People
who are close to the game realize something that the casual fan may not
be aware of. There is no such thing as an “offseason.” The business of
junior hockey is a twelve-month endeavor with eyes always looking
forward, seeking the players who will one day have the privilege of
wearing the RoadRunner logo.
The
RoadRunners have a small battalion of dedicated scouts who are
constantly on the lookout for the caliber of player who will gel with
the vision and goals of RoadRunner hockey. It’s not always about finding
the player that scores the most goals. A player’s character goes a long
way and can make the difference between being invited to Topeka or
staying home. Our scouts are almost never in the spotlight but are a
vital part of the operation. The RoadRunner coaches attend various
events throughout the season, and in the summer as well, to help
identify and recruit these players.
Not
every skater who comes to camp expects to make the team. A lot of
players who are a year or two away from eligibility will attend to
measure themselves against some of the older, better players. The
benefit of attending a camp is opportunity. A player will be seen not
only by the RoadRunners staff but also coaches and scouts from Tier 3
and Midget AAA teams who attend. This affords even more options for
players who can’t quite crack the Topeka roster but can still contribute
to a team in a different league.
The
RoadRunners have two camps planned this summer. This first, held in
Somerset, WI, is termed a “pre-draft” camp because it is exactly that; a
camp for players to show their skills before the NAHL Entry Draft on
June 4, 2013. It is an open camp, meaning that players from anywhere are
welcome to register and attend. The number of attendees can vary but
generally over 100 skaters will attend. The players get divided into
several teams, play a number of games while scouts and coaches watch and
appraise. From these games, players who have stood out over the weekend
are selected for two all-star teams and given an extra opportunity to
impress during a final game on the last day of camp. After the all-star
game, coaches meet with the players for personal exit interviews. A
one-on-one opportunity for players to receive constructive criticism and
advice from the coaching staff.
And
as with everything that the RoadRunners do, the Pre-Draft Camp is a
complete team effort. Scouts help coach during games, members of the
regular season off-ice-official crew keep score and run the clock and
the team equipment manager makes sure all the skates are sharp and the
uniforms ready. It’s all hands on deck during the offseason and the
Pre-Draft Camp is no different.
Offseason
101 continues next week with The NAHL Draft. Make sure to be in class
on time and bring an apple for the teacher, would ya?
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