. Division III is the lowest level of competition, but still requires strong athletic ability and academic performance.

To be eligible to play NCAA Division I or II hockey, you must meet specific academic and athletic criteria, including minimum GPA and standardized test scores. You will also need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and maintain your amateur status. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships and have more lenient eligibility requirements, but still require strong academic performance.

It’s important to research the different division levels and eligibility requirements early in your high school career so that you can plan and prepare accordingly. Coaches and recruiters will also consider your division level and eligibility when evaluating your potential as a college athlete.

• Research potential colleges: Begin by researching colleges that fit your academic and athletic goals. Look for programs that have a good reputation in your sport and offer academic programs that interest you.

• Create a highlight video: Create a highlight video that showcases your skills and abilities as a player. Make sure it’s edited well and includes your contact information.

• Attend camps and tournaments: Attend camps and tournaments to gain exposure to college coaches. This will also give you the opportunity to compete against other top players.

• Contact coaches: Reach out to coaches at schools you’re interested in attending. Introduce yourself, provide your highlight video and express your interest in their program. Make sure to follow up regularly and keep coaches updated on your progress.

Developing a recruiting plan and timeline is essential in the college hockey recruiting process. By researching potential colleges, creating a highlight video, attending camps and tournaments, and reaching out to coaches, you can increase your chances of finding the right fit for you. It’s important to start early and stay organized, as the recruiting process can be competitive and time-consuming. Stay focused on your goals and keep working hard on and off the ice to achieve them.

Navigating Communication with Coaches

When it comes to college hockey recruiting, communication with coaches is key. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Do your research: Before reaching out to a coach, make sure you know the school’s hockey program and the coach’s coaching style. This will show the coach that you are serious about playing for their program.
2. Be respectful: Coaches receive a lot of emails from potential recruits, so it’s important to be respectful and professional in all of your communications. Use proper grammar and spelling, and avoid using slang or overly casual language.
3. Be persistent: If a coach doesn’t respond to your first email, don’t be discouraged. Send a follow-up email a week or two later to express your continued interest and ask for any feedback they may have.

Remember that coaches are looking for more than just great hockey players – they want athletes who are coachable, hardworking, and have strong character. By communicating effectively and professionally with coaches, you can demonstrate that you have what it takes to succeed both on and off the ice.

How College Hockey Programs are Dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges for college hockey programs across the country. To keep their student-athletes safe and healthy, schools have had to implement strict protocols and guidelines.

Testing and Quarantine: Many schools require their players to undergo regular COVID-19 testing and quarantine protocols to limit exposure to the virus. This has resulted in changes to team schedules and game cancellations.

Virtual Recruiting: With in-person recruiting off the table, coaches have turned to virtual recruiting to evaluate potential players. This has been a challenge for coaches who value in-person interactions and the opportunity to see players on the ice.

Travel Restrictions: Many schools have implemented travel restrictions to limit the spread of the virus. Teams have had to adjust their schedules and compete against fewer opponents, and some schools have opted out of the season entirely.

Fan Attendance: Fan attendance policies have varied across the country, with some schools allowing limited capacity and others prohibiting fans entirely. This has impacted the game atmosphere and revenue for college hockey programs.

Player Mental Health: The pandemic has also had a significant impact on the mental health of college hockey players. The isolation caused by quarantine protocols and limited social interaction has been a challenge for many student-athletes, and schools have had to provide additional resources to support their players.

Adjusting Schedules and Game Formats

One of the biggest challenges that college hockey programs have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic is how to adjust their schedules and game formats to accommodate the changing landscape.

Reducing Travel: Many programs have looked to reduce travel by scheduling games against teams that are geographically closer. This not only reduces the risk of exposure to the virus but also cuts down on travel expenses.

Playing Conference-Only Schedules: To further reduce travel, some conferences have opted to play conference-only schedules, eliminating non-conference games altogether. This approach ensures that teams only play opponents within their own conference, reducing the risk of exposure to the virus even further.

Altering Game Formats: Many programs have also looked at altering game formats to minimize risk. This has included playing back-to-back games against the same opponent, scheduling doubleheaders on the same weekend, and playing a series of games against the same opponent in a “pod” or bubble.

Format	Description	Benefits
Back-to-Back Games	Playing two games in a row against the same opponent, often on consecutive days	Reduces travel, minimizes exposure to the virus
Doubleheaders	Scheduling two games against the same opponent on the same day	Reduces travel, allows for more games to be played in a shorter time period
“Pod” or Bubble	Scheduling a series of games against the same opponent in a controlled environment	Minimizes exposure to the virus, allows for multiple games to be played in a single location

Overall, college hockey programs have had to be creative and adaptable in order to continue playing during the pandemic. While there have been challenges, the measures taken by programs have helped to keep players, coaches, and staff safe while still allowing for a competitive season.

Frequently Asked Questions