1. Prepare a resume
Taking the time to prepare a concise 1-2 page resume shows a prospective coach that you are serious about advancing through junior hockey to college hockey. Include school accomplishments, work or volunteer service history, athletic awards. Under contact information, list your parents/guardians, home address, home phone, your cell phone with best time to reach you, your personal email etc. Under personality traits/character, list some adjectives that make you different from the hundreds of other players wanting the same spot as you. Have a copy ready to email as an attachment, and print some off to hand out to an interested coach.
2. Do some research
Realistically evaluate your skill level, body type and work ethic.
A. Find some other players a year or two older than you and look at what paths they have taken that were successful. For example, from the 2008 WI Senior Tournament, four have D1 college commitments one year out. Out of 16 goalies, four played Tier III Junior A and one of them moved up to Tier II at midseason. Out of 47 Defensemen, eight played Tier III Junior A with one moving up to Tier II midseason. One was tendered to a Tier II team. Zero played Tier I. Out of 69 Forwards, thirteen found a spot in junior hockey: five at Tier III Junior A, four at Tier II and three at Tier I USHL. Look to see where other Team Wisconsin alumni were this year. Look to see where other all-state, all state-tournament team members ended up. Be realistic.
B. Research team rosters and see where players your skill level played. Also look for where players in your position are aging out (21+) or have college commitments. This represents potential openings. Look for trends to see how the coach distributed the opportunity to dress for games, how many players the team went through in a year (25 man roster).
C. Read to see what that team staff wants you to do if you're interested in them. If there is an online profile, fill it out completely. If it says send a resume, send one. Follow their directions if you want to be taken seriously. Check your spelling on everything you send.
3. Talk to others
Many high school coaches are great at what they do but don't know much about the next level. Find some other families from your community that have recently been through the system. Ask them "what do you wish you would have known a year ago?"
4. Make a good first impression in person
At showcases and tournaments, you may have an opportunity to go up and introduce yourself to a team staff member. Scouts, coaches and owners may come to find you between games and at some showcases may be staying at the same hotel which lends to other opportunities to bump into you in the lobby, restaurants etc. It is not necessary to wear a suit to the rink -- but with 130+ athletes at a showcase, an athlete who comes prepared for hockey and seems to have his act together stands out. Clothes and shoes should be neat in appearance. Wear a belt and pull up your pants. Tuck in clothes. Leave the gangsta hat at home. Don't chew gum. Walk confidently. Choose another time to use slang words. Clean up the foul language. Put away the phone if they want to chat. Take out your ipod earpiece or a bluetooth in your ear: they can give the impression you aren't fully attentive to them. Be aware that the first impression might be walking into the building, in the elevator or in the parking lot. Be available before and after your game. Wear something with your name on it so you're easily identified without your gear on. Shake hands confidently and make eye contact. Even if you aren't interested today in the opportunity, thank them for their time and take the card. Never burn bridges.
5. Prepare for an Interview
Should you get a chance to have a formal meeting with team staff or take a tour of their facility, TAKE IT. Prepare for some basic questions they might ask you. Come with a list of questions that you may have for them.
6. Be Ready for Follow up
This is what seals the deal. Your stats and your performance at a camp may get you the opportunity but what comes next will finalize things or be the deal-breaker. Have a telephone answering machine or voice mail so coaches can easily reach you. Plan ahead for what will happen when a scout/coach calls the phone number you list on your online profile/resume. This will leave a strong impression on the employer. Who answers that number? How do they/you answer the phone? "Yo wussup?" versus "Hello, this is Bobby may I ask who is calling?" If you don't answer, what is the message they will hear? Do you speak clearly? Do you check your messages frequently? Do you have paper/pen available when you answer? Are you ready for THE CALL each time your answer the phone? It may be better to allow someone to leave a message than for you to answer at a noisy high school game or while you're busy. If you're unable to be reached for more than 24 hours via phone/email, consider leaving a new message that explains when you may be reached. And speaking of email, what you have selected to be your email address may communicate things good/bad too. A final caution: Facebook content/photos can be detrimental. If a coach must choose between two players, make him have good reason to select you.
7. Be persistent
Prepare mentally for whatever happens and choose to keep trying if the door doesn't open right away. Actually practice your response for being offered a position. Then practice your response for being turned down. Show maturity by saying, “Please give me a call if you need someone in the future. Thank you again for your time.” Don’t be discouraged. Hockey is about networking and although this door isn't open for you at this time, being classly might be what makes them save your contact information for another opening in the future. That coach might be so impressed that they will refer you to another team even if they aren't looking to offer you a spot. Never burn a bridge! The hockey world is WAY too small. Always say thank you for the opportunity to tryout/have a meeting. There are tremendous life lessons along the way if you embrace them.
