Ice time is and will always be an issue for hockey players and parents at every level of minor hockey and beyond until the pro ranks.
TOI issues get magnified when it’s a player’s draft year. Time on ice shouldn’t be the measuring stick when comparing young draft eligible prospects, but ultimately it is. That’s the reality of it. Unfortunately, some players get more ice time than others, hence more opportunity to showcase their talents and role on the team.
In some cases, scouts have a tough time to evaluate and project when young players at the CHL level are in limited roles, or healthy scratched during their draft year. It’s really unfortunate, but that’s part of the process and part of the business for players and scouts.
From a U16 AAA/U-18 Major AAA perspective, time on ice is also highly scrutinized, and it will always be. Extra ice time and an expanded role on a team should never be promised, it should always be earned. There’s no sense of entitlement when things are earned.
Draft year pressure, high expectations and extra ice time sometimes clouds a lot of players and parents’ perspective, the competitive nature of the draft year should never divide a team or teammates, but in a lot of cases it does, which is really sad.
Sometimes it’s all about the opportunity a player is given when it comes to ice time and showcasing their talents. Again, ice time should always be earned, but there comes a time where earned and fair shake takes a massive turn.
On some occasions draft eligible players may see their TOI vary from game to game, that doesn’t mean that their being buried in the lineup or not showcased properly, but it probably feels that way. One could only imagine how that must feel for any draft prospect especially given the pressure of the year. It’s easy to say control what you can control and trust the process while playing to your identity and that they will still get noticed, but that no doubt takes a massive toll on any player’s psyche. Panic can definitely set in but, trust the process and keep playing to your identity and someone will definitely notice you.
Some players rankings or ratings do take a hit because of their role and opportunities that they are confronted with. Again, that’s the reality of it, let’s hope scouts and the decision makers do see past limited TOI and or roles and identify and project the talent and character of the player.
Too Much of a Good Thing?
Can you get too much playing time? The answer is HELL YES.
Believe or not, some prospects are getting played way too much. That’s where poor habits and lack luster performances begin to surface. Scouts will have to really drill down and project for both cases, players that perhaps don’t play enough or play too much. It might hurt their draft ranking or where they do get selected in the draft, but all that matters is what players do after the draft.
To all the players out there that might be in limited roles or experiencing less TOI during their draft year. Don’t lose hope, keep working your arse off, work on your weaknesses, build on your strengths every day. When you’re out there rely on your instincts, be confident, stay patience and keep having fun. Don’t get wrapped up in the comparison game with other teammates or players in the league, stay in the fight, don’t let your limited TOI at the current moment effect the player you are and the player you want to and will become. The adversity you’re confronted with right now will only strengthen your resiliency and character which in turn will only make you a better player and person.
FDS Sports Blog 