The Hockey Rite of Passage: Junior Hockey
Our hope is to help educate elite hockey families with a son who is near high school graduation about the world of junior hockey, to help you prevent the preventable, and to help you make smart choices during this very important crossroads.
Welcome!
This information was compiled with high school/Midget AAA players and their parents in mind. First, congratulations on a successful hockey career and your upcoming graduation. It's an exciting time, so enjoy!
Whereas most high school families with a senior are starting to think about prom, graduation parties and are proudly celebrating fall plans, many hockey families with a senior in high school are still months away from knowing what the fall holds in store for their family. Those players who were on a "before-after" or split season roster with a junior team, or who have already signed a tender, or who know that a junior coach is planning to draft you, your plans may seem a little more clear. But as we will explain in greater detail later, no roster spot is guaranteed next year unless you are still on a USA hockey team after the roster freeze February 2010. So we challenge you to enjoy the journey of junior hockey.
If you are not already affiliated with a junior team, your family is at the beginning of what may seem like a frenzied, time consuming, unclear, expensive process filled with lots of best guesses. And there are lots of voices you can choose to listen to. The loudest ones are the ones who say what you like to hear like "you are USHL material" or "you're probably going D1." The reality of the numbers game with hundreds of other young men who have heard these same things and have believed the same things -- well, simply, not everyone is able to play Division I hockey. There simply aren't that many roster spots. Similarly, not everyone will be able to play Tier I USHL hockey. Frankly, as you move up the pyramid of success, less spots are available. This is not meant to squelch your dreams, but hockey players have been told how wonderful they are since their first "A" team tryouts in Squirt or Peewees so a little information in hand may help you through this process a little wiser and without all hair going grey.
It is the rare exception when players have an opportunity to play at the junior level, let alone Tier I, let alone eventually making a D1 program, let alone playing on even partial scholarship, not to mention making it pro someday.
In some ways it is like a "Choose-Your-Own-Adventure" book that you make the best decisions that you can along the way and only then see what options are available next. One guarantee: What happens in the next few months, this summer and into next year will stretch you and your family far outside of your comfort zone! Sadly, some very talented players just hang up the skates because they get frustrated with the system. We have coined this word: de-selection. To those who haven't already gone through juniors with another son and to those outside of our sport, the process of selection probably seems crazy. And frankly, in some ways it IS crazy -- but it's the best system currently in place in the United States for identifying and developing the top players in the country. The authors have been in the junior hockey business since the early '90s and although the system has become better, even WE believe it's crazy. But the rewards are tremendous for those who navigate well and are tenacious.
This site shares LOTS of information so it may be tough to digest on the first read-through. All statistics are gleaned from public online sources like league websites, Pointstreak, the USAH website or from the "College Hockey Guide" 2009 edition which you may choose to research directly. We haven't seen all of this information in one site which motivated us to create this one-stop-research-spot. We encourage you to check out the links to the right, to talk to families who have recently navigated the process successfully to find out what they learned and see if you can apply any of it to your situation. Our hope is not to discourage you, but our hope is to help educate you, to help you prevent the preventable, and to help you make smart choices at this very important crossroads in your life.
The various personality and experience combinations of owners, coaches, communities and players naturally leads to a great variety of strategies for meeting the goals set by USA Hockey. And there will always be some discrepancy between motives and attainment... But it is the system in place and so elite players need to learn how to navigate this system if they want to move up and to have a shot at playing NCAA college hockey.
PURPOSES OF JUNIOR HOCKEY (from USAH Annual Guide)
1. Opportunity: To provide an opportunity for players in this age group to play organized hockey
2. Development To improve and develop the skills and abilities of all the participants
THE GOALS OF JUNIOR HOCKEY
1. Skill Development - To provide talented young players with the opportunity to develop in an organized, structured, competitive and supervised environment
2. Quality Coaching - To provide considerable training time, quality coaching instruction & concerned oversight
3. Social Maturity - To provide players with a healthy, constructive environment in which to develop socially
4. Educational Advancement - To provide assistance and opportunities for the accomplishment of the participant's educational goals
5. Recruiting Exposure - To provide players with exposure to collegiate and professional scouts and recruiters
6. Advanced Competition - To provide players with exposure to national and international competition
7. Protection of Amateur Status(College Eligibility) - To protect the amateur status of all participants under the rules and guidelines of USAH, NCAA and National Federation of High Schools
Good luck as you navigate the next few months! In years to come, hopefully we will see that you have become a consistent contributor on a college hockey roster. And just as important, we look forward to see which college degree you earn, how you contribute to your community and how you find ways to give back to our sport.
CHECK OUT 'ARCHIVES' TO THE RIGHT FOR THESE TOPICS:
Junior Hockey or College Now?
Decision Traps
Perspective Check - Recruiting
Are you ready for college?
Perceptions/Hopes/Goals/Values
NCAA Hockey - The Prize
Jr Hockey Number's Game
Player Movement within Junior Hockey
Tenders and Drafts
Questions to ask when selecting between teams
Junior hockey calendar
Coach Credentials
Injuries and Insurance questions
Players Rights and Responsibilities
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Preparing to Interact with Scouts & Coaches
1. Prepare a resume
Taking the time to prepare a concise 1-2 page resume shows a prospective coach that your are serious about advancing through junior hockey to college hockey. Include school accomplishments, work or volunteer service history, athletic awards. Under contact information, list your parents/guardians, home address, home phone, your cell phone with best time to reach you, your personal email etc. Under personality traits/character, list some adjectives that make you different from the hundreds of other players wanting the same spot as you. Have a copy ready to email as an attachment, to hand out or to mail to interested coaches.
2. Do some research
Realistically evaluate your skill level, body type and work ethic.
A. Find some other players a year or two older than you and look at what paths they have taken that were successful. For example, from the 2008 WI Senior Tournament, four have D1 college commitments one year out. Out of 16 goalies, four played Tier III Junior A and one of them moved up to Tier II at midseason. Out of 47 Defensemen, eight played Tier III Junior A with one moving up to Tier II midseason. One was tendered to a Tier II team. Zero played Tier I. Out of 69 Forwards, thirteen found a spot in junior hockey: five at Tier III Junior A, four at Tier II and three at Tier I USHL. Look to see where other Team Wisconsin alumni were this year. Look to see where other all-state, all state-tournament team members ended up. Be realistic.
B. Research team rosters and see where players your skill level played. Also look for where players in your position are aging out (21+) or have college commitments. This represents potential openings. Look for trends to see how the coach distributed the opportunity to dress for games, how many players the team went through in a year (25 man roster).
C. Read to see what that team staff wants you to do if you're interested in them. If there is an online profile, fill it out completely. If it says send a resume, send one. Follow their directions if you want to be taken seriously.
3. Talk to others
Many high school coaches are great at what they do but don't know much about the next level. Find some other families from your community that have recently been through the system. Ask them "what do you wish you would have known a year ago?"
4. Make a good first impression in person
At showcases and tournaments, you may have an opportunity to go up and introduce yourself to a team staff member. Scouts, coaches and owners may come to find you between games and at some showcases may be staying at the same hotel which lends to other opportunities to bump into you in the lobby, restaurants etc. It is not necessary to wear a suit to the rink -- but with 130+ athletes at a showcase, an athlete who comes prepared for hockey and seems to have his act together stands out. Clothes and shoes should be neat in appearance. Wear a belt and pull up your pants. Tuck in clothes. Leave the gangsta hat at home. Ditch the gum. Walk confidently. Choose another time to use slang words. Clean up the foul language. Put away the phone if they want to chat. Take out your ipod earpiece or a bluetooth in your ear: they can give the impression you aren't fully attentive to them. Be aware that the first impression might be walking into the building, in the elevator or in the parking lot.
