By Jeff Lynt

January 23

Making it to the NHL is a challenging and competitive journey that requires a combination of talent, hard work, perseverance, and a bit of luck.  Players must have a high level of skating ability, be of appropriate size and strength for the NHL, be able to play a physical game, have a high compete level, and possess a high level of hockey sense.  Smaller players must be able to compensate for size with other skills, such as speed and agility. These are the key ingredients that make up the talent that is needed to make it to the NHL. However, it's important to note that no player can make it to the NHL with just these skills, it's the combination of these things as well as many other challenges that must be overcome that can ultimately lead to a player to have a successful career in the NHL.  Let's take a closer look at some of the various other challenges that players face on their journey to the NHL.  This will be the first in a series of articles that will dive deeper into each of the challenges facing young hockey players on their path to the NHL.

One of the biggest challenges is the level of competition. According to a study by the NHL, only around 1% of players who play in Junior hockey leagues will make it to the NHL. This means that players must be at the top of their game at all times in order to stand out and get noticed by NHL teams. This can be especially challenging for players who are not in a league or region known for producing NHL players, as they may have to work even harder to get noticed.

Another challenge that players face is the physical demands of the sport. The physical side of hockey can be quite demanding, especially for players trying to make it to the NHL. It requires a high level of fitness, including endurance, strength, power, speed and agility. Players must be able to withstand the rigors of long practices and training sessions, as well as the physical demands of games. Players must also be able to handle the intense training and conditioning required to make it to the professional level. This includes off-ice training, weightlifting, and conditioning programs that are designed to help players build strength and stamina. Additionally, players must also maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to ensure that they are in top physical condition.

Mental toughness is also an essential requirement for players who want to make it to the highest level. A study by the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology found that athletes who are able to cope effectively with failure and disappointment are more likely to be successful in their sport. A study by the Journal of Sport Psychology in Action found that athletes who are able to perform well under pressure have a higher likelihood of success. The pressure and expectations that come with trying to make it to the NHL can be mentally taxing for players, and they need to be able to handle it in order to succeed. This includes being able to handle failure, pressure, and the various demands that come with being a professional athlete.

Injuries are also a significant concern for players on the path to the NHL. According to a study by the NHL, the average team loses over 200 man-games to injury each season.  However, in minor hockey, the focus of the studies is mainly on the injury rate and the type of injury rather than the number of games missed.  One study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that minor hockey players have a relatively high rate of injury, with an average of 6.3 injuries per 1000 player-hours. 

This means that players can often be out of the lineup for extended periods of time, which can negatively impact their development and prevent them from reaching their full potential. Injuries can also prevent players from participating in important events such as scouting combine, development camps and training camps, which are crucial for them to be noticed by NHL teams.  According to 2 studies, the International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training and the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that the most common types of injuries in hockey are to the knee, ankle, foot, shoulder and collarbone. Additionally, hockey has an increased risk of concussions which can have serious long-term effects on the players health and have been a concern for the sport for the last few years.  Furthermore, injuries can prevent players from developing their skills and even lead to burnout.

The pathway to the NHL is another challenge that players face.  Players typically start playing hockey at a young age and work their way up through the various levels of amateur hockey.  As they get older it becomes more and more critical that they play at advanced and elite levels.   Playing in a league or region where there is a lot of talent and competition can be an important factor.   A player who is able to stand out in a league or region that is known for producing elite players is more likely to be noticed by top teams and earn a chance to play against top kids.

Being in the right place at the right time can be important for a player's chances of making it to top teams and eventually the NHL. The process of being scouted, drafted, and signed by an NHL team is highly competitive and the vast majority of NHL players are discovered and recruited through the traditional pathway of the amateur hockey system, which includes elite level youth hockey, tier 1 high school, juniors, college, and minor leagues.  That is not the path of all players who make it, some kids do jump to advanced or elite levels as they mature but it gets increasingly more difficult as they age. By playing in an elite league or tournaments allows greater exposure to scouts and coaches, playing well in areas or regions where there are many scouts concentrated and often in attendance can help significantly.  As kids get to the higher levels, it's more and more important for them to perform well in a major junior hockey league or at an internationally recognized tournament to be noticed by NHL teams and earn a chance to play in the NHL.  Additionally, a player who is in an organization that has a good reputation for developing players or has a coach or general manager who has a good reputation for spotting talent, may be more likely to get noticed by top teams and even NHL teams.

Regardless of the pathway to the NHL, players to have a support system in place. This includes coaches, trainers, family, and friends who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement as players work towards their goal of making it to the NHL.

Financial considerations can also be a significant challenge for players on the path to the NHL. At lower levels of hockey, players may not have the financial resources to afford the necessary training and equipment to continue to develop their skills.  Hockey is an expensive sport, equipment, practices and other training cost a lot of money and many families don't have the money necessary to develop an elite athlete. Elite teams and structures can cost thousands of dollars plus travel costs to out of town tournaments.  It can be very difficult to justify to a family budget to invest so much money into any sport.    Furthermore, players may also face challenges when it comes to relocation and living expenses, which can be costly and make it difficult for them to pursue their NHL aspirations. 

Lastly, players may also face cultural and language barriers on their journey to the NHL. Players from different backgrounds may find it difficult to adjust to a new culture and language, which can be a major challenge. This can be especially challenging for players who move to North America and are not fluent in English, as they may struggle to communicate with coaches and teammates. In addition to this, they may face discrimination or bias due to their cultural background or language. This can be a major obstacle for players as they try to adapt to a new environment and culture and make a name for themselves.  The same is true players who live or move to Quebec and they do not speak French.

In conclusion, making it to the NHL is a challenging and competitive journey that requires a combination of talent, hard work, perseverance, and a bit of luck. As players move up through the ranks, they will face tougher competition and will need to continually improve their skills and abilities to stand out and make it to the next level. This requires a consistent and dedicated work ethic, as well as the ability to learn from coaches and trainers at each level. Players must overcome various challenges, it's a long and difficult journey but for those who are dedicated and passionate about the sport, the rewards can be truly incredible.

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Jeff Lynt

Is a Head Scout with Elite Hockey Canada. He is a certified hockey scout with SMWW - Sports Management Worldwide. jeff.lynt@elitehockeycanada.com or jlynt@smww.com

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