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Player Archive


The following is an archival list of questions that players like yourself need answers to. Use this list to help you, and if your questions aren't answered, be sure to Ask the Vet.





What should I be doing as an excercise to strengthen my wrist shot? And, what are some exercises that can help me gain better foot speed?



Since I don't have a great hockey background, I was wondering what can I do for my hockey resume? Also, I heard some Junior B team's try-outs and whatever are just money makers. What can you tell me about that? What do scouts look for in a goaltender? What do they REALLY look for?



I started playing ice hockey at the age of 14 and quickly turned into an elite player and a goaltender. I've played house, all-star(elite only team), Midget A, and Midget AA. I am currently 17, and I am a goaltender. I went to two Junior 'B' camps last year, but the knock against me was that I have not been playing long and not at a high level(Midget AA/AAA). So, is there hope for guys like me? I have no doubt in my mind that I can play Junior hockey. Where not having played for long, I make up in hard work and dedication. I am on the ice at least four times a week, and I am in the gym everyday for two hours at a time(I can bench press over 275 lbs and squat over 350 lbs). I guess my biggest concern is getting noticed. I talked to my coach, who has played Jr.A and Jr.B, and he recommends prep hockey. I don't know because it cost so much(in excess of $10,000 a year). Also, the team I am currently with I am not a starting goaltender. I mostly play forward(and turns out I am a pretty good forward). Anyway, I am a goaltender, and that is my best position and my passion. My question is: Is there hope for me? I'm 17 and started playing roller hockey at 13, then ice at 14. I've never played higher than Midget AA.(so my hockey resume won't look great). The good news is I am the hardest worker you'll ever see, and I am totally dedicated. I also have talent. What do you think?



I'm a new goalie to the ice hockey world...I'm wondering if you can give me a list of workouts I should be doing so I can be the best I can be in goal...things I should do at home between practices and things I should do at practice. I'm 23...and still shaky on my balance...any help would be greatly appreciated.



I am relatively new to ice hockey for an 18 yr old, only started 2 years ago. My coaches and some college scouts have told me I should try for a higher level of play, but I just am not sure what exactly to do to get there. My midget team is defending a state championship this year. Should I get someone to see me play? I have very good quality tapes of my seasonspast. Are they helpful? I don't want to give up before I've started...HELP!



Do they have leagues for seniors twenty-one and above. Because, I'm not shooting for pro, but it would be nice if they had an organized league for adults.



My son is a second year bantam goalie currently playing on a AAA team in Northern California. He wants the opportunity to "get noticed." Can you suggest camps that he might apply to or try out for, or is it necessary to send him back east to a prep school?



I have been searching for a good off-season training regime to stay fit and strong. Do you have any suggestions?



I have a little cousin who is just getting into the sport. I try to teach him how I hockey stop, but its just not the same. Please explain to me how to preform a hockey stop, and I'll read from this response to him, and hopefully, he'll get the knack of it and become a better skater.



I have just turned 15 years old. I am looking forward to the WHL draft this summer. I was wondering if I could somehow figure out if any WHL teams are interested in me this year somehow?



I am looking for a specific piece of exercise equipment for my husband. I'm sorry I don't know the name of it, but here is a description. It is used by NHL Players. It is an inflatable used for squats & lunges, but at the same time helps you control your balance while doing your repetitions. Please try and help me. If you don't know, maybe you could point me in the right direction.



I am a sophomore, and I just started ice hockey and have a strong determination to succeed and go to an excellent hockey college someday. My first question deals with becoming a better hockey player. I'm not as good as some other guys, but I play three times a week and hustle more than anyone. I want to know what things I need to do to become a better skater, and stick handler. My slap shot could use some work too. As well, I would like to know what to do in the off-season. I would like to build up my muscles and build up my endurance tremendously. Please let me know how I can become a better hockey player.



A goalie on our team wears a regular helmet with a plastic facemask, and I worry that this will not be enough protection if he is hit with a slapshot. Am I right?



