It is becoming a business and has been, unfortunately. Monopolizing, monetizing, and exploiting youth sports across the board is becoming an epidemic. It's sad and disgusting, however, the flip side of that is that it is creating more opportunities for kids to be involved. When done the "right way", if there is one, the focus can and should always be on the kids in mind and with respect to the sport.

Invaluable and personalized. This is the best way to communicate, implement, track and monitor development and growth.

GREAT point to bring up, Derek. At the end of the day, junior teams have to generate funds and so the camp/combine route are their 'bread and butter'. That said, there is a right way and a wrong way that organizations go about it. -Do your due diligence and vet the organization and the legitimacy and nature of the invite. -Have your child's goals of what they want to accomplish in pursuing junior routes. A goal of the NHL is not realistic though it is attainable through the overall process. Education should be first and foremost. If wanting to combine and pursue hockey with an education, elevating to juniors makes sense as players are recruited specifically from the junior ranks to NCAA DI and DIII programs. -Keep detailed tracking of email, communication, and the team or specific invite. -You don't have to attend or commit to every single invite, narrow it down after your vetting process. -Talk with coaches and or trusted advisors. They know the landscape of leagues and programs. -Research junior leagues and see what their track record of elevation is to the "next level". -Don't overspend on camps/combines. As you narrow down options-consider the intent-is it just a "combine" for exposure experience for a younger AAA player? Is it a MAIN camp? Again anything can happen, but manage expectations. Is the Showcase a reputable Showcase with a reputable league/organization? -Personal visits or "private" skates are usually intended for players that have serious interest from scouts and coaches of junior programs are of immense value. Though, there are never any promises with visits (nor should there be from representatives of an organization), visits are invaluable because it puts the player in with actual junior level talent to use as a measuring stick, meet and get feedback from the coaches/executive management staff, they get to see the actual towns and locations of a potential destination, and if the trip also affords the opportunity to take in a game, the player can see the level of play up close and personal.

Thanks for posting, Derek! Before spending money and making the wrong decisions about your child, ask some very important questions: 1. What does the child want? 2. How many activities are they involved in and how much is too much? 3. What’s the development path? 4. Will the emphasis be on fun and competition? 5. By participating, will my child learn life skills that will transcend athletics? 6. What is the coach’s reputation? Are they positive influencers on youth they are leading? 7. What is the realistic, objective assessment of my child’s abilities? 8. What is the cost v. the output? With these questions in mind, do not live vicariously through your child, it NEVER ends well. If a child wants to play any sport, it has to be their decision. When considering how serious of levels to play, you will never have an objective view of your child (no parent does, they are YOUR child). :) Allow the child’s abilities to showcase what they are capable of AND be happy and encouraging of that! Not every child will be the best nor the worst-but more than likely 98% of them will NEVER get to the pro level so stop acting like it! And lastly, what are some of the opportunity costs of your child’s involvement? Are you paying $10,000 a year on an elite team and that doesn’t include hotel and travel? What are you sacrificing with your other children (if have more than one), spouse, or other family members at this expense? Is that money best spent on athletics vs. saving for college? These are all individual family considerations to factor in sometimes when exploring time and investment into sports participation.

I can vouch for Puck Pro as well as a current scout and advisor! Though I haven’t had any of my own clients take advantage of the service, it is an invaluable tool indefinitely for players to utilize in showcasing themselves to teams and coaches at higher levels. The owner and operator of PP is an honest young man that is friendly, engaging, and honest. He truly cares about what he does and helping players. I’ve seen his work and sample offerings. I fully endorse their services.