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Tag: girls-hockey

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Champ of the day Champs Girls Hockey Women's Hockey

Today’s Champ of The Day: Liesel Kocourek

June 7, 2024

Today’s Champ of the Day is Liesel Kocourek.

Check out Liesel Kocourek’s Hockey Player Profile here. 

Liesel is an agile high endurance goalie playing for Westminster Prep School.. Her passion for the sport is unwavering and she will do anything to push herself to a higher level. Marc Andre-Fleury is the goalie that inspires her most because she admires his love for the game and his off the ice kindness. She has an incredible drive to learn and develop to the highest level in everything she does. She plays two varsity sports, achieves a strong GPA all while maintaining is top 10% in her class at Westminster. She is also incredibly driven to give back to her community and volunteers with several organizations. Her coaches say that she puts in the hard work, listens, and adjusts to feedback fast while being just a great kid all around. Her aspiration is to play NCAA hockey and break new boundaries for Women in hockey.

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Champ of the day Champs Girls Hockey Women's Hockey

Today’s Champ of The Day: Maria Payne

June 5, 2024

Today’s Champ of the Day is Maria Payne.

Check out Maria Payne’s Hockey Player Profile here. 

My name is Maria Payne (2027 grad year) and I play Defense (#6 – right handed) for the Arizona Kachinas 19U AAA team. My team has advanced to USA Hockey Nationals the past two seasons representing the Rocky Mountain District. While I currently reside in Chandler, Arizona, I began playing hockey at age 6 when I lived in Illinois. My strengths include my skating ability, speed, shot, hockey IQ, unselfish play and team first mentality.

  Create your own free, beautiful hockey player profile here.

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Champ of the day Champs Girls Hockey Women's Hockey

Today’s Champ of The Day: Madeleine Schiff

June 4, 2024

Today’s Champ of the Day is Madeleine Schiff.

Check out Madeleine Schiff’s Hockey Player Profile here. 

My name is Madeleine Schiff, and I am going to be playing hockey in college. I played with the youth teams (boys) until I was 11 and then found a AAA Girls team to play for. I have been playing for Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club for the past two seasons. I am an offensive defenseman, who prides herself on making the best hockey play. I am proud of my abilities to play shut down defense, but I can also score and help our forwards score with my strong shot from the point or my quick snap shots from the slot. I am 6’0 and 165 lbs, and I worked hard enough to make 2025 USA Development 16/17 Camp.

  Create your own free, beautiful hockey player profile here.

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Champ of the day Champs Girls Hockey Women's Hockey

Today’s Champ of The Day: Annette Zuck

June 3, 2024

Today’s Champ of the Day is Annette Zuck.

Check out Annette Zuck’s Hockey Player Profile here. 

I am an extremely hardworking and dedicated person, on and off the ice. I like to surround myself with people that push me to be the best version of myself and help me develop. On the ice I am a fast and efficient goalie that loves to make athletic saves!

  Create your own free, beautiful hockey player profile here.

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Champ of the day Champs Girls Hockey Women's Hockey

Today’s Champ of The Day: Calleigh Streit

June 2, 2024

Today’s Champ of the Day is Calleigh Streit.

Check out Calleigh Streit’s Hockey Player Profile here. 

I have been told I’m very coachable. I do my best to find grade A shooting and passing opportunities as well as battling in the corners to create offensive zone chances and chaos, and I’m not afraid to battle in front of the net during power play and PK.

  Create your own free, beautiful hockey player profile here.

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Champ of the day Champs Girls Hockey Women's Hockey

Today’s Champ of The Day: Rowyn Street

June 1, 2024

Today’s Champ of the Day is Rowyn Street.

Check out Rowyn Street’s Hockey Player Profile here. 

Hard-working, play-maker, high hockey IQ, consistently plays a 200 foot game, leader on and off the ice. I was the leading scorer in the CSSHL this season and was selected to the CSSHL First All-Star team and was nominated as league MVP.

  Create your own free, beautiful hockey player profile here.

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2025 Development Camp Player Development Women's Hockey

Big Changes to USA Hockey’s 2025 Girls Player Development Camp Structure & Selections

Last week, USA Hockey announced the player invitations for the 2025 Girls Player Development Camps—and this year brings significant changes to the selection process and the number of players invited to each camp.

Last year, I wrote about how players often move between camps from one year to the next. In 2025, that path—especially for those going directly to the U18 Camp—has been simplified. Kristen Sagaert breaks down many of these updates in Episode 108 of the Champs App Podcast.

Here are some key differences compared to 2024:

As a result, 2008 and 2009 players who went directly to U18s last year must now earn their spot through the 16/17s Camp. With the addition of an All-Star game, top players will have a stronger opportunity to prove they belong at the U18 level.

While the 16/17s Camp grew by 16 players, the combined total of 2008 and 2009 players across the 16/17s and U18 camps has dropped by about 10. This is likely due to last year’s U18 participants now filling 16/17s spots.

Meanwhile, 15s Camp still needs to add 44 players from the Minnesota selection camp which till take place around June 17th. Also, there seems to be more district and multi-district camps for players who don’t make national camps.

