How To Scout A Hockey Player: Tips and Techniques

Scouting hockey players is a critical process for teams looking to draft or sign new players. To build a winning team, it is essential to identify players who have the right skills, physical attributes, mental toughness, and hockey sense. In this article, we’ll share some tips and techniques on how to scout a hockey player effectively.

Skating, shooting, and stickhandling are three key skills that every hockey player must have. Scouts should evaluate these skills based on how well a player can perform them in game situations. A player who can skate fast, shoot accurately, and handle the puck well has a better chance of success on the ice.

Assessing physical attributes is also essential in scouting. Hockey is a fast-paced, physical game, and players need to have the right physical attributes to compete at a high level. Scouts should evaluate a player’s size, strength, speed, and endurance to determine if they have what it takes to play at the next level.

Mental toughness is another critical factor in scouting hockey players. Players who can stay calm under pressure, make good decisions, and work hard on and off the ice are more likely to succeed. Scouts should evaluate a player’s mental toughness by observing their behavior during games, practices, and off-ice activities.

So, if you want to learn how to scout a hockey player effectively, keep reading. Our tips and techniques will help you identify the players who have the right skills, physical attributes, and mental toughness to succeed on the ice.

Identifying Key Skills

Identifying key skills in a hockey player is the first step in effective scouting. In order to identify the right players, it’s important to know what specific skills to look for. Skating ability, shooting accuracy, passing precision, and defensive positioning are all crucial skills to evaluate.

When evaluating a player’s skating ability, look for players who have a strong stride, good balance, and can change directions quickly. For shooting accuracy, look for players who can consistently hit their target and shoot with power. Passing precision is also important, as players who can quickly move the puck and set up scoring chances are valuable assets to any team.

Defensive positioning is another key skill to evaluate, as a player who is strong in this area can help prevent opposing teams from scoring. Look for players who are responsible in their own end, have a good stick, and can read the play well. A player with strong defensive skills can help stabilize a team’s defensive unit and contribute to a successful season.

While it’s important to evaluate individual skills, it’s also important to look for players who can work effectively within a team. Players who are strong communicators, have a good work ethic, and are willing to put the team first are valuable assets to any team, regardless of their individual skill level.

Skating Ability

1. Stride: A player’s stride is one of the most important aspects of their skating ability. It is the foundation of a player’s skating and can be the difference between being an average skater and a great one. Look for players with long, powerful strides that propel them quickly across the ice.

2. Acceleration: A player’s acceleration is crucial in hockey, especially when it comes to getting to loose pucks and creating scoring chances. Look for players who can quickly get up to top speed in just a few strides.

3. Agility: In hockey, players need to be able to change direction quickly and smoothly. Look for players who have good lateral movement and can make quick cuts without losing speed.

4. Edge work: A player’s ability to use their edges to make sharp turns and transitions is essential in hockey. Look for players who can skate smoothly on one foot and make quick turns without losing speed.

To evaluate a player’s skating ability, watch them during games and practices, paying attention to their stride, acceleration, agility, and edge work. You can also use skating drills to evaluate a player’s technique and speed.

Shooting and Scoring Prowess

Scoring goals is the name of the game, and as a scout, you need to identify players who have the ability to score consistently. A player’s shooting and scoring prowess are essential skills to evaluate, and several factors contribute to this skill.

• Accuracy: A player with accurate shots can score from various angles and distances. Look for players who can place their shots in the corners of the net.
• Power: A player with a powerful shot can beat goalies even from long range. Look for players who can shoot with speed and force.
• Creativity: Players who can create scoring opportunities by being creative with their shots and finding gaps in the defense are incredibly valuable.
• Goal Scoring Instinct: Some players have a natural ability to be in the right place at the right time and know how to score goals. Look for players who have a knack for finding open space and can finish the play.

Remember, a player’s ability to score and create goals is not only limited to their shooting skills but also their positioning, decision-making, and hockey sense.

