Preseason Blueprint: Building a Scouting-Ready Hockey Resume

Author: 1Rink Contributor
Date: September 12, 2025

As the hockey season approaches, players and parents alike are buzzing with anticipation. Whether you're gearing up for your first year of competitive play or entering your final season before college recruitment, one thing is clear: preparation is everything. While many blogs focus on how to get scouted during the season, few dive into the critical preseason phase—where the foundation for visibility and success is laid. This guide is your blueprint for building a scouting-ready hockey resume before the puck drops.

Why Preseason Preparation Matters

Scouts don’t just show up randomly. They plan their schedules around players who’ve made themselves visible and compelling. That visibility starts long before the first game. A well-prepared player signals discipline, commitment, and awareness—traits that scouts value as much as raw talent.

Step 1: Audit Your Hockey Resume

Before you hit the ice, take stock of your hockey resume. This isn’t just a document—it’s your personal brand. Include:

• Basic Info: Name, age, height, weight, position, shooting hand.
• Team History: Past teams, leagues, and seasons played.
• Stats: Goals, assists, plus-minus, penalty minutes, save percentage (for goalies).
• Achievements: Awards, tournament wins, leadership roles.
• Academic Info: GPA, SAT/ACT scores, school name (especially for college-bound players).
• Video Links: Highlight reels or full-game footage.

Update this resume every season and keep a digital version ready to share with coaches, scouts, and recruiters.

Step 2: Create a Scouting-Friendly Highlight Reel

Scouts love video. It allows them to evaluate players remotely and revisit key moments. Your highlight reel should:

• Be 3–5 minutes long.
• Showcase a mix of offensive and defensive plays.
• Include transitions, positioning, and hockey IQ moments—not just goals.
• Use clear labeling (e.g., “#12 in white”) and avoid distracting music or effects.

Upload your reel to YouTube or Vimeo and link it in your resume and social profiles.

Step 3: Set Preseason Goals

Scouts look for growth. Setting measurable goals shows you’re serious about development. Examples include:

• Increase shot accuracy by 10%.
• Improve 40-yard sprint time by 0.2 seconds.
• Attend two showcase camps before November.
• Reach out to three college coaches with your updated resume.

Write these goals down and track progress weekly. Share them with your coach or trainer for accountability.

Step 4: Understand Your League’s Scouting Landscape

Not all leagues attract the same level of scouting attention. Do your homework:

• Which scouts typically attend your games?
• Are there showcase events tied to your league?
• What is the pathway from your league to junior, prep, or college hockey?

If your league has limited exposure, consider attending external camps or tournaments that attract scouts. The goal is to be seen.

Step 5: Build Your Online Presence

Scouts often Google players. What will they find?

• RinkNet: The software that scouts use daily.
• Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram or X (formerly Twitter) to share training clips, achievements, and team updates. Keep it professional.
• LinkedIn: Yes, even for athletes. It’s a great place to showcase academic and athletic achievements.

Think of your online presence as your digital handshake—it should be firm, clear, and confident.

Step 6: Communicate With Coaches

Coaches are your first line of reference. Let them know your goals and ask for feedback. A coach who understands your aspirations can:

• Advocate for you with scouts.
• Help you identify showcase opportunities.
• Provide honest evaluations to improve your game.

Don’t wait until midseason—start these conversations now.

Step 7: Prioritize Conditioning and Nutrition

Scouts notice who’s game-ready and who’s lagging. Your preseason conditioning should include:

• Strength training (especially core and lower body).
• Speed and agility drills.
• Endurance work (e.g., interval skating, off-ice cardio).

Pair this with smart nutrition: lean proteins, complex carbs, hydration, and recovery-focused meals. A sluggish start can cost you visibility.

Step 8: Know the Scouting Calendar

Scouting peaks vary by level:

• Junior Hockey: September–December is prime time.
• College Hockey: Coaches often scout during holiday tournaments and showcase events.
• Prep and High School: Early-season games and regional tournaments draw attention.

Plan your peak performance around these windows. If you’re injured or underperforming during key months, scouts may move on.

Step 9: Attend a Preseason Showcase

These events are goldmines for exposure. Look for showcases that match your level and goals. Benefits include:

• Playing in front of multiple scouts at once.
• Networking with coaches and recruiters.
• Benchmarking your skills against top peers.

Register early, prepare thoroughly, and treat every shift like a tryout.

Step 10: Stay Mentally Sharp

Scouting isn’t just physical—it’s psychological. Scouts watch how players handle pressure, adversity, and team dynamics. Build mental toughness by:

• Practicing visualization and goal-setting.
• Using breathing techniques to manage stress.
• Staying focused on effort, not just outