Players at the junior and college levels often talk about playing junior, college, or professionally in Europe at some point in their careers. Strangely enough, most players do not know how to actually make it happen.
In order to play in Europe, a player has to be better than the European players that are available to any club at any level. Meaning, you have to be a high performer in North America, regardless of the level you are playing in.
European clubs outside of the KHL, DEL, and some Magnus league teams do not scout in North America at all. They do not spend any money going to North America. If you want to get to a top league in Europe you have to come from NCAA division one, USHL, Major Junior, or have prior professional experience in the ECHL or higher.
If you want to play in a lower level league, you need to be a high performer at NCAA division three, the USHL, Major Junior, or Tier 2.
European Hockey Tours offers another path. Getting scouted in Europe while on tour, will introduce you to pro, college and junior scouts in Europe. This path will open doors for players prior to next season so that coaches and scouts in Europe can track players throughout the coming season.
Ninety five percent of all players in Europe have either played in Europe, or met the criteria listed above.
Developing relationships prior to attempting to play in Europe at any level will lead to a much greater chance of success. Understanding the levels of play, because you play against teams in Europe while on tour will allow you to see where you fit in.
If youre serious about playing hockey in Europe, but do not meet one of the criteria listed, European Hockey Tours can help you create that opportunity that you otherwise would not have.
For more information visit European Hockey Tours – Your Hockey Experiences Will All Be Measured Against This
Or contact Kyle Lambourne directly at kylelambourne@gmail.com
