Prospective Recruits

[yzerman19]

The hard part though is being really good at 13-15 is what sets you up for that 16-20.  If you look at the NTDP and the list Schloss put out all these kids were dominant at 13-15.

[scpa0305]

41 minutes ago, yzerman19 said:

The hard part though is being really good at 13-15 is what sets you up for that 16-20.  If you look at the NTDP and the list Schloss put out all these kids were dominant at 13-15.

For sure…but to your previous message…those guys are the 1%, probably more like .5%. I’m assuming several of those guys will be very good NHL players at some point. There will be another crop that comes up at some point, it’s anyone’s guess at who those guys will be. Time will tell. For example, Jackson Blake wasn’t in that equation as he was too immature physically, but a lot of folks saw what was coming given his skill. He was 1-2 years behind physically from those early guys. It’s a moving target, but again I agree with your point.

[yzerman19]

Here's a recipe that I have seen work:  kid loves hockey at a young age, loves watching it, turns things into hockey sticks and just plays.  Don't start organized hockey too early (I have seen 3 year olds in Mites)...start them in skating lessons (can definitely be with figure skaters).  Move to a learn to play hockey model at 5 or 6 where it isn't organized, but they are introducing some hockey. Keep watching hockey. At 6 they can start Mite hockey...they should definitely be focused on other sports too and athleticism, the program should be about the on ice agility, balance, and coordination.  If the kid is showing the desire, more advanced skating and camps and private lessons can become part of it.  Kid has to be loving it.  If they don't want to go to the rink, you can't make them.  At 7 they will start showing if they truly love going to the rink to get better.  If they do, then you might have a player.  The biggest thing is that wheel of success. The better they feel, the more they will want to do it, the more they do it, the better they will get.  

[yzerman19]

These kids all obviously loved playing, have good athletic genes, had some great support and were given opportunities to keep getting better.  The higher up the ladder it becomes all about athleticism, skating, and hockey IQ.