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2025 College Hockey Recruiting Development Camp Girl's Showcase Girls Hockey

2025 Girls Hockey Event Calendar

2025 Girls Hockey Event Calendar

Here is a list of 2025 Girls Hockey Tournaments, Showcases, Development Camps and Summer Camps.

This is a partial list. Feel free to submit a new event using our Feedback Form

OrganizationEventDatesStart DateEnd DateLocationCityAges
College Hockey ShowcasesFlorida Spring Break ShowcaseApril 21-27, 20254/21/20254/27/2025Fort Meyers, FL2006-2012 Birth Years
College Hockey ShowcasesPre- Showcase Mini CampApril 21-23, 20254/21/20254/23/2025Fort Meyers, FL2006-2012 Birth Years
College Hockey ShowcasesSpring Break ShowcaseApril 24-26, 20264/24/20254/26/2025Fort Meyers, FL2006-2012 Birth Years
College Hockey ShowcasesWorld Goalie SummitApril 26-27, 20254/26/20254/27/2025Fort Meyers, FL2006-2012 Birth Years
College Hockey ShowcasesGirls High Performance Camp Week 1July 14-18 20257/14/20257/18/2025Nyköpings Arenor RosvallaNyköping, Sweden2012-2005 Birth Years
College Hockey ShowcasesGirls High Performance Camp 2July 14th-25th, 20257/14/20257/25/2025Nyköping, Sweden2012-2005 Birth Years
College Hockey ShowcasesGirls High Performance Camp Week 2July 21-25, 20257/21/20257/25/2025Nykoping, Sweden2012-2005 Birth Years
College Hockey ShowcasesSun Valley Idaho ShowcaseDec 13-15, 202412/13/202412/15/2024Sun Valley, Idaho2006-2011 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsTHE BURGH GIRLS FESTNov 28 - Nov 30, 202511/28/202511/30/2025Pittsburgh, PA2005 - 2014 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsCCM Windy City Girls EliteDecember 6-8, 202412/6/202412/8/2024Chicago, IL12U-19U
Premier Ice ProspectsCCM Mountain MayhemJanuary 17 - 19, 20251/17/20251/19/2025Denver, CO19U through 14U
Premier Ice ProspectsCCM Mountain MayhemJanuary 18 - 20, 20251/18/20251/20/2025Denver, CO19U through 14U
Premier Ice ProspectsCCM MLK GirlsJan. 18-20, 20251/18/20251/20/2025Massachusetts12U-19U
Premier Ice ProspectsCCM Chi-Town ShuffleApr. 25-27, 20254/25/20254/27/2025Chicago, IL 2017-2006
Premier Ice ProspectsPIPsJune 20 - 22, 20256/20/20256/22/2025Rochester, NY2014 - 2011 Birth Years Tier I & Tier 2
Premier Ice ProspectsCCM Shoulder Check 14U ShowcaseJuly 24-27, 20257/24/20257/27/2025Stamford, CT 14U
Premier Ice ProspectsNashville showdownAugust 20258/20258/2025Nashville, TN2013 - 2015 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsChicago Deep DishOctober 17 - 19, 202510/17/202510/19/2025Chicago, IL19U through 10U
Premier Ice ProspectsCCM Girls World InviteNov. 7-9, 202511/7/202511/9/2025Detroit, MI10U-19U
Premier Ice ProspectsHockey Hall of Fame Future LegendsApril 24-27, 20244/24/20244/27/2024Toronto, ON2012 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsPIPs American DreamMay 3-5, 20245/3/20245/5/2024American DreamEast Rutherford, NJ2010- 2013 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsPremier Prep ProspectsMay 8 - 11, 20255/8/20255/11/2025The Edge Sports CenterBedford, MA2010 - 2013 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsPremier Ice ProspectsMay 9 - 11, 20255/9/20255/11/2025The Edge Sports CenterBedford, MA2010 & 2011 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsTop ProspectsMay 20245/20245/2024TBAJacksonville, FL2010 - 2013 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsWestern Prospects CampMay 31 - June 2, 20255/31/20256/2/2025Kraken Community IceplexSeattle, WA2013 - 2014 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsWestern Prospects CampJune 1 - 2, 20256/1/20256/2/2025Kraken Community IceplexSeattle, WA2008- 2010 Birth Years
Premier Ice Prospects585 PIP Showcase - Roc City StyleJune 6 - 9, 20256/6/20256/9/2025Tim Horton's IceplexRochester, NY2008 - 2010 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsELITE PROSPECTS CAMPJune 22 - 26, 20256/22/20256/26/2025Bill Gray's Regional IceplexRochester, NY2012 - 2014 Birth Years
Premier Ice Prospects14U PROSPECTS CAMPJune 22 - 26, 20256/22/20256/26/2025Bill Gray's Regional IceplexRochester, NY2011 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsPROSPECTS GOALIE CAMPJune 22 - 26, 20256/22/20256/26/2025Bill Gray's Regional IceplexRochester, NY2009 - 2014 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsPREMIER PROSPECTS COMBINEJuly 10 - 13, 20256/10/20256/13/2025UPMC Sports ComplexCranberry, PA12U (2013/2014) & 14U (2011/2012)
Premier Ice ProspectsSOUTHERN PROSPECTS CAMPJuly 20257/20257/2025Community First IglooJacksonville, FL12U (2013/2014) & 10U (2015/2016)
Premier Ice Prospects617 PIP SHOWCASE - BOSTON HARBOR STYLEJune 30 - July 1, 20256/30/20257/1/2025The Edge Sports CenterBedford, MA2026, 2027 & 2028 Grad Years Only
Premier Ice ProspectsNORTHEAST PROSPECTS CAMPJune 30 - July 1, 20256/30/20257/1/2025The Edge Sports CenterBedford, MA2013 - 2016 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsCCM 68 Combine GirlsAug 6-10, 20258/6/20258/10/2025Chicago, IL2011 Birth Year
Premier Ice Prospects615 PIP SHOWCASE - MUSIC CITY STYLEAugust 7 - 10, 20258/7/20258/10/2025Predators' Ford Ice CenterBellevue, TN2011 - 2012 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsNIAGARA FALLS PROPSPECTS CAMPAugust 15 - 17, 20258/15/20258/18/2025Gale Centre ArenaNiagara Falls, ONJr Camp - 2008, 2009 & 2010 Birth Years U15 Camp - 2011 & 2012 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsMrs. Hockey® InviteJanuary 17-20, 2025 1/17/20251/20/2025Ft Lauderdale, FL12U USA Tier I & Tier II & U13 Canadian AA & BB/B
Premier Ice ProspectsFort Laudy Daudy ShowcaseJanuary 17-19, 2025 1/17/20251/20/2025Ft Lauderdale, FL14U USA Tier I (AAA) / CAN AA
Premier Ice ProspectsGreat Lakes Girls FestFebruary 7 - 9, 20252/7/20252/8/2025Detroit, MI19U through 10U USA - Tier II Canadian - A / BB / B
Premier Ice ProspectsMotor City Girls FestFebruary 7-9, 20252/7/20252/9/2025Detroit, MI19U through 10U USA Tier I / Canada AA
Premier Ice ProspectsPIPs Rochester TournamentJune 20-22,20256/20/20256/22/2025Tim Horton's IceplexRochester, NY2011 - 2014 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsLabor Day Girls FestAugust 29 - 31, 20258/29/20258/31/2025Pittsburgh, PA14U/U15, 16U/U18 & 19U/U22 USA Tier I / Canadian AA
Premier Ice ProspectsFrieda Falcon Girls FestSeptember 5 - 7, 20259/5/20259/7/2025Slater Family Ice ArenaBowling Green, OH12U USA Tier I / CAN A
Premier Ice ProspectsCapital Cup Girls FestOctober 10 - 13, 202510/10/202510/13/2025Northern VA19U through 10U USA - Tier II Canadian - A, BB & B
Premier Ice ProspectsCCM DallasOct 11-13, 202510/11/202510/13/2025Dallas, TXG12U & G14U
Premier Ice ProspectsRoc City Girls FestOctober 31 - November 2, 202510/31/202511/2/2025Rochester, NY8U/U9, 10U/U11 and 12U/U13
Premier Ice ProspectsRoc City Girls FestNovember 7 - 9, 202511/7/202511/9/2025Rochester, NY14U/U15 through 19U/U22
Premier Ice ProspectsBurgh Thanksgiving Girls FestNovember 28-30, 202511/28/202511/30/2025Pittsburgh, PA19U through 10U
Premier Ice ProspectsSMASHVILLE GIRLS HOCKEY SHOWCASENovember 28-30, 202511/28/202511/30/2025Nashville, TN19U THROUGH 14U
Premier Ice ProspectsErie White Out WeekendDecember 13-15, 202412/13/202412/15/2024Erie, PA12U and 10U Tier I (AAA), Tier II (AA)
RUSH HockeyFlorida RUSHJanuary 17-20, 2025 (MLK Weekend)1/17/20251/20/2025Palm Beach Skate ZoneWest Palm Beach, FLGirls Tier 1/Tier 2/ Tier 3 (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
RUSH HockeyRush Spring Showcase (Florida)April 25-27, 20254/25/20254/27/2025Palm Beach Skate ZoneLake Worth, FL2012 and 2013 Birth Years 2005-2007 Birth Years 2008-2011 Birth Years
RUSH HockeyRush College ShowcaseJune 5-8, 20256/5/20256/8/2025CAA Centre BramptonBrampton, ON2008 and 2011 Birth Years
RUSH HockeyRUSH Rising Stars Pre-College ShowcaseJune 6-8, 20256/6/20256/8/2025CAA Centre, BramptonBrampton, ON2012 and 2013 Birth Years
RUSH HockeyRUSH ATOMIC CHALLENGEJune 6-8, 20256/6/20256/8/2025CAA Centre BramptonBrampton, ON2014 and 2015 Birth Years
RUSH HockeyRUSH Hockey High Performance2025 TBACAA Centre BramptonBrampton, ONU11 (2014-2015) Tier 1 & 2 U13 (2012-2013) Tier 1 & 2 U15 (2010-2011) Tier 1 & 2 U18 (2007-2008-2009) Tier 1 & 2 U22 Tier 1 & 2