5. Prepare for an Interview
Should you get a chance to have a formal meeting with team staff or take a tour of their facility, TAKE IT. Prepare for some basic questions they might ask you. Come with a list of questions that you may have for them.
6. Be Ready for Follow up
This is what seals the deal. Your stats and your performance at a camp may get you the opportunity but what comes next will finalize things or be the deal-breaker. Have a telephone answering machine or voice mail so coaches can easily reach you. Plan ahead for what will happen when a scout/coach calls the phone number you list on your online profile/resume. This will leave a strong impression on the employer. Who answers that number? How do they/you answer the phone? "Yo wussup?" versus "Hello, this is Bobby may I ask who is calling?" If you don't answer, what is the message they will hear? Do you speak clearly? Do you check your messages frequently? Do you have paper/pen available when you answer? Are you ready for THE CALL each time your answer the phone? It may be better to allow someone to leave a message than for you to answer at a noisy highschool game or while you're busy. If you're unable to be reached for more than 24 hours via phone/email, consider leaving a new message that explains when you may be reached. And speaking of email, what you have selected to be your email address may communicate things good-bad too. A final caution: Facebook content/photos can be detrimental.
7. Be persistent
Prepare mentally for whatever happens and choose to keep trying if the door doesn't open right away. Actually practice your response for being offered a position. Then practice your response for being turned down. Show maturity by saying, “Please give me a call if you need someone in the future. Thank you again for your time.” Don’t be discouraged. Hockey is about networking and although this door isn't open for you at this time, your class might be what makes them save your contact information for another opening in the future. That coach might be so impressed that they will refer you to another team even if they aren't looking to offer you a spot. Never burn a bridge! The hockey world is WAY too small. Always say thank you for the opportunity to tryout. There are tremendous life lessons along the way if you embrace them.
Taking the time to prepare a concise 1-2 page resume shows a prospective coach that your are serious about advancing through junior hockey to college hockey. Include school accomplishments, work or volunteer service history, athletic awards. Under contact information, list your parents/guardians, home address, home phone, your cell phone with best time to reach you, your personal email etc. Under personality traits/character, list some adjectives that make you different from the hundreds of other players wanting the same spot as you. Have a copy ready to email as an attachment, to hand out or to mail to interested coaches.
2. Do some research
Realistically evaluate your skill level, body type and work ethic.
A. Find some other players a year or two older than you and look at what paths they have taken that were successful. For example, from the 2008 WI Senior Tournament, four have D1 college commitments one year out. Out of 16 goalies, four played Tier III Junior A and one of them moved up to Tier II at midseason. Out of 47 Defensemen, eight played Tier III Junior A with one moving up to Tier II midseason. One was tendered to a Tier II team. Zero played Tier I. Out of 69 Forwards, thirteen found a spot in junior hockey: five at Tier III Junior A, four at Tier II and three at Tier I USHL. Look to see where other Team Wisconsin alumni were this year. Look to see where other all-state, all state-tournament team members ended up. Be realistic.
B. Research team rosters and see where players your skill level played. Also look for where players in your position are aging out (21+) or have college commitments. This represents potential openings. Look for trends to see how the coach distributed the opportunity to dress for games, how many players the team went through in a year (25 man roster).
C. Read to see what that team staff wants you to do if you're interested in them. If there is an online profile, fill it out completely. If it says send a resume, send one. Follow their directions if you want to be taken seriously.
3. Talk to others
Many high school coaches are great at what they do but don't know much about the next level. Find some other families from your community that have recently been through the system. Ask them "what do you wish you would have known a year ago?"
4. Make a good first impression in person
At showcases and tournaments, you may have an opportunity to go up and introduce yourself to a team staff member. Scouts, coaches and owners may come to find you between games and at some showcases may be staying at the same hotel which lends to other opportunities to bump into you in the lobby, restaurants etc. It is not necessary to wear a suit to the rink -- but with 130+ athletes at a showcase, an athlete who comes prepared for hockey and seems to have his act together stands out. Clothes and shoes should be neat in appearance. Wear a belt and pull up your pants. Tuck in clothes. Leave the gangsta hat at home. Ditch the gum. Walk confidently. Choose another time to use slang words. Clean up the foul language. Put away the phone if they want to chat. Take out your ipod earpiece or a bluetooth in your ear: they can give the impression you aren't fully attentive to them. Be aware that the first impression might be walking into the building, in the elevator or in the parking lot.
5. Prepare for an Interview
Should you get a chance to have a formal meeting with team staff or take a tour of their facility, TAKE IT. Prepare for some basic questions they might ask you. Come with a list of questions that you may have for them.
6. Be Ready for Follow up
This is what seals the deal. Your stats and your performance at a camp may get you the opportunity but what comes next will finalize things or be the deal-breaker. Have a telephone answering machine or voice mail so coaches can easily reach you. Plan ahead for what will happen when a scout/coach calls the phone number you list on your online profile/resume. This will leave a strong impression on the employer. Who answers that number? How do they/you answer the phone? "Yo wussup?" versus "Hello, this is Bobby may I ask who is calling?" If you don't answer, what is the message they will hear? Do you speak clearly? Do you check your messages frequently? Do you have paper/pen available when you answer? Are you ready for THE CALL each time your answer the phone? It may be better to allow someone to leave a message than for you to answer at a noisy highschool game or while you're busy. If you're unable to be reached for more than 24 hours via phone/email, consider leaving a new message that explains when you may be reached. And speaking of email, what you have selected to be your email address may communicate things good-bad too. A final caution: Facebook content/photos can be detrimental.
7. Be persistent
Prepare mentally for whatever happens and choose to keep trying if the door doesn't open right away. Actually practice your response for being offered a position. Then practice your response for being turned down. Show maturity by saying, “Please give me a call if you need someone in the future. Thank you again for your time.” Don’t be discouraged. Hockey is about networking and although this door isn't open for you at this time, your class might be what makes them save your contact information for another opening in the future. That coach might be so impressed that they will refer you to another team even if they aren't looking to offer you a spot. Never burn a bridge! The hockey world is WAY too small. Always say thank you for the opportunity to tryout. There are tremendous life lessons along the way if you embrace them.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Prize: NCAA Hockey
QUESTION: “Why would anyone choose to spend one to three years playing junior hockey rather than to go directly to college?"
ANSWER: THE PRIZE OF NCAA COLLEGE ROSTER OPPORTUNITIES
NCAA was established in 1906 and governs more than 1280 colleges and athletic conferences. Although the member schools develop the rules and guidelines for athlete eligibility and for conducting tournament play, the NCAA office is what makes these members accountable for providing fair, safe, inclusive and sportsmanlike competition. To be eligible to compete as a member of a NCAA team, student-athletes must be of amateur status according to the definition and qualifications set forth by NCAA and must be making progress towards college graduation. Contact information: NCAA Office 317-917-6222 M-F. PO Box 6222 Indianapolis IN 46206-6222. Athletes register their academic information (i.e. GPA, core high school class requirements) and a statement of amateur status with the NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure that they may compete for a NCAA member school. 1-877-262-1492
3731 young men played varsity hockey in the National Collegiate Athletic Association during the 2006/2007 season.
The majority of these roster spots were locked in by upper classmen who will continue to attend that college and play for their team. However due to graduation and dropouts, traditionally 380 freshmen roster positions become available each year to complete the following levels:
Division 1 Programs (59 Member Teams): 1551 TOTAL SPOTS
Of these, 840 players received full scholarship=22%
Division 2 Programs (7 Member Teams) 202 TOTAL SPOTS
Division 3 Programs (70 Member Teams) 1978 TOTAL SPOTS
***********************************************************************************************
A COLLEGE IS RECRUITING ME: SHOULD I SKIP JUNIORS?
