On NHL Hockey Ice
So you think you’d like to skate on the NHL hockey ice?
Well, there are many ways to get to skate on NHL ice these days. NHL franchised hockey teams have many different promotions to facilitate your use of their ice. Playing professional hockey on NHL ice is a different story.
Play Pro Hockey – NHL Entry Draft
How does one get to play pro hockey, specifically nhl hockey? To be recruited to the NHL entry draft, NHL prospects are watched and chosen from the CHL (ohl, whl, qmjhl); junior hockey leagues; college hockey leagues from NCAA hockey; highschool and minor hockey; CJHL, USHL, and NAHL. Those players who attract the attention of NHL scouts have extensive hockey training from numerous hockey drills and hours on and off ice. They’ve attended hockey camps and hockey schools, and have superior hockey skills. Some will have to prove themselves in the AHL or even the ECHL first.
Ice Hockey Goals
If your goal is to play ice hockey on an NHL team, then it’s likely that you’ve already put in some effort, and hockey teams may want you also. Their scouts have to find you though. Do you know which are the best hockey leagues to play in to be scouted?
To Be A Pro Hockey Player
Not everyone can be a pro hockey player. Imagine the love of the ice hockey game, the dedication to hockey training, the number of ice hockey games you’d have to play. What would it take for you to play at the pro hockey level, NHL, AHL, or even the major junior hockey or junior A level?
NHL Hockey Ice will cover how to learn hockey so you can get to the NHL, common steps taken to get there, who is likely to get on a NHL ice hockey team, and what it’s like to play team hockey at that level.
League Hockey forthcoming articles
- AAA Hockey team
- Junior Hockey Tryouts
- College Hockey (NCAA Hockey)
- USCHO Hockey
- Atlantic Hockey
- CCHA
- CHA
- ECAC
- Hockey East
- WCHA
- USCHO Hockey
- Junior A Minor Hockey
- CJHL
- NAHL
- USHL
- Major Junior Hockey CHL
- OHL
- WHL
- QMJHL
- UK Elite
- ECHL
- AHL
- NHL
Hockey Training forthcoming articles
How To Learn Hockey
Hockey Camps
Hockey Skills
Ice Hockey Drills
Ice Hockey School
Private Hockey Lessons Plans
NHL Hockey forthcoming articles
Your First NHL Hockey Game
Pro Hockey Life forthcoming articles
What it’s like to live the life of an NHL star.
Hey Coach, Id just like to know the steps id have to take to get into the OHL or any other major junior teams that would get me drafted into the NHL without playing AAA. Im going to start playing travel hockey in the fall. Any response would be great
Hey Coach, I am turing 15 in July, and I have been playing Ice Hockey since I was 5 But it was always House, In the last 2 seasons I have been the best on my team, And next year Heading into Midget I want to try out for rep, I am 6 ft pretty fit, With enough practice Do you think I can play rep hockey for midget? I play for surrey minor.
Question is, do you think you can make it? I think you believe you can. So do it Dav.
Hey Coach, I would like to know what the first steps of becoming a goaltender is. I am 12 years old right now, I am planning to start some kind of lessons of some sort next year, so I have time to to become a good skater first. How would a get started? By the way I live in Surrey, Canada.
Ask at your local rink(s). They have all that info.
ok, thanks for the advice
Hey Coach, I have always loved hockey more then anything, i spend about 2 hours everyday shooting pucks in my garage, I’m 14 and have always dreamed of playing in the NHL the sad part is i just started this year but i get a lot of praise from my parents and from rep players saying that I’ve come so far in such a short time, what I’m wondering is do you think that my wrist shot in this video is that of a gifted player or just another Joe, based of the fact i just started this year.
(edit)
looking back ,my shot now is much better as well as my stick handling (the only thing not better is the wall haha)
I plan on making a new video very soon.
Nice shot, Sniper.
http://nhlhockeyice.com/wrist-shot/wristshot-accuracy-technique/
Thanks Coach! Much appreciated…My goal is to make an AHL camp. I really am confident I can do it. I just have to set my mind to it.
-Mark
Coach, I am 17 and would love to play in the Nhl. I played hockey from 4 to 15 however have not since. I was on traveling teams and was quite good however never any really big deal team. I was wondering if I were to get back in the groove if it would be possible to try out for some teams and attain my goal. Thank you.
Anything is possible Dustin. Go for it. Go all out.
Hey Coach,
My name is Mark and I looking for the road to the big leagues. I’m 25 and have been playing net all my life. I played junior “A” hockey for the IJHL for the Boston Junior Blackhawks. When I realized I had to start getting my life in order, I joined the United States Air Force. The Junior Blackhawks wanted me to play for one more year. I have been to Iraq twice and got stationed in Las Vegas. When I was in ‘Vegas I found a goalie coach by the name of Pokey Reddick. He had won the Stanley Cup I believe with the Winnepeg Jets. I talked with him and he was more than happy to help me with my technical training. I had trained everyday with him 1 on 1 for 6 months. I believe I have the tools to make it I just do not know where to start. My first guess would be to try out for a local college team. What about an agent? Would that help me get a tryout somewhere a lot easier?
