Many players move into junior hockey without the opportunity to "select" a team. But if you have the opportunity to choose between options, here are some things to consider.
1) ADVANCEMENT
Where is your public list of veteran players who have attended/graduated college?
How many played on a college varsity NCAA team?
JV NCAA team?
What level are your alumni (DI, DII, DII)?
All Americans?
Scholarships -- If yes, full/half/partial tuition?
Were they committed before playing with this team or because of this team?
Playing time?
How many played on a college club team (ACHA Division I)?
Who is currently still playing?
Did they go directly from your junior program? If not, what steps?
Do you have any players in the pro ranks? Where, what position?
2) RECRUITING
What tournaments/camps do your scouts and coaches typically attend?
What is the breakdown of where your players came from for the past three seasons?
How many of the players who started the season with your team
-were on a USAH roster at the end of the year?
-finished the season with your team?
-advanced mid-season to a higher level Junior program or college
3) DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
How many league games per season? How is that structured during a week?
Which higher level Junior teams have you scrimmaged in past years?
What college JV teams have you scrimmaged in past years?
Do you travel internationally?
How many hours of ice time/week? How is it structured?
4) YOUR POTENTIAL SPOT ON THE TEAM
What positions are you looking to fill for next year?
Where do you see me fitting into your mix? (What position? What line?)
Describe the other players competing for the same position as me
What physical requirements do you have for each year?
What kind of offense/defense is used? Talk about your systems
Which awards or what milestones do you recommend I aim toward?
What goals do you have for me?
How will I know if I am reaching your expectations?
How do you reward hard work and improvement?
5) COACHING STAFF
Has your Head Coach complete the USAH Level 4 Advanced course?
Level 5 Master Course?
Does he have a college degree?
Did he take coursework directly related to coaching?
What level certification are your assistant coaches?
What is the staff's overall coaching philosophy, teaching style, motivational techniques, discipline strategy
Explain your coach turnover rate - Where have they advanced to?
How long is the coach's contract?
5) COLLEGE ACADEMIC ISSUES
Where is the closest community college?
Is your practice and game schedule conducive to taking college coursework?
How many days will players miss per term?
What block of time (hours/days) should we not enroll in courses?
How many credits do your players traditionally take?
Do you assist with college applications, selection/enrollment of courses?
Do you have a tutoring network?
6) HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC ISSUES
Is your practice/game schedule conducive to high school student-athletes?
How many days will players miss per term?
Do you accept high school players from out of state not living with a relative?
If so, how is the legal temporary guardian paperwork done?
who attends school functions on behalf of the player?
do you assist with school registration/enrollment?
Do public schools charge tuition for out-of-state players?
Do you have a tutor network?
7) MEDICAL
Are your coaches first aid trained? Who provides first aid at practices?
Do you have a Certified Athletic Trainer? (An ATC on team staff is preferred to game-day contract alone, allowing for easier access to immediate healthcare, nutrition consultations etc. Many teams use an EMT instead but they are limited to first aid only).
Do you have a team dentist? What services are provided? (ie. mouthguards, emergency after-hours care)
Do you have a team Medical Doctor? What specialty? What services are provided?
Do you have a team Chiropractor? What services are provided?
What is the closest Level 4 Trauma Hospital?
Do you have recommendations for insurance (many players are not full time students and are dropped from their parent's insurance)
8) HOUSING
Do your players live on their own or in host homes (billet)?
What is the typical monthly rate?
What does this cover?
Is there a curfew?
Distance to arena? Drive time? Condition of roads/traffic
9) TEAM POLICIES
Alcohol, drugs
Hazing
Curfew
Academic progress
Tobacco products
Drug testing policies
10) INVESTMENT
Cost of program
Equipment provided
Meals on the Road
Type of Transportation to away games
Extras: Nationals, International trip
Payment options/plans
11) COMMUNITY
Is the team located in major metropolitan area or rural
Opportunities for part time job
Where do players often go in free time
Does the community come out to support the team?
What kinds of service projects does your team do?
What is expected of me?