Even if you are a star prep/AAA player, be cautious about assuming that if you are being actively recruited by a college that you can skip juniors and still meet all your goals. Even at the D3 level, "true freshmen" are unlikely to make a team, to dress regularly in one of the 20 game roster spots, let alone to be awarded ice time in games. Traditionally, the opportunities for freshmen are quite limited compared to their upper classmen counterparts. Not one true freshman goalie played in a game in the MIAC, MCHA, or NCHA D3 level.
INTRODUCING THE 2007-2008 FRESHMEN CLASS...
The following is a snapshot of three NCAA D3 college leagues. You can safely assume that because most D1 programs offer athletic scholarship that those roster spots are even more competitive than at the D3 level described below. It is becoming quite rare for a NCAA team of any level to roster and regularly play a "true freshman," which is defined as a young man that attends college and competes in college varsity athletics directly after graduating high school.
Division III programs are no exception as they continue to be highly competitive and to attract players from Tier I to Tier III junior hockey programs and top high school talent from across the country. As a general trend, almost all college players currently on a roster with regular playing time chose to invest one to three years of their post-high school years in the USA Hockey junior hockey system as they physically matured and prepared for college hockey (on and off the ice). Now as 19 to 21 year old freshmen with several years of maturity and development, they are primed to work their way into the college ranks. As these players become upper classmen they will find more regular game time opportunities and will typically make a more significant contributions to their team than true freshmen counterparts.
MCHA Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association NCAA D3
Roster Opportunity: 6 teams x 25 roster spots = 150 players (however some teams listed between 26 to 33 players which gives the school more depth to draw on but less opportunities for the incoming freshman class). Final league rosters include a total of 36 freshmen (6MN, 6 WI, 10 CAN, 14 rest of USA). Four of these freshmen (11%) were "true freshmen whereas 32(88%) had played junior hockey first.
Game Opportunity: 6 teams x 20 game roster spots x 26 games = 3120 game roster spots. Of these spots, freshmen were dressed or played on a total of 398 games rosters (12%) and upper classmen took the rest. Of these 398 opportunities given to a freshmen, only 49 (12%) were given to "true" freshmen whereas 350 of these 398 opportunities (88%) were given to freshmen with junior hockey experience.
Scoring Success/Contribution:
132 points were scored by MCHA Freshmen. Eight of these points (6%) were scored by "true freshmen; 124 points (94%) were scored by freshmen with junior hockey experience. This split is indicative of game time and readiness to play at the college level.
MIAC: MN Intercollegiate Athletic Conference NCAA D3
Roster Opportunity: 9 x 25 players = 225 roster spots. Forty six freshmen were included league roster sheets (39 MN, 1 WI, 0 CAN, 6 rest of USA). Fourteen true freshmen were listed by the league plus team websites listed an additional fourteen true freshmen, bringing the total of true freshmen affiliated with MIAC teams to 32 (listed below) The other 32 freshmen listed by the league had junior hockey experience creating a 50/50 split. Including these unofficial players, the split was 32 true and 32 veterans for a total of 64 freshmen. This statistic looks good until you see that the percentage of game opportunities given to true freshmen who in their eyes are part of the team but not to the league.
Game Opportunity: 9 teams x 20 players x 26 games = 4680 game roster spots available.
Freshmen were dressed/played in a total of 566 games rosters spots (12%) while upper classmen dressed for 88%. 182 of these 566 opportunities given to a freshman went to "true" freshmen (32%) whereas 382 of these 566 opportunities (67%) went to freshmen with junior hockey experience. The unofficial true freshmen did not even get a chance to be counted.
Scoring/Contribution: 2037 total points were scored in the MIAC 2007-2008 season. Freshmen tallied 240 points (11%). Of these 240 point, 87 were recorded by only 14 of the 32 true freshmen who were recruited directly to college hockey. This contribution was 4% of all points earned in the league this year and 36% of all points earned by freshmen. By contract, the freshmen with junior hockey experience contributed 153 points which was 7% of league total points and 63% of all freshmen points.
North Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) NCAA D3
Roster Opportunity: 8 x 25 = 200 roster spots including 77 Freshmen coming from MN (11), WI (11), CAN (23), MI (8), Foreign (8), rest of USA (21). Thirteen players (16%) were "true freshmen; 64 (83%) were freshmen junior hockey vets.
Game Opportunity: 8 teams x 20 players x 26 games = 4160 available game rosters.
Freshmen were dressed/played on a total of 1164 games rosters (27%). Two hundred twelve (18%) of these 1164 opportunities given to a freshman went to "true" freshmen; 954 (82%) of these 1164 opportunities went to a freshman with junior hockey experience
Scoring/Contribution: 758 points were scored by MIAC Freshmen.
99 points (13%) were scored by "true freshmen; 660 points (87%) were scored by freshmen with junior hockey
For 2006/2007 season, 110,000 male hockey players were eligible college prospects for the 380 openings on NCAA college rosters.
Where do NCAA college players come from?
90,000 US college eligible players (listed above)
Canada Junior 10,000 eligible participants
Canada High School 5000 eligible participants
Europe Junior 5000 eligible participants
SO IF COLLEGE HOCKEY IS YOUR GOAL AND YOU THINK JUNIORS IS THE BEST STRATEGY...CONTINUE READING POSTS TO THE RIGHT
ANSWER: THE PRIZE OF NCAA COLLEGE ROSTER OPPORTUNITIES
NCAA was established in 1906 and governs more than 1280 colleges and athletic conferences. Although the member schools develop the rules and guidelines for athlete eligibility and for conducting tournament play, the NCAA office is what makes these members accountable for providing fair, safe, inclusive and sportsmanlike competition. To be eligible to compete as a member of a NCAA team, student-athletes must be of amateur status according to the definition and qualifications set forth by NCAA and must be making progress towards college graduation. Contact information: NCAA Office 317-917-6222 M-F. PO Box 6222 Indianapolis IN 46206-6222. Athletes register their academic information (i.e. GPA, core high school class requirements) and a statement of amateur status with the NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure that they may compete for a NCAA member school. 1-877-262-1492
3731 young men played varsity hockey in the National Collegiate Athletic Association during the 2006/2007 season.
The majority of these roster spots were locked in by upper classmen who will continue to attend that college and play for their team. However due to graduation and dropouts, traditionally 380 freshmen roster positions become available each year to complete the following levels:
Division 1 Programs (59 Member Teams): 1551 TOTAL SPOTS
Of these, 840 players received full scholarship=22%
Division 2 Programs (7 Member Teams) 202 TOTAL SPOTS
Division 3 Programs (70 Member Teams) 1978 TOTAL SPOTS
***********************************************************************************************
A COLLEGE IS RECRUITING ME: SHOULD I SKIP JUNIORS?
Even if you are a star prep/AAA player, be cautious about assuming that if you are being actively recruited by a college that you can skip juniors and still meet all your goals. Even at the D3 level, "true freshmen" are unlikely to make a team, to dress regularly in one of the 20 game roster spots, let alone to be awarded ice time in games. Traditionally, the opportunities for freshmen are quite limited compared to their upper classmen counterparts. Not one true freshman goalie played in a game in the MIAC, MCHA, or NCHA D3 level.
INTRODUCING THE 2007-2008 FRESHMEN CLASS...
The following is a snapshot of three NCAA D3 college leagues. You can safely assume that because most D1 programs offer athletic scholarship that those roster spots are even more competitive than at the D3 level described below. It is becoming quite rare for a NCAA team of any level to roster and regularly play a "true freshman," which is defined as a young man that attends college and competes in college varsity athletics directly after graduating high school.
