3 days away from the 2023 QMJHL Entry Draft and the only thing that is for certain is the uncertainty around the league. From coaching changes, to front office moves, to draft picks being traded like Upper Deck hockey cards the intrigue surrounding this year’s draft and the upcoming season is palpable. It’s been very interesting to see teams already start jockeying for position so to speak for the next season.
Obviously, every year there’s a lot of turnover behind benches, but this off season has been nothing short of crazy. Given the economic climate and so many variables, pressure to win and put butts in seats, upper management aren’t willing to give a lot of leeway or runway for coaches or office personnel for that matter. Let’s face it, coming out of the pandemic people just don’t have the patience to tolerate “bull shit” or short comings like they used to. It seems everyone in the business side of hockey is on a very short leash, and obviously that starts with the coach. I wouldn’t be surprised to see more coaching changes in the upcoming days or weeks. It’s kind of crazy to think teams would move on from a coach this close to the draft, but again we have all come to learn to expect the unexpected around this time of year in the QMJHL. In this climate right now the scouting staff, GM and the coach all have to be on the same page, if they’re not, things won’t end well.
The Choice
Uncertainty around choice or direction is still a hot topic of debate these days especially when there’s so many options out there for players and their families to choose from. Like I’ve written time and time again, it’s the players and their family’s decision not anyone else’s to make or criticize. Clearly teams just want transparency, and so do the family’s and agents or advisors. The “wait and see” model causes hesitation from all sides, there has to be a better way. The “grass is greener” approach doesn’t always work either, when choice is involved it always causes controversy and ultimately uncertainty.
Here’s what I wrote on the subject area last year.
NCAA ROUTE TOPIC OF CONVERSATION AHEAD OF 2022 QMJHL DRAFT
What route should they take? NCAA or QMJHL? What’s the best route for them? NCAA or QMJHL? Over the years we have all heard and witnessed some amazing stories coming out of both brands of hockey. Those in the hockey world have also heard some not so good stories. Each brand is susceptible to their own fair share of issues. Usually the common thread for each brand revolves around broken promises.
Obviously, the other controversial topic when it comes to the game of hockey and player development is choice. Just let that sink in for a minute. Choice is controversial? How can that be? It’s clear in the game of hockey when families make choices about the direction or path they decide to take that others will ultimately ridicule them. In the hockey world people tend to hold grudges, gossip and criticize other people’s decisions.
In the hockey world when people make decisions about what they think is best for their son or daughter some people get really upset and resentful. Whether it be the NCAA or QMJHL, there is a choice to make and that choice is extremely difficult. Again it all comes back to the family’s choice. Not what I think or what others think, it’s up to the family, it’s their decision, it’s their choice.
It’s clear why some people get extremely upset with other people’s decisions, but let’s be brutally honest it’s not yours to make.
Is the NCAA the best option for player development?
Why do some families spend significant capital to send their child away to attend school and play hockey or go searching for lucrative scholarships? The great debate between the NCAA and QMJHL rages on and it always intensifies around this time of year. Why is choice so controversial in the game of hockey?
You see the NCAA make promises about the future. The QMJHL make promises about the present and future. In the game of hockey promises are extremely difficult to make and keep.
All the parents and agents want is what’s best for the kid. You could say the same about any hockey organization. Some people will look at the stats, the hard facts to base their decisions or make their choices while others will try to talk to as many people as they can that have experienced both sides of the fence so to speak. Advisors and agents are always heavily involved in the decisions being made and in many cases they could become the tipping point. At the end of the day it’s always a family decision or it should be.
Everyone has the right to make their decision or choice when it comes to the game of hockey, whether everyone likes it or not. There’s a massive plan of action that occurs when the family and player decides to go south and play NCAA. There’s a massive commitment if they chose to go the Q route as well. Every hockey family have their reasons for the decision they make. Just like every player has their own unique path in the game.
Why do some people in the hockey world have to be so critical and vocal when it comes to other hockey families decisions? There’s tons of misconceptions about both routes that many people are unaware of. Those people dealing with the situation or that are making the decisions on what route to take feel a pressure like no other.