- Thank you, Mark
Mark, first congratulations on achieving a high level of Junior hockey.
Yeah, Pokey Reddick made it to play in the NHL. He did 3 seasons with the Jets before going to the Oilers where he was on the roster when Edmonton won a Stanley Cup. He actually played most of that season in the AHL with the Cape Breton Oilers, and even played in the IHL then too (Phoenix Roadrunners) but he had a game in the NHL playoff series.
You can’t have an agreement with an agent if you want to play NCAA hockey, it’s illegal. You could start by going back to school if you can keep your grades up, or you could try out for minor pro teams with the intention of getting noticed and going to the ECHL or AHL next.
Hey coach,
I’m 16 right now and about to turn 17 soon. I just had tryouts for midget 18 and unfortunately I did not make the team that I wanted to be in. As a Asian-American, I have hard time having the coaches recognize my talent. My goal is to play in the NHL, but how am my suppose to do that when I can’t even make midget 18AAA? Although I play Varsity level in high school, I don’t think I’m not good enough to make it to NHL. Coach if you can give me any advises or hockey tips to get better, I would really appreciate it. I really love hockey and it would be nice if i can make it to the NHL. If other Asian-American can do like Jim Peak and Richard then I feel like I have little hope.
Hey Ron, I am the mom of an aspiring NHL’er, I am not a coach, but I know that sometimes you may feel lost in the shuffle and not feel like you en being considered. The racial & ethnic desparity in the NHL has never really been addressed and the outreach to the minority communities and other cultural communities has been slow to come to fruition. Try reaching out to a mentor or elder within your community or school, and ask them to help you to make your dream come true. Approach a minority NHL’er and ask them for advice on bringing out the best of you. If you don’ make it don’t despair, I can see you motivating the next generation, so that they don’t have to feel lost in the shuffle. Blessings and Good Luck to you!
Hey Coach, it’s Jeff here, hope you remember me, but I contacted the Abbotsford Pilots head coach and he hasn’t replied..I sent the email on Wednesday, now would a coach for Junior B have a busy schedule or should I expect a email soon?
Try the scouts
Where can I find their contact info?
Abottsford Pilots Head Scout: Faisal Vallani (faisal at abbotsfordpilots dot com).
Hey.
I am 15 years old. Currently 5″6′ 140 lbs. I love watching hockey and playing rec hockey, but I’ve never considered playing in a league. I was wondering even if I start playing hockey at 16 years old, would I be looked at for a WHL draft or any kind of draft? The reason I’ve started considering hockey is because of all the stars out there today, I love watching Crosby, Stamkos and all the other big stars! Please let me know!
Thanks,
Jacob
Major Junior hockey is for 20 year olds and under, but they’d rather bring players in young to get them more accustomed to the league and team. You’re getting a very late start, Jacob. Get on a summer team so you can hit the ice flying when the real fall league starts. Set yourself a goal that’s attainable for your first and second year. You’re going to need lots of ice time, and lots of private or group training other than the team experience.
Hey coach. my name is ryan.im 15 and a goalie. i have been trying to make junior teams. i have played for 5 AAA teams over the past 3 or 4 years. i wondered if you could give me any advice to tryout for junior team. i have confidence and making it to the nhl. i also played varsity for my school in division 2. is there any advice or tips of getting more exposure. i already have a goalie coach and trainers. thanks
Ryan, how have you “been trying to make junior teams?” What have you done and with which teams?
Hey Coach,
I just had a few questions about where to go from here on.
I am currently 14, 15 to be in August, and I’ve played house league hockey ever since I was 8. I am not exactly looking to make it to the NHL, but I hope to make it on my highschool hockey team next year. I have always been relatively good in houseleague, but lately have faded off a bit in comparison to others, and I feel as if I will have absolutely 0 chance against bigger, stronger, mostly AAA and AA 16 and 17-year-olds of making the team. I am not exactly the biggest player, but I am currently in a growth spurt; surely some strength, power, size, and skill will come out of my growth, however, I was wondering what I should do in the coming months to boost my chances for next year, i.e. train leg strength to improve skating speed, or focus on improving my shot? Surely I’ll grow, but even so, I feel like my chances are slim to none even so. What would you suggest?
Robert, you’re talking yourself out of it. Reverse that. In your mind, you have to be the best. Consult a doctor so that you don’t ruin your growth plates with exercise, and then get a good workout regimen going. Get in on the spring and summer hockey clinics and hockey camps and go to public skating. Roller blade on dry land. You can make that high school team.
Thanks Coach. I’ve gotten a bit more confidence in myself now. From now on, I’m the best no matter what anybody says. Anyhow, I’d just like to ask what exercises you’d recommend to develop myself as a stronger and more powerful overall player. Obviously, I have to focus on every aspect of my body from head to toe. I am already planning on getting a new pair of rollerblades soon and look to build some leg strength in other ways; i.e. squats, exercise bike, etc., but what can I do to develop my arms and core. Push-ups, sit-ups?
Once again, thanks Coach. I’m going to do this!
Robert, read about hockey training.