RUSH HockeyBeantown Women's ClassicJuly 18-20, 20257/18/20257/20/2025New England Sports CenterMarlborough, MA2010 (09) - 2015 Birth Years
RUSH HockeyBeantown Women's ClassicJuly 25-27, 20257/25/20257/27/2025New England Sports CenterMarlborough, MA19U/16U
RUSH HockeyBEANTOWN CLASSIC Weekend 1July 18-20, 20257/18/20257/20/2025New England Sports CenterMarlborough, MA2010 (09) - 2015 Birth Years
RUSH HockeyBEANTOWN CLASSIC Weekend 2July 25-27, 20267/26/20257/28/2025New England Sports CenterMarlborough, MA19U/16U Futures 2009 (10)
RUSH HockeyBeantown Winter ClassicJanuary 3-5, 20257/3/20257/5/2025New England Sports CenterBoston, Massachusetts18U-16U
RUSH HockeyBUFFALO RUSH HOCKEY INFERNOOct 31 – Nov 2, 202510/31/202511/2/2025Holiday Twin Rinks Leisure RinksBuffalo, NY West Seneca, NYTier 1 / Tier 2 / Tier 3 (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
RUSH HockeyTEXAS RUSHFebruary 7-9, 20252/7/20252/9/2025StarCenter Valley Ranch Ice RinkDallas, TXGirls Tier 1/Tier 2 (12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
RUSH HockeyArizona RUSH Matt Shott MemorialNovember 8-10, 2024AZ ICE Gilbert AZ Ice Arcadia Coyotes Community Ice Center (Mesa)Gilbert, AZ Phoenix, AZ Mesa, AZGirls Tier 1/Tier 2 (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
RUSH HockeyNORTH HALTON RUSHSeptember 5-7, 20259/5/20259/7/2025CAA Centre Brampton Mold-Masters SportsPlexBrampton, ON Halton Hills, ONAA/A/BB/B (U11, U13, U15, U18, U22)
RUSH HockeyTWO NATIONS COLLEGE PREP SERIESDecember 6-8, 202412/6/202412/8/2024Brampton: Century GardensBrampton, ON19U through 12U Tier 1; U13-U21 AA
RUSH HockeyTWO NATIONS COLLEGE PREP SERIESOctober 2025Detroit: Taylor Sportsplex Detroit, MI19U through 12U Tier 1; U13-U21 AA
Showcase HockeyMINNESOTA MELTDOWNApril 25-27, 20254/25/20254/27/2025 Minneapolis, MN10U-19U
Showcase HockeyDRAFTDAY INTERNATIONAL & REGIONAL SPRING ID SKATESJanuary 2, 20251/2/20251/2/2025Brantford, ON2019-2010 (Elite, AAA, AA)
Showcase HockeyIndependent ClassicMay 16-18, 20255/16/20255/18/2025Minneapolis, MN8U-19U
Showcase HockeySummer Showdown June 6-8, 20256/6/20256/8/2025Minneapolis, MNAAA (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
Showcase HockeyInternational CupAugust 1-3, 20258/1/20258/3/2025Minneapolis, MN8U-19U
Showcase HockeyEaston CupAugust 15-17, 20258/15/20258/17/2025Minneapolis, MN10U-19U
Showcase HockeySummer FinaleAugust 22-24, 20258/22/20258/24/2025Minneapolis, MN8U-19U
Showcase HockeyWarrior CupSeptember 5-7, 20259/5/20259/7/2025 Greater MinneapolisAAA (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
200x85 TournamentsCCM MLK InviteJan. 18-20, 20251/18/20251/20/2025Massachusetts / Rhode Island2015-2010, 15's & 16U
200x85 TournamentsCCM CHI-TOWN SHUFFLEApr. 25-27, 20254/25/20254/27/2025Chicago, IL12U - 14U, 16U - 19U
200x85 TournamentsCCM Selects Beantown Women's ClassicJuly 2025Boston2008 - 2013
The National Girls Hockey LeagueNGHL Goalie Camp ONLYMay 17York, PA2006-2010 Birth Years
The National Girls Hockey LeagueCollege Exposure ClinicAugust 22, 2024Northford, CT2006 - 2010 Birth Years
The National Girls Hockey LeagueNGHL College Exposure CampMay 18-19, 20245/18/20245/19/2024York Ice Arena York, PA2006 - 2010 Birth Years
The National Girls Hockey LeagueNGHL NCAA Exposure CampJune 8-9, 20246/8/20246/9/2024Newington, CT2006 - 2010 Birth Years
The National Girls Hockey LeagueNGHL NCAA ClinicOctober 11, 202410/11/2024MACC Twin RinksRinks, NY2009- 2005 Birth Years
The National Girls Hockey LeagueDawg Daze Of SummerAugust 2025Northford, CT12U-19U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueDawg Days of Summer - FuturesAugust 25-27, 2023Newington, CT12U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueLabor Day Challenge - BlueAugust 29 - September 1, 20258/29/20259/1/2025Cromwell, CT12U-19U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueLabor Day Challenge - FuturesAugust 29 - September 1, 20258/29/20259/1/2025Cromwell, CT12U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueFall Classic - RedOctober 12-14, 2024Syracuse, NY14U-19U
The National Girls Hockey LeaguePittsburgh ShowcaseOctober 12-14, 2024Pittsburgh, PA14U-19U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueFall Classic - Futures EastSeptember 27-29, 2024Rochester, NY12U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueFall Classic - Futures WestOctober 12-14, 2024Chicago, IL10U & 12U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueFall In CT, FuturesOctober 12-14, 2024Connecticut10U & 12U A/AA
The National Girls Hockey LeagueNGHL Ann ArborNovember 15-17, 2024Ann Arbor, MI14U - 19U Tier 1
The National Girls Hockey LeagueNorthern ClassicNovember 22-24, 2024Utica, NY10U, 12U, 14U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueMile High Invitational - BlueNovember 29-December 1, 2024Denver, CO12U-19U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueMLK Winter Classic - BlueJanuary 18-20,20251/18/20251/20/2025Haverhill, MA14U-19U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueWinter Classic, FuturesJanuary 3-5, 20251/3/20251/5/2025Princeton, NJ10U & 12U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueRed Division ChampsionshipJanuary 31- February 2, 20251/31/20252/2/2025Rockland, MA14-19U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueBlue Division ChampsionshipFebruary 15-17, 20252/15/20252/17/2025Chicago, IL14-19U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueFutures Division ChampionshipFebraury 7-9, 20252/7/20252/9/2025Hershey, PA10U & 12U
North American Premier Women's ShowcaseNorth American Premier Women's Showcase College DivisionJune 2025Merrimack College Athletics ComplexNorth Andover, MABirth Years 2007-2011 (PG's also Allowed)
JWHLChallenge Cup 2025March 14-16,20243/14/20243/16/2024Rockville/Arlington, VA14U, 16U, 19U
North American Female Elite ShowcaseNORTH AMERICAN FEMALE ELITE SHOWCASE (THE ORION TOP PROSPECTS)June 12-15, 20256/12/20256/15/2025National Sports Center - Super RinkBlaine, MNU18(08/09)-2010-2011-2012-2013-2014 Birth Years
North American Female Elite ShowcaseThe College CombineJune 23-25, 20256/23/20256/25/2025Boston, MA2009 - 2010 Birth Years
North American Female Elite ShowcaseTHE ORION CUPMay 16-18, 20255/16/20255/18/2025South Suburban Sports CenterHighlands Ranch, CO2011 - 2014 Birth Years
Pony Tail Tournament Pony Tail Tournament March 21-23, 20253/21/20253/23/2025Baltimore, MD12U
The Rose SeriesCowgirl ShootoutApril 17-20, 20254/17/20254/20/2025Ford Ice Center-Bellevue Ford Ice Center-Antioch NolensvilleNashville, TN2013 Birth Years
The Rose SeriesBeantown BashMay 9-11, 20255/9/20255/11/2025Boston area rinkBoston, MA2012-2013-2014-2015 Birth Year
The Rose SeriesThe Battle at the BeachMay 8-11, 20255/8/20255/11/2025Panthers Ice DenFt. Lauderdale, FL2011 Birth Year
The Rose SeriesCwench World InviteJune 25-29, 20256/25/20256/29/2025Scotiabank Pond Maple Leaf Gardens (Mattamy)Toronto, ON2010 Birth Year
The Rose SeriesQueens of VegasJuly 8-11, 20257/8/20257/11/2025City National ArenaLas Vegas, NV2014 Birth Year
The Rose SeriesPARK CITY SHOWDOWNJuly 10-13, 20257/10/20257/13/2025Park City Ice ArenaPark City, Utah2015 Birth Year
The Rose SeriesWar for the RosesJuly 7-12, 20257/7/20257/12/2025West Edmonton MallEdmonton, Alberta2012 Birth Year
USA HockeyUSA Hockey Girls National 15 CampJuly 24-29, 20257/24/20257/29/2025Oxford, Ohio2010 Birth Year
USA HockeyGirls 15 Goalie CampJuly 22-24, 20257/22/20257/24/2025Oxford, Ohio2010 Birth Year
USA HockeyUSA Hockey Girls National 16/17 CampJuly 19-23, 20257/19/20247/24/2024Oxford, Ohio2009 & 2008 Birth Year
USA HockeyGirls National U-19 Training CampJuly 18-21, 20257/18/20257/21/2025Oxford, Ohio2006-2007 Birth Year
USA HockeyUSA Hockey Girls Under 18 Player Development CampAugust 20258/2025Miami University Oxford, Ohio2008, 2009, 2010 Birth Year
USA Hockey2024 Women's National FestivalAugust 20258/2025TBD
OS HockeyFUTURES CAMP (Plymouth) Weekend 1May 31- June 2, 20255/31/20256/2/2025Plymouth, MN7th-8th grade
OS HockeyFUTURES CAMP (Eden Prairie) Weekend 2June 20 - June 22, 20256/20/20256/22/2025Eden Prairie, MN7th-8th grade
OS HockeyPROSPECTS (Plymouth) Weekend 1May 31- June 2, 20255/31/20256/2/2025Plymouth, MN9th-11th Grade
OS HockeyPROSPECTS (Eden Prairie) Weekend 2June 20 - June 22, 20256/20/20256/22/2025Eden Prairie, MN9th-11th Grade
