It’s not often I end up with two players on the same team, playing the same position. This year it happened for the first time in about five years. It provides some real good insight and perspective right now though that I am pleased to share with you.
Both of these players are high end NCAA D-1 prospects. Both have great grades, no problems off the ice, and already spend time giving back to their community. That’ is where the similarities end
Player A is a forward who is 17 and really starting to come into his own as a play maker. Player B is 18 and is a little bit of a late bloomer who went through a difficult growth spurt, and is a pure goal scorer.
Player A is left hand shot, player B is right hand shot. Player A is 5’11 and still growing, player B is 6’3″ and finishing his growth spurt.
Player A has had initial conversations with USHL teams concerning the draft and main camps. Player B is having conversations with Tier II teams in the United States and Canada regarding tenders and signing contracts in the summer.
Player B is not “getting the love” from the USHL teams that are talking to player A concerning the draft and as many main camp offers. This leads player B to question what’s happening.
Player B is a year older, and not a good a skater as player A. That’s not to say he isn’t a good skater, he simply doesn’t have the quick feet that player A has. The age, and difference in initial skating step quickness are what make a big difference in the eyes of recruiters from some USHL teams.
Player A is younger, smaller, and not as physical as player B. That’s not to say he isn’t physical, he simply is not as muscular and physically developed as the player a year older.
The problem is when one team tells them both that they are interested. Why is that a problem? Simple, the team has told me exactly what they are looking for in a specific position, and only one player fits that role.
So, when I tell both players not to count on going to camp or playing together on this team next year they get upset. Understandably because the team says they like both players, and the team does like both players. But the team has to over recruit in order to get at least one player to fill that role they will have next season.
Information like this is invaluable. Because it is truthful and accurate. It is information teams will not tell players.
This is why I never send two clients to one team to fight for on position. Knowing the team needs, and having accurate information keeps players from wasting time and setting themselves up for failure.
Traveling to camps with your buddies may be fun, but it’s a long ass car ride or flight home when one of you makes the team and the other doesn’t. When one realizes he wasted a lot of time and money, and he could have gone someplace else and made a team if he had the right information.
Players need a plan. The buddy system does not exist in hockey. Stop trying to use it. Stop trying to make one thing work for two players who are completely different.
With the start of the new year, its time to get organized to have success in 2022. Its time to create a plan that can be followed and can help you achieve your short and long term goals.
When you are ready for a real plan, I will be waiting.
Joseph Kolodziej – Adviser