I've had two concussions in three months, and I'm wondering if you would recommend a helmet for me to buy. I can feel the effects, because my memory is not what it used to be, and I get headaches every so often.



What do you do if two of your teammates get in a fight during practice, and you're the only guy nearby that could break them up, but they're both slightly larger than you?



What can you do to get noticed by prep schools, or by the universities or colleges in Canada or the U.S.?



Please give me some tips on stick taping.



What is a good time for shifts for a 12 to 13 year old? 40seconds, 50 seconds? Please give me a good idea to tell the kids that want to live on the ice.



My son is a goalie, presently playing at the Jr. A level. He is not starting, but believes he could be. Because of his age he is up against the clock of opportunities for older, late bloomers. Are there opportunities for him to follow his dream? For example: Schools, Summer Leagues, Show Case Tournments, etc.



How do you apply to U.S. prep schools? Is my average mark of 65% good enough down there?



I have been reading over the 'Getting Noticed' page and would like to know what my chances are for playing in a league like the ECHL or in Europe(Germany), if I have not played junior or collegiate level hockey. I believe in myself and feel that I have strong potential for the game. Are there teams that offer walk-on tryouts?



When does a player, if drafted or in contact with major league team representatives, consider finding a manager or agent, and what is a typical arrangement with one?



I was wondering if you have any conditioning tips for a 12 year old in pretty good overall shape.



My question deals with when to try to play your child at the AAA level? Many people I have spoken to say there's no rush to play at this level and that children may develop burnout from this level at a young age. However, must you start young to establish your spot on a team due to the amount of kids involved?



Every time I go to a game or pratctice, I can't get myself pumped up and ready to whoop the other team. I would like to know how you get yourself hyped up and if there is any thing I need to do before a game or practice.



Our son is first year Bantam and from what we can gather from outside information expected to go in the bantam draft this spring. We live in a small AA town. Next year there will not be a competitive team here for him to play on. We are thinking we may try to play Junior B in a town 2 or 3 hours from home or else send him to Notre Dame College in Saskatchewan. What is your opinion of these choices. A junior B club is showing alot of interest in our son coming and playing with them next season and I have to wonder why they would want to pursue a 15 year old. Someone mentioned that if this boy goes on to the WHL they get some money. Is this true? This team says they are pursueing 4 15 year olds for next season. Again I wonder why. We also heard that even the Junior B coaches cannot directly contact our son, is this true?



I am a 42 yr old player fairly new to the game. I am in good shape but want to improve my energy level on the ice. I would appreciate some feedback in regards to pregame meals. How long prior togame time should I EAT? Proteins,carbs,fats: how much of each? Supplements? I play at least twice a week, I workout 4/5 days a week, but find I am not satisfied with my energy. I start out strong but feel low on fuel halfway thru. I maintain a fairly high protein diet. Where should my glycogen level be at game time? Thanks, hope you can help.



My questions are: How old do you have to be to play jounior a and b? How would you get an a or b level scout to come see you? And last, if your league doesnt keep stats, how would you get them?



What is the difference between main camp and rookie camp?

The biggest difference between main camp and rookie camp is that the team will be made of players from the main camp. If the team is surely interested in you, you will be invited to main camp. With that said, many of us will have to go through rookie camp to get invited to main.



Is rookie camp worth it?

Rookie camp is worth it if they ask you to go, and it is a team that you would like to play for. Chances are though, only a few players will be invited from rookie to main camp. With this said, rookie camp will give you insight into what junior camp is all about and the level of competition that you can expect to face.



I've been asked to several junior camps. Which camps should I attend? Should I be paying my own way?

If it is a main camp, and the team is interested, they will most likely have you placed with billets , because they'll be expecting you to be a part of their team. Make sure you ask questions before you go:

  • How many veterans are returning?
  • Where do you see me fitting into the team?
  • What kind of impact do you see me making?
As well, if it is a Major Junior team whose camp you are attending, you need to be aware of the issues surrounding your academic eligibility.



