Hockey Recruitment Season – Things to Know & Ask

We are now moving into the time of the year when hockey teams at all levels begin seriously recruiting players for the upcoming season.

There are a few extremely important things that players and their parents need to be aware of as they navigate the recruiting and signing process, particularly if they do not use the services of a professional, knowledgeable & trustworthy Family Advisor.

If as a player you are made an offer by a team, make sure you fully understand what the offer is and don’t ever just “assume”! Get it “In Writing”! You have very little or sometimes absolutely no financial or legal recourse if your agreement was only verbal.

This may sound overly simplistic, but it is extremely important to clearly understand the offer as this is probably where most mistakes and troubles can begin for a misunderstanding between a player and their team.

Quite often GMs, Coaches & Teams spread their recruiting net very wide early in the recruitment process in order to identify as many prospects as possible. It is important to know that just because a team contacts you and expresses interest in you for the upcoming season, that is a long, long ways from a formal commitment! Most teams likely contact hundreds of players in the early stages. Final rosters are only 23 players, which means a lot of players get calls and never play a game for that team.

The other important thing to know is there are many different signing rules, roster rules and restrictions across the plethora of leagues and levels of play in every province, state and country. Some leagues have “protected lists” that are have limits of 43 to 50 players. Other leagues allow teams only 45 player cards – meaning they can only sign a maximum of 45 players over the duration of that season. These are just a few examples. The bottom line is, ensure you know what the signing and roster rules are in the league you are considering.

In the example of the 45 player cards league, this means that even though a team in that league signs you to a “player card” in the off season, that does NOT guarantee you a roster spot on that team when the season begins. Teams occasionally sign players on speculation that they will surprise on the upside and/or they make misjudgments when assessing talent. Ultimately, they only need 23 players at roster deadline, meaning they have 22 additional players they can sign and at some later point “cut” from the team. Obviously, you don’t want to be one of those 22 players who gets cut over the duration of the season beginning with fall training camp.

So what are the right questions to ask of a Scout, Coach or GM who contacts you about their interest in you as a player for the upcoming season? Here are just a few suggestions we recommend you ask, keeping in mind that depending on your unique situation some of these may or may not be applicable:

What is it about me that you really like and that makes me a good prospect for your team?

What do you see as my role and where do you see me on the depth chart for the upcoming season?

• Top 6 Forward, Top 4 Defence, Role Player, Depth Player, etc.
• How many players will you carry early in season and until cut down date?
• Do you see me being in the line up every game or will I be scratched?

What players do you have returning for the upcoming season?

• Understand where you view yourself fitting in based on this
• Be aware the team could trade or sign more players that leap-frog you

What other players have you already signed or are targeting to sign?
Some leagues offer “tenders”, be sure you fully understand the terms & conditions of any tender offered — and not just verbally, get it in writing!

For goaltenders, you MUST ask if they have a full-time goaltending coach. If not, how are goalies going to be given the specialized training they require?

• Goalies MUST receive specialized attention and focus to develop and advance
• Goalies must NOT just be “puck stoppers” in practice
• Goalie specific drills MUST be a part of every practice
• Look at how many goalies they used the previous season. This is often a good indicator if they cycle through goalies or stick with the two or three they sign at camp

Ask if the team has formally documented expectations of the coaching staff and include that in the document both you and coach sign.

• Coaches are prone to solely “blame” players for their lack of development or why they are potentially cut or released
• Best of breed organizations hold their coaches accountable to deliver to the players and put it in writing
• Related, does the team have formal maltreatment policies and procedures that are in writing should any unexpected hazing, abuse or maltreatment occur from a coach, teammate or others in their organization. Be sure the Coach and staff are included in these rules, sometimes organizations focus solely on the players only

What are the TOTAL costs to play for the team for upcoming season?

• It is very, very important you get a detailed break down of ALL costs in writing
• Sometimes recruiters can purposely or accidently omit certain costs when signing you. Get it in writing!
• Costs you should look to see covered include these core areas:

• Team fees (and what does this include / exclude)
  • Any equipment or sticks provided?
  • Are fees paid in advance or monthly?
  • What is the refund policy if cut or traded?

• League fees?

• Insurance fees?

• Billet fees
  • Private home billets or dorms?
  • Private bedroom or shared room?
  • Private or shared bathroom?
  • Distance to school / arena / shopping?

• Hotels and meals on the road
  • Team covers or player responsible?

• Transportation to road games
  • Team bus paid by team or player provides and pays?

One last question that is always good to ask or research on your own before signing is when does the team’s GM / Coaching contract(s) expire?

• Look for their contracts to have at least two years remaining
• GMs and Coaches can often make different decisions if in the last year of their contracts as they may be desperate to get renewed
  • Examples can be if you are a younger prospect and as season progresses the team is in danger of missing playoffs the coach may sit, cut or trade younger players like yourself to get older players in the lineup to make the playoffs and get a new contract
  • GMs and coaches with multiple years remaining in their contracts are more apt to be patient, develop young players and plan longer term vs. desperation moves like above

In summary, do your homework and make sure to ask the right questions when being recruited by a team. Do not let your emotions and excitement allow you to potentially make rushed or bad decisions that can have significant consequences on both your career and finances. If you are not comfortable doing this on your own, we strongly advise seeking out the services of a professional, knowledgeable and reputable Family Advisor!