“The QMJHL route is instant, while the NCAA is a drawn-out process which is difficult to navigate.”That’s some of the BS you would hear around the rinks.
It’s not uncommon to hear all the slander and misinformation when it comes to both routes.That’s why the decision making process is so pressure packed and unbelievably stressful for so many people. At 16 years old, players are forced to decide about their future, forced to decide what avenue to take in a game they love and would do just about anything to accomplish their dreams in it. Is that fair? The NCAA route allows players to grow, while the QMJHL route might close doors earlier. Again if you have been around the game you have probably heard them all.
Multiple sources are reporting a number of highly touted 2022 QMJHL Draft prospects are electing to take the NCAA rather than the Q. Arguably one of the most controversial aspects of all of this is the back channel overtures that take place. That’s why there is an undercurrent of resentment and mistrust from both sides.In the past players and their families have been coached up or informed to tell some QMJHL franchises that they are “considering their options.” In some instances “considering their options” essentially means I want to pick and choose where I want to go and play in the QMJHL. Countless QMJHL teams have been burned by that which has led to a lot of teams coming right out with,
“Will you play exhibition games”
Not “will you report” anymore, “will you play exhibition games is no doubt the most commonly asked questions during the predraft interview process.
The decision making aspect of things doesn’t have to be controversial, it’s the historical aspect or horror stories of the past that make some in the hockey world very leery of the entire process.
Both those in favour of the NCAA or QMJHL will always have their differing points of view or perspectives and let’s face it both sides have their benefits and draw backs.
Could you imagine being in that situation with your family or son or daughter?
That’s what all these critics and naysayers have to do when they ruthlessly criticize and rip kids and their families on social media when they try to make the best decision for their future.Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Everyone is entitled to their decision. Everyone is entitled to change their mind. Nevertheless, it’s when those lines are blurred and or manipulated by others for personal gain, that’s when people get burned. The NCAA route is always the topic of conversation around QMJHL draft time. As we all know the game of hockey is big business and when it comes to the CHL or the NCAA jobs are on the line. Business is business. I’m sure both sides have hid behind the business side of the game when they make decisions. As we all know the business side of the game is off side quite a bit.Wouldn’t it be great if everyone within the game used an element of transparency and honesty when discussing their intentions. I guess some things never change, just like the debate between the NCAA and QMJHL and what route is the best to take. The debate rages on, let’s just hope people understand and learn how to respect others decisions before outwardly ripping them.
The Other Side of Trades
Everyone that follows the league closely or the game of hockey for that matter love a good hockey trade, but there’s aways two sides to it. This close to the draft, General Managers are making tons of phone calls, is there such a thing as speed dial anymore? Obviously, most of the calls that are being made are trying to make deals or close deals, but some of them are of the “dreaded” variety.
“Tough decisions are part of the business.”
Like I’ve always said, “sometimes the business side of the game is offside.”
Here’s some perspective on the other side of the trade.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRADE
Sometimes we speculate. Sometimes we have inside information. Sometimes we write about it and report it, but that’s where the story ends right or does it? What about the other side of the story? The personal story behind a trade. Do we ever see that side of the story? You might call me a hypocrite for writing this, but to each their own. I broke a trade last year, and I swore at the time that I wouldn’t do it again. I had four very reliable sources tell me a trade was happening, so I reported it.
At the time it was pretty substantial trade, but my biggest concern was did the players know? Did the players and their families and billet families know about it? I was given the indication that they did, so that’s when I decided to break it. Two pictures and a few lines in a tweet. That’s all it took.
Ironically a few weeks before I tweeted out that everyone wanted to be an insider and break trades, I said that I didn’t want to be part of that and boom, just like that I was breaking a trade. I was completely torn, and a short time after putting it out there I felt truly awful. Oh it’s part of the business, it’s part of the process, but what about the other side of the trade?
The personal side. Some would say writing a speculation piece and throwing names out there is just as bad. Isn’t the writing on the wall? Don’t players and their agents have a feeling that they might get moved? Do certain players want out and ask for a trade? Where does it end? Speculation, rumour or fact? What’s the difference during this time of year? Every team at some point during the Trade Period make trades, it’s inevitable. That’s just part of the business.
