what the coaches and scouts ask

Question
Do the coaches care about anything but hockey ability and whether the kid hasn't been to jail and/or has psychiatric problems. I have a kid who is heavily scouted and will be talking with a lot of people in Chicago (he plays AAA elite)-for college interviews it's good to be ready with questions on books, movies and general knowledge.  I don't think this matters but just wanted to check. Thanks

Answer
Hi Gail!!

Different coaches will be looking for different things.

One thing I have a common denominator with alot of College Coaches is they are looking for kids with JUNIOR hockey experience.   Of course their apparent skills on the ice and their demeanor off the ice have something to do with it.  At the College level however, the players tend to be a bit older, a bit bigger and somewhat smarter.

The fact he does not have any Junior experience may be a strike against him...  unless he was in the top 5% of the players in his league, there may be some concern...  at least if you are looking at NCAA schools.

Now - that being said - we are seeing a fairly big trend of more and more teenagers making it to the NHL!!  The big factor there is their overall skill set, with an emphasis on speed and PUCK HANDLING.  So if your son excels in that area -- he will certainly get some extra looks!

Will your son be a true freshman for College next year?  Are you looking at NCAA Div 1 schools?  

Many times you can google the coach or manager of the team - find articles about their styles, philosophies, personal aspects.   Knowing these things can give you a good advantage.  With skills and players being equal - the next factor is going to be RELATIONSHIPS.   If your son can "CLICK" with a coach --- he can have a much easier time throughout the process!!

Hope this helps!

Feel free to follow up with any more questions!

Good luck!

Martial