Stickhandling and Puck Control Skills

• Dexterity: A player’s ability to control the puck with both hands while moving at high speeds is crucial. Look for players who can handle the puck with ease and maneuver around defenders.

• Creativity: Some players have the ability to create opportunities out of seemingly impossible situations. Look for players who can improvise and use quick fakes and dekes to get past defenders.

• Puck Protection: Stronger players can use their bodies to shield the puck from defenders while maintaining control. Look for players who are comfortable using their size and strength to maintain possession of the puck.

• Passing: A player’s ability to pass accurately and quickly is a key part of their puck control skills. Look for players who can make crisp and timely passes to their teammates, especially in tight spaces.

These skills can be honed through practice and repetition, but natural talent can often be identified early on in a player’s development. Keep an eye out for players who have a natural feel for the puck and seem to have an innate ability to control it.

Assessing Physical Attributes

Height and Weight: One of the primary factors in assessing a hockey player’s physical attributes is their height and weight. Typically, players with a larger physical presence have an advantage when it comes to body positioning, winning battles for the puck, and protecting it from opponents.

Speed and Agility: A hockey player’s ability to move quickly and change direction is essential to their success on the ice. Skating speed and agility are critical for players in all positions, from forwards to defensemen and goalies.

Strength and Endurance: Hockey is a physically demanding sport that requires players to be in excellent shape. Strength and endurance are necessary to withstand the rigors of a long season and to perform at a high level throughout the game.

Balance and Coordination: A player’s balance and coordination are essential to their ability to control the puck and make quick turns on the ice. A player with good balance can maintain their position in front of the net, while a player with poor coordination may struggle to handle the puck and make plays.

Flexibility and Range of Motion: Hockey players need to be flexible and have a wide range of motion to perform at their best. This includes being able to stretch and reach for pucks, make quick pivots, and twist their body to avoid defenders.

Assessing a hockey player’s physical attributes is critical in identifying their potential to succeed at the highest level of the sport. However, physical attributes are only one part of the scouting process. Keep reading to learn more about the other factors you should consider when scouting hockey players.

Size and Strength

Size: A player’s size can play a significant role in their success on the ice. Coaches and scouts should look for players who have a good combination of height and weight for their position. Defensemen, for example, typically need to be taller and heavier than forwards to be effective in their role.

Strength: A player’s strength is also an important factor to consider when assessing their physical attributes. Hockey players need to be able to hold their ground against opponents, win board battles, and fight for the puck in tight spaces. Scouts should look for players who have a good amount of upper and lower body strength.

Speed: While speed may not be directly related to size and strength, it is still an important physical attribute to assess. A player’s speed can impact their ability to get to loose pucks, win races to the puck, and create scoring opportunities. Scouts should look for players who have good acceleration, top-end speed, and agility on the ice.

Aggressiveness: Aggressiveness is another important physical attribute to assess. Hockey players need to be able to play with a certain level of physicality, including hitting and fighting for the puck in the corners. Scouts should look for players who are not afraid to get physical and who have a certain level of grit to their game.

Endurance: Finally, endurance is an important physical attribute to assess when scouting hockey players. Hockey is a fast-paced sport that requires players to be able to play at a high level for long periods of time. Scouts should look for players who have good stamina and who are able to maintain their level of play throughout a game or tournament.

Speed and Agility

Speed and agility are crucial skills that can set a player apart from the competition. A player with great speed can blow by defenders and create scoring opportunities. Agility is also important, as it allows players to make quick cuts and change directions on the ice. Skaters with good speed and agility are typically lighter on their feet and have excellent balance, making them more difficult to knock off the puck.

There are a few ways to assess a player’s speed and agility. Coaches and scouts will often look at a player’s acceleration and top speed, as well as their ability to change direction quickly. They may also test a player’s ability to skate backwards and transition from forwards to backwards skating.