OS Hockey2024 OS SPRING FESTIVALMarch 16th-19th, 20243/16/20243/19/2024Braemar ArenaMInneapolis, MN
OS Hockey2024 WHITECAPS CUP (HS)May 3-5, 20245/3/20245/5/2024MInneapolis, MNHigh School
OS Hockey2024 TRADITION CUPAugust 2-4, 20248/2/20248/4/2024Braemar ArenaMInneapolis, MNCollege Level
OS Hockey2025 Os Shootout August 15th-17th, 20258/15/20258/17/2025New Hope Ice Arena and Eagan Civic CenterNew Hope, MN
Girls Elite Hockey2025 TRADITION NITOctober 16-19, 202510/16/202510/19/2025Fogerty Ice Arena The Super Rink at National Sports Center TCO Sports GardenBlaine, MN Vadnais Heights, MN
NCD Camps2025 Girls NCD CampJuly 28-30, 2025 7/28/20257/30/2025New England Sports CenterMarlborough, MA2026,2027,2028,2029 grads
NAHANAHA COLLEGE SHOWCASEJuly 12-14 20247/12/20247/14/2024Boston Sports InstituteWellesley, MA2025, '26, '27, '28 Grad Years
NAHANAHA Labor Day TournamentSept 2025Boston, MAU14, U16, U19
University of Wisconsin13 and Under CampJune 2025LaBahn ArenaMadison, WI13 and under
University of WisconsinHigh School Elite CampAugust 2025LaBahn ArenaMadison, WIHigh School
Princeton UniversityGIRLS ICE HOCKEY ELITE CAMPJune 2025Baker RinkPrinceton, NJEntering grades 10-12
Princeton UniversityGIRLS ICE HOCKEY EXPOSURE ID CAMPJuly 2025Baker RinkPrinceton, NJEntering grades 7-9
Merrimack CollegeMerrimack Womens Ice Hockey ClinicsTBDLawler ArenaNorth Andover, MAEntering grades 9-12
RinkSportRinkSport NCAA Prep CampJUNE 14 - 19, 20256/14/20256/19/2025Babson CollegeWellesley, MA2029 High School graduates or earlier
RinkSportSCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA Development CampJune 2025
RinkSportBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS Development CampJune 2025
RinkSportWASHINGTON , D. C. Development CampJune 2025
RinkSportANCHORAGE, ALASKA Development CampJune 2025
RinkSportEurope CampJuly 2025Madrid, Spain
RinkSportLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Development CampAugust 2025
Pre-Prep Showcase31st ANNUAL PRE-PREP SHOWCASEAUGUST 7th-10th, 20258/7/20258/10/2025Birth Years: 2010, 2011 & 2012
Ohio State UniversityTuesday Night Youth CampOCT 8- DEC 17, 202410/8/202412/17/2024OSU Ice ArenaColumbus, OH2014, 2015, 2016
Ohio State UniversityMINNESOTA CAMPJune 2025St. Louis Park Rec Center St. Louis Park, MNGrad Years: 2026-2030
Ohio State UniversityHIGH SCHOOL ELITE CAMPSJune 2025OSU Ice RinkColumbus, OHGrad Years: 2026-2028
University of Maine U16/19 High School Girls' Hockey CampJuly 2025University of MaineOrono, MEGrades 8-12
University of Maine 2025 University of Maine Women's Hockey Summer Camp and Showcase 2025University of MaineOrono, MEU16/U19, U8/U10/U12
University of Maine Women's Prospect ClinicJuly 2025University of MaineOrono, MEGrades 8-12
Brown UniversityBROWN WOMEN’S HOCKEY ELITE SUMMER CAMPAugust 2025Brown UniversityProvidence, RIHigh school students entering grades 9-12. Therefore, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 high school graduates.
Mercyhurst UniversityDIVISION I WOMEN'S HOCKEY ELITE CAMPJuly 2025Mercyhurst UniversityErie, PA2006 to 2009 birth year
Colgate University2024 COLGATE EXPOSURE CAMP | PRE-CAMP GOALIE'S ONLYJuly 2025Colgate UniversityHamilton, NYGoalies Only. All Female players born between 2005-2009
Colgate University2024 COLGATE EXPOSURE CAMP | SESSION 1July 2025Colgate UniversityHamilton, NYAll Female players born between 2005-2009
Colgate University2024 COLGATE EXPOSURE CAMP | SESSION 2July 2025Colgate UniversityHamilton, NYAll Female players born between 2005-2009
College of the Holy CrossHoly Cross Women's Ice Hockey ClinicsTBDHart CenterWorcester, MA14-19 Years Old
St Anselm CollegeTBDSullivan ArenaBedford, NH
Clarkson UniversityClarkson Golden Knight Women's Hockey Prospect Camp 2024July 2025Cheel Campus Center and ArenaPotsdam, NY2007-2010 Birth Years
St Cloud State UniversitySt. Cloud State Women's Hockey CampsHerb Brooks National Hockey CenterSt. Cloud, MinnesotaAges 6-16
Sacred Heart University PioneersGirls Ice Hockey High School Prospect CampJuly 2025Martire Family ArenaFairfield, CT Girls: 9th to 12th Grade
Quinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac Women's Ice Hockey Girls Camp July 2025M&T Bank ArenaHamden, ConnAges: 6-13
Quinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac Women's Ice Hockey Girls Elite ClinicJuly 2025M&T Bank ArenaHamden, ConnAges: rising 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grade
University of MinnesotaMINNESOTA GIRLS HOCKEY CAMPSJune 2025Mariucci ArenaMinneapolis, MN10U &12U Camp
University of MinnesotaMINNESOTA GIRLS HOCKEY CAMPSJune 2025Mariucci ArenaMinneapolis, MNExposure Camp (ages 13,14)
University of MinnesotaMINNESOTA GIRLS HOCKEY CAMPSJune 2025Mariucci ArenaMinneapolis, MN​​High School/ Varsity Camp #1 & #2
University of Minnesota DuluthMinnesota Duluth High School Elite CampAugust 2025Amsoil ArenaDuluth, MNAny and all high school girls (grad years 2025-2028) are invited
College Development ShowcaseCDS GIRLS CAMPJune 28-29, 20256/28/20256/29/2025Ice DenHooksett, NH2005-2010 Birth years
Boston CollegeMaroon and Gold Women’s CombineTBDConte ForumChestnut Hill, MA2010-2011-2012 players
National Sports CenterAll American Girls Hockey TournamentNSC-Super Rink (Blaine)Blaine, MNGirls U10A,B U12A,B U15A
Youth Hockey Hub2024 DANGLEFESTNSC-Super Rink (Blaine)Blaine, MNGirls U10A, U10B, U12A, U12B, U15A, & U15B
Youth Hockey Hub2025 YHH SQUIRTACULAR TOURNEYJanuary 23 - 26, 20251/23/20251/26/2025Super Rink (Blaine)
Youth Hockey Hub2025 Stars of TomorrowMarch 20, 2025 to March 23, 20253/20/20253/23/2025Eden Prairie and ShakopeeMinnesota2012 to 2016
Fierce Edge AthleticsFIERCE FEMALE HOCKEY TOURNAMENT 2024June 2025Canlan OshawaOshawa, ONU9/ U11 (Tier 1 & Tier 2)/ U13 (Tier 1,Tier 2)
Fierce Edge AthleticsFierce ID Series - SHOWCASE EVENTJune, 2025Canlan OshawaOshawa, ON2010-2011 ; 2009-2007 + 06* (GRADUATION YEAR 2025) DIVISION
RINK Hockey Academy KelownaFemale University ShowcaseApril 3 - 6, 20254/4/20254/6/2025Winfield ArenaKelowna, BC2006-2010 YOB
RINK Hockey Academy KelownaRHA Winter ClassicJanuary 31 - February 2, 20251/31/20252/2/2025Kal Tire PlaceVernon, BCU19 Prep
RINK Hockey Academy WinnipegFemale University Showcase 2024April 2025Rink Training CenterWinnipeg, MB2005-2009 (2010) YOB
Delta Hockey AcademyDHA Female University ShowcaseApril 8-9, 20254/8/20254/9/2025Planet Ice DeltaDelta, B.C
Delta Hockey AcademyEvaluation CampApril 2 -April 4, 20254/2/20254/4/2025Planet Ice Delta
OneHockeyOneHockey Connecticut GIRLSMarch 7 - 9, 20253/7/20253/9/2025DANBURY ICEDanbury, CT19U, 16U, 14U, 12U, 10U TIER I , TIER II, TIER III
OneHockeyOneHockey CincinnatiJanuary 24-26, 20251/24/20251/26/2025Cincinnati, OH14U, 12U, 10U Tier II
OneHockeyOneHockey CaliforniaFebruary 15-17, 20252/15/20252/17/2025Simi Valley, CA19U/16U, 14U, 12U Tier II & III
OneHockeyOneHockey ClevelandMarch 21 - 23, 20253/21/20253/23/2025Cleveland, OH1-16U, 14U 2 -14U MITE - 8U Red Tier III - 14U, 12U, 10U
OneHockeyOneHockey EstoniaJuly 22-27, 20256/22/20256/27/2025Tallin, EstoniaAA - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Girls Tier II - 12U,
OneHockeyRATTLESNAKES & OHJune 19-22, 20256/19/20256/22/2025Quebec, CA10U, 12U, 14U,19U
OneHockeyOneHockey SyracuseApril 25-27, 20254/25/20254/27/2025Syracuse, NY19U, 16U, 14U, 12U, 10U TIER I (AAA), TIER II (AA), Tier III (A)
OneHockeyOneHockey Sacred Heart University Martire Family ArenaFairfield, CT Girls 12U Tier I & II
OneHockeyCancun March 6-9, 20253/6/20253/9/2025Adult Women - Novice Elite
Midwest Womem's Collegiate HockeyExposure CampJune 13–14, 20256/13/20256/14/2025Cornerstone Ice ArenaDePere, WisconsinGrade 10, Grade 11, or Grade 12
Middlebury CollegeMiddlebury Women's Hockey CampsAugust 2025Chip Kenyon '85 ArenaMiddlebury, VT 
Notre Dame HoundsMandi Schwartz Memorial Hockey TournamentDecember 12-15, 202412/12/202412/15/2024Wilcox, SK 
G Force HockeyDec. 20-23, 202412/20/202412/22/2024Glenview, ILu19, u16, u14 & u12
Firestarter 2024 Firestarter TournamentOctober 2025Calgary, ABU15AAA, U18AAA
Waterloo RavensUSA Canada CupDecember 6-8, 202412/6/202412/8/2024Waterloo, ONU18 AA, U22, AA
Categories
2025 Development Camp Girls Hockey Player Development Women's College Hockey Women's Hockey

