High-school hockey is a growth area – and colleges are taking note. Star hockey players have 150 different colleges to choose from, including 60 division 1 schools. But competition is intense, with high-quality players nationwide competing for those top spots. There’s also competition from around the world, with some 21% of college hockey players being recruited internationally. When it comes to college hockey, putting your best skate forward matters.
Here’s what to know about catching the eye of that sought-after coach or school.
Meet the Eligibility Requirements
College hockey doesn’t play by the same rules as other sports. Potential recruits need to check a few boxes to be considered for a coveted spot. First, you need to meet the academic requirements. This means being on track to complete your core units while maintaining minimum core course GPA requirements – and of course, landing those ACT/SAT scores. After all, if you want to be a student-athlete, you can’t neglect the student part! The exception to the above is division 3 schools, which are free to create their own academic requirements.
Assuming you’ve aced the academic side of things, the next thing to consider is your standing. College coaches look first at junior league players and international hockey players. NAHL, NCDC, and EHL are the top performers when it comes to future college recruitment. Not able to play in a junior league? Moving forward is still doable, but you’ll need to work with your school or club coach to determine which league will best fit your skill set.
Make Yourself Visible
Hockey scouting can start in the 8th grade – although D1 and D2 coaches can’t officially make contact until sophomore year, ensuring your star shines early is a great way to get ahead. Scouting takes place at camps and tournaments and combines with coaches building lists of excellent prospects to reach out to when the time is right. Making yourself visible matters.
Start by competing for a junior hockey team and creating an NCSA recruiting profile. This will help get extra eyes on your talent. Treat your team participation seriously – the more competitions you compete in and advance within the league, the more likely opportunities will come your way.
In addition to recruiting camps and tournaments, another critical way to draw attention to your efforts is through highlight footage. Create a highlight reel that showcases your top performances and abilities and shows you as a team player and stand-out talent. Great varsity game footage will help you stand apart. Don’t be afraid to chase after local media, TV, or radio opportunities, which can help get your face out there.
Strategize with StellaPop
College hockey recruiting doesn’t follow the same rules as other sports. It’s highly competitive, with intense national and international competition – including Canada and Europe – and requires prospective recruits to get strategic about the junior leagues they sign up for. In addition to strong academic performance, potential recruits need to shine in the UHSL or NAHL and make sure they’re putting in a performance that grabs attention in all the right ways.
If you’re a student-athlete with a goal of being recruited for college hockey, talk to StellaPop Sports Management. We can help you identify the league and strategy best suited to your needs – and help you build a highlight reel and media presence that will set you ahead of the competition. Ready to talk goals? Call us today!
