SPHL Goaltenting Tryouts

Question
I have been playing goalie since i was a kid, unfortunately a concussion ended my Highschool career, followed by another injury ending my road into Jrs. and eventually college.  I still love the game and even though I enlisted in the Navy and am 20 I still take a few times a week to work on my skills.  Any advice concerning how to improve further and possibly ready my self for an open tryout and also where to look for dates for them?  I dont need to make it to the NHL, even the SPHL would be great.

Answer
Hi Trav...

Having had a head concussion already could put you in jeopardy with "pro contracts" as many are getting quite leery about these "pre-existing" conditions.  So you may have to get proper medical releases when the time comes.

That said...

While it's not easy to just step in "above" the many many players who have "followed" the herd - it is NOT impossible either.   The key is persistence, ingenuity and creativity.   Start writing polite and respectful letters, sending resume and video if you can.  Follow up with emails, phone calls, faxes and even in person "cold calls".   All these things will show how "bad" you want something and "most" human beings will respond to that.



Besides that, keep playing at the highest level you can find!  Be it in senior men's leagues or national tournaments...  get out there, skate, get noticed.   And don't be afraid to promote yourself in the humblest but most confident way possible...  YOU NEVER KNOW WHO YOU WILL MEET WHO KNOWS SOMEBODY WHO KNOWS SOMEBODY!!!  If you are good, coachable, likeable, have faith and believe you can play with class, personality and overall good work ethics - you never know what door can open...

If you are waiting at home for a phone call - it won't happen...  you have got to "GET OUT" there and GET NOTICED!  That is how it works!

GOOD LUCK!

Martial