Insights on Preparing for the USA Hockey Girls 15’s and 16/17’s Camps

I have paid close attention to the USA Hockey development camps for the last 3 years and written quite a few posts on the subject.  As the USA Hockey Girls 16/17’s Camp kicks off this week and the 15’s Camp starts next week, I thought I would put together some information and links that might be helpful to players who might be going for the first time.

Expectations for Development Camp

By now, all players have been training to prepare for their week of development camp.  Some parts are more important than others.  After you arrive, you are being evaluated by all the coaches, all the time.  At the same time, unless you show careless disregard for others or basic unprofessional behavior, basic interactions with coaches won’t make much of a difference.  Focus on having fun and learning and not just trying to butter up to the coaches. 

Off-ice testing has little to no impact on your evaluation. The only way it may impact you is if you are significantly above or below the standards for your age group.  Even at the NHL level, little correlation has been found between combine testing results and performance. The only commonly accepted metric is that some of the vertical and horizontal jumping measurements can be connected to on-ice speed.  But that is just one contributing attribute in the making of a professional hockey player.

“Based on just results, the combine has little to no bearing on how successful a player will be in the NHL or elsewhere.”

How you play in the games is the most important element in how you will be evaluated. Do the best you can with your on-ice performance.

Another item to keep in mind, is that many of the coaches working the camp definitely have dual objectives. Of course they want to be involved in USA Hockey and have their personal coaching development agenda – at the same time, many recruiting relationships are formed at these events that continue on after the camp.  It is quite common to hear how the recruiting journey of a player started when they met their future college coach at one of these events.

For 15’s Camp Players:

The Girls 15’s Camp is the first introduction for most players to the USA Hockey National Development Camp process. I wrote about attending the camp as a parent back in 2021:

What I learned attending the 2021 USA Hockey 15’s Girl’s Development Camp Part I

What I learned attending the USA Hockey 15s Girls Development Camp Part II

What I learned attending the USA Hockey 15s Girls Development Camp Part III

Unfortunately, there is no way to make the 18’s camp from the 15’s camp.  If you didn’t make the 18’s camp straight from District Camp, then you will need to wait to next year to be considered again for 18’s no matter how well you perform at the 15’s camp. The only exception might be for a goaltender – but that is highly unusual.

Secondly, keep in mind there is about a 60% chance a player for the 15’s camp does not get invited back next year to either the 16/17’s or 18’s camp.  It’s just how the numbers work as you get older. So don’t take anything for granted and appreciate the time in Oxford, Ohio – because this might be your only USA Hockey National Camp you attend.

Make no mistake, you are being scouted by college coaches at this event.  I had a DI coach tell me that they identified a 2024 recruit at the 15’s camp. This player was on a lower ranked AAA team that did not get much exposure, but their performance at the camp got the player on the schools radar for the coming season.

For 16/17’s Camp Players:

Last year I documented the event as it was going on:

A Few Thoughts After the First Two Days of the 2023 USA Hockey Girls 16/17 Development Camp

More Thoughts on the 2023 USA Hockey 16/17 Girls Development Camp

As I’ve commented in the past, the process is not perfect.  In my opinion, there is not enough data-driven elements included in the evaluation of players. I have seen players with lots of points in the games get passed over for selection, and I’ve seen players with few (or no) points get moved on.  There is also clearly a bias to offensive oriented defenders over stay-at-home ‘defense-first’ players.  

These two analyses provide a good perspective on the level of play needed to be selected to move on to the 18’s Camp. 

Analyzing the USA Hockey Girls 16/17 Camp Defense Selections for the U18 Camp

Analyzing the USA Hockey Girls 16/17 Camp Forward Selections for the U18 Camp

My apologies to goalies, but I don’t have the background to evaluate the goalie selections, other than to look at the online stats such as GAA and Save %.  But I would not trust those statistics, because the folks recording those numbers are not professional statisticians.

There are many attributes that factor into players being selected to advance, but also recognize that the relationship with your coaches and how much they ‘like’ you can play a role. I know of a couple of examples where relationships seemed to have either helped or hurt players being chosen.

Also, keep in mind there were 6 players from last year’s 18’s Camp back competing at the 16/17s Camp.  Those players had to have been pretty good to even have been selected last year – so there is going to be a lot of competition to be one of the few players selected to move on to the 18’s camp. 

From a recruiting perspective, almost every DI school and many DIII school will make an appearance during the week. Some will prefer to come for the early few days when players are still fresh and the quality of hockey is highest. Other coaches will arrive late in the week when they can watch the last day or two and then stick around for the 15’s camp.

Before You Go – Let College Coaches Know you’ll be at the USA Hockey Development Camp

If you still have not yet committed to a college team, take the opportunity to let the coaches at the schools you are interested in know you’ll be there.  Make sure to update (or create) your free, beautiful Champs App hockey profile.  Then use the Champs App Messaging Tool, to save time and ensure accuracy when sending coaches your hockey profile, team information and game schedule for the week.

Categories
2024 Development Camp Women's Hockey

Why U18 National Teams Shouldn’t Only Have Offensive Defenders on their Roster

Last week, I re-watched the Canada vs Czechia IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship semi-final game. Czechia won the game 4-2 after losing to Canada in the Group A game 8-1. I noticed that two of the Czechia goals were a direct result of major mistakes by the Canadian defenders. I then saw that the shots on goal were heavily in favor of the Canadians when the score was 3-2 at about 43-11 (ended up being 47-12 for Canada).

This got me thinking, how could Canada lose a game that they so clearly dominated in terms of offensive opportunities?

Two thoughts came to mind:

  1. Czechia did an amazing job learning from their group game with Canada and played a defensive structure which minimized Canada’s high risk chances. Czechia then capitalized on the few opportunities they had to score.
  2. Similar to my observations about the USA Hockey U18 selection process, Canada probably puts a bigger emphasis on fielding a team with offensive D than well-balanced defenders. As a result, a couple of defensive mistakes cost them the game.

This is just my hypothesis, I could be completely wrong.  And let me be clear, any player that makes the Canada or U.S. U18 teams are exceptional players.  They can all skate well, pass well and shoot well.  There is no doubt each of them deserved to be on the team. But maybe, they are too similar in their skill set?

When it comes to roster construction, sometimes you need to include one or two 200-foot players to complement the more offensive players.  Specifically, there are usually tradeoffs between a great puck handling D with a hard shot vs. someone who is technically better at 2-on-1s, clearing players in front of the net, playing the penalty kill or defending 1-on-1 zone entries.   An analogy would be having 7 Erik Karlssons playing defense for a single team – at some point in important games against good teams there will be times you need the D to keep the puck out of your own net.  Once again, this is not to say that those highly skilled U18 players aren’t good defenders, but when they go up against the top 2 or 3 forwards on a national team, they will also need to be technically strong on defense.

Let’s look at some data to support why I can understand how a coaching staff would  put together a roster with so much offensive power at the U18 level.

2023 IIHF U18 World Champsionship Shot Totals

Canada outshot their opponent by a 6:1 ratio throughout the tournament. They also had over 40 shots per game.  I would suspect they felt the team could outscore all opponents as long they didn’t have any major defensive hiccups. 

Of course, you are probably asking – weren’t they planning to play the U.S.?  Like all Canadian teams, they probably expected and planned to play the U.S.  at some point – likely in the gold medal game (given the new format of A/B group play this year, they wouldn’t play each other in group games).  So Canada would still need to be prepared to play a high-powered offensive USA Hockey team.

Then I looked at the shot total for the 2023 Under-18 Series which took place in Lake Place between the Canada and USA.  Team Canada swept all 3 games against the U.S. team by a combined score of 15-3.  Here were the shot totals:

uSA Canada u18 Summer Series SHot Totals

A couple of possible reasons for Canada to justify having highly offensive defenders… Either the felt they could still outscore Team USA and defend well enough to beat them.  Or, maybe their D were never tested enough in the USA-Canada Series to expose some of the technical weaknesses against world-class scorers.

So what?

During my experience attending and analyzing multiple USA Hockey camps/events, I have felt that the players being selected have had their offensive abilities overly weighted in the evaluation process.  Now, I am fully onboard with most of the high-end, offensive D being the ones being picked. However, including one or two defenders who can also keep the puck out of your own net at critical points of an important game can be the difference between winning and losing in the medal rounds.  Having a little more balance on the blue line could be the difference between winning and losing in big games.

Categories
2024 College Hockey Recruiting Development Camp Girl's Showcase Girls Hockey

2024 Girls Hockey Event Calendar

2024 Girls Hockey Event Calendar

Here is a list of 2024 Girls Hockey Tournaments, Showcases, Development Camps and Summer Camps.

