First, let me say, I hope everyone is safe, and taking precautions during this global crisis. Common sense and clean hands can go a long way.
Just a few days ago, everyone’s seasons ended abruptly. All the plans for playoffs and end of the season showcase events where scouts would be are now out the window.
These things didn’t just effect players. They effected coaches and scouts as well who were using these events to finish their scouting for next season.
Keeping that in mind, there are ways everyone can still be efficient and get scouting, and recruiting accomplished.
If you already have an Adviser, good for you, you are ahead of the rest. Having an advocate to speak for you when you now aren’t being seen is a competitive edge at this time.
If you don’t already have a free player profile at Central Scouting Services now is a great time to get one. While no hockey is taking place, scouts will have to recruit electronically.
Having your stats, video and educational information in one place where scouts can access them now is a smart thing to do. This is also a competitive advantage.
If your scout who had planned recruiting around the playoffs, national championships and showcases, the Central Scouting Services player database will put you in touch with thousands of players with all of their information. Giving you a recruiting advantage.
Now more than ever, the summer will be very important for next season.
With some team camps already being cancelled, wasting time and money on small camps for individual teams is not going to be effective. Scouts will need to see a lot of players in a shorter period of time this year. Unless its a main camp, team camps should be avoided.
Showcases and Combines are the way to go. They deliver the most bang for your dollar, and will feature more scouts at each event this year.
Developing a strong resume, and video profile is very important now. Video profile does not mean highlight video. No one wants to see highlights. Anyone can look good on isolation camera. A video profile is a more detailed look at the players body of work.
While gyms, and arenas are closed, its time to take training for next season to a new level. You are on your own during this isolation time, and you are responsible for your development.
Getting stronger is possible while having limited options. Work on your core. Running hills, over speed training, push ups, dips, and any other number of exercises will keep you fit and strong.
Don’t panic. This will eventually be over and the world will return to a new normal. History has a way of repeating itself. This is not the first pandemic and it wont be the last. Its how we deal with it that will determine how we come out of it.
Finally, having a real plan of attack this spring and summer that is just for you will be critical. You are on your own, and recruiting will be hard and fast. If you are not ready, you will be left behind more quickly than in years past.
If you don’t have a plan, now is the time to get one. This will be the absolute difference between success and failure leading into next season.
Joseph Kolodziej – Adviser