Division III programs are no exception as they continue to be highly competitive and to attract players from Tier I to Tier III junior hockey programs and top high school talent from across the country. As a general trend, almost all college players currently on a roster with regular playing time chose to invest one to three years of their post-high school years in the USA Hockey junior hockey system as they physically matured and prepared for college hockey (on and off the ice). Now as 19 to 21 year old freshmen with several years of maturity and development, they are primed to work their way into the college ranks. As these players become upper classmen they will find more regular game time opportunities and will typically make a more significant contributions to their team than true freshmen counterparts.
MCHA Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association NCAA D3
Roster Opportunity: 6 teams x 25 roster spots = 150 players (however some teams listed between 26 to 33 players which gives the school more depth to draw on but less opportunities for the incoming freshman class). Final league rosters include a total of 36 freshmen (6MN, 6 WI, 10 CAN, 14 rest of USA). Four of these freshmen (11%) were "true freshmen whereas 32(88%) had played junior hockey first.
Game Opportunity: 6 teams x 20 game roster spots x 26 games = 3120 game roster spots. Of these spots, freshmen were dressed or played on a total of 398 games rosters (12%) and upper classmen took the rest. Of these 398 opportunities given to a freshmen, only 49 (12%) were given to "true" freshmen whereas 350 of these 398 opportunities (88%) were given to freshmen with junior hockey experience.
Scoring Success/Contribution:
132 points were scored by MCHA Freshmen. Eight of these points (6%) were scored by "true freshmen; 124 points (94%) were scored by freshmen with junior hockey experience. This split is indicative of game time and readiness to play at the college level.
MIAC: MN Intercollegiate Athletic Conference NCAA D3
Roster Opportunity: 9 x 25 players = 225 roster spots. Forty six freshmen were included league roster sheets (39 MN, 1 WI, 0 CAN, 6 rest of USA). Fourteen true freshmen were listed by the league plus team websites listed an additional fourteen true freshmen, bringing the total of true freshmen affiliated with MIAC teams to 32 (listed below) The other 32 freshmen listed by the league had junior hockey experience creating a 50/50 split. Including these unofficial players, the split was 32 true and 32 veterans for a total of 64 freshmen. This statistic looks good until you see that the percentage of game opportunities given to true freshmen who in their eyes are part of the team but not to the league.
Game Opportunity: 9 teams x 20 players x 26 games = 4680 game roster spots available.
Freshmen were dressed/played in a total of 566 games rosters spots (12%) while upper classmen dressed for 88%. 182 of these 566 opportunities given to a freshman went to "true" freshmen (32%) whereas 382 of these 566 opportunities (67%) went to freshmen with junior hockey experience. The unofficial true freshmen did not even get a chance to be counted.
Scoring/Contribution: 2037 total points were scored in the MIAC 2007-2008 season. Freshmen tallied 240 points (11%). Of these 240 point, 87 were recorded by only 14 of the 32 true freshmen who were recruited directly to college hockey. This contribution was 4% of all points earned in the league this year and 36% of all points earned by freshmen. By contract, the freshmen with junior hockey experience contributed 153 points which was 7% of league total points and 63% of all freshmen points.
North Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) NCAA D3
Roster Opportunity: 8 x 25 = 200 roster spots including 77 Freshmen coming from MN (11), WI (11), CAN (23), MI (8), Foreign (8), rest of USA (21). Thirteen players (16%) were "true freshmen; 64 (83%) were freshmen junior hockey vets.
Game Opportunity: 8 teams x 20 players x 26 games = 4160 available game rosters.
Freshmen were dressed/played on a total of 1164 games rosters (27%). Two hundred twelve (18%) of these 1164 opportunities given to a freshman went to "true" freshmen; 954 (82%) of these 1164 opportunities went to a freshman with junior hockey experience
Scoring/Contribution: 758 points were scored by MIAC Freshmen.
99 points (13%) were scored by "true freshmen; 660 points (87%) were scored by freshmen with junior hockey
For 2006/2007 season, 110,000 male hockey players were eligible college prospects for the 380 openings on NCAA college rosters.
Where do NCAA college players come from?
90,000 US college eligible players (listed above)
Canada Junior 10,000 eligible participants
Canada High School 5000 eligible participants
Europe Junior 5000 eligible participants
SO IF COLLEGE HOCKEY IS YOUR GOAL AND YOU THINK JUNIORS IS THE BEST STRATEGY...CONTINUE READING POSTS TO THE RIGHT
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Junior Hockey OR go directly to College ?
This question can be best answered after taking the time to define your values and to set your goals for hockey and for your academics. Then you are poised to weigh opportunities against your goals and life values. This site should help you put on paper some basic thoughts from which you can begin to create a strong framework. Although you may get lots of advise from family friends, former coaches and recruiters, only you and your family know what is going on behind the scenes in your life and are in a position to make these decisions. This site will be most helpful to those who take the time to really think about and talk through your answers together.
The challenge: you must make some big decisions based on some limited information gleaned from a variety of conflicting sources in a relatively short period of time. Not a great recipe for success if you just go with the flow and hope all the critical details surface. Frankly, it may be several years after college graduation that you are in a position to really step back and evaluate the choices you made. But this is a starting point for what must be addressed today the best you can. We have based this decision-making process on thirty premises:
● Players who participate in showcases and junior hockey tryouts desire to keep playing competitive, elite hockey.
● You have been a star prep/AAA player who has regularly been on power play, penalty kill etc.
● You have become accustomed to being first or second line, getting lots of ice time.
● If people ask you who you are, you define yourself as an athlete (and more specifically a hockey player).
● You are one of the top players in your school, your region. People know who you are and about your accomplishments
● Your parents have been a strong source of support, encouragement, & finances as you’ve chased your dream thus far
● You have a lot of community/team pride and strong relationships with your teammates
● Up to this point you have not played nine-month-long seasons with 50+ games and extended travel schedules
● Although you know players who have gone up through the junior hockey ranks, you really don’t know that much about it
● You like to win games and you have been a big factor in helping your team be as successful as they have been
● You want to play, not just “dress for games”
● You have not trained regularly with a strength and conditioning specialist who designed a program for you and pushed you
● You have not lived away from home for extended periods, or been responsible for basic day-to-day tasks like grocery shopping, cooking, car maintenance etc.
● Your parents are going to continue assisting you financially through the next steps, including juniors and college
● Your parents/coaches/school staff have been instrumental in helping you set/keep behavioral boundaries
● Your parents have attended most of your games & been actively involved in team parent/booster activities
● You are excited about graduating from high school and the possibilities of what is next. Your friends are all making solid plans and you wish that you knew what was next for you too.
● You are not independently wealthy
● You expect that junior coaches and staff will treat you honestly and with respect
● You have enjoyed media attention, fans and the rush of competitive hockey
● Your character and belief system have not really been tested yet
● You have not taken full time college level classes and therefore have not yet mastered to balance higher academics with hockey
● You have the grades, ACT scores to get into college and can be successful in the classroom
● At some point in the next four to six years you want to graduate from college with a bachelors degree after playing college
hockey at the highest level you are able
● You will continue to grow physically and in maturity as a young man, an athlete and a student
● In the next year you will be faced with some challenges that will help shape the kind of a man you will become.
● You have never worked out as intensely or been pushed as hard as the next step you’re about to enter
● You play hockey because you love it not just because of your parent’s dreams or because you’re good at it.