This is a partial list. Feel free to submit a new event using our Feedback Form

OrganizationEventStart DateEnd DateLocationCityAges
200x85 TournamentsCCM MLK Girls1/14/20241/16/2024Massachusetts12U - 19U AAA/AA
Premier Ice ProspectsGreat Lakes Girls Fest2/2/20242/4/2024Detroit, MI19U through 10U Tier II
Premier Ice ProspectsMotor City Girls Fest2/2/20242/4/2024Detroit, MI19U through 10U Tier I
JWHLChallenge Cup 20242/17/20242/20/2024Rockville/Arlington, VA14U, 16U, 19U
OneHockeyOneHockey Connecticut GIRLS3/8/20243/10/2024DANBURY ICEDanbury, CTGirls Tier II (AA) 19U, 16U, 14U, 12U, 10U Girls Tier III (A) 19U, 16U, 14U, 12U, 10U
Pony Tail Tournament Pony Tail Tournament 3/15/20243/17/2024Baltimore, MDU10, U12A, U12B, U14A, U14B, U16A, U16B, U19
OS Hockey2024 OS SPRING FESTIVAL3/16/20243/19/2024Braemar ArenaMInneapolis, MN
St Cloud State UniversitySt. Cloud State Women's Hockey Camps3/29/20243/30/2024Herb Brooks National Hockey CenterSt. Cloud, MinnesotaAges 6-16
RINK Hockey Academy KelownaFemale University Showcase 20244/4/20244/7/2024Winfield Arena & RINK Kelowna Training Centre Kelowna, BC2005-2009 YOB
Delta Hockey AcademyDHA Female University Showcase4/9/20244/10/2024Planet IceDelta, B.C2006-2011 YOB
College Hockey ShowcasesSpring Break Showcase4/13/20245/15/2024Fort Meyers, FL2004-2010 Birth Years
The Rose SeriesCowgirl Shootout4/18/20244/21/2024Nashville, TN2012 Birth Years
Showcase Hockey2024 Minnesota Meltdown AAA Tournament4/19/20244/21/2024MinnesotaGirls AAA (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
200x85 TournamentsCCM CHI-TOWN SHUFFLE4/19/20244/21/2024Chicago, ILGirls Tier 1/Tier 2 (12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
RINK Hockey Academy WinnipegFemale University Showcase 20244/19/20244/21/2024Rink Training CenterWinnipeg, MB2005-2009 (2010) YOB
Premier Ice ProspectsHockey Hall of Fame Future Legends4/24/20244/27/2024Toronto, ON2012 Birth Years
RUSH HockeyRush Spring Showcase (Florida)4/26/20244/28/2024Palm Beach Skate ZoneWest Palm Beach, FL2004-2012 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsPIPs American Dream5/3/20245/5/2024American DreamEast Rutherford, NJ2010- 2013 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsCCM Selects Training Camp - Notre Dame (Girls)5/3/20245/5/2024South Bend, IN2010-2016
OS Hockey2024 WHITECAPS CUP (HS)5/3/20245/5/2024MInneapolis, MNHigh School
Premier Ice ProspectsPremier Prospects Boston5/8/20245/10/2024The Edge Sports CenterBoston, MA2009-2010 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsPremier Prep Prospects5/9/20245/12/2024The Edge Sports CenterBoston, MA2009-2012 Birth Years
The Rose SeriesLow Country Classic5/9/20245/12/2024Charleston, SC2011 Birth Year
The Rose SeriesThe Battle at the Beach5/9/20245/12/2024Fort Meyers, FL2010 Birth Year
Premier Ice ProspectsTop Prospects5/17/20245/19/2024Jacksonville, FL2010 - 2013 Birth Year
Showcase Hockey2024 Independent Classic5/17/20245/19/2024MinnesotaGirls AAA (8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
The National Girls Hockey LeagueNGHL NCAA Goalie Clinic5/17/2024York, PA2006 - 2010 Birth Years
The National Girls Hockey LeagueNGHL NCAA Exposure Clinic5/18/20245/19/2024York, PA2006 - 2010 Birth Years
RUSH HockeyRUSH RISING STARS PRE-COLLEGE SHOWCASE5/31/20246/2/2024CAA Centre BramptonBrampton, ON2010 and 2011 Birth Years
RUSH HockeyRUSH ATOMIC CHALLENGE5/31/20246/2/2024CAA Centre BramptonBrampton, ON2012 and 2013 Birth Years
OS HockeyPROSPECTS/FUTURES WEEKEND 1 Camp5/31/20246/3/2024Bloomington Ice GardensMinneapolis, MN
Premier Ice ProspectsWestern Prospects Camp6/1/20246/3/2024Kraken Community IceplexSeattle, WA2007-2013 Birth Years
Fierce Edge AthleticsFierce ID Series - SHOWCASE EVENT6/2024Canlan OshawaOshawa, ON2010-2011 ; 2009-2007 + 06* (GRADUATION YEAR 2025) DIVISION
Ohio State UniversityMINNESOTA CAMP6/3/20246/7/2024St. Louis Park Rec Center St. Louis Park, MNGrad Years: 2026-2030
RinkSportSCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA Development Camp6/4/20246/7/2024
Premier Ice Prospects585 PIP Showcase6/7/20246/10/2024Tim Horton's IceplexRochester, NY2007-2009 Birth Years
RUSH HockeyRush College Showcase6/7/20246/10/2024CAA Centre BramptonBrampton, ON2006 - 2009 Birth Years
Showcase Hockey2024 AAA Summer Showdown6/7/20246/9/2024MinnesotaGirls AAA (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
The National Girls Hockey LeagueNGHL NCAA Exposure Camp in Newington, CT6/8/20246/9/2024Newington, CT2006 - 2010 Birth Years
Ohio State UniversityYOUTH CAMP6/10/20246/13/2024OSU Ice RinkColumbus, OHU8/U10 and U12 age level
Premier Ice ProspectsPREMIER PROSPECTS COMBINE6/11/20246/14/2024UPMC Sports ComplexCranberry, PA2010 - 2013 Birth Years
North American Female Elite ShowcaseThe Orion Top Prospects6/13/20246/16/2024Blaine, MN2007 - 2012 Birth Years
Fierce Edge AthleticsFIERCE FEMALE HOCKEY TOURNAMENT 20246/14/20246/16/2024Canlan OshawaOshawa, ONU9/ U11 (Tier 1 & Tier 2)/ U13 (Tier 1,Tier 2)
RinkSportRinkSport College Development Camp 6/15/20246/20/2024Babson CollegeBoston, MA2029 High School graduates or earlier
University of MinnesotaMINNESOTA GIRLS HOCKEY CAMPS6/17/20246/21/2024Mariucci ArenaMinneapolis, MN​​High School/ Varsity Camp #1 & #2
RinkSportBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS Development Camp6/20/20246/23/2024
Premier Ice ProspectsPIPs Rochester Tournament6/21/20246/23/2024Tim Horton's IceplexRochester, NY2010 - 2013 Birth Years Tier I (AAA)
North American Premier Women's ShowcaseNorth American Premier Women's Showcase College Division6/21/20246/23/2024Merrimack College Athletics ComplexNorth Andover, MABirth Years 2007-2011 (PG's also Allowed)
Princeton UniversityGIRLS ICE HOCKEY ELITE CAMP6/21/20246/23/2024Baker RinkPrinceton, NJEntering grades 10-12
Premier Ice ProspectsGIRLS ELITE PROSPECTS CAMP6/23/20246/27/2024Tim Horton's IceplexRochester, NY2011-2013 Birth Years
Premier Ice Prospects14U PROSPECTS CAMP6/23/20246/27/2024Tim Horton's IceplexRochester, NY2010 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsPROSPECTS GOALIE CAMP6/23/20246/27/2024Tim Horton's IceplexRochester, NY2008-2013 Birth Years
College Development ShowcaseGirls Camp6/23/20246/25/2024Ice DenHooksett, NHPlayers with birth years 2005-2010
The Rose SeriesBIOSTEEL WORLD INVITE6/24/20246/30/2024Toronto, ON2009 Birth Year
University of Wisconsin13 and Under Camp6/24/20246/28/2024LaBahn ArenaMadison, WI13 and under
RinkSportWASHINGTON , D. C. Development Camp6/24/20246/28/2024
University of MinnesotaMINNESOTA GIRLS HOCKEY CAMPS6/24/20246/26/2024Mariucci ArenaMinneapolis, MN10U &12U Camp
Ohio State UniversityHIGH SCHOOL ELITE CAMPS6/27/20246/29/2024OSU Ice RinkColumbus, OHGrad Years: 2026-2028
University of MinnesotaMINNESOTA GIRLS HOCKEY CAMPS6/27/20246/28/2024Mariucci ArenaMinneapolis, MNExposure Camp (ages 13,14)
RinkSportANCHORAGE, ALASKA Development Camp6/28/20246/30/2024
Premier Ice Prospects617 PIP SHOWCASE - BOSTON HARBOR STYLE7/1/20247/2/2024The Edge Sports CenterBedford, MA2025, '26. '27 Grad Years
Premier Ice ProspectsNORTHEAST PROSPECTS CAMP7/1/20247/2/2024The Edge Sports CenterBedford, MA2012 - 2015 Birth Years
Sacred Heart University PioneersGirls Ice Hockey High School Prospect Camp7/1/20247/3/2024Martire Family ArenaFairfield, CT Girls: 9th to 12th Grade
Princeton UniversityGIRLS ICE HOCKEY EXPOSURE ID CAMP7/6/20247/8/2024Baker RinkPrinceton, NJEntering grades 7-9
College Hockey ShowcasesCHS Cergy, France7/7/20247/11/2024Cergy, France2008-2013 Birth Years
Colgate University2024 COLGATE EXPOSURE CAMP | PRE-CAMP GOALIE'S ONLY7/7/20247/9/2024Colgate UniversityHamilton, NYGoalies Only. All Female players born between 2005-2009
The Rose SeriesWar for the Roses7/8/20247/13/2024Edmonton, Alberta2011 Birth Year
RinkSportEurope Camp7/8/20247/11/2024Madrid, Spain
Quinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac Women's Ice Hockey Girls Camp 7/8/20247/12/2024M&T Bank ArenaHamden, ConnAges: 6-13
Quinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac Women's Ice Hockey Girls Elite Clinic7/8/20247/12/2024M&T Bank ArenaHamden, ConnAges: rising 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grade
The Rose SeriesQueens of Vegas7/9/20247/12/2024Las Vegas, NV2013 Birth Year
Colgate University2024 COLGATE EXPOSURE CAMP | SESSION 17/9/20247/11/2024Colgate UniversityHamilton, NYAll Female players born between 2005-2009
University of Maine Women's Prospect Clinic7/10/20247/11/2024University of MaineOrono, MEGrades 8-12
The Rose SeriesPARK CITY SHOWDOWN7/11/20247/14/2024Park City, Utah2014 Birth Year
NAHANAHA COLLEGE SHOWCASE7/12/20247/14/2024Boston Sports InstituteWellesley, MA2025, '26, '27, '28 Grad Years
Colgate University2024 COLGATE EXPOSURE CAMP | SESSION 27/12/20247/14/2024Colgate UniversityHamilton, NYAll Female players born between 2005-2009
College Hockey ShowcasesSweden Girls High Performance Camp7/15/20247/26/2024Nyköpings Arenor RosvallaNyköping, Sweden2004-2011 Birth Years
University of Maine U16/19 High School Girls' Hockey Camp7/15/20247/18/2024University of MaineOrono, MEGrades 8-12
University of Maine U8/U10/U12 Girls' Hockey Day Camp7/15/20247/18/2024University of MaineOrono, MEU8/U10/U12 Skaters