Overall, this restructuring is a positive step. It creates broader access to earn a spot at the U18 Camp. The continued challenge remains the evaluation process—where leveraging analytics can play a key role in ensuring fairness and consistency in player assessments.

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College Hockey Recruiting Women's College Hockey Women's Hockey

Ivy League Women’s Hockey: Understanding the Academic Index

For aspiring student-athletes, balancing athletics and academics is a critical challenge, especially when it comes to competing at the collegiate level. For those with dreams of playing women’s hockey in the Ivy League, there’s an additional layer to navigate: the Academic Index (AI). This unique tool plays a pivotal role in the recruitment process and determines whether a player can be admitted to an Ivy League institution.

What Is the Academic Index?

The Academic Index is a metric used by Ivy League schools to ensure that recruited athletes meet the rigorous academic standards expected of all students. This formula takes into account three main factors: GPA, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and class rank or a similar school-provided statistic (if available). The goal is to quantify an athlete’s academic performance into a single, standardized number that aligns with Ivy League admissions policies.

Though the exact formula may vary slightly between schools, the AI ensures that recruited athletes are not only strong competitors on the ice but also capable of thriving in demanding academic environments.

Why the Academic Index Matters

The Ivy League, unlike many athletic conferences, does not offer athletic scholarships. Instead, student-athletes are admitted based on a combination of athletic and academic achievements. The AI ensures that hockey players fit into the academic culture of the institution while allowing coaches to prioritize recruiting based on athletic ability.

For women’s hockey, this balance is critical. Coaches must build competitive teams without compromising the academic reputation of their programs. A low AI score can make it difficult for a coach to secure a spot for a prospective recruit, even if that athlete is highly skilled.

How Can You Calculate Your Academic Index?

While the exact calculation might vary slightly, a typical Academic Index includes the following components:

  1. GPA: Weighted or unweighted, depending on the school’s reporting method.
  2. Standardized Test Scores: Converted to a percentile rank to normalize across different testing scales.
  3. Class Rank or School Profile Data: For students whose schools don’t provide class rank, the rigor of coursework (like AP or IB classes) may be factored in.

There are online tools and resources that can help athletes estimate their AI. Understanding where you stand early in the recruitment process is essential to aligning your athletic and academic goals.

Tips for Navigating the Academic Index

  1. Start Early: The earlier you understand the AI and its implications, the better prepared you’ll be to meet academic requirements.
  2. Communicate with Coaches: Ivy League coaches can guide you through the AI process and help assess whether you meet the criteria.
  3. Focus on Academics: A strong GPA and high standardized test scores can offset minor weaknesses in other areas.
  4. Leverage Support: Many Ivy League institutions offer test-optional policies or holistic admissions processes—be sure to ask how these might impact your AI.

Conclusion

Playing women’s hockey in the Ivy League offers a unique opportunity to compete at a high level while earning a world-class education. Understanding the Academic Index is an essential step for any prospective recruit. By excelling both on and off the ice, student-athletes can position themselves to achieve their dreams of playing in the Ivy League.

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Parents Player Development Youth Hockey

The Emotional Roller Coaster: Highs and Lows of Being a Hockey Parent

As a hockey parent, your role is far more significant than shuttling your player to and from the rink. You are a critical part of your child’s hockey journey, wearing multiple hats: mentor, cheerleader, logistics coordinator, and sometimes even a therapist. This journey is filled with moments of elation and pride but also comes with its fair share of stress, doubt, and hard decisions. Here’s a closer look at the highs and lows of being a hockey parent and how you can navigate this emotional roller coaster.

The Operational Role

From the very beginning, parents take on significant operational responsibilities. These tasks might seem mundane, but they are the foundation of a player’s success:

  • Navigating Tryouts and Politics: Deciding where to play and understanding the nuances of team tryouts can be daunting. Often, you’re not just evaluating your player’s skills but also trying to navigate the political landscape of team selections.
  • Choosing Events Wisely: Determining which recruiting events, camps, or showcases to attend can feel overwhelming. Each opportunity has the potential to open doors, but not every event will be the right fit for your player.
  • Finding the Right Coaches: Identifying team coaches and development specialists who will genuinely help your player grow is a critical and sometimes challenging task.
  • Managing Logistics: Beyond hockey strategy, there’s the day-to-day grind—getting your player to practices, games, and tournaments while ensuring their gear is in top condition.
  • Overcoming Challenges: Injuries, academic struggles, or even tough situations with teammates or coaches require your steady support and problem-solving skills.

The Emotional Investment

The emotional stakes for hockey parents are high. Every decision feels critical because it’s not just your journey; it’s your child’s dream on the line. Some of the most emotionally taxing moments include:

  • Handling Pressure and Rejection: Watching your child face rejection, whether during tryouts or District/Provincial camp selections, can be heartbreaking. The pressure to succeed often feels heavier for parents than for players.
  • Deciding Whether to Stay Local or Move Away: Determining if your child should leave home during high school to pursue hockey dreams is a monumental decision. It’s not just about hockey but also about their overall development and happiness.
  • Worrying About Making Mistakes: One of the most significant stressors is the fear that a wrong decision on your part might limit your player’s opportunities. This weight can feel overwhelming.

