For over 100 years, college hockey has served as a breeding ground for outstanding hockey players and individuals. There is currently an abundance of information available online about the best ways to navigate the college hockey recruitment process. However, there are many different aspects to consider when making the decision to play hockey competitively while pursuing a post-secondary education: athletic experience, education, player development, future opportunities, history and student life. Far too often, the recruiting advice provided is coming from coaches or third-party consultants, and not current athletes themselves. 

Ten members of the Yale University Women's Ice Hockey team were interviewed about what they would most like to share with potential college hockey recruits. In their own words, here is what they had to say:

Don't discount or discredit any school at first glance.

“It's important to remain professional and develop a relationship with all coaches that contact you throughout the recruiting process because there are so many uncertainties and moving parts. I ended up at a school that I never thought I would have at first.”

Related: 3 Tips to Help You Prepare for College Hockey

Do your research.

“It wasn't until I started filling out online questionnaires, calling coaches, and making unofficial visits to campuses did I start to generate any notable interest from schools.”

Don't put your academics on the back burner.

“Even though I wanted to get an athletic scholarship, having good grades opened the doors to different opportunities that I never thought I would have. Most of the schools I was looking at had their own baseline GPA requirements for entrance into the school on top of the NCAA requirements, and I was also able to obtain a better financial arrangement because of my academic standing.” 

Fulfill your requirements.

“Make sure you are medically-cleared and academically eligible to play in advance of graduation. Don't leave your fate up to how you do on the last SAT/ACT test offered for a year.”

Related: Pro Hockey Player Rebecca Russo Talks Team Dynamics

Don't post material on social media that could damage your reputation.

“Almost every college program and coach in the country now has some sort of social media account and uses it while scouting potential recruits. While social media can improve your ability to attract attention when used properly, it also has the ability to hurt your image. Never post anything that could make a coach call into question your character or priorities – as these are two essential factors that coaches look at when recruiting future players.”

Find the RIGHT fit.

“They may not be the best hockey team on paper, but they may be the best hockey team for you. I think the most important thing is to look for a team that has a culture and dynamic that you want to be a part of, as well as one where you will have an important role.” 

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Don't feel required to hire an agent or advisor.

“Hiring professional agents makes a player ineligible for college hockey, so a lot of recruits tend to hire ‘family advisors' to help with the recruiting process. In reality, I've been told college coaches prefer the one-on-one interactions they have with recruits because they want to get to know them and see if they will be the right fit for the culture of their program.”

Participate in showcases.

“Some of the best ways to get noticed are by playing in the big tournament showcases, either individually or as part of a team, because large numbers of college coaches gather in one rink for the weekend to scout potential new recruits. It's important that you put yourself in the best position for college coaches to have the opportunity to see you play.”

Related: 11 Recruiting Tips With Nazareth College Women's Hockey Coach Chris Baudo

Don't be pressured into a decision by ANYONE.

“Making the decision about where you want to attend college can seem impossible, but it is YOUR decision. Don't follow friends, try to do what makes your parents happiest or be forced into an early commitment by a coach. In the end, you are the only person who will live with your selection every day for the next four to five years.”

HAVE FUN!

“The college recruiting process is a crazy, once-in-a-lifetime experience. At the end of the day, I know from personal experience that most players tend to play their best hockey when they are simply enjoying the game. And that's what hockey is all about anyways!”

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]

Image Credit: Yale Athletics

* Originally published on February 24, 2023, by Krista Yip-Chuck