Camp season is here at the Tier 2 level.
So whether you are a free agent, tender, draft pick or even a veteran returning player you will be asked to perform at a high level for several days in a row. Our advisors and scouts have compiled some helpful information that may help parents and players understand what they need to do to make a roster through the main camp process.
We hope these little insiders help your player make the most out of their camp experience. Although what may seem logical, often times players need to be reminded on the task at hand. Last season at TSA Athletic Consulting, we had over 30 clients playing at the tier 2 level. Our advisors are consistently speaking with their players and providing opportunities that many did not realize were available to them. Understanding the landscape is vital and understanding where opportunities are will save money and time in the long run.
If you feel like your player is NAHL or NCDC ready but needs some help drop us a player inquiry at https://www.tri-stateathletic.com and one of our advisors will set up a free call with your family.
For our monthly subscribers, check out the below info on rosters for the NCDC and NAHL, and tips to make the most of your camp impression.
Roster Construction at the NAHL/NCDC Level
Understanding the process in which the team is constructed often helps players understand what opportunities are available to them. Typically, each team will carry 17 forwards 10 defensemen and 3 goaltenders out of main camp to get to their "30 man roster." These players are made up of returning players, tenders and draft picks. Free agents have a chance to perform their way onto the 30 man roster, while protected players often times can play their way off the roster. At the NAHL level you will see drafted players be replaced by free agents more than the Tendered player and returners. At the NCDC level you will see a lot more free agents make rosters, the NCDC often has to wait for players to finish their USHL and NAHL tryout processes.
First impression is everything
The first "games" of camp are the most important in terms of evaluation. Coaches and scouts in attendance are eager and more energized to evaluate the talent at the camp. Waiting for the last preliminary game to get your game going in the right direction will not be in your favor if you expect to make it past the first round of cuts. This holds especially true for the free agents as they are more of an unknown commodity. Returners, draft picks and tenders are given a much longer leash to work with typically, as the team has already spent some time learning about the player, and know what he can bring to a line up.
Compete, Compete, Compete
During the camp as a free agent you must come to terms with the fact the team most likely has their top 9 forwards selected and top 5 defensemen selected. What coaches are looking for are role players that can serve a purpose such as penalty kill, checking line forward or a guy that can play up and down the line up. Many players come into camp thinking they are going to make it as a power play guy or a skilled play maker and that is simply not true in most cases. Blocking shots, finishing hits, back checking with a purpose, stopping in the net front and having a constant motor are the easiest ways to get noticed.
Making the most of the opportunity
Competing is definitely the easiest way to get noticed, but making the most of your key opportunities will put you over the top. What we mean by this is as a forward if you have a high percentage scoring chance you need to make the most of it by burying the puck. For forwards play making is just as important as scoring the puck, but in general what the staff is looking for is offensive chances created. On the defensive side of the puck, defenders when you are tasked to clear the net front for your goaltender and play 1 on 1 defensive plays need to be made with your stick and physicality. Offensively for defenders, they need to snap their first pass out of the zone and show instincts like getting up in the play or make strong offensive plays on the blue line.
Communicate
An often-overlooked attribute is communication. Alot of these camp games are coached by staff members who often go back to the coaches room and say "Johnny was communicating with his team." Something simple like this will get you more eye balls in what will be a competitive environment.
Goaltenders
The goaltending position is tough as a free agent there is no sugar coating that aspect. Outside of the technique, size, athletic ability, skating the position is often evaluated in its simplest form, Goals Against. Coaches and scouts that are not "goalie people" will often say they do not know about the position and not every team has goaltending coaches to evaluate therefore making the goals against factor one of the most important attributes. In addition, making timely saves on breakaways, 2 on 1's and simply controlling rebounds are also crucial in the evaluation process.
Questions about Junior hockey ? Our group of family advisors, coaches and scouts are here to help! Schedule a free consultation today at info@Tri-StateAthletic.com