What NHL scouts look for?
Noah Mitchell
Published Jan 22, 2026
Once on the puck, scouts want to see players that can handle pressure and exhibit patience to find the next play. Puck protection and utilizing playmaking vision are the key elements they are looking for. On the flip side, avoiding going 'glass & out' or throwing pucks away would be something to avoid.
What do hockey scouts look for in a player?
So, what do hockey scouts really look for? It's a question every serious hockey player will ask as he or she approaches Bantam and beyond. Scouts rate players in five main categories: skating, size, game sense, character and skill.
How do you get scouted for the NHL?
The only way NHL scouts will notice you is by bringing your A-game every night and playing well at the highest level possible. Along with good play, you have to plan, train and position yourself for hockey scouts to notice you.
What makes a good hockey scout?
To reach the big time, you'll need a combination of knowledge about hockey player skills, a good intuition, some detective skills, a strong passion for the game, and the willingness to live life on the road. Drive, determination, and the ability to outwork other scouts will help improve your odds of success.
What makes a good NHL defenseman?
A good defenseman will: Maintain good defensive positioning (stay between the puck carrier and the net) Battle in the corners. Protect the front of the net.
31 related questions foundWhat does F mean in hockey?
In ice hockey, a forward is a player position on the ice whose primary responsibility is to score and assist goals. Generally, the forwards try to stay in three different lanes of the ice going from goal to goal.
What does D to D mean in hockey?
D to D. A pass from one defenseman to another defenseman, both on the same team. Dangle. See Deke.
What age do scouts look at hockey players?
These are 14- and 15-year-old kids who have a lot of growing up to do. In the Ontario League, where kids are drafted at age 15, scouts often start taking note of them when they are 14 and come back to see them the next year.
What do hockey recruiters look for?
Now that you have the knowledge about some of the main skills you need to get scouted, the only thing left to do is practice! Work on your hockey sense, passing, shooting, body checking, and defensive play to maximize your chances of getting that coveted invitation to the big leagues.
What is hockey IQ?
The Hockey IntelliGym® is a computer-based cognitive training program for athletes proven to enhance Hockey IQ and improve on-ice performance by strengthening cognitive skills including anticipation, awareness, decision making under pressure, and focus.
What do OHL scouts look for in a player?
Once on the puck, scouts want to see players that can handle pressure and exhibit patience to find the next play. Puck protection and utilizing playmaking vision are the key elements they are looking for. On the flip side, avoiding going 'glass & out' or throwing pucks away would be something to avoid.
What do hockey coaches look for?
Today, coaches would prefer to offer a roster spot to a recruit with strong skating skills, fast twitch muscles, foot speed, good puck control, quickness and agility and junior hockey playing experience.
What makes a good hockey player?
A GREAT PLAYER is one who hates to lose, prepares not to lose and burns up inside when he does lose. 3. YOU MUST BE WILLING TO PRACTICE, not just reporting and putting in the necessary time, but working everyday with the same enthusiasm, speed and determination you use during a hockey game.
What do hockey scouts look for in a goalie?
We do tend to look for bigger goalies now, but also someone who is fairly athletic. We look at their composure, their makeup and body language. Goaltenders have to be able to forget and move on.
How do you stand out in hockey tryouts?
Take these 10 tips to ensure tryouts are both fun and successful for all parties involved.
- Get a good night's sleep. ...
- Eat healthy and stay hydrated. ...
- Be prepared. ...
- Be a good listener. ...
- Ask questions. ...
- Don't goof off. ...
- The coaches want the best players. ...
- Leave it on the ice.
What level of hockey is the ACHA?
The ACHA is the administrative body for club hockey at the collegiate level and is the national body for more than 350 programs across the United States.
How do you get into d1 hockey?
Division 1 college hockey coaches can begin contacting recruits after January 1 of the recruit's sophomore year, while Division 2 coaches must wait until June 15 after the recruit's sophomore year. Of course, there are steps in the hockey recruiting process that recruits should take before contact is permitted.
Does ACHA Hockey recruit?
ACHA provides an outlet for kids to continue their playing career at the collegiate level. The Association is broken down into three Divisions for men and two divisions for the women. These teams actively recruit kids from all levels of hockey including Tier 3 Juniors, High School, AAA, and AA.
What is the most important hockey skill?
Skating is one of hockey's most fundamental skills. Becoming comfortable moving on the ice is one of the cornerstones in building player confidence. The ability to turn and change directions smoothly can open up new pass and shot opportunities.
How much does a hockey scout make?
Salary Ranges for Hockey Scouts
The salaries of Hockey Scouts in the US range from $17,930 to $70,050 , with a median salary of $38,839 . The middle 50% of Hockey Scouts makes between $35,310 and $38,794, with the top 83% making $70,050.
What makes a good youth hockey player?
A good youth hockey player is defined by both the technicals, which comprises the skills, habits, and physical capabilities that allow players to perform at high levels and the intangibles, such as attitude, work ethic, teamwork, trainability, and game awareness.
What is a cookie in hockey?
Top cookies: top shelf (where grandma hides the cookies) Trapezoid: the area behind the net where a goalie is allowed to play the puck. Turtle: when a player completely covers himself up as to not be involved in a fight. Twig: a hockey stick, also derived from when they used to be made of wood.
What is a muffin in hockey?
Muffin: a shot that should have been stopped after wavering back and forth in the air all the way to the net. Pillows: the goaltender's leg pads. Plumber: maybe not the best player on the team, but a hard working player who does the dirty work in the corners.
What is a grocery stick?
Grocery Stick : A slang insult for a seldom used player, often an enforcer or "goon", who sits on the bench specifically to help a coach divide the defensemen and forwards. Advertisement.