Premier Ice ProspectsSOUTHERN PROSPECTS CAMP7/18/20247/21/2024Community First IglooJacksonville, FL2012 - 2015 Birth Years
RUSH HockeyBEANTOWN CLASSIC7/19/20247/21/2024New England Sports CenterMarlborough, MA2009 (08) - 2014 Birth Years,
200x85 TournamentsCCM Selects Beantown Women's Classic7/19/20247/21/2024Boston2008 - 2013
USA HockeyUSA Hockey Girls 16/17's Player Development Camp7/19/20247/24/2024Miami University Oxford, Ohio2007 & 2008 Birth Year
USA HockeyGirls National 2006 Training Camp (2006)7/19/20247/22/2024Miami University Oxford, Ohio2006 Birth Year
Clarkson UniversityClarkson Golden Knight Women's Hockey Prospect Camp 20247/21/20247/22/2024Cheel Campus Center and ArenaPotsdam, NY2007-2010 Birth Years
USA HockeyUSA Hockey Girls 15's Player Development Camp7/25/20247/30/2024Miami University Oxford, Ohio2009 Birth Year
RUSH HockeyBEANTOWN CLASSIC7/26/20247/28/2024New England Sports CenterMarlborough, MAU19, College / Super Series
OS HockeyPROSPECTS/FUTURES WEEKEND 2 Camp7/28/20247/30/2024Braemar ArenaMInneapolis, MN
Mercyhurst UniversityDIVISION I WOMEN'S HOCKEY ELITE CAMP7/30/20247/31/2024Mercyhurst UniversityErie, PA2006 to 2009 birth year
USA Hockey2024 Women's National Festival8/2024TBD
Pre-Prep ShowcasePre-Prep Showcase8/1/20248/4/2024New England Sports CenterMarlborough, MABirth Years: 2009, 2010 & 2011
University of Minnesota DuluthMinnesota Duluth High School Elite Camp8/1/20248/4/2024Amsoil ArenaDuluth, MNAny and all high school girls (grad years 2025-2028) are invited
Showcase Hockey2024 International Cup8/2/20248/4/2024MinnesotaGirls AAA (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
OS Hockey2024 TRADITION CUP8/2/20248/4/2024Braemar ArenaMInneapolis, MNCollege Level
RinkSportLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Development Camp8/2/20248/5/2024
USA HockeyUSA Hockey Girls Under 18 Player Development Camp8/4/20248/9/2024Miami University Oxford, Ohio2007, 2008, 2009 Birth Year
University of WisconsinHigh School Elite Camp8/4/20248/8/2024LaBahn ArenaMadison, WIHigh School
NCD CampsGIRLS NCDC COLLEGE DEVELOPMENT CAMP8/5/20248/7/2024New England Sports CenterMarlborough, MA2025, '26, '27, '28 Grad Years
Brown UniversityBROWN WOMEN’S HOCKEY ELITE SUMMER CAMP8/5/20248/7/2024Brown UniversityProvidence, RIHigh school students entering grades 9-12. Therefore, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 high school graduates.
RUSH HockeyRUSH Hockey High Performance8/9/20248/11/2024CAA Centre BramptonBrampton, ONU11 - U22 AA
OS Hockey2024 OS SHOOTOUT8/10/20248/13/2024Bloomington Ice Garden and Braemar Ice ArenaMInneapolis, MNU8-U19
Showcase Hockey2024 Easton AAA Cup Tournament8/16/20248/18/2024MinnesotaGirls AAA (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
The National Girls Hockey LeagueNGHL NCAA Clinic8/22/2024Northford, CT2006 - 2010 Birth Years
College of the Holy CrossHoly Cross Women's Ice Hockey Clinics8/22/20248/23/2024Hart CenterWorcester, MA14-19 Years Old
Showcase Hockey2024 Summer Finale8/23/20248/25/2024MinnesotaGirls AAA (8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
The National Girls Hockey LeagueDawg Days of Summer - Red8/23/20248/25/2024Northford, CT12U-19U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueDawg Days of Summer - Futures8/23/20248/22/2024Newington, CT12U
Premier Ice ProspectsLabor Day Girls Fest8/30/20249/1/2024Pittsburgh, PA14U, 16U/17U and 19U Tier I (AAA)/Canadian AA
The National Girls Hockey LeagueLabor Day Challenge - Futures8/30/20249/1/2024Cromwell, CT12U
OneHockeyOneHockey Sacred Heart University8/30/20249/2/2024Sacred Heart University Martire Family ArenaFairfield, CT Girls 12U Tier I & II
NAHANAHA Labor Day Tournament8/30/20249/1/2024Boston, MAU14, U16, U19
The National Girls Hockey LeagueLabor Day Challenge - Blue8/31/20249/2/2024Cromwell, CT12U-19U
Premier Ice ProspectsFrieda Falcon Girls Fest9/6/20249/8/2024Slater Family Ice ArenaBowling Green, OH12U USA Tier I / CAN A
RUSH HockeyNORTH HALTON RUSH9/6/20249/8/2024CAA Centre BramptonNorth Halton, ONU11-U18 AA/A/BB/B
Showcase Hockey2024 Warrior Cup AAA9/6/20249/8/2024MinnesotaGirls AAA (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
Stoney CreekU18 AA Showcase9/6/20249/8/2024Hamilton, ONU18 AA
Stoney CreekUniversity Showcase9/13/20249/15/2025Hamilton, ONU22 AA
Stoney CreekU15 AA Showcase9/20/20249/22/2024Hamilton, ONU15 AA
The National Girls Hockey LeagueFall Classic - Futures East9/27/20249/29/2024Syracuse, NY10U & 12U
Premier Ice ProspectsCapital Cup Girls Fest10/12/202410/14/2024Northern VA19U through 10U Tier II
The National Girls Hockey LeagueFall Classic - Red10/12/202410/14/2024Syracuse, NY14U-19U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueColumbus Day Showcase10/12/202410/14/2024Pittsburgh, PA14U-19U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueFall Classic - Futures West10/12/202410/14/2024Chicago, IL10U & 12U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueFall In CT, Futures10/12/202410/14/2024Connecticut10U & 12U
Girls Elite Hockey2024 TRADITION NIT10/18/202410/20/2024Blaine, MNU16 and U19
Premier Ice ProspectsRoc City Girls Fest10/25/202410/27/2024Rochester, NY19U through 10U
RUSH HockeyTWO NATIONS COLLEGE PREP SERIES10/25/202410/27/2024Detroit, MI19U through 12U Tier 1; U13-U21 AA
Premier Ice ProspectsRoc City Girls Fest11/1/202411/3/2024Rochester, NY19U through 10U Tier I (AAA), Tier II (AA), Tier III (A)
RUSH HockeyBUFFALO RUSH HOCKEY INFERNO11/1/202411/3/2024Buffalo, NYGirls Tier 1/Tier 2 (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
RUSH HockeyArizona RUSH Matt Shott Memorial11/8/202411/10/2024Arizona, USAGirls Tier 1/Tier 2 (10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
National Sports CenterAll American Girls Hockey Tournament11/8/202411/10/2024NSC-Super Rink (Blaine)Blaine, MNGirls U10A,B U12A,B U15A
The National Girls Hockey LeagueNGHL Ann Arbor11/15/202411/17/2024Ann Arbor, MI14U - 19U Tier 1
Premier Ice ProspectsBurgh Thanksgiving Girls Fest11/22/202411/24/2024Pittsburgh, PA19U through 10U Tier I (AAA), Tier II (AA), Tier III (A)
Premier Ice ProspectsSmashville Girls Fest11/22/202411/24/2024Nashville, TN19U through 10U Tier I (AAA), Tier II (AA), Tier III (A)
The National Girls Hockey LeagueNorthern Classic11/22/202411/24/2024Utica, NY10U, 12U, 14U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueMile High Invitational - Blue11/29/202412/1/2024Denver, CO12U-19U
RUSH HockeyTWO NATIONS COLLEGE PREP SERIES12/6/202412/8/2024Brampton, ON19U through 12U Tier 1; U13-U21 AA
College Hockey ShowcasesBoise Breakaway Showcase12/13/202412/15/2024Boise, Idaho2007-2011 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsErie White Out Weekend12/13/202412/15/2024Erie, PA12U and 10U Tier I (AAA), Tier II (AA)
Youth Hockey Hub2024 DANGLEFEST12/28/202412/31/2024NSC-Super Rink (Blaine)Blaine, MNGirls U10A, U10B, U12A, U12B, U15A, & U15B
The National Girls Hockey LeagueWinter Classic, Futures1/3/20251/5/2025Princeton, NJ10U & 12U
Premier Ice ProspectsMrs. Hockey® Invite1/17/20251/20/2025Ft Lauderdale, FL12U Girls - Tier 1 & Tier 2
Premier Ice ProspectsFort Laudy Daudy Showcase1/17/20251/20/2025Ft Lauderdale, FL19U through 14U Tier 1
RUSH HockeyFlorida RUSH1/17/20251/20/2025Palm Beach Skate ZoneWest Palm Beach, FLGirls Tier 1/Tier 2/ Tier 3 (12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
The National Girls Hockey LeagueMLK Winter Classic - Blue1/18/20251/20/2025Haverhill, MA12U, 14U, 16U, and 19U
The National Girls Hockey LeagueMLK Winter Classic - Red1/18/20251/20/2025Philadelphia, PA14-19U Tier 1
The National Girls Hockey LeagueRed Division Champsionship1/31/20252/2/2025Rockland, MA14-19U Tier 1
RUSH HockeyTEXAS RUSH2/7/20252/9/2025StarCenter Valley Ranch Ice RinkDallas, TXGirls Tier 1/Tier 2 (12U, 14U, 16U, 19U)
The National Girls Hockey LeagueFutures Championship2/7/20252/9/2025Hershey, PA10U & 12U
Stoney CreekSweetheart Tournament2/7/20252/10/2025Hamilton, ONU9 through U22
The National Girls Hockey LeagueBlue Division Champsionship2/15/20252/17/2025St. Louis, MO14-19U Tier 1
Midwest Womem's Collegiate HockeyExposure Camp6/14/20256/15/2025Cornerstone Ice ArenaDePere, WisconsinGrade 10, Grade 11, or Grade 12
Premier Ice Prospects480 SHOWCASE - DESERT STYLE7/12/20257/24/2025Mullett ArenaTempe, AZ2007 - 2009 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsSOUTHWEST PROSPECTS7/13/20257/15/2025Mullett ArenaTempe, AZ2010- 2013 Birth Year
Premier Ice ProspectsCCM Futures Camp7/19/20257/21/2025East Lansing, MI2011 Birth Year
Premier Ice ProspectsCCM Girls 68 (14U)8/7/20258/11/2025Chicago, IL2010 Birth Year
Premier Ice Prospects615 PIP SHOWCASE - MUSIC CITY STYLE8/8/20258/11/2025Predators' Ford Ice CenterBellevue, TN2010 - 2011 Birth Years
Premier Ice ProspectsCCM Futures Camp8/16/20258/18/2025Niagara Falls, ON2011 Birth Year
Premier Ice ProspectsNIAGARA FALLS PROPSPECTS CAMP8/16/20258/18/2025Gale Centre ArenaNiagara Falls, ON2007 - 2011 Birth Years
Merrimack CollegeMerrimack Womens Ice Hockey ClinicsLawler ArenaNorth Andover, MAEntering grades 9-12
Categories
2023 Development Camp Girls Hockey Player Development Women's Hockey

