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Q: 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!

A: Don't worry! You're in a great position. Even though you may have started later than others, you have proved and shown that you have ability. After all, Ed Jovanovski of the Vancouver Canucks only began playing at the age of 14, and he was drafted first overall just four years later. As for you, it looks as though you are already generating some interest. With coaches and scouts making positive comments about you, you can be sure that there are others out there that know who you are and may even have seen you play. In addition, you already play for a great team. Scouts regularly attend midget games, and given the fact that your team is defending State Champions, you can be sure that teams will be watching your games with interest.
So, for now, be confident that you are in a good position. By playing on a great team and already receiving attention, there won't be too much emphasis on the fact that you are relatively new to the game. With this said though, we do encourage you to market and promote yourself. Although self-promotion may seem like a dirty word, it isn't. Every player needs to take a proactive step to advancing his/her career. There are too many quality hockey players out there that want your spot. So, go after it. Do up a hockey resume and cover letter to send to prospective teams (both Junior A and college). There are examples of these in the "Getting Noticed" section of our site. Once you have done these up, send them off to various junior teams and colleges. This process will help introduce you to teams that may not have had the chance to see you play. As well, the fact that you have some games on video will also be beneficial. From the tapes, you should consider making a high-light reel. Go through your tapes and choose some of the best goals, assists, hits, and plays that you had. As well, it is also important to keep full copies of your games. Some coaches might want to see full games as well as highlights. You can use these tapes to help market yourself. Consider sending them along with your resume to selected teams (you may choose to send it to only 5-10 teams). In any case, it is good to have this marketing resource available to you. Many teams may request it after your initial introduction package.
Another important resource for you is your coach(es). You already mentioned that your coach thinks highly of your abilities, so recruit him as a reference. Sit down with him and discuss what your goals are. Your coach should be able to give you some good advice and help market you to teams. By speaking with him regularly, he'll have a better understanding of where you are leaning. As well, he may already have an idea of what teams are actively scouting your team and what type of players they are looking for. In the log run, developing good relationships with your coaches will be important to your growth as a player.