Embracing Imperfection and Learning as You Go

Here’s an important truth: there is no perfect path in hockey recruiting. Even with careful planning, there will be surprises, setbacks, and unexpected opportunities. What matters most is effort and adaptability. By leveraging the resources at your disposal—coaches, fellow parents, online tools, and more—you can minimize missed opportunities and guide your player effectively.

If your player is good enough and truly passionate, doors will open—even if it’s not the door you initially envisioned. Rejections and detours are often temporary. Many players find that what initially seemed like a setback actually led them to a better fit in the long run.

Focus on the Best Fit

In the end, it’s not about landing on the “best” team or achieving every lofty goal; it’s about finding the right fit for your player. The “best fit” means an environment where your player can grow as an athlete and as a person. It might not look exactly like what you initially hoped for, but it often turns out to be just what they need.

Words of Encouragement for Hockey Parents

You are not alone on this journey. Every hockey parent rides the highs of thrilling wins and the lows of difficult losses. The key is to stay grounded and remember why you’re doing this—to support your child’s passion and help them pursue their dreams. Give yourself grace and embrace the learning curve. By showing up, putting in the effort, and making thoughtful decisions, you’re already doing an incredible job.

So, as you navigate the emotional roller coaster of being a hockey parent, take a deep breath and trust the process. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present. And more often than not, things have a way of working out in the end.

Categories
Girls Hockey Hockey Tryouts Women's Hockey Youth Hockey

Why Playing at the Right Level of Girls Hockey is Better for Your Development

Recently, we have received the same question from players and parents during our webinars asking if a U18 (Canada) or U16 (USA) aged player should play on a U22 (Canada) or U19 (USA) team. This post provides some perspective on this topic.

In youth hockey, it’s common to hear about players “playing up” – joining a team at an older age level to challenge themselves or gain exposure. While this can be a great move for some elite players, it’s not always the best path for everyone. If you’re not going to be one of the top players on the older team, it’s often better to stay at your current age level or a younger one. Why? Because what matters most in youth hockey isn’t just saying you’re on an older team – it’s about developing the skills, confidence, and experience that will set you apart in the long run.

Here’s why playing at the right level for your abilities can be a game-changer for your hockey journey:

1. Development Comes First

The ultimate goal in youth hockey is to become the best player you can be, and that requires consistent development. Playing at a younger level gives you more opportunities to take on key roles, be involved in critical plays, and contribute meaningfully to your team.

  • More Ice Time: On a younger team, you’re more likely to play in key situations like power plays, penalty kills, and crunch-time moments. This experience is invaluable for your growth.
  • Skill Mastery: Repetition builds mastery. You’ll have more chances to handle the puck, take shots, and make decisions on the ice – all of which sharpen your skills faster than sitting on the bench or playing limited minutes on an older team.

2. Confidence is Key

Confidence can make or break a player’s performance. Playing at a level where you can excel boosts your self-belief and encourages you to push yourself even further.

  • If you’re constantly struggling to keep up with older players, it can be frustrating and demotivating. But if you’re thriving at your own level, you’ll build confidence in your abilities – and that confidence will carry over when you do eventually move up.

3. Exposure Happens at All Levels

One common reason players (and parents) push to play up is the belief that older teams get more attention from scouts and college coaches. But here’s the reality:

  • Scouts Watch All Age Levels: College recruiters and scouts aren’t just looking at older teams. They’re watching for talent and potential at all levels. If you’re a standout at a younger level, you’ll still get noticed – and probably more so than if you were just another player on an older team.
  • Consistency Matters: College coaches want players who have a strong foundation and consistently perform well. If you’re excelling at your age level, it’s a sign that you’re on the right track.

4. Team Impact Matters

Being a leader on your team – even at a younger level – teaches valuable skills that will help you as you progress in your hockey career.

  • Leadership Opportunities: On a younger team, you’re more likely to be a captain, lead your team in scoring, or play a pivotal role. These experiences are essential for developing leadership qualities and resilience.

5. It’s About the Long Game

Youth hockey isn’t just about today – it’s about where you’ll be in the next 5-10 years. If you skip steps in your development by playing up too soon, you might miss crucial foundational skills that you’ll need at higher levels.

  • Skill Progression: By staying at the right level, you can master the fundamentals that will make you a more complete player. This sets you up for long-term success, rather than short-term bragging rights.

Final Thoughts: Focus on Your Growth

At the end of the day, playing at the right level for your abilities is about prioritizing your growth as a player. You’ll still have plenty of opportunities to move up when the time is right, and by then, you’ll be ready to stand out. Remember, the goal isn’t just to say you’re on an older team – it’s to develop into the best player you can be.

Stay focused, work hard, and trust the process. Scouts and coaches notice players who are improving, regardless of what level they’re playing at. Your development is what matters most.

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