PAUL BUCZKOWSKI       Bio       Setting Goals       Respect       Back to School       Professionalism       Those in the know       Turn It Positive       Finding a Job       Eye Protection       Playing Injured       Gearing Up       WCHL vs. CHL       Europe v. N.A.       Specific Training       Training Camps       Road to Success       Dedication       Life in the WHL SANDY LAMARRE       Bio       Season to Forget       College vs. Junior       Sportsmanship       Game Prep       Conditioning FORBES MACPHERSON       Making the Jump BRIAN PATAFIE       Bio       Stretching       ICE PATRICK POWERS       Is Hockey Just a Sport? ANDREW ZOPPO       Be Tenacious
	PlayYourGame.com is proud to welcome Forbes MacPherson as a feature writer. From the CIAU to the ECHL and CHL, Forbes will bring insight to every aspect of the game, as a sport and as a career. Making the Jump By Forbes MacPherson May 31, 2002 There was a time, for most hockey players, when College or University hockey was the end of the road for their playing days. Some National Hockey League prospects (mostly U.S. College players) were able to play minor professional hockey for development purposes. Others were able to continue playing because of opportunities in Europe. However, for the majority, options to play professionally were limited, and the end of University of College hockey marked the end of competitive hockey at a high level of play. During the past decade, the landscape of hockey has changed dramatically. The National Hockey League (NHL) expanded to large markets throughout the southern states of the U.S.. This expansion enabled minor professional hockey to open its doors to the smaller markets in these regions. At one time, the majority of minor professional players were prospects playing on affiliated teams in the American Hockey League (AHL). Now, hockey is being played at different professional levels in all areas of North America. This has created many opportunities for players at various stages of their careers, including those players that are finishing College or University. For those of you interested in one day making the jump from College or University, here is what I know to be true. It is imperative for a player interested in making such a jump to identify reasons for playing to position themselves in the best situation for their specific circumstances. While it is important for almost all players to play at the highest level possible, win championships, and earn an income; many players play for different reasons. These reasons can basically be classified into two categories; (1) those players that are playing for developmental reasons and are trying to pursue a career in the NHL, an (2) those players that are playing for the love of the game and the other benefits that are associated with being a professional athlete. Although it is not difficult for players to identify their interest for playing, it can be problematic for players to garner an interest from teams. It is important for each player to create a network that will assist and work for him in building interest among professional teams. It is also important to maximize that interest. Maximizing the interest will allow the player to choose the team that fulfills the needs most important to him. There are many avenues for players to use when developing a network. A simple method is for the player to hire an agent. While agents are most useful for those players concerned with the NHL, AHL and European leagues, they are not uncommon among players at the minor pro level. An agent can deal with all details concerning a player's contract, which allows the player to focus on training. As importantly, an agent will be useful for the minor league player when it comes to creating their network. The agent can help to create an interest and assist the player towards moving in the right direction. On the other hand, many players often do the groundwork on their own, basically being their own agent. This allows the player to have total control of the situation. A player can accomplish this by contacting teams and coaches through means of resumes and phone calls. This will create interest while providing an opportunity for the team to view your experience, statistics and other import information. It can also be beneficial to contact past coaches or previous teammates currently playing pro at any level. Each coach and player will have developed a unique network of their own. Combining various networks dramatically assists in developing a network and allows the player to branch out and reach many more contacts. Finally, during the off-season minor professional leagues may hold try-out camps for free agents. These camps can be found in different areas throughout North America and provide an opportunity for teams to view the abilities of the player first hand. Information on such camps can be found by contacting any of the minor professional leagues. It has always been the dream of most young hockey players to play professional hockey. Nowadays, that dream does not have to stop at the NHL. The process can be difficult and highly competitive, however, by creating the greatest possible network, this dream can still come true. For those of you wanting to make the jump a reality, here's a summary of what you need to keep in mind when turning pro: Identify why you're playing and then position yourself in the best situation for your specific circumstances. Create a Network that will work for you in developing interest from Professional teams. Maximize interest in yourself as a player by either hiring an agent or promoting yourself - either way, get your name out there! Make the most of your contacts! Get in touch with past coaches or previous teammates who may already be playing pro. Anything that can open a door for you is worth the leg work. Consider free agent try-out camps. Contact the specific leagues and see what they have to offer. Be relentless! Regardless of the competition or roadblocks, go after your goal! I wish you the best of luck in your future career. Forbes MacPherson 7 year Professional 2 WPHL Champion CHL All Star
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