The NCAA has extended its ban on in-person recruiting until the end of next month, and this means trouble for many universities whose recruitment process hinges on face-to-face interaction. But even greater than that is how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has altered communication between college coaches and players and disrupted the most critical portion of an athletic season—the playoffs.
Sudden cancellation and suspension of sports leagues around the world has halted the moving progression of players, coaches, organizations, protocols and a plethora of nuances that work in harmony to make competitive sports possible. The Coronavirus pandemic has not only affected big name entities who have millions of dollars of investment risk, but has also greatly impacted the grassroots level of sports.
The Western States Hockey League along with its official streaming provider, Black Dog Hockey, are hoping to ease the burden imposed on the college recruitment process due to the Coronavirus. Because many critical pieces to the recruitment process have been stripped, WSHL and Black Dog are offering free subscriptions to college coaches who have attended our Showcase in the past.
The subscription will allow coaches to watch all 2019-2020 WSHL games in order to follow prospective players in lieu of the playoff action that everybody is missing out on. The move will also assist coaches in making important decisions on a particular player, but also for the WSHL to strive for college movement even during a time of dire straights.
The league is doing its part in contacting all college coaches who have registered and attended a WSHL Showcase, and hopes to keep its players visible through on-demand streaming.
If you would like to subscribe to Black Dog Hockey yourself, visit their website here to watch your favorite team or player throughout the 2019-2020 season.
As always, wash your hands. Avoid touching your face often, stay home.