The USA Hockey 2023 Girls 16/17 Camp Feedback Process – Part II

My Recommendations

Read Part I Here

Feedback is a gift.
Giving feedback is hard.

Having led performance feedback to dozens (if not hundreds) of people I’ve managed in business, I recognize it is one of the most challenging interactions to conduct in my career.  At the same time, I was taught how to take it seriously and learned many of the best practices to ensure a positive outcome from the process for both parties.  

It is pretty clear from the parent meeting at the 16/17 Girls camp (and the letter that accompanied the feedback/rating letter) that USA Hockey  wants to make no doubt that they are providing a variety of different levels of feedback for each player at the national camps. The details of this feedback were clearly explained in Part I on this topic.

And it is important to recognize that they really do care about giving feedback – because they have dedicated time and resources to the process.  I also wanted to also acknowledge that is takes a non-trivial amount of effort to provide detailed feedback to about 400 players across 4 major camps each summer.

At the same time, I’ve spent a ton of time thinking about this topic trying to figure out why almost everyone I have spoken with is disappointed with the USA Hockey Girls National Camp selection and feedback process. And here is what I came up with…

At the end of the day, the current process does not solve the unmet need of the players – which is to have actionable direction on their highest priority development areas. This is because the robustness of the feedback is not commensurate with the level of commitment and investment the players put into making, preparing and attending the camp.

And my reason for this is the following:

The feedback is too generic. For almost all the players, it’s just too simplistic/superficial without personalized examples and not actionable enough.

Here are my recommendations:

  1. Standardize a More Robust Process – The coaches should go through a training session on how the process works and what the expectations are from the coach on the process, content & delivery. All players should receive player-specific information using a common format, but with player-specific examples in the review. While the coaches should have flexibility to adapt the process to their style, each performance review (in addition to the attribute ratings mentioned in Part I) would require the feedback to include each of the following….
  2. Include Player-Specific Key Statistics (e.g. pass completion rates or turnover rates). Nothing is more powerful than data. Being able to show a player how they compared on key attributes compared to their peers makes things much clearer. This became quite evident to me in my analysis of the 16/17 Camp forwards and defenders.
  3. Support with Player-Specific Video Clips  –  showing a player exactly what they do well and how/when they make mistakes provides “hard-to-argue” credibility to the stats and the coach’s feedback. This would likely use a video analytics system like Instat/Hudl so each player’s shifts could be coded.
  4. Prioritize Key Areas to Focus OnDarryl Belfry consistently talks about High Frequency – Low Success Rate Situations.  Video and statistical analysis will surface these situations. Then a coach should be using them to focus on a limited number of these game patterns to prioritize (3-5) situations/skills for a player to work on.

These four recommendations would require a significantly greater amount of time and resources than the current effort being done at the USA Hockey girls camps. There may not be time to aggregate everything during that week.  But the feedback session does not need to occur at the camp. It can be done a week or two after the camp via a video-call.  What matters most is that the players are getting their needs met as to where to focus and improve as a player.  Ideally, there would be someone in leadership who was solely responsible for player development and not directly associated with the selections for the U18 camp or team. I know it can be done, because I have seen first-hand more robust feedback processes on the boys side at both the USA Hockey and junior hockey levels.

Final Thoughts

The best organizations focus relentlessly on their customers. One of the biggest ways to ensure these organizations are meeting the needs of their customers is to ask them for feedback. Specifically their overall satisfaction with a question like “Would you recommend [product/service] to a friend or colleague?” followed by “Why?”. In my few years interacting with USA Hockey both as a coach and a parent, I have never been asked for my feedback on the programs I’ve been been engaged with. In essence, USA Hockey has a monopoly on the national team programs so it is understandable that they may not need to be as customer-centric as an Amazon or an Apple. But, if leadership for USA Hockey female national camps wants to continuously improve their program, just like their players do, it would be great if they solicited their own feedback on areas they can improve as an organization. Who knows…maybe getting the gift of feedback on themselves may translate to improved performance on the ice?

Feel free to send feedback on our posts or Champs App to [email protected]

Categories
2023 Development Camp Hockey Tryouts Junior Hockey

What I Learned Attending My First Junior Hockey Main Camp

Last month, my 15-year old son was invited to the main camp of a NAHL team in Minnesota.  This was the follow-on event from a Summer Tryout showcase in June, hosted by several NAHL teams, in which my son was invited to attend the July main camp at the end of the showcase.  Here are some details that I learned from the camp:

  • The camp started with 8 teams of up to 22 players – each with 12 or 13 forwards, 6 or 7 D and 2 goalies
  • All the players at the camp were 2003-2007 birth years.  My son is a late 2007, so obviously, he was one of the youngest players at the camp.
  • Each team played 3 games consisting of two 25 minute periods with a running clock.
  • To keep things flowing, icings and most offsides were almost never called. And any puck which touched the netting and returned to the ice did not stop the play.  When the very odd penalty was called, a penalty shot was granted.
  • With 13 forwards, unless you started the game, a forward typically only got 6-8 shifts per game.  This was because everything eats into the running time, goals, faceoffs, penalty shots etc.  Most players were taking ~75 second shifts. So when you do the math with four lines, a forward only received 3-4 shifts per period. Not a lot of time to show what you can do.
  • After 3 games, the first players cut took place with the list of players making it to the next day posted on Instagram and Twitter.  The announcement just showed the team colors and numbers of players who made the cut – no names were listed.
  • Out of the ~160 players who started the camp, 99 players made the first cut. My son was on the list, so he would play 2 more games the next day.
  • The next day the players were then assigned to one of 6 teams. Once again each team had up to 22 players (13F, 7D, 2 G).
  • What was confusing to me was if there were only 99 players who made the cut and the teams reduced to 6, how could there be so many players on each of the 6 teams? That’s when things got real. What I learned was that the first part of camp did not include all the players on the team’s protected list. So about 30 players – made up of players from the past season, draft picks etc. were then added to the rosters of the 6 teams.
  • While there were a few players with half-shields (usually you have to be over 18 to play with a visor) playing the first couple of days of the camp, that number more than doubled for the second round.  In addition, I was impressed by how many of the players also had moustaches to enhance their hockey player look.
  • The age, skill and size of the average player went up dramatically from the first round of games. For one of the games, my son’s linemate was a 2003 player committed to play DI hockey.   The difference in size and skill was obvious. Man vs. boy.
  • While my son played well in both games, including a solid assist to set up the DI player’s goal, he clearly did not have the size or speed of the top players on the ice.  As a result, he made a few mistakes turning over the puck along the boards or missing passes when under pressure.
  • Following the two second-round games, we once again looked online at the end of the day and reviewed who made the next set of cuts. 
  • 81 players (out of ~130)  made it to the All-Star games with a separate 20 players moved to something called the Young Guns Game at the end of the next day.  My son was not selected for either games, so his tryout was done.
  • The next day the All Star games took place.  After they were done, 27 All Star cuts were assigned to the Young Guns Game.
  • We didn’t stick around for the last two days, so I can’t provide any details about the games (LiveBarn feed was blacked out after the first cut).
  • However, I do know that 44 players made the cut for the final All Star Game which included 6 goalies (couldn’t tell how many F vs. D).  Not sure if the team was finalized after the last game or if about 30 of the players then were invited to training camp for the final team cut.

 Some additional thoughts:

  • One real positive aspect of the camp was that the coaches made it clear that all players who were cut could reach out for feedback when the camp was over.  My son had a phone call with one of the coaches and received  helpful feedback (which was much more specific than what my daughter received has from the USA Hockey Camps)
  • This was a great learning experience for my son to see the level of play of the NAHL. The NAHL is known to be an older Tier II junior league with the average player age of about 19.5 years old. So seeing where my son needs to be in the next 2-3 years was an eye-opening moment for him and seems to be quite motivating to him.
  • This spring/summer my son received dozens of invitations to a variety of junior camps at every level (USHL, NAHL, Tier 3 etc.).  I have heard that unless you were drafted by the team or know that a team has specific interested in you, that most of these invites are just a way for teams to make money. I felt I could see this at the camp.  There probably wasn’t a need to have so many players at the first round of cuts with so many players on each team.  Just doing the math on the ~60 players who did not make the first cut @ $375/player is over $20K in the team’s pockets. That is on top of the money they made at the 3 summer tryouts.
  • Each player needs to decide what is right for them, but it is very easy to waste a lot of money (and time) attending multiple events. You need to be realistic about your odds of making a team and self-aware about how close you are to the level of play needed.  We went to see what the level was and learn from the experience – and now we know. And for the next couple of years I don’t expect my son to be trying out for many teams until we think he is ready and there is a reasonable chance he could at least make it to the final round of cuts (if not make the team).
Categories
2023 Development Camp Girls Hockey Player Development Women's College Hockey Women's Hockey

Analyzing the USA Hockey Girls 16/17 Camp Forward Selections for the U18 Camp

USA-Hockey

The is the second analysis I have done about the selections for the USA Hockey Girls U18 Camp which took place last week. The first was about the defenders picked to go to the U18 Camp. Now that the selections of the forwards from U18 Camp to go to the Women’s Festival were announced a few days ago, it makes this analysis even more interesting because none of the top 3 point-getters from either the Girls 16/17 Camp nor the U18 Camp were selected to advance to the next stage in the process.

WHAT?

Similar to the previous post, rather than engage in a subjective discussion on who was selected, I thought it might be helpful to collect some analytical data and metrics to understand how top players performed at the 16/17 camp and compare them to a couple of the players who weren’t selected.

WHY?

When you don’t select the top 3 point-getters from either Girls 16/17 Camp or the U18 Camp, there are bound to be a lot of folks who wonder what the selection criteria is for making it to the next stage of USA Hockey. I don’t know the answer to that question. But I can analyze the video of each shift for several of the top players picked and not picked to see if there is an obvious difference between the two segments. The purpose of this post is not to say who did or did not deserve to be selected to the U18 Camp. Instead, it is to help provide perspective and context to other players and parents the types of metrics that demonstrate the level of play needed to be selected.  And ideally, individual players do their own self-analysis to see how they compare.

HOW?

I watched and coded specific attributes for every shift in all 4 games for every player in this analysis using the USA Hockey TV footage. I collected more metrics than are listed below, but I feel that the attributes shown, provide the right amount and level of data to gain an understanding of the level of play for this position. Note: Sometimes the live stream footage didn’t always focus on the area of the ice where the play was taking place, so it is very likely the odd play may have not been accounted for.

WHO?

Here is the list of the 13 players selected to go to the 18’s camp

Since I only had the time to watch 5 players – I watched 3 selected forwards plus 2 top players who weren’t selected. Those 3 forwards represented a mix of the forward selections.  I am not identifying the names of any players because singling out any individual player is not my objective.  For full transparency, in this analysis I do know the parents of one of the players.

SO WHAT?

Do I think the 5 selected were in the Top 10 forwards at the camp, almost certainly. Do I think there are 3-5 other players that could easily have been selected instead – also, almost certainly. There is no algorithm to calculate and rank the top players. I don’t know the selection criteria, so whatever they may be (whether well-structured or not) at the end of the day what matters is results. As stated in the parents meeting, the results of the last two U18 World Championships was not the result USA Hockey wanted – so we will see if the current process yields better results.