● You are highly motivated to do what it takes to reach your goals; you won’t quit when things get tough or inconvenient
The challenge: you must make some big decisions based on some limited information gleaned from a variety of conflicting sources in a relatively short period of time. Not a great recipe for success if you just go with the flow and hope all the critical details surface. Frankly, it may be several years after college graduation that you are in a position to really step back and evaluate the choices you made. But this is a starting point for what must be addressed today the best you can. We have based this decision-making process on thirty premises:
● Players who participate in showcases and junior hockey tryouts desire to keep playing competitive, elite hockey.
● You have been a star prep/AAA player who has regularly been on power play, penalty kill etc.
● You have become accustomed to being first or second line, getting lots of ice time.
● If people ask you who you are, you define yourself as an athlete (and more specifically a hockey player).
● You are one of the top players in your school, your region. People know who you are and about your accomplishments
● Your parents have been a strong source of support, encouragement, & finances as you’ve chased your dream thus far
● You have a lot of community/team pride and strong relationships with your teammates
● Up to this point you have not played nine-month-long seasons with 50+ games and extended travel schedules
● Although you know players who have gone up through the junior hockey ranks, you really don’t know that much about it
● You like to win games and you have been a big factor in helping your team be as successful as they have been
● You want to play, not just “dress for games”
● You have not trained regularly with a strength and conditioning specialist who designed a program for you and pushed you
● You have not lived away from home for extended periods, or been responsible for basic day-to-day tasks like grocery shopping, cooking, car maintenance etc.
● Your parents are going to continue assisting you financially through the next steps, including juniors and college
● Your parents/coaches/school staff have been instrumental in helping you set/keep behavioral boundaries
● Your parents have attended most of your games & been actively involved in team parent/booster activities
● You are excited about graduating from high school and the possibilities of what is next. Your friends are all making solid plans and you wish that you knew what was next for you too.
● You are not independently wealthy
● You expect that junior coaches and staff will treat you honestly and with respect
● You have enjoyed media attention, fans and the rush of competitive hockey
● Your character and belief system have not really been tested yet
● You have not taken full time college level classes and therefore have not yet mastered to balance higher academics with hockey
● You have the grades, ACT scores to get into college and can be successful in the classroom
● At some point in the next four to six years you want to graduate from college with a bachelors degree after playing college
hockey at the highest level you are able
● You will continue to grow physically and in maturity as a young man, an athlete and a student
● In the next year you will be faced with some challenges that will help shape the kind of a man you will become.
● You have never worked out as intensely or been pushed as hard as the next step you’re about to enter
● You play hockey because you love it not just because of your parent’s dreams or because you’re good at it.
● You are highly motivated to do what it takes to reach your goals; you won’t quit when things get tough or inconvenient
Your Perceptions, Hopes, Goals and Values
Take the time to think through, write down and then discuss the following questions with your parents. It’s easier to change your answers and to dodge some touchy issues if you skip one of those steps. If possible, meet with a trusted family friend who is willing to help guide your discussion. Going back to the decision traps of group thinking, this may help you actually ask/talk through issues that may normally make either you or your parents feel uncomfortable.
HOCKEY
Am I good enough right now to play college hockey next fall? If so what level? Would I get regular ice time? What’s more important: graduating in 4 years OR playing 2-4 years college hockey at the highest level I can play? Is it enough just to keep playing on a competitive team affiliated with my college or is my goal NCAA hockey? Would I prefer to be affiliated with a winning/more skilled team and not play OR to find a team where I contribute? What do I need to do differently next season/what do I need to do to help ensure that I are preparing for the possibility of college hockey? What do I hope to gain from playing junior hockey? Who should I ask for advice about this decision and a fair perspective about my current skill and my college potential? What kind of coach motivates me the most? My perfect scenario for next year would be…
LIFE/CHARACTER
How hard am I willing to work next year to improve? Lifting? Conditioning? Eating right? Sleeping right? Am I strong enough to do what I need to do even if others are not? Does a girlfriend or friends choices weigh into my decisions? How? Do I have my social life in the right perspective? Do I have an issue making good decisions regarding drugs/alcohol/risky behaviors? Do my parents trust me? Should they? Do I plan on attending religious services next year? How would I find a place of worship to fit in with my schedule? What are my biggest concerns about next year? Do I follow through on things without being constantly reminded? Am I self motivated? Am I grounded enough in my beliefs/faith that I will continue live with integrity when no one is watching or when I want to fit in? Am I good at saving/budgeting money? Where am I likely to fail / make mistakes this year?
ACADEMICS
Do I know what I want to do occupationally? Do I need college for that? Do I have a major picked out? Is college in your plans regardless of how things turn out with hockey? Have I researched schools with my desired major? Do they have hockey at the level I can reasonably play? Can I get accepted at that school? Am I ready (and do I want) to take full time college classes in the fall?Do I want to take part time classes if I play juniors? If I take a complete break from academics will I be more refreshed or less disciplined than I am now?
FAMILY ISSUES / LIVING PLANS
Do I want to move away from home? How far is too far? How often do I want to come home? Do I want my parents to come see me play next year? What is the total financial commitment your family will make (school and hockey)? Is this a loan that you are expected to pay them back? What percent? Where will I get spending cash this year? Will I need to work a part time job? How will we make these decisions? Who gets a vote? Who gets a veto? Do I want to live in a small town/metro area? What will I do for a car? When will I get to see my siblings again – how often will I want to? Do I want to be home for Thanksgiving and Christmas? Who is paying for the tryouts/showcases? How much is in this budget and how much have we already spent? How will I keep insurance?
BACKUP PLANS
What are some critical "deal breakers" that I will not accept in a junior hockey experience? When is the drop dead deadline to make a decision? What will dictate that deadline? How uncomfortable/stretched am I willing to become before I quit? What will be considered failure? What happens if I get hurt this summer? During the season? What happens if I get cut or traded? Will I accept that or choose to come home? What if I don’t like junior hockey and want to come home? What grades do my parents expect? If I deviate from this plan am I going to be the one financially responsible?
HOCKEY
Am I good enough right now to play college hockey next fall? If so what level? Would I get regular ice time? What’s more important: graduating in 4 years OR playing 2-4 years college hockey at the highest level I can play? Is it enough just to keep playing on a competitive team affiliated with my college or is my goal NCAA hockey? Would I prefer to be affiliated with a winning/more skilled team and not play OR to find a team where I contribute? What do I need to do differently next season/what do I need to do to help ensure that I are preparing for the possibility of college hockey? What do I hope to gain from playing junior hockey? Who should I ask for advice about this decision and a fair perspective about my current skill and my college potential? What kind of coach motivates me the most? My perfect scenario for next year would be…
LIFE/CHARACTER
How hard am I willing to work next year to improve? Lifting? Conditioning? Eating right? Sleeping right? Am I strong enough to do what I need to do even if others are not? Does a girlfriend or friends choices weigh into my decisions? How? Do I have my social life in the right perspective? Do I have an issue making good decisions regarding drugs/alcohol/risky behaviors? Do my parents trust me? Should they? Do I plan on attending religious services next year? How would I find a place of worship to fit in with my schedule? What are my biggest concerns about next year? Do I follow through on things without being constantly reminded? Am I self motivated? Am I grounded enough in my beliefs/faith that I will continue live with integrity when no one is watching or when I want to fit in? Am I good at saving/budgeting money? Where am I likely to fail / make mistakes this year?
ACADEMICS
Do I know what I want to do occupationally? Do I need college for that? Do I have a major picked out? Is college in your plans regardless of how things turn out with hockey? Have I researched schools with my desired major? Do they have hockey at the level I can reasonably play? Can I get accepted at that school? Am I ready (and do I want) to take full time college classes in the fall?Do I want to take part time classes if I play juniors? If I take a complete break from academics will I be more refreshed or less disciplined than I am now?