A player’s stride length and technique can also be indicators of their speed and agility. Longer strides typically indicate a faster skater, while proper technique can help a player generate more speed with each stride. A player who can maintain their speed while making tight turns and quick stops will also have an advantage on the ice.

It’s important to note that speed and agility can be improved with training. While a player may not have top-level speed or agility when they are scouted, their potential can be assessed based on their physical attributes and work ethic. A player who is committed to improving their speed and agility through training can become a valuable asset to any team.

Endurance and Stamina

Endurance is a crucial attribute for hockey players, as they need to maintain their energy levels throughout the game, which can last up to 60 minutes.

One way to assess a player’s endurance is to look at their ice time. Players who are on the ice for longer periods of time are likely to have better endurance than those who spend less time on the ice.

Stamina is also important, as players need to be able to maintain a high level of performance throughout the game. A player with good stamina will be able to maintain their speed, agility, and accuracy, even in the latter stages of the game when fatigue sets in.

Coaches often look at a player’s performance in the latter stages of the game to assess their stamina. Players who can maintain their performance in the third period or overtime are likely to have good stamina.

Training can improve both endurance and stamina. Players can improve their endurance through cardio training, such as running or cycling, while stamina can be improved through high-intensity interval training and plyometrics.

Overall, endurance and stamina are crucial attributes for hockey players, and scouts should pay close attention to these qualities when assessing potential prospects.

Evaluating Mental Toughness

Resilience: A player’s ability to bounce back from setbacks is an important part of mental toughness. Look for players who can overcome adversity and stay focused on their goals.

Composure: Hockey is a fast-paced sport, and players must be able to maintain their focus even when under pressure. Players who remain calm and composed during tough situations are valuable assets to any team.

Determination: A player’s determination to succeed can be a strong indicator of their mental toughness. Look for players who work hard to improve their skills and are willing to put in extra effort to achieve their goals.

Leadership: Mental toughness also involves being a leader both on and off the ice. Look for players who can motivate their teammates, communicate effectively, and make good decisions under pressure.

Coachability: Finally, a player’s willingness to listen to and learn from their coaches is an important aspect of mental toughness. Look for players who are receptive to feedback, willing to make changes, and able to adapt to different game situations.

Decision Making Under Pressure

Confidence: A player who can make quick decisions under pressure is likely to have high confidence in their abilities. They will not hesitate to take risks or make bold moves, even in challenging situations.

Awareness: Mental toughness also involves being aware of one’s surroundings and the position of teammates and opponents. A player who can make quick, informed decisions based on their surroundings is more likely to succeed in high-pressure situations.

Composure: Keeping a level head when the stakes are high is crucial for decision-making under pressure. Players who can maintain composure, even in the most intense situations, will make better decisions and perform more effectively.

Adaptability: Mental toughness requires adaptability in the face of changing circumstances. Players who can quickly adjust their decisions and strategies based on the flow of the game and the actions of their opponents will have an advantage in high-pressure situations.

Leadership: A player with strong mental toughness can also lead by example, inspiring their teammates to stay focused and motivated even in the most challenging situations. A leader who can make quick and informed decisions under pressure can help their team achieve success even in the toughest of games.

Ability to Stay Focused During Games

One of the key mental attributes for success in hockey is the ability to stay focused during games. It’s essential for players to be able to maintain their concentration and avoid getting distracted by external factors such as noise or crowd reactions.

To develop this skill, players can work on mental preparation techniques such as visualization or meditation, which can help them block out distractions and stay in the present moment. It’s also important to cultivate a positive mindset and maintain a sense of composure, even in high-pressure situations.

Another important factor in staying focused during games is physical conditioning. Fatigue can make it difficult for players to maintain their focus, so it’s crucial to have the stamina to stay sharp throughout the entire game. Regular exercise and conditioning programs can help players build the endurance they need to stay mentally focused during games.

