Steps taken to be scouted for the NHL?

Question

Alright, so this is a totally girly thing of me to do, but here goes.

I just started dating this guy who has played hockey all his life. He is a goalie, and he is amazing at it! I have always loved/watched hockey so it's not just my doting eyes that allow me to come to that conclusion, either!

He has always wanted to play in the NHL, and the other night he explained why he missed his chance. He is about to turn 21, and apparently the step under the NHL teams only take 18 - 21 year olds... and he was already counter 21 last year because his birthday is late or something? He was on that team for one year but they didn't chose him a second year because he made some mistakes, not being used to the rink size difference. He really kicks himself now for it.

Anyway.. I'm wondering if there is any other league he could get into that would scout him for the NHL? We are in California... if that changes anything.

I want him to get a second chance to badly, I can see how badly he wants this... :\

Answer 1

Take no offence, but I hope your boyfriend has had a decent education...He'll probably have to get a "normal" job to support you, as the NHL dream has sadly passed him by...But you two can still have a very happy life together - but just as regular people...I'm sure you love him for who he is, not because you think he will be a multi-millionaire playing goal for the NY Rangers...right????

Answer 2

Andrew Raycroft made the NHL somehow... so I wouldn't exactly say it's impossible for your boyfriend to make it.

In Canada a couple of years ago, they gave a bunch of Average Joes a chance to finally "live the dream" in this TV reality series called "making the cut" where the winners were drafted by the Canadian NHL teams... maybe by some miracle... an opportunity like that will come knocking for him.

Answer 3

If he is 21 and a goalie.. and no one has scouted him ever, or they did and passed..... SORRY! Its not going to happen. Hate to break it to you.

If he is remotely any good he would be in the ECHL, AHL, WHL... something.. Sorry!

Answer 4

I think the PHL is always looking for people.

Answer 5

I see your from California, check out the OCHL (orange county hockey league) Welcome to beer league adult hockey. The dream is over and get a job.

Answer 6

The NHL itself doesnt hold open tryouts but some of the minor leagues do. Tell your boyfriend to start calling the semi-pro leagues (ECHL, IHL, CHL, AHL, etc. ) teams close to where you live would most likely make sense. If he can get an open try out with a minor league team he would be set.

Also dont listen to these people who say its impossible there have been plenty of undrafted players in the NHL past and present. It can happen.