FAMILY ISSUES / LIVING PLANS
Do I want to move away from home? How far is too far? How often do I want to come home? Do I want my parents to come see me play next year? What is the total financial commitment your family will make (school and hockey)? Is this a loan that you are expected to pay them back? What percent? Where will I get spending cash this year? Will I need to work a part time job? How will we make these decisions? Who gets a vote? Who gets a veto? Do I want to live in a small town/metro area? What will I do for a car? When will I get to see my siblings again – how often will I want to? Do I want to be home for Thanksgiving and Christmas? Who is paying for the tryouts/showcases? How much is in this budget and how much have we already spent? How will I keep insurance?
BACKUP PLANS
What are some critical "deal breakers" that I will not accept in a junior hockey experience? When is the drop dead deadline to make a decision? What will dictate that deadline? How uncomfortable/stretched am I willing to become before I quit? What will be considered failure? What happens if I get hurt this summer? During the season? What happens if I get cut or traded? Will I accept that or choose to come home? What if I don’t like junior hockey and want to come home? What grades do my parents expect? If I deviate from this plan am I going to be the one financially responsible?
So you think Junior Hockey is for YOU
We salute those of you who are busy trying to sort through information about junior hockey and how to compile and make sense of all the readily-accessible information that you can find. This packet will hopefully help you to ask more educated questions, to find the answers to other important details that sometimes get overlooked, and how to somehow make a more intentional and informed decisions. Without some research and strategic thinking about what you uncover, you might still find a junior hockey roster spot, but it may not be the best fit to help you reach your long term goals. All teams are not the same, all leagues are not the same, just like all elite players and all coaches are not. This packet is designed to help you find the right fit for you as you work your way towards the goal of NCAA college hockey.
Ironically there are some players that keep working hard, that get a little lucky, and that work their way up to a college roster spot in a few years over someone who was more talented when they were 18 years old. Honestly, some very talented players de-select themselves from playing juniors and ultimately college because they get frustrated with the selection process and the system. Some make life choices that prevent them from moving up. Some players who did not have good grades in high school could use the time in juniors to get their academics in order to allow this option in the future but don't do it. Some players will sustain injuries that they won't enable this level of competitive hockey.
But for those of you who do find a place on a junior hockey roster, you will probably look back on this time of your life fondly because of the friends you made, the lessons you learned, the host family you lived with, the adventures you experienced, and the great competitive hockey you played. Juniors is a step up so the demands on your time will only get tighter - more ice time, more lifting, more dryland, more travel, more of everything. Taking some college coursework to keep your brain from getting soft is a wise decision even though you’ll wonder how to fit it all in. But taking classes now will lessen your load when you start full time college course load and varsity college hockey. As long as you take less than full time college coursework you won't jeopardize your NCAA eligibility. This is a great time to learn how to balance work, school, the demands of hockey and relationships. And with fewer colleges accepted or playing "true freshman" this stage in your development on and off the ice is critical to chasing your dream of playing college hockey. (See the NCAA College post below for statistics)
A DOSE OF REALITY: THE JUNIOR HOCKEY NUMBERS GAME
Tier I: USHL United States Hockey League
For-profit business runs the team that pays your hockey fees & housing expenses
13 teams located in IA,IL,NE,OH,SD,WI x 23 = 299 SPOTS
Veterans of that team: 106 spots = 33%
Veterans of Junior Hockey (trades/advancement): 20 spots = 19%
Young Projects: ’90 and ’91: 58 spots = 21%
Remaining: 80 spots = 73%
Tier II: NAHL North American Hockey League
For-profit business runs the team that pays your hockey-related fees but you pay room/board).
18 teams located in AK,IA,IL,MI,MN,MO,NM,ND,OH,TX = 450 SPOTS
Veterans of that team: 161 spots = 35%
Veterans of Junior Hockey (trades/advancement): 134 spots = 30%
Young Projects: ’90 and ’91: 104 spots = 23%
Remainging: 51 spots = 11%
Tier III Junior A 1675 SPOTS
Teams are most often run by a non-profit organization. Player's family help contribute up to $6500 to the team’s overall hockey-related budget (i.e. ice time, uniforms, team travel, staffing) Room/board expenses are also the responsibility of the player billet house coordinator.
AJHL (Atlantic) 11 teams in CT, MA,NH,NJ,NY,PA,VA = 275
CSHL (Central States) 13 teams in IA,IL,MI,MO,OH = 325
EJHL (Eastern) 14 teams in MA, NH, NJ, NY VT =250
MNJHL (Minnesota) 9 teams in MN,WI = 225
NORPAC (Northern Pacific) 11 teams in ID,MT,OR,WA,WY = 275
WSHL (Western States)13 teams in AZ,CA,CO,LA,OK,NV,TX = 325
SUMMARY:
Even if every Tier I-Tier III A junior hockey team had complete roster turnover every year (no veteran junior hockey players stayed in the USAH junior hockey system for more than one season) still only 2.6% OF THE USA ELIGIBLE PLAYERS would be able to find a roster spot in these levels. Because many junior hockey veterans return for more than one season, these roster spot opportunities decreases significantly. It is extremely competitive to get a roster spot, let alone play or to keep your spot all year.
*Note: There are other junior hockey leagues that are located in Canada, that are not sanctioned by USA Hockey and that are lower levels; therefore this number does not represent all of “junior hockey” which is not a trademarked term. Traditionally the percentage of players that advance to college hockey (especially to the higher levels of hockey) outside of the Tier I- Tier III A leagues in USA Hockey and Canada junior hockey system is quite small.
Remember that junior hockey is for young men between 16 and 20 years old. This means that some of these roster spots will be filled next year by veterans in their second or third year of juniors. So when you are looking at the actual number of junior hockey roster spots available each year, the number drops dramatically. With 12-15 Forwards, 6-8 D and 2 goalies positions per team it is wise to see how many of each position are actually open to be earned (not taken by veterans, drafted or tendered players). Most levels in USAH allow teams to roster 23-25 players, but only 20 players dress per game. Many teams allow more than 25 players to come into training camp and see how they perform in exhibition games. This level does not require a firm roster until February so it’s not like you “make a team” and then you’re on it for good. Likewise, you may not be formally on the USA Hockey roster list yet you are receiving some benefits in being allowed to practice with a team. Ask the coach where he sees you fitting in and then decide if that meets your goals for where you want to be in two years. You can see that in some cases, in order for you to develop as a player, it might be more beneficial for your development to play at a lower junior hockey tier in order to get more regular ice time and the opportunity for special teams. Take into account your morale if you are not given opportunities to play in games because there are just too many players ahead of you in the line up or dead-even that will rotate in and out.
Put another way:
“Are you good enough today to play on a NCAA college roster spot TODAY? If not, then you need to do something besides just get older and not get hurt if you want to improve and change your future!”
Will playing in five to ten games next year be enough? How many pucks do you need to shoot? How many pounds of muscle do you need to give you more mass? How much more intentional do you need to be to hold the blue line? How many shots do you need to take? How much faster can you get? How many times will you finish your check? How will you get re-trained to not circle and to make crisp starts and stops? How will you improve your backwards skating? How will you get confident and take the needed chances? How will you learn when to pinch and when not to pinch? Will you learn a new move so that the opposing team doesn’t have you completely figured out just by watching one game film? How many face offs do you need to win? How much better does your passing need to be? What save percentage do you need to demonstrate night after night? Those who thrive in junior hockey realize that this is a chance to focus everything you’ve got on getting better in your sport. At the end of the day you need to decide if a winning record or being included on the practice roster of a higher skilled team is more beneficial than playing lots of games and working on your weaknesses. Again, look at YOUR goals and what you aim to get out of juniors.
