November 9, 2005
Second Thoughts: Recruiting
by Chris Dilks/Columnist
College hockey recruiting can be a difficult process for coaches, as well as confusing for fans. But with the early-signing period for recruits now here, luckily, I've simplified things for everyone with a short test that will help match players to the right school for their needs.
1. How old are you?
A) My mom has to take me to PG-13 movies
B) My fake ID almost looks real
C) Will there be daycare for my kids at practices?
2. How are your stats?
A) Rated first by USHR, ISS, CSB, etc.
B) Almost good enough to hide the fact that I'm 5-foot-2
C) My first four years of juniors weren't that great, but I really tore up the league last year
3. How about your test scores?
A) B- in Social Studies. Did I mention that whole rated first thing
B) As high as you need them to be
C) Good enough to slide through with a degree in business so I can start selling insurance after I'm done playing
4. Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
A) Being called up from Hartford to New York while my agent works on my new contract
B) Making other coaches kick themselves every weekend for not recruiting me
C) Just hitting my stride on the third line
5. Who else is competing for your services?
A) Well this ex-NHL player keeps telling me that CHL is the only way to get to the pros
B) Whoever makes the best scholarship offer
C) Life after hockey
Results
If you answered mostly A: You're a certified blue-chippah. Start picking a "family advisor" and shoot an email to Red Berenson and Jerry York so they can start lavishing you with the attention you deserve as a genetic lottery winner.
If you answered mostly B: You're a sleeper. People may not know who you are now, but Coach Owens or Coach Schafer will help make you a household name.
If you answered mostly C: You're a grinder. It's time to drop the dreams of being the next Wayne Gretzky and start researching state schools in locales you've never heard of. The bad news is that you'll end up with more bruises from blocked shots than goals, but the good news is that as a 21 year old freshman, you're pretty much guaranteed to be the most popular guy in your dorm.
(more Second Thoughts can be found here)
