Top Goal Scorer vs. Role Player?

By Anonymous · Published · Last Active · 5 replies · 0 upvotes

So, I don't know much about hockey. My kid has been the driving hockey force since Mites. Now a 2013. So, my question is this. Background: winger. They are currently first line. First PP. Sometimes PK when they really need them. One of two Captains. Played AAA last year, but cut this year. That was the best thing to happen to them as it was motivation to work even harder which has made them a completely different player in the last 6 months. Almost unrecognizable, including nutrition and off ice workouts. Which is great. Great life learning experience for work, relationships, etc

But, they are only middle of the road of the top goal scorers on the current team when it comes to scoring goals. Like in the middle of the top 6 scorers on this team. Was probably close to last place last year, but that was only their first year playing wing since switching from defense.

Their superpower is their physicality, edge work, passing, digging pucks out of corners and being a terror in front of the opposing teams goalie.

And I would say in the 20+ games so far this year, they have only not come away from a puck battle with the puck only 2-3 times all season even when battling two opposing members of the opposite team at the same time. Which is their real superpower. Strength is off the charts.

Sounds great and all, but to get back to AAA and let's say make a college team which is their dream, is this enough? How would they get noticed or valued by teams on the next step of their journey such as back to AAA next year, etc.?

I get that coaches talk and that good players get found, but how is it not all about the ability to score points at this level ? Do coaches ask around town and say I am not needing a goal scorer, but I need an enforcer type at this age group and level? Is that even a thing? I know that not everyone can be the top point/goal scorer on the team. There can be only one. But how do you get noticed? It just seems to be such a grinding spot to be in which suits them fine if it pays off. They enjoy their role as a teammate. Do you have to make videos and stuff? Call coaches of teams you are interested in for next season and bragg?

Replies (5)

Anonymous · · 1 upvotes

why are you using they them pronouns?

If it’s a girl, work on shooting and edgework and get back into AAA as soon as you can

If it’s a boy, AA is fine for now. try again at u16. and no coaches do not care unless you can score the puck. or have money and are happy paying and sitting 3rd 4th line.

Anonymous · · 1 upvotes

Let’s not forget size also plays a factor here at bantam especially for AAA so take a breath and enjoy watching your kid play

You can have the strongest battle bourne most well fed average size kid out there and he will still get passed over for the 5’10 175 13 year old with a mustache

it all evens out by 16-17 years old.

Anonymous · · 0 upvotes

I wish youth coaches cared about role players. they do not. until midget age when paying for a spot doesn’t work any more. until then it’s priority to hot moms and biggest paycheck from dad.

Anonymous · · 0 upvotes

@Anonymous wrote:

why are you using they them pronouns?

If it’s a girl, work on shooting and edgework and get back into AAA as soon as you can

If it’s a boy, AA is fine for now. try again at u16. and no coaches do not care unless you can score the puck. or have money and are happy paying and sitting 3rd 4th line.

True on goals or bust? In the show there are PK and faceoff specialists.

Anonymous · · 0 upvotes

no one cares about a 13-year-old special teams guy

Any good player at this age can both score goals (or regularly assist the top sniper) and also play special teams

if you’re a forward and you’re not scoring, good luck

sure, you might see things like the specialist defensive zone faceoff guy start to populate, but you’re not specifically being sought out for that in Bantam at Mission or Reapers