How to Stand Out at USHL Main Camp: A Guide for Ambitious Hockey Players

Understanding the USHL Main Camp Process

So, you didn’t get invited by USHL scouts to attend a team’s main camp? Don’t worry; you are not alone. Most players attending a USHL main camp are team draft picks (affiliate players) selected during Phase 1 or 2 in June. It could be that the team drafted the player last year and kept him on their “45 player protected list.” This means he is returning for his second tryout to make the squad’s September training camp.

Let me walk you through how it works for some organizations. This was my experience with two different USHL clubs:

• Draft

• Goalie Camp

• Futures Camp

• Open Camp

• Main Camp

• Main Camp All-Star Game

• September Training Camp

• Pre-Season

• Fall Classic

• Regular Season Begins

  
  

The Path to Success

I have seen it once, with one player, who made it from open camp to the Regular Season Fall Classic. He got in front of virtually every NHL scout in existence. Quite the feat for a player entering the open camp portion of the process! In order for players to move on from open camp to main camp, they must dominate and win over the coaches' hearts.

From a physical standpoint, the player is most likely playing his best hockey of his career. He possesses a skill set that the coaches believe can transfer to the next level. If the player succeeds anywhere past open camp, he will be tested against greater competition, i.e., main camp. Most players affiliated with the team will be there, minus some import players who are usually on-ice specialists.

Before the coaching staff selected this player to move on from open camp, he showed his work ethic and drive to improve. You may ask—how did he do this?

The Importance of Work Ethic

This player was, believe it or not, working on his skills in a small area while the Zamboni was getting on and off the ice. It was unbelievable! He was doing inside-outside edge figure-eights with a puck, using his own gloves as cones. He stayed after games to help shoot on goalies. When he wasn’t on the ice, we would see him stretching in the lobby.

Now, if this player can perform in the main camp environment, where the pace of play has picked up, he could really be a special player. Let me tell you, if you can play in the USHL, especially these days, you are a special player.

Rising to the Challenge

The player in question will be forced to elevate to the level around him or stick out like a sore thumb. Main camp hockey is considerably more structured, making it more predictable. When someone “breaks the chain” (disconnects a passing sequence), you can really tell as an observer.

During open camp, he is playing in front of the coaching staff and a few scouts. In the main camp, the pressure is on, as he plays in front of NHL scouts, all searching for that one undercover, sneaky player that all the other scouts overlooked.

Now, picture yourself at main camp, with 12 scouts—most D1 coaches, including NHL caliber scouts. They are watching closely! This player pointed in open camp, and he pointed in main camp, continuing to impress.

What Does "Pointing" Mean?

What is pointing, and why is it important in a tryout? Pointing means scoring or assisting on goals; it’s about collecting points. Yes, it’s important, and yes, coaches keep track. However, it’s often the case that when the level around you is so well matched, you may struggle to produce. So, what else are you providing the team?

For this player, he was ultra-responsible defensively. He gave 100% on his tracks and reloaded above the puck. He played above the puck on the defensive side in scrums and chose skating routes that positioned him responsibly. He was very comfortable reading the play with confidence in all situations. As an undersized forward, he carried the puck out of the defensive end, blocked shots, and knew when to change lines.

Character Counts

He was also an impressive character. His passion for hockey was undeniable. He was a bright, intelligent kid off the ice, took care of his body (shown by his routine), and was mature enough to hold a conversation. He was always positive, speaking well to his teammates and smiling.

All these traits played into the decision to recruit him for September’s team training camp, where he exceeded expectations… as usual. In the end, he ended up playing over a dozen regular season games. However, the league gets better every week. Players from college come down, visas get approved, among other factors.

The Nature of Competition

The coaching staff called him in one day and congratulated him for his efforts. Even as good as he was, the players coming in were better than him. That’s the nature of the USHL.

So, what can you take away from this? If you’re serious about making it in hockey, focus on your skills, work ethic, and character. Remember, it’s not just about talent; it’s about how you present yourself and how you adapt to the competition.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the journey to the USHL is challenging but rewarding. Embrace every opportunity to improve, and don’t shy away from hard work. If you keep pushing yourself, you might just find yourself at the next level.

Want to understand where high-level player development is heading?

Read our core article: The Future of Hockey Development: Remote Coaching: https://www.goldenstickhockey.com/post/the-future-of-hockey-development-remote-coaching

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