Finally, it’s important for players to have a support system in place that can help them stay focused and motivated. This can include coaches, teammates, or family members who provide encouragement and positive feedback, as well as resources like sports psychologists or mental skills coaches who can help players develop the mental toughness they need to succeed on the ice.

Willingness to Learn and Take Feedback

Teachability: A player’s willingness to learn and adapt is an important aspect of their potential for improvement. Players who are open to learning and accepting feedback from coaches and teammates are more likely to develop and reach their full potential.

Coachability: Being coachable is not just about listening to feedback, it’s also about taking action on it. Coaches appreciate players who are able to apply the feedback they receive to improve their skills and performance on the ice.

Growth mindset: Players with a growth mindset believe that their skills and abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication. This mentality allows them to be more receptive to feedback and challenges, and ultimately helps them to reach their full potential.

Accountability: Players who take responsibility for their mistakes and are willing to learn from them demonstrate a strong willingness to learn and improve. This also shows their commitment to the team and their desire to contribute to its success.

Other key factors that demonstrate a willingness to learn and take feedback include:
• Asking questions to clarify instructions or feedback
• Taking notes during team meetings or individual feedback sessions
• Showing initiative to seek out additional training or resources
• Being receptive to constructive criticism and not becoming defensive

Players who possess these qualities are highly valued by coaches and teammates and are more likely to have successful and fulfilling careers in hockey.

Understanding Hockey Analytics

Hockey Analytics is a growing field that uses data analysis to evaluate player and team performance. It involves the collection and analysis of various types of data, such as player statistics, game events, and game footage.

Advanced Statistics are used to measure and quantify different aspects of a player’s game, such as possession, shooting, and defensive abilities. These statistics can provide insights into player performance that traditional statistics may not reveal.

Expected Goals (xG) is one of the most popular advanced statistics used in hockey analytics. It takes into account factors such as shot location, shot type, and shot angle to determine the probability that a shot will result in a goal. This can help evaluate a player’s shooting ability and overall offensive contribution.

Data Visualization is an important part of hockey analytics, as it can help make complex data more accessible and understandable. Tools such as charts, graphs, and heat maps can be used to visualize data and identify patterns and trends.

The Future of Hockey Analytics is bright, as the use of data analysis continues to grow in the sport. As technology improves and more data becomes available, the insights and predictions generated by hockey analytics will become increasingly accurate and valuable.

Corsi and Fenwick Metrics

Corsi and Fenwick metrics are two common measurements used to evaluate a team’s performance in hockey. Corsi measures the total number of shots attempted by a team, while Fenwick only counts unblocked shots. These metrics can give insight into a team’s possession and offensive capabilities.

Analysts use these metrics to identify trends in a team’s performance over time, and they can be useful in making predictions about future outcomes. A team with a high Corsi or Fenwick percentage is generally considered to be a better team, as they are creating more scoring opportunities and controlling the game’s pace.

However, it is essential to understand that Corsi and Fenwick do not tell the whole story. For example, a team with a high Corsi percentage may be generating a lot of shots but not converting them into goals. Similarly, a team with a low Corsi percentage may be playing a defensive style and focusing on counter-attacking.

Zone Starts and Quality of Competition

Zone Starts: Zone starts refer to the location on the ice where a player begins a shift. Understanding zone starts can help identify players who excel in offensive or defensive situations. The percentage of shifts starting in the offensive zone is referred to as “Offensive Zone Start Percentage” or “OZS%”. Players with high OZS% are typically given more opportunities to score.

Quality of Competition: Quality of Competition, or QoC, is a metric that measures the difficulty of a player’s on-ice matchups. QoC is calculated by analyzing the ice time of opponents a player faces during a game. Players who consistently face high-quality opponents are considered to have a high QoC. Evaluating a player’s QoC helps to determine their impact on the game and their ability to perform against tougher competition.

Defensive Zone Start Percentage: Defensive Zone Start Percentage, or DZS%, is the percentage of a player’s shifts that begin in the defensive zone. Players with high DZS% often face tough defensive matchups and are relied upon to play a shutdown role. DZS% can be used to evaluate a player’s defensive abilities and their ability to handle pressure situations in their own zone.

Expected Goals Against: Expected Goals Against, or xGA, is a metric that estimates the number of goals a team is expected to allow based on shot location and quality. Evaluating a player’s xGA can help identify strong defensive players who can limit high-quality scoring chances against their team.

Understanding zone starts and quality of competition metrics is critical in evaluating a player’s performance on the ice. These metrics provide a deeper understanding of a player’s role on their team and their ability to perform in different situations.

Expected Goals and Points Production

Expected goals (xG) is a metric that measures the likelihood of a shot becoming a goal based on factors such as shot distance, shot angle, and whether it was a rebound or off a pass. xG can be used to evaluate individual player performance, as well as team performance.

Expected points (xP) takes into account not only goals, but also assists and primary shot assists, and assigns a value to each of these actions based on their likelihood of leading to a goal. Like xG, xP can be used to evaluate both individual players and teams.

By looking at a player’s actual goals and points compared to their expected goals and points, we can gain insight into their performance. For example, a player with a high xG and low actual goal total may be unlucky, while a player with a low xG and high goal total may be benefiting from good luck.

Scouting Youth Hockey Players

Scouting young hockey players is critical for the success of a team, and it requires a keen eye for talent, dedication, and patience. Observation is key to evaluating players, and scouts must be able to recognize raw talent, as well as identify areas that need improvement. Communication is also important, as scouts must be able to relay their observations and recommendations to coaches and management.

When scouting, it’s essential to evaluate players based on their potential rather than just their current abilities. While a player may not have the strongest skills now, they may possess a work ethic and attitude that can lead to significant improvement over time.

Video analysis is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for scouts. Being able to watch a player’s performance on video allows scouts to analyze their skills in greater detail and catch things they might have missed in live games. It also enables them to share footage with other members of the scouting team and coaching staff for further evaluation.

Networking is a crucial part of scouting as well. Building relationships with coaches, players, and other scouts can lead to valuable insights and help scouts identify promising players early on. It’s important to attend as many games and tournaments as possible and get to know the hockey community in your area.

Observing Hockey IQ and Game Sense

Anticipation: Watch how the player reads the game and anticipates plays. Look for players who can see the play develop before it happens and are always in the right position.

Creativity: Look for players who can think outside the box and make unique plays. Players who can create opportunities for themselves and their teammates will be valuable assets to any team.

Decision-making: Observe how the player makes decisions in different game situations. A player who can make quick and effective decisions under pressure is a valuable asset to any team.

Hockey sense: Hockey sense is a player’s overall understanding of the game. It involves the ability to read the game, make smart decisions, and anticipate plays. Players with good hockey sense are typically the ones who excel at the higher levels of the game.

Assessing Athletic Potential

Physical attributes: The first step in assessing an athlete’s potential is to evaluate their physical attributes. This includes factors such as height, weight, speed, strength, and agility. These attributes can provide insight into an athlete’s ability to perform specific tasks on the ice.

Work ethic: An athlete’s work ethic is another important factor in assessing their potential. This includes their willingness to put in the time and effort to improve their skills and physical abilities. A strong work ethic can help an athlete reach their full potential and stand out among their peers.

Competitiveness: A highly competitive athlete is someone who is driven to succeed and has a strong desire to win. This trait can be evaluated by observing an athlete’s performance in games and practices, as well as their reactions to success and failure. A competitive athlete can be a valuable asset to any team.

Coachability: The ability to take feedback and apply it to their game is another key factor in assessing an athlete’s potential. A coachable athlete is someone who is open to constructive criticism and is willing to make adjustments to improve their performance. This trait can help an athlete continue to grow and develop their skills over time.

Interviewing Prospective Players

When interviewing prospective players, it’s essential to ask the right questions to gain insight into their personalities, work ethic, and commitment to the game.

