Players and their families think that if one option doesn’t materialize it’s a setback. Perhaps, it is the best possible scenario to have happen because the other options might align better with the players overall development. The “high-status” option isn’t always the best option.
Player A gets signed at Spring ID Camp, promises get made in April and May then come the start of the season, the kid is put in a supporting role, has limited ice time, doesn’t develop, Player A grows to hate the process and then eventually the game. Seeing players lose their passion for the game is heartbreaking.
All for players having to deal with adversity to grow character, but being lied to and having time on ice and developmental opportunities that were promised taken away is a tough pill for any person to swallow No wonder players and parents are doing their homework and weighing their options,
Player B doesn’t get signed at Spring ID Camp then starts searching for other options, but is still encouraged and told to tryout “because there might be some openings” How the hell are families supposed to navigate that especially from a financial perspective?
Unfortunately, doors are continuing to close earlier and earlier on some players leaving them scrambling to weigh options but also find legitimate places to play to continue their development and progression, Why does the funnel narrow so early in some regions while it widens in others?
There’s also another scenario that I’ve never really understood. If the team is already selected with an number of cards already signed and everyone knows it in April or May then “Spring ID Camps” or “formal tryouts” in the fall basically end up being fundraisers for the organization rather then what they’re true purpose is which is another layer of evaluation.
As mentioned above, the allure or status associated with Spring ID Camps is getting out of hand, but the organization’s can do whatever the hell they want at this point in the process and that’s exactly what they’re doing. The organization blames the parents and the ever changing landscape for these early signings while if they catch wind of others weighing their options those hockey families and players are quickly struck from their list and treated like castaways.
I realize it’s always been like this especially over the last 10 years or so, but that doesn’t mean it’s still not bull shit and again we have leagues and provincial bodies wondering why there are so many players and families electing to leave and play abroad? Well, it’s because of the system, politics and process, and that shit isn’t getting any better and from what I’m hearing it’s getting even worse.
It’s Spring ID Camp season, but don’t you dare weigh your options, because word gets around pretty damn fast.
Oh yeah for all those players and parents that have already signed, remember the promises that get made four or five months before the season seldomly get kept and remember, your kid isn’t the only one being promised the world.
The Quick Shift 