Advice on getting a hockey scholarship for college

I'm a junior in high school, super into hockey, and I'm interested in pursuing a hockey scholarship for college. Does anyone know what steps I should be taking now, like camps or showcases? Any advice would be great!

You're on the right track with considering hockey camps and showcases, as they can provide visibility and exposure to college coaches and scouts searching for recruits. Coaches often attend these events with the specific intent of identifying potential athletes for their team. But let's break down the steps a bit more:

1. Improve Your Skills: Like any sport, hockey scholarships are competitive. It's important to fine-tune your game as much as possible. Personalized coaching, training, and lots of practice can help you stand out when it comes time to compete.

2. Attend Camps and Showcases: As you mentioned, attending these events can give you the chance to demonstrate your skills in front of recruiting college coaches. If there are specific colleges you are interested in, look to see if they host any hockey camps. Many universities provide camps during the summer that draw scouts from multiple schools.

3. Create a Highlight Video: This can be a valuable tool when reaching out to college coaches. Your footage should showcase your best plays, shots, and overall abilities on the ice. Make sure to include your academic information and details about your athletic history too.

4. Keep Your Grades Up: Academics matter too. Universities and the NCAA have academic qualifications that student-athletes must meet to be eligible for scholarships. Moreover, the better your grades, the more opportunities you may have, as some schools combine athletic and academic scholarships.

5. Start the Recruitment Process Early: You're a junior now, which is a perfect time to start reaching out to college coaches. Make sure to follow NCAA rules in terms of initiating communication. Send personalized emails to coaches of schools you're interested in, introducing yourself and expressing your interest in their program. Include your highlight video and any upcoming showcase you will be attending.

6. Apply to Schools: Once you've identified the schools you're interested in, make sure to apply to them. Remember, a scholarship might be an opportunity, but at the end of the day, acceptance into the school is key.

7. Be Proactive: Communicate your intentions to your high school coach and let them know that you're looking to secure a scholarship and play hockey at the college level. They could provide additional guidance, assistance, and possibly even personal connections with college coaches.

These are broad steps that can give you an idea of what you should focus on. Keep working hard, and best of luck with your goal!