Hockey Recruiting - Factors to Consider

Checklist of Factors to Consider in the Selection of a College Hockey Program:
•    Winning tradition of the team
•    Interest shown by coaching staff
•    Graduation rate of players
•    The availability of a desired major
•    Academic support services
•    An opportunity to play as a freshman or sophomore
•    Honesty of the coaching staff
•    Relationship with the recruiting coach
•    Geographical location of the college
•    College’s academic standing or reputation
•    Social life on campus
•    Personality and makeup of team members
•    Student population of college
•    Appearance of college campus
•    Hockey facility
•    Credential and credibility of the head coach
•    Attendance at home games
•    Media exposure of team and hockey program
•    Conference affiliation
•    Home visitation by head coach or assistant coach

Checklist of Considerations of College Hockey Coaching Staff(s):
•    Did they develop a honest relationship from the very first contact?
•    Did they demonstrate a sincere interest; making every contact as positive as possible?
•    Did they stress the importance of both hockey and academics?  Caution: Never slight the academic reputation of a college.
•    On your visitation to the college, did they attempt to match each prospect with a team member (host), having similar personality traits and interests?
•    Did they develop a relationship between your parents and hockey coaches?
•    Did they ensure an in-depth tour of the hockey facility during the visitation? And give yourself every opportunity to interact with as many hockey related people as possible?
 

Official Visitation Checklist
•    Meeting with a faculty member in your major course of study
•    Meeting with the team’s academic advisor
•    Tour of the campus
•    Tour of the hockey facility
•    Meeting and interaction with the coaching staff
•    Exposure and experience of the social life of the college
•    One-on-one meeting with the head coach
•    Interaction with present members of the team
•    Tour of the academic facilities
•    Meeting with strength and conditioning coach.  In addition, check out all medical facilities provided to the team.
•    Have the opportunity to attend a class or two
•    Have the opportunity to interact with non-hockey playing student