Asking about a player’s background and how they got into hockey can give you an idea of their motivations and passions.

It’s also crucial to ask about their training habits, both on and off the ice, and how they handle feedback and criticism.

Another important area to explore is their teamwork and leadership abilities. Understanding how they work with teammates and their approach to leading a team can be crucial to building a successful squad.

Finally, it’s essential to ask about their future goals and aspirations. This can help you understand how committed they are to the game and whether they have a long-term vision for their career.

Asking About Work Ethic and Practice Habits

When interviewing prospective players, it’s important to ask about their work ethic and practice habits. You want players who are willing to put in the time and effort to improve their skills and contribute to the team’s success.

Some good questions to ask include:

• How do you prepare for practices and games? This can give you insight into a player’s routine and how they approach their training.
• Can you give an example of a time when you had to work extra hard to achieve a goal? This can help you gauge a player’s determination and perseverance.
• How do you handle setbacks or disappointments? This can show you a player’s resilience and mental toughness.
• How do you support your teammates? This can reveal a player’s team-oriented mindset and willingness to help others succeed.

By asking these types of questions, you can get a better sense of a player’s character and how they may fit into your team’s culture. It’s important to look for players who are not only talented, but also willing to put in the work to achieve their goals and help the team succeed.

Getting Insights on Personality and Character

Interviewing prospective players for a team involves much more than just their hockey skills. It’s important to get insights on their personality and character as well. Communication is key to building team chemistry, so ask questions to gauge their social skills and ability to work well with others. Leadership is also an important quality to look for, as it can inspire and motivate other players. Other important qualities to consider include work ethic, accountability, and mental toughness. These attributes can be the difference between a good player and a great one.

Personality Traits	Key Indicators	Questions to Ask
Communication	Listening skills, ability to articulate thoughts clearly	Can you describe a situation where you had to communicate effectively with a teammate or coach?
Leadership	Ability to inspire and motivate others, lead by example	How do you lead your team on and off the ice?
Work Ethic	Dedication to training and improvement, commitment to team goals	What do you do to prepare for games and practices? How do you handle setbacks?
Accountability	Ability to take responsibility for mistakes, honesty	Can you describe a situation where you made a mistake and how you took responsibility for it?
Mental Toughness	Ability to stay focused and perform under pressure	How do you handle pressure situations during games? How do you bounce back after a tough loss?

Assessing the Player’s Long-term Goals

Asking About Career Aspirations: Understanding a player’s long-term goals and aspirations is crucial when scouting for a team. Ask questions about their career goals, whether they see themselves playing at higher levels, or if they have aspirations to become coaches or trainers in the future.

Assessing Motivation: Players with strong long-term goals tend to be highly motivated and dedicated. Ask about their work ethic, training habits, and willingness to improve their game to assess their motivation levels. This information can help you determine if the player is a good fit for your team’s culture and goals.

Assessing Commitment: A player’s commitment to the game can also help determine their long-term potential. Ask about their current level of commitment to the sport, and whether they are willing to make sacrifices to achieve their goals. This information can give you insight into the player’s dedication to their craft and their potential for long-term success.

Question	Explanation	Example Response
What are your long-term goals in hockey?	Assessing the player’s career aspirations and motivation levels.	“My goal is to play at the highest level possible, whether that’s in the NHL or overseas.”
How committed are you to improving your game?	Assessing the player’s motivation and dedication to the sport.	“I’m always looking for ways to improve my game. I train every day and work on my weaknesses.”
What sacrifices are you willing to make to achieve your goals?	Assessing the player’s level of commitment to their craft.	“I’m willing to put in the work, whether that means training early in the morning or staying late after practice.”

Assessing a player’s long-term goals is a critical part of the scouting process. By asking the right questions and evaluating their motivation, commitment, and dedication to the sport, you can gain valuable insights into their potential for long-term success on your team.

Frequently Asked Questions