When it comes to ice hockey, one of the best ways to increase visibility and exposure to college coaches is attending college hockey camps and tournaments . You may be wondering, how do I find hockey camps near me? NCSA has compiled a list of hockey camps across the country. Use the list below to find a hockey camp near you or get answers to top questions about men’s hockey camps.
FAQs about men’s hockey camps
- Choosing the right hockey camp
- Are hockey camps worth it?
- What are the best hockey camps?
- What is the difference between hockey camps, hockey clinics, and combines?
- How important are hockey tournaments?
- What is a hockey showcase?
How to CHoose the right hockey camp
Finding the right hockey camp can make a big difference in your development and exposure. If you’re not sure how to choose hockey camps, the key is to evaluate your current skill level and choose camps where you’ll be competing alongside athletes of similar ability. This ensures you’ll be challenged appropriately and get the most out of the experience.
As you explore your options, keep in mind that not all events are the same. While traditional hockey camps and hockey clinics focus on skill development and training, hockey combines offer a platform for both instruction and college exposure. Understanding the difference between the two can help you make the best choice for your goals.
Insider Tip: Consider attending junior hockey combines, NCAA college camps, the CCM showcase, global camps, national festivals and ACHA prospect camps for direct exposure to college coaches.
What is the difference between hockey camps, clinics, combines, and showcases?
Ice hockey clinics
Hockey recruits can enroll in clinics to improve their skillset under the guidance of experts. The main goal of a hockey clinic is to build confidence with drills, mock games and player tips. Clinics can be focused on general skill development or position-specific development. Hockey clinics typically run for a few hours or an entire day.
Ice hockey camps
Hockey camps are similar to clinics, with the main difference being hockey camps usually span a couple of days or a week. Recruits can attend local or travel hockey camps, some of which take place on a college campus under the leadership of the coaches that run the program at that school. Recruits can expect a focus on skill and technique development during drills and mock games under the guidance of college coaches and other experts. An added benefit of attending a college camp is the opportunity to explore the college campus.
Ice Hockey Combines
Hockey combines provide recruits with education, exposure and experience as they work to develop their talent and pursue a collegiate hockey career. College coaches across all three NCAA divisions attend hockey combines to evaluate and recruit talent.
Hockey Showcases
What is a hockey showcase? Hockey showcases are recruiting opportunities for college coaches and hopeful college recruits. During a showcase, athletes will take to the ice to demonstrate their skillset while coaches sit in the stands and observe. Coaches use these events to identify athletes that might fit their recruiting needs. The CCM hockey showcase is a popular event for junior hockey and NCAA coaches to recruit.
Are hockey camps worth it?
Yes, athletes looking to improve their skillset and ultimately become a stronger hockey player will greatly benefit from attending hockey camps.
Athletes who are looking for exposure and the opportunity to work directly with college coaches should consider attending hockey camps hosted on a college campus.
When selecting a camp, always consult your list of target schools and research when those programs are offering camps.
What are the best hockey camps?
Looking for a hockey camps that will give you the edge on other recruits? Check out our list of the top 5 hockey camps:
The RB Hockey School
Elite Hockey Camps
Pro Ambitions Hockey Defense Clinics
All-World Hockey Camps
4D Hockey
How important are hockey tournaments for recruiting?
If you want college hockey coaches to watch you play in real time, you’ll need to attend hockey tournaments that coaches typically attend.
Selecting which hockey tournaments to attend is dependent on whether you are an underclassmen or upperclassmen.
If you’re an underclassman, you should attend local and regions tournaments that will give you competition experience and contribute to skill development.
On the other hand, upperclassmen should explore travel tournaments that will take them across the country to regions where college coaches recruit talent. This is especially important for recruits that live outside of the Northeast and upper Midwest regions, where the majority of college hockey programs are located.
Conclusion
Hockey camps give you the chance to sharpen your skills and get noticed by college coaches. The right camp for you depends on your recruiting goals and timeline. Sign up for your free NCSA Recruiting Profile today to start getting on college coaches’ radar!