Part of what we do at Hockey Horizons is attend and participate at the various hockey showcases around the continent, during the off season months. The latest of these is the Global Sports Showcase recently held at the Darien Sportsplex in the Chicago area this pat weekend.
What are summer showcases, like Global, all about?
A summer showcase is a gathering of hockey players who wish to be seen by coaches, scouts and recruiters from the various levels of hockey. Global: Chicago features 10 teams of players. each team is comprised of roughly 9 forwards, 6 defensemen and 3 goalies. Players are put through 2 practice sessions, with NCAA Division I and III coaches and 4 games. The camp also offers daily seminars hosted by NCAA, Major Junior, Junior A and Academy coaches. Aside from the depth of staff on the benches and on the ice, there were approximately 85-90 Junior leagues represented, including the USHL, BCHL, OHL, WHL, LMJQ, CCHL, NOJHL, USPHL, NCDC, WSHL, AJHL, EHL, SJHL, MJHL, MHL to name a few.
Coaches and recruiters who attend have access to all players for the purpose of recruitment and teams and programs set up kiosks to present their programs all weekend long. The landscape of junior hockey can be daunting and Global; Chicago is one of the few showcases who has no direct league or team affiliation. As former Philadelphia Flyers Amateur Scout and Global Sports Camps Founder, Roy Henderson, states, "Global Showcase are simply a stage. A stage where players can be recruited and Coaches can recruit." Global is entering their 28th year of their showcases.
It isn't just about recruitment
As mentioned, one of the valuable features of showcases, like Global, is the ability to share and receive information about hockey. This years seminar topics included:
NCAA Compliance
Building the Player, hosted by yours truly
NCAA College Hockey Q & A with the Coaches
Junior/Academy Hockey Q & A with the Coaches
Nutrition, hosted by Stephanie at Rock Performance
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