Organizations make trades that they believe will strengthen their hockey club moving forward.
They make trades to give players an opportunity to play or get more ice time, so they can flourish or have a fresh start. They make trades based on loyalty to the player and their service with the organization, matching them up with a potential winner. You see everyone tries to win during the Trade Period! Trading assets, it’s all win-win right? What about the personal side of the deal?
That’s the most devastating aspect of all of this. Billet families lose their adopted son. Young fans lose their hero, while organizations lose their cornerstone player or players in hopes of building towards the future for another chance to capture a championship. You see it’s all part of the process, all part of major junior hockey. The business side and the personal side always collide at some point. The traded player says goodbye to their best friends, and their second home, is that where the trade story ends or just begins? For some it might be the final time they play in the league, for others the trade changes the course of their career for the better. To tell you the truth, I’m still torn about all of this. Sure I want to write the story and be the first one to get it out there.
In this business who wouldn’t want to be, the first to report it. Isn’t that what it’s all about, getting the scoop? Should the entire process be more transparent? Writers, write. Reporters, report GM’s make trades and the players no matter what age have to be prepared for the harsh reality of the business side of the game, but what about the personal side of all of this? Is it really speculative or wrong to outline a team’s top prospects?
Is it really speculative or wrong to outline who other organizations might be targeting to make their teams better? Is it really speculative or wrong to outline an organizations best possible trade assets to garner the highest return? You see this is where it all becomes murky and extremely complex. What if speculation turns into fact? Do you tread lightly because of the personal side or go all in? Do you write the story or do you sit on it and let others be the first to break the trade? I’ve sat on several stories over the past few years, for a number of different reasons. Every story is unique, every trade has several layers, that’s why this time of year is so intriguing, but what about the other side, the personal side, who tells that story? I guess we all have a role to play in the game.
The Pressure, Relief and the Real Work
The pressure, relief and the real work.
Every player and their family have experienced the pressure of their draft year. Every one of them have probably felt different things in different ways and in different times this season. I have been harshly criticized for bringing attention to that aspect of things over the years. That and bringing attention to the rankings and the scouting process. To each their own, and everyone is entitled to their opinions, so I’m going share mine. People that have been critical of the work I’ve done in this area and still deny that the kids and parents don’t feel the stress and high expectations of their draft year and suggest that I stop bringing attention to it, perhaps don’t understand or aren’t in touch with the mental toll it takes on some of those involved. The “oh that’s part of the process, or suck it up and deal with it” take is archaic. Parents and players experiencing this for the first time need to know what to expect. The “oh they will figure it out on their own” take is bunch of bull shit to.
The pressure around the draft is real. The excitement, anxiousness and uncertainty around the draft is also real, if you don’t believe me, just ask people going through it right now and you will quickly find out.
When players and their family finally hear their name called and know their future direction within the game is no doubt a massive relief, but that’s where the real work begins.
Here’s some perspective on how the real work begins after the draft.
THE REAL WORK BEGINS
We see all the names, their stats and current teams. Their journeys in the game are all similar, yet extremely unique. Behind every player selected is a support system like no other. Draft day memories are special and very satisfying, but now the real work begins. There are no guarantees. Embrace the grind. Play to your identity and leave a lasting impression. The new chapter has yet to be written. Your character and will to compete will separate you from others. You can only control what you can control. The numbers don’t mean anything at the next level. The round you were selected in, your stats from the year before are insignificant. Everything is new, everything is different, except for your character and will to compete. The intangibles you possess will pave the way. Don’t preoccupy yourself with things outside of your control. The political and business side of the game may unfortunately derail your progression as a player.
Don’t let that ruin your passion for the game.
It’s never too late.
You have three months before the real work begins. Get yourself in the best shape of your life. Put in the work. Get better every day. If you’re not someone else will. The real work begins. Prove people wrong. Prove people right. Prove you belong. Don’t let yourself down. Don’t sabotage your dreams with negative thoughts. Trust your ability. Trust your identity. Your dream is right in front of you. Stay true to yourself. Your support system will always be there no matter what. Leave it all the ice, have no regrets. The real work has just begun.
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