Ironically there are some players that keep working hard, that get a little lucky, and that work their way up to a college roster spot in a few years over someone who was more talented when they were 18 years old. Honestly, some very talented players de-select themselves from playing juniors and ultimately college because they get frustrated with the selection process and the system. Some make life choices that prevent them from moving up. Some players who did not have good grades in high school could use the time in juniors to get their academics in order to allow this option in the future but don't do it. Some players will sustain injuries that they won't enable this level of competitive hockey.
But for those of you who do find a place on a junior hockey roster, you will probably look back on this time of your life fondly because of the friends you made, the lessons you learned, the host family you lived with, the adventures you experienced, and the great competitive hockey you played. Juniors is a step up so the demands on your time will only get tighter - more ice time, more lifting, more dryland, more travel, more of everything. Taking some college coursework to keep your brain from getting soft is a wise decision even though you’ll wonder how to fit it all in. But taking classes now will lessen your load when you start full time college course load and varsity college hockey. As long as you take less than full time college coursework you won't jeopardize your NCAA eligibility. This is a great time to learn how to balance work, school, the demands of hockey and relationships. And with fewer colleges accepted or playing "true freshman" this stage in your development on and off the ice is critical to chasing your dream of playing college hockey. (See the NCAA College post below for statistics)
A DOSE OF REALITY: THE JUNIOR HOCKEY NUMBERS GAME
Tier I: USHL United States Hockey League
For-profit business runs the team that pays your hockey fees & housing expenses
13 teams located in IA,IL,NE,OH,SD,WI x 23 = 299 SPOTS
Veterans of that team: 106 spots = 33%
Veterans of Junior Hockey (trades/advancement): 20 spots = 19%
Young Projects: ’90 and ’91: 58 spots = 21%
Remaining: 80 spots = 73%
Tier II: NAHL North American Hockey League
For-profit business runs the team that pays your hockey-related fees but you pay room/board).
18 teams located in AK,IA,IL,MI,MN,MO,NM,ND,OH,TX = 450 SPOTS
Veterans of that team: 161 spots = 35%
Veterans of Junior Hockey (trades/advancement): 134 spots = 30%
Young Projects: ’90 and ’91: 104 spots = 23%
Remainging: 51 spots = 11%
Tier III Junior A 1675 SPOTS
Teams are most often run by a non-profit organization. Player's family help contribute up to $6500 to the team’s overall hockey-related budget (i.e. ice time, uniforms, team travel, staffing) Room/board expenses are also the responsibility of the player billet house coordinator.
AJHL (Atlantic) 11 teams in CT, MA,NH,NJ,NY,PA,VA = 275
CSHL (Central States) 13 teams in IA,IL,MI,MO,OH = 325
EJHL (Eastern) 14 teams in MA, NH, NJ, NY VT =250
MNJHL (Minnesota) 9 teams in MN,WI = 225
NORPAC (Northern Pacific) 11 teams in ID,MT,OR,WA,WY = 275
WSHL (Western States)13 teams in AZ,CA,CO,LA,OK,NV,TX = 325
SUMMARY:
Even if every Tier I-Tier III A junior hockey team had complete roster turnover every year (no veteran junior hockey players stayed in the USAH junior hockey system for more than one season) still only 2.6% OF THE USA ELIGIBLE PLAYERS would be able to find a roster spot in these levels. Because many junior hockey veterans return for more than one season, these roster spot opportunities decreases significantly. It is extremely competitive to get a roster spot, let alone play or to keep your spot all year.
*Note: There are other junior hockey leagues that are located in Canada, that are not sanctioned by USA Hockey and that are lower levels; therefore this number does not represent all of “junior hockey” which is not a trademarked term. Traditionally the percentage of players that advance to college hockey (especially to the higher levels of hockey) outside of the Tier I- Tier III A leagues in USA Hockey and Canada junior hockey system is quite small.
Remember that junior hockey is for young men between 16 and 20 years old. This means that some of these roster spots will be filled next year by veterans in their second or third year of juniors. So when you are looking at the actual number of junior hockey roster spots available each year, the number drops dramatically. With 12-15 Forwards, 6-8 D and 2 goalies positions per team it is wise to see how many of each position are actually open to be earned (not taken by veterans, drafted or tendered players). Most levels in USAH allow teams to roster 23-25 players, but only 20 players dress per game. Many teams allow more than 25 players to come into training camp and see how they perform in exhibition games. This level does not require a firm roster until February so it’s not like you “make a team” and then you’re on it for good. Likewise, you may not be formally on the USA Hockey roster list yet you are receiving some benefits in being allowed to practice with a team. Ask the coach where he sees you fitting in and then decide if that meets your goals for where you want to be in two years. You can see that in some cases, in order for you to develop as a player, it might be more beneficial for your development to play at a lower junior hockey tier in order to get more regular ice time and the opportunity for special teams. Take into account your morale if you are not given opportunities to play in games because there are just too many players ahead of you in the line up or dead-even that will rotate in and out.
Put another way:
“Are you good enough today to play on a NCAA college roster spot TODAY? If not, then you need to do something besides just get older and not get hurt if you want to improve and change your future!”
Will playing in five to ten games next year be enough? How many pucks do you need to shoot? How many pounds of muscle do you need to give you more mass? How much more intentional do you need to be to hold the blue line? How many shots do you need to take? How much faster can you get? How many times will you finish your check? How will you get re-trained to not circle and to make crisp starts and stops? How will you improve your backwards skating? How will you get confident and take the needed chances? How will you learn when to pinch and when not to pinch? Will you learn a new move so that the opposing team doesn’t have you completely figured out just by watching one game film? How many face offs do you need to win? How much better does your passing need to be? What save percentage do you need to demonstrate night after night? Those who thrive in junior hockey realize that this is a chance to focus everything you’ve got on getting better in your sport. At the end of the day you need to decide if a winning record or being included on the practice roster of a higher skilled team is more beneficial than playing lots of games and working on your weaknesses. Again, look at YOUR goals and what you aim to get out of juniors.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
USHL DRAFT- May 2009
The procurement of players for USHL teams follows a cycle that emphasizes drafting players at an age when players are physically and mentally mature enough to play a regular shift in the USHL. But don't forget that Tier I Junior hockey is a for-profit business. Developing players are signed, brought in, trained OR sold, traded, sent home as teams decide which players are going to sign with a college and which are contributing the most to the success of the team. It's a trade off. Players get an opportunity to develop. Owners get an opportunity to brings in fans, sell concessions and merchandise and which all brings in more money. Tier I teams are responsible to pay for the room/board and all hockey fees for the players on their rosters. So in the business sense, it is bad business to bring in lots of younger players who are living away from home for the first time away from his parent’s supervision, in a new high school UNLESS the player can contribute.
Here is how the USHL player cycle works for the 2008-09 and 2009-2010 seasons.
1) At the beginning of the 2008-09 season, each USHL team can have 23 players on their active roster. These are the actual players on the team, playing the games.
2) October 3, 2008 marked the first of two drafts that the USHL holds each year. This draft is called the “Futures Draft” and is named so because the players selected in this draft are not expected to play in the USHL during the 2009-10 season. This is because they are too young to make an impact for the current season. The 2008 Futures Draft restricted teams to selecting players who were in the 1990 and 1991 birth years (16 and 17 year-old players). Each team drafted until their affiliate player list reached 12 players. These are the players who they will keep on a protected list through the 2008-09 season. These players continue to develop at a lower level of hockey during 2008-09, whether that be midget, high school, prep school or a lower level of junior hockey, with the hopes that they will enter the USHL in 2009-10, a more complete player and with another year of high school under their belts.
3) Once the Futures Draft is completed each team will have a 35-man protected list which is comprised of their 23 active players and 12 future players and this structure is kept in place through the 2008-09 season.
4) The second and main USHL draft will be held May 15, 2009. In preparation for this draft teams will make adjustments to their 35-man (23+12) protective lists.
1. a) Teams will delete players who have aged out past 20-years-old.
2. b) Teams will delete players who are advancing to the NCAA.
3. c) Teams will delete players on the futures list who have not developed
Typically teams will have 9 returning players, as 14 on average will be graduating onto NCAA Division I hockey. This is an average, not a guarantee. Some teams will protect more players and some will protect less.
Once teams have pared down their protective lists they will draft enough players to get their protective list to 30. For example, if a team protected 14 players from their 35 man list they will draft 16 players in the main draft.
The 2008 draft will primarily be a draft of 1991 and 1992 players because it is 17 and 18 year-old players who will be able to make an impact and play a regular shift in the USHL during the 2009-10 season. 1993 and 1994 birth year players are able to be chosen, but few are as they typically will not be ready to play a regular shift during the 2009-10 season. For example there are only 9 1991 birth year players in the USHL in the 2007-08 season.
5) Teams will have their training camps/tryouts in June and July. Teams will typically have 60-80 players at their training camps. 30 of the players at the camp are returning players or drafted players that the team has protected. The remaining 30-50 players are invited by the team.
By July 1st, 2009 teams must be down to a 25-man protected list from all the players that were at their training camps in June. On average the 25-man list consists of 9 returning players, - 5 players from the October 2008 Futures Draft, 6 players from the 2009 May main USHL draft and 5 invited walk-ons from the training camp in June. Again, this is just an average and teams can have a different distribution of where the players on their protective lists come from.
Because the USHL is a relatively small league with only 13 teams, and each team only drafts a small number of players relative to other leagues, there are plenty of undrafted players who make the USHL every year.
*Note that players who are not protected by a team may attend several USHL training camps.
6) Teams take their 25-man roster to the USHL’s Fall Classic at the end of September 2008. The Classic, formerly known as the Buc Bowl, is a pre-season event where all the USHL teams gather in one USHL location to play in front of over 100 NHL scouts and all 59 NCAA schools.
7) Right after the Fall Classic and just prior to October 1, 2009, each team will reduce their roster to 23. These 23 players are the team’s active rosters for the 2009-10 season.
8) On October 7, 2009 the cycle is completed when each USHL team will participate in the Futures Draft and draft until their affiliate lists consist of 12 players who are 1992 or 1993 birth year players. Teams will then be back to their 35-man protective list of 23 active players and 12 future players.
Notes:
-Unlike the WHL, OHL and QMJHL players typically spend a 1 or 2 years maximum in the USHL before going onto NCAA Division 1 hockey. In Canadian Major Junior hockey players usually leave home during their grade 11 junior year and spend 4-5 years away from home playing in the junior. In the USHL, players spend their grade 11 junior year and sometimes their grade 12 senior year at home securing their high school education before advancing to junior and then college hockey.
-Each USHL team can have two imports on their team. This is mandated not by the USHL but by USA Hockey. An import is any non American or player whose family does not reside in America. A team could actually get three imports on their roster if one of their imports comes back for a second year in which case he can be grandfathered and the team can add two additional imports.
Here is how the USHL player cycle works for the 2008-09 and 2009-2010 seasons.
1) At the beginning of the 2008-09 season, each USHL team can have 23 players on their active roster. These are the actual players on the team, playing the games.
2) October 3, 2008 marked the first of two drafts that the USHL holds each year. This draft is called the “Futures Draft” and is named so because the players selected in this draft are not expected to play in the USHL during the 2009-10 season. This is because they are too young to make an impact for the current season. The 2008 Futures Draft restricted teams to selecting players who were in the 1990 and 1991 birth years (16 and 17 year-old players). Each team drafted until their affiliate player list reached 12 players. These are the players who they will keep on a protected list through the 2008-09 season. These players continue to develop at a lower level of hockey during 2008-09, whether that be midget, high school, prep school or a lower level of junior hockey, with the hopes that they will enter the USHL in 2009-10, a more complete player and with another year of high school under their belts.
3) Once the Futures Draft is completed each team will have a 35-man protected list which is comprised of their 23 active players and 12 future players and this structure is kept in place through the 2008-09 season.
4) The second and main USHL draft will be held May 15, 2009. In preparation for this draft teams will make adjustments to their 35-man (23+12) protective lists.
1. a) Teams will delete players who have aged out past 20-years-old.
2. b) Teams will delete players who are advancing to the NCAA.
3. c) Teams will delete players on the futures list who have not developed
Typically teams will have 9 returning players, as 14 on average will be graduating onto NCAA Division I hockey. This is an average, not a guarantee. Some teams will protect more players and some will protect less.
Once teams have pared down their protective lists they will draft enough players to get their protective list to 30. For example, if a team protected 14 players from their 35 man list they will draft 16 players in the main draft.
The 2008 draft will primarily be a draft of 1991 and 1992 players because it is 17 and 18 year-old players who will be able to make an impact and play a regular shift in the USHL during the 2009-10 season. 1993 and 1994 birth year players are able to be chosen, but few are as they typically will not be ready to play a regular shift during the 2009-10 season. For example there are only 9 1991 birth year players in the USHL in the 2007-08 season.
5) Teams will have their training camps/tryouts in June and July. Teams will typically have 60-80 players at their training camps. 30 of the players at the camp are returning players or drafted players that the team has protected. The remaining 30-50 players are invited by the team.
By July 1st, 2009 teams must be down to a 25-man protected list from all the players that were at their training camps in June. On average the 25-man list consists of 9 returning players, - 5 players from the October 2008 Futures Draft, 6 players from the 2009 May main USHL draft and 5 invited walk-ons from the training camp in June. Again, this is just an average and teams can have a different distribution of where the players on their protective lists come from.
Because the USHL is a relatively small league with only 13 teams, and each team only drafts a small number of players relative to other leagues, there are plenty of undrafted players who make the USHL every year.
*Note that players who are not protected by a team may attend several USHL training camps.
6) Teams take their 25-man roster to the USHL’s Fall Classic at the end of September 2008. The Classic, formerly known as the Buc Bowl, is a pre-season event where all the USHL teams gather in one USHL location to play in front of over 100 NHL scouts and all 59 NCAA schools.
7) Right after the Fall Classic and just prior to October 1, 2009, each team will reduce their roster to 23. These 23 players are the team’s active rosters for the 2009-10 season.
8) On October 7, 2009 the cycle is completed when each USHL team will participate in the Futures Draft and draft until their affiliate lists consist of 12 players who are 1992 or 1993 birth year players. Teams will then be back to their 35-man protective list of 23 active players and 12 future players.
Notes:
-Unlike the WHL, OHL and QMJHL players typically spend a 1 or 2 years maximum in the USHL before going onto NCAA Division 1 hockey. In Canadian Major Junior hockey players usually leave home during their grade 11 junior year and spend 4-5 years away from home playing in the junior. In the USHL, players spend their grade 11 junior year and sometimes their grade 12 senior year at home securing their high school education before advancing to junior and then college hockey.
-Each USHL team can have two imports on their team. This is mandated not by the USHL but by USA Hockey. An import is any non American or player whose family does not reside in America. A team could actually get three imports on their roster if one of their imports comes back for a second year in which case he can be grandfathered and the team can add two additional imports.
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