Tag Archive: scouting

How to channel the consistency!

March 14, 2018 5:36 pm Published by

Consistency is KEY! Any player can go out and have a great game from time to time. However, a really special player can do it weekend after weekend throughout a season. Consistent performance will ultimately develop from a few critical foundational points.

  • Preparation
    • Practice habits, off-ice training, nutrition, focus level in the locker room, rest away from the rink, being a student of the game, and oh yea-Practice Habits!!!
  • Mindset
    • Set your mind to be successful. Change the channel on the negative, and harness the power of the positive thoughts! I’m a huge fan of positive self-talk: “You’re going to be great today, be the best version of yourself!”
  • Confidence
    • Trust your training! Confidence comes from within. Lock in the mindset and lean on your preparation and the confidence will surely follow!

What the “Scouts” are really watching?

February 28, 2018 3:08 pm Published by

The recurring topic of: recruiting, evaluations, and “Scouting” comes up all so often. Understandably, for good reason, as every player aspires to advance to the highest levels they’re capable of. Here’s some helpful insight to gain an understanding as your athlete works toward their dreams:

Mite – Bantam Level Players

Spoiler alert: There’s no scouts in the stands handing out scholarships. Perhaps the odd HS coach taking a look; but that’s about it. From an evaluation stand-point the following characteristics are prioritized:

  • Raw Ability
    • This will always jump off the page at any level. However, a player’s skill is only one part of the equation.
  • Effort Level
    • Better believe evaluators are looking for the details in a player’s work ethic. Stopping on pucks, competing in ALL battles, etc.
  • Attitude/Coach-ability
    • Does a player apply what they’re being taught? Are they carrying themselves with a positive attitude and “team-first” mentality?

 

Midget – Jr Level Players

If you’re sincere about truly taking your game to the highest level of Jr, NCAA, or beyond this is where the real work begins.

  • Raw Ability
    • No question you have to have the skill set to produce at the “next level”.
  • Potential
    • It’s not necessarily about the player you are today, as it is the player that you can become tomorrow.
  • Needs of that team
    • STATS ARE NOT ALWAYS THE ANSWER. Sure, they can help, but believe me, scouts are looking at the role you will fill on their team, not just your points!