THE ANALYSIS

2023 USA Hockey Girls 16-17 Camp Analytics for Forwards Selected to Advance to the U18 Girls Camp

Note: Players 1-3 were selected to go to the U18 Girls Camp – Players 4 & 5 were not selected

Some notes on the tracked attributes:

  • Takeaways = a one-on-one situation where the player gains control of the puck from directly challenging the other player
  • Giveaways = full change of possession to the other team (e.g. a missed pass, dump in/out, rim or redirected puck)
  • OZone entries = skating across the blue line with full possession of the puck
  • Team Shots For/Against do not include shot attempts that did not reach the net. Only SOGs were included.
  • I am not including the point stats or PIMs for any player since they can already be found on the USA Hockey website
  • There were additional attributes I tracked like “faceoffs won” but they indirectly show up in other higher-order key metrics. Since not all the forwards played center, I didn’t include the faceoff attribute.  But I did want to note, that one player was very good at faceoffs while another was not.  The one that won most of their faceoffs did see that reflected in other measurement areas since many faceoff wins led to greater possession time.

OTHER THOUGHTS

  • From all the players and games I’ve watched, it seems (and it’s only natural) that really good plays are rewarded disproportionately more than their equivalent poor plays are punished (e.g. creating a “wow” scoring chance vs. causing a “wow” scoring chance for the other team). Forwards tend not to surrender many negative scoring chances unless they are somewhat negligent defensively.  So, it seems likely that creating offense is highly disproportionately weighted in player evaluation.
  • Not all players gave the same defensive effort throughout a game, whether it is being tired or laziness.  But over the course of four games, it was pretty clear who consistently tried to play a 200-foot game (vs. cheating a little defensively or taking some shortcuts).
  • Scouting and evaluating is not an exact science.  In my humble opinion, most of the scouts/coaches don’t watch any player enough to really get the full picture.  It is sampling data – and while it is directionally correct, when there are many players within a close band it is hard to discern who is absolutely the “best” player. And who you pick may vary when you are building a team for a short tournament and need different types of players. 
  • After watching over 20 hours of individual game footage, this process is somewhat exhausting. It takes a lot of work to watch and tag each type of play. I can’t imagine being a scout and trying to watch 10 skaters live on the ice throughout an entire game.  At the same time, the insights are quite valuable.  I hope that college scouts leverage Instat to watch players individual shifts (if a club/prep team uses Instat) to evaluate the full body of their work rather than just sampling one or two periods of a game during a tournament or showcase weekend. To me, it is hard to watch multiple players in a game rather than on just one player at a time.
  • Note: We are still waiting to on the written feedback and letter rating that we were told all players would receive.  If you are a player or parent from 16/17 Camp who has a received this feedback, please reach out and let me know. Update: We did receive the USA Hockey Feedback on July 27th – I will be writing up my thoughts on the feedback process in a upcoming post.
Categories
2023 College Hockey Recruiting Development Camp Girls Hockey Women's College Hockey

Insights on the Class of 2025 Recruiting Efforts of a DI Head Coach

During my time in Oxford, Ohio at the USA Hockey Girls 16/17 Camp I had the opportunity to ask a non-Top 10 DI Head Coach a bunch of Class of 2025 recruiting questions.  Specifically, I wanted to better understand the specifics of how the coaching staff actually went about securing commitments for the incoming class of 2025.  Here is a summary of what I learned about that school’s recruiting efforts…

  • Over a the first few days that coaches were allowed to talk to the Class of 2025 (beginning on June 15th) the coaching staff reached out to ~15-18 players and offered them spots on the team.
  • These players would be considered the highest rated players for 2025 according to the coach. 
  • The coach explained that the top players are likely getting multiple offers on June 15th (or thereabouts) and in order for many schools to be competitive with these in-demand players, the teams need to make offers immediately.
  • The coach told me that most of the players had never contacted their school – so the school was being proactive in reaching out to the players without knowing if the players had any interest in their school.
  • In addition to the players that received immediate offers, the coaching staff reached out to another set of 15-18 players to express an interest in those players and to understand if the players interest reciprocated. 
  • During the weeks following June 15th, the staff is continuing to have conversations with this second tier of potential recruits.  Based on how many commits the school receives from the top tier players, then conversations and visits are likely to progress deeper with the next level of recruits
  • Once again, the way I understood it, a large number of the next level of recruits that were contacted had not necessarily reached out to the school directly prior to June 15th.
  • The coach then explained that their recruiting efforts are likely to progress into the fall and winter. If there were spots still open after working through the first two levels in the funnel of potential recruits, then again, they will continue to scout and reach out/respond to individual players that might meet the requirements for the remaining roles on the team. This might be by position or specific type of players (e.g. goal scorer vs. puck-moving D).
  • The coach also reinforced that the coaching staff was recruiting heavily in both Canada and the U.S. and that one of the challenges was being able to calibrate players between the two countries.  This is likely because there are only a few events that in-season teams from both side of the border compete against each other (e.g. Stoney Creek, PIP Labor Day Fest and USA-Canada Cup).
  • Note: To-date I have not heard of any 2025 players publicly announce committing to the school in question

A Few Thoughts After the First Two Days of the 2023 USA Hockey Girls 16/17 Development Camp

More Thoughts on the 2023 USA Hockey 16/17 Girls Development Camp

Categories
2023 Development Camp Girls Hockey Player Development

Analyzing the USA Hockey Girls 16/17 Camp Defense Selections for the U18 Camp

As I mentioned in my previous post about USA Hockey Girls 16/17 Camp, there was a a mix of perspectives on the selections for 18’s camp.

WHAT?

Rather than engage in a subjective discussion on who was selected, I thought it might be helpful to collect some analytical data and metrics to understand how top players performed at the camp.

WHY?

The purpose of this post is not to say who did or did not deserve to be selected to the U18 Camp. Instead, it is to help provide perspective and context to other players and parents the types of metrics that demonstrate the level of play needed to be selected.  And ideally, individual players do their own self-analysis to see how they compare.

HOW?

I watched and coded specific attributes for every shift in all 4 games for every player in this analysis using the USA Hockey TV footage. I collected more metrics than are listed below, but I feel that the attributes shown, provide the right amount and level of data to gain an understanding of the level of play for this position. Note: Sometimes the live stream footage didn’t always focus on the area of the ice where the play was taking place, so it is very likely the odd play may have not been accounted for.

WHO?

Here is the list of the 13 players selected to go to the 18’s camp

For D analysis, I included the 3 players selected plus another ‘top D’ player who was not selected. I am not identifying the names of any players because singling out any individual player is not my objective.  However, I can say, that I personally do not know any of the players or their parents that were included in this analysis.

SO WHAT?

Based on my analysis, I don’t have any issues with the D selections since measuring defense is not an exact science.  I am sure there were other players for whom there is an argument they could have been selected instead – but the differences are hard to discern in just 4 games and I don’t expect the selection committee to be perfect in only picking players based on their game performance.

All selected players made several really good plays (both offensively and defensively) in their four games – many of which were ‘highlight worthy’.  At the same time, these same players made multiple, significant turnovers/mistakes which resulted in high scoring chances for the other team. This goes to show you that none of the D were anywhere close to being perfect. But overall their consistency over 4 games is what you can see in the metrics.

THE ANALYSIS

Note: Players 1-3 were selected to go to the U18 Girls Camp – Player 4 was not selected

Some notes on the tracked attributes:

  • Offensive Shot Attempts does not mean the shot made it to the net – as mentioned in my previous post, I estimate almost 80% of all point shots were blocked or missed the net.
  • Turnover = full change of possession to the other team (e.g. a missed pass, dump in/out, rim or redirected puck)
  • I am not including the point stats or PIMs for any player since they can already be found on the USA Hockey website
  • Note: With only 4.1 goals per game combined between both teams, all the top players played strong defensively and were not on the ice for many goals.  This can be seen in their “On-ice goals for/goals against ratio” (this is different from the traditional +/- stat). 
  • There were additional attributes I tracked like offensive zone entries and good defensive plays. In addition metrics like pass attempts or turnovers could be segmented further by situation – however, given the outcome based of the measurements presented here, I feel they are a good representation of how each player played.

Finally, yes, I did a similar analysis for my daughter’s games (for her eyes only). And we are using the results to prioritize her summer development plan.

NEXT ANALYSIS

I have already started working analyzing the Forwards who were picked for the U18 Camp. This is a little more complicated since there were 5 forwards selected. I will not be doing goalies, because I don’t feel qualified to do so – and as mentioned previously, from what I’ve been told by goalie experts, there is a huge weight given to one-on-one time spent with an evaluator to judge goalies.

Categories
2023 Development Camp Girls Hockey Player Development Women's Hockey

A Few Thoughts After the First Two Days of the 2023 USA Hockey Girls 16/17 Development Camp

Read Part II: More Thoughts on the 2023 USA Hockey 16/17 Girls Development Camp here

  • The new location at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio is superb. Arena is outstanding, campus is beautiful and facilities are all close to each other.  Big upgrade from St Cloud.
  • Camp seems very well organized and excellent use of technology to keep players and parents informed
  • Parent meeting with Kristen (Wright) Sagaert discussing the process of player feedback and letter grades sounded very promising. Hopefully the execution delivers on the expectations that were set.
  • Jerseys are pretty nice. Still no names on the girls jerseys, but boys 17s camp going on concurrently have them
  • Playing on NHL sized rink this year – noticeable difference in time and space for players compared to the Olympic sized rinks in St Cloud
  • Quality of hockey is a little more team oriented and a slightly higher pace than what I saw last week at the showcase in Rochester.
  • Different experience watching in person than via streaming, games seems much faster in person.
  • Many college coaches watching the first day, but not as many as I expected. 
  • Saw at least a couple of DI head coaches who don’t normally go to tournaments or showcases, but are here.
  • At least 5 coaches were previous Champs App podcast guests  🙂
  • Delayed offsides were permitted on the first day. Interesting that they aren’t following USA Hockey rules.
  • First day averaged a little under 5 minutes of penalties per game, which is only about 10% of the game time (46 minutes). So far that seems quite reasonable compared to past years

Note: The details of the camp are very similar to the 15’s Player Development Camp that I previous wrote about in two parts

Update: Forgot to mention that the in-arena DJ is very good. Not the same music as every other rink. Plus the penalty-specific tunes are spot on.

Read Part II: More Thoughts on the 2023 USA Hockey 16/17 Girls Development Camp here

Also: Analyzing the USA Hockey Girls 16/17 Camp Defense Selections for the U18 Camp – Champs App

USA-Hockey