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Q: 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?

A: First off, we'll start by commenting on your hockey resume. Truthfully, a hockey resume is just that, a resume. It should simply outline what you've done and accomplished as a hockey player. The problem is what do you put on it if you don't have high qualifications? The same question is asked by young people looking for careers. The best way to get around a thin resume is to not only tackle what you've done, but also address where you want to go. As well, possibly outline some of the experiences that have helped you grow as a player. For instance, outline your Junior B camp experiences that you've had or hockey schools that you've attended. The reality of a hockey resume is that it has to paint a picture of who you are and your potential, but be truthful at the same time. Use playing facts and experiences to back up your strong points as a goalie. As well, don't forget to outline your strengths as a student. Being a strong student will tell coaches that you can handle the rigors of hockey and school.
As for Junior B camps being money makers, the truth is yes and no. The facts are that all junior teams (Both A & B) have main camps and rookie camps. Main camp is the real deal and you should be in no way paying for it. The team is having tryouts to form its team. But, in the case of rookie camps, you may have to pay (although it shouldn't be much). This is standard practice, and ultimately, they do make money for the team. But, they also give players a forum to showcase their talents. For nearly every player, they will start out at rookie camp, and in some cases may earn an invitation to main camp. For teams, these camps also give them an easy way of doing some initial scouting. By identifying some potential players at rookie camp, they'll have a short list of people to watch over the coming season that might make up future recruits. For players, these camps also give them their first exposure to junior hockey. It's a much more competitive brand of hockey, and these camps do benefit players by helping them to prepare for the real thing. What it comes down to in the end is the fact that you are getting the chance to be seen and the chance to play with and against great players. These two things are worth more than the nominal fee that you will most likely have to pay to attend.
As for getting noticed as a tender, well, that's the age old question. In a nutshell, scouts look for smart, consistent goalies. As a goalie you should be agile around the net, be a good skater, know your angles well, have solid stick handling abilities, and of course keep the puck out of the net. It is also important to be technically polished as a goalie. You need to be able to make the correct save on the right shot. Coaches and scouts don't like goalie's that constantly need to save themselves, because they've taken themselves out of the play. Make your save, and be ready for the next shot. The truth of the matter is that players get faster, smarter, and more accurate as you move up through the ranks, and scouts look for whether or not you are easily exploitable. Make a flashy save because it is a great save, not because you are trying to recover. And lastly, size. Truthfully, we don't think size makes you a good player or a good goalie, but the truth is that it factors into every scouts thought process. But when it is all said and done, coaches want solid, CONSISTENT goaltending. If you can give a great game 9 times out of 10, then you'll get a scout's attention. A goalie needs to win games for his/her team.