If you’ve ever wanted to play hockey but weren’t sure how to get started, this is the article for you. We’re going to talk about how to get scouted for hockey and whether or not you should even bother trying to make it in the sport.
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The Basics Of Getting Scouted
Before we get started, it’s important to note that getting scouted for hockey is not easy. To begin with, you have to have a strong interest in the sport. If there’s no history of your family playing hockey, it’s probably time to get interested in the sport. One must also possess the physical traits that go with the sport. This includes having the right height, weight, speed, and coordination. Finally, one must train and prepare for the physicality of the sport. This means doing lots of workouts and watching one’s diet. With all that being said, let’s get into how to get scouted for hockey.
Make Sure You’re A Good Fit
There are many reasons why one might want to get scouted for hockey. One might want to pursue the sport as a lifestyle change, or maybe they see themselves as a natural athlete and see the sport as a way to improve their physique. While there are no right or wrong reasons to get scouted, one must understand that the process is not easy, and it certainly does not happen overnight. Therefore, it’s important to find a sport that you’re a good fit for. Once you’ve found your sport, continue with the following suggestions to get started.
Join A Club
One of the easiest ways to get scouted is to simply join a hockey club. You can find clubs all over America, Canada, and even Europe. Simply visit the website of the hockey club you’ve decided to join and click the “Join Now” button. You will then be directed to the USAHA website, and you can get started playing right away (providing you meet the requirements for age and experience).
Joining a club is the best way to get scouted for hockey. Not only do you get to play the sport you love, but you also get to meet new people who share your love for the game. When you join a club, you’ll also be a part of a community of players, and this can be a good way to get connected with people who share your interests. Finally, the fact that you’re playing a sport will hopefully get noticed by an NHL team, or at least get you onto their radar.
Play In An Intramural League
If you’re looking for a more independent way to get scouted, you can try out for or play in an intramural league. These leagues are made up of players who reside in the same area as the team that will be giving you a tryout. For example, if you’re from the Los Angeles area and want to be drafted by the LA Kings, you’ll have to play in the Southern California Hockey League (SCHL) or the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
Just like with a club, playing in an intramural league gives you the opportunity to get some exposure and be seen by scouts. The main difference is that in an intramural league, you won’t be getting paid to play; rather, you’ll be doing it for the love of the sport. The upside is that you get to play in front of your friends and family, and the downside is that you won’t be getting a guaranteed contract to play for a professional team. Not every intramural league will allow you to get scouted, but the fact that you’re playing the sport can still get you noticed by an NHL team. Just keep in mind that not every scout will be focusing on your game, so make sure that you’re presenting yourself in the best possible light.
Play In An Amateur Hockey League
The last option that we’ll discuss for getting scouted is to play in an amateur hockey league. These leagues are made up of amateurs (non-professional) who are passionate about hockey and want to play at the highest level they can. If you’re looking for a chance to play in front of large crowds, go for an amateur league; the upside is that you’ll be getting paid to play and the downside is that you won’t be getting scouted. Just keep in mind that not every scout will be focusing on your game, so make sure that you’re presenting yourself in the best possible light.
Get Your Resumes Prepared
Now that you’ve found a way to get noticed by an NHL team, it’s time to prepare for your draft day or night. One important thing to do is to prepare your resumes or personal statements. In these documents, you’ll want to highlight your hockey accomplishments, as well as any other sports you’ve played. Resume writers can help you tailor these documents to make them more attractive to potential employers.
Attend College Training Camps
One way to get an early start on the process is to attend college training camps. These are camps that NHL teams and scouts hold in the fall and winter to evaluate the players prior to the start of the season. Students can apply for scholarships to attend these camps, and often times the fee for these camps is completely waived for students. Therefore, this is an affordable and accessible way to get started on the process.
If you’ve decided to pursue a career in hockey, you have a lot to look forward to. Remember to stay passionate about the sport, and you’ll be on your way to the NHL in no time.