Playing college hockey can seem almost undoable, but there are ways to give yourself an edge in this competitive world. If you're a hockey recruit, here are five key tips to help get you to the next level.
Juniors
Playing juniors after highschool before entering college can give you a huge leg up compared to those who don't. This year gives you time to develop as a player and improve your skills. It also gives you time to contact coaches if you havent started, and improve your academics if they aren't where you want them to be. Chances are even if you do get recruited in highschool that coach will ask you to play juniors for a year.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
Contact early and often
In the world of hockey, coaches want to see your ability to grow as a player, especially in highschool during those key improvement years. Reaching out to coaches and getting your foot in the door early gives coaches the time to watch you develop as a player and can speak volumes to your ability to continually improve.
Camps and Showcases
Attending big camps or showcases can be an easy way for lots of coaches to watch you all at once. It gets you immediate exposure and also gives you a sense of how you compare to other potential college hockey players.
Related: The Little Things Matter! 4 Recruiting Tips for Ice Hockey Players
Academics
In any college sport there are certain GPA requirements and for most men hockey teams that comes in the form of team GPA's. If you are an average player and a coach is on the fence about you, they are more likely to be interested if you can contribute in a positive way to the team GPA.
Stay In Shape Off the Ice.
It's one thing to ice skills on the ice and it's another to be in shape off the ice. Putting in the work on your own time is only going to improve your on-ice play as you can develop your cardiovascular and overall strength.
Overall, it's important to be patient when going through the college hockey recruiting process. Focus on finding junior teams, while still talking to coaches, and continuing to improve your game.
Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on October 24, 2022, by Casey Chizmazia