At what age should I be buckling down at school?

Study habits and work ethic at school are not developed overnight. By grade 9, you should have begun to formulate a method of studying that will help you be successful. When you get to university or college, it doesn't get easier. You'll be a student athlete with a full-time class schedule and 20-25hrs a week of training time. And if your team is on the road, solid study and time management skills will be even more vital.



How involved should you be as a parent?

It's a fine line, but you don't want to be absent from your child's career, and you don't want to be overbearing. Ask questions, give advice, and help your child to make educated decisions. Help them weed through all the information that is available to them and help keep them grounded. It is important to realize that your child's aspirations may not be the same as yours. Use your experience, not your own dreams, to guide your child's decisions.



How do you stress wise choices without pushing your own dreams on your son/daughter?

  1. Help your child get all the available information.
  2. Ask questions.
Your child will often want to make decisions based on excitement without actually knowing all the facts. It is your job to help your child see the facts. Asking questions will help your child avoid making career mistakes or any potential pitfalls. Ask questions of the coach, other parents, and players to help your child make an educated decision.
  • What does the coach have planned for your child?
  • How many vets are returning?
  • Does the coach/team stress education?
  • What does the team offer your child?


What should you do if a Junior team wants to send you away to an affiliate team?

Once again, ask questions. What does the team have planned for you? Do they want you back next year or sometime later this season? Why do they want you to go? Will going to the affiliate give you an opportunity for more ice time? How does it affect your schooling? Know the pros & cons and make sure it's a move that will help you.



When should I begin focussing on hockey and leaving other high school sports behind?

Play whatever you want for as long as you want. However, realize that sustaining an injury from another sport could drastically impede your career. You'll know when it is time, because hockey will be all you want to do, and you won't want to jeopardize your chances.



When should I start to promote myself? Is this the same time that I should hire an agent?

Promotion isn't a dirty word. Make yourself known to schools and teams. There are too many quality players in today's game for you to be always scouted effectively. Make them come to you. "Persistence wears down resistance." As for hiring an agent, it is a personal decision. However, be aware that having an agent affects your status as a player. If the professional ranks are your goal, then having an agent may be in your best interet, however if school is where you want to be, you need to know that having an agent will make you ineligible to compete.



Do my points matter? Should I bother knowing these numbers?

Hockey isn't all points, and it never will be. It is important, however, to keep track of your stats on a yearly basis. You'll need these numbers for a hockey resume or when registering for a junior or university camp. You want to be accurate and prepared.



Is it important to make my coach aware of my objectives and goals?

EXTREMELY!! Too often, players think that their coach simply knows what it is a player wants to accomplish. Make sure you sit down with your coach regularly for a discussion of your hockey aspirations and personal progress. "Help him help you." You need to have your coach working with you and not against you.



Should you be playing in the summer? Should I play in a competitive summer hockey league such as summer 'AAA'?

A key to any player's development is practice. However, a wise player must always be aware of burnout and be able to take a step back to rekindle the passion. With that said, summer may give you the ideal time to develop your skills. So, after a needed break, use the summer to condition and perhaps take the chance to play with older or more experienced players. Don't wait until camp to lace up the blades!



Is roller hockey a good substitute for the summer?

Roller hockey will definitely keep you in shape and give you a chance to develop your stick skills. Be aware though that blading is quite different than skating. You may need time to adjust back to the ice.



Should I be playing with kids older than me?

This is a decision you have to make on your own. The truth is playing with players who are older and stronger will push you to develop your own game. As a young teen, you shouldn't expect to jump into a full game with 19 and 20 year old juniors, but the opportunity to play pick-up with these players will only help your game.



Is it important to be drafted?

Yes and No. In a perfect world, we would all be drafted and we would all be able to play our position of choice. The reality is being drafted is a good thing but a guarantee of nothing. It is neither a meal ticket for those who are drafted nor a death sentence to those who are not.







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