Question: How do I recognize an elite hockey player?
How can a hockey spectator detect when a player has exceptional hockey skills? What should we be looking for? They all seem so good.
- Emanuel, Chicago
Answer: That's one of the most important questions in hockey, Emanuel, and it would take a lot of space to explain all the different skills hockey players need and how to tell which players are getting the job done.
Lucky for me, I don't have to, because there is already an excellent scouting resource available on the Web.
Hockey's Future provides detailed evaluations of young hockey prospects all over the world. It includes a guide for scouts, which is also an excellent guide for anyone who loves the game and wants to learn more.
Start with the Scouting Checklist, a quick list of qualities and skills to watch for. If you want to get into mroe detail, move on to the Scouting Tips. There's a lot of info to absorb, but dedicated fans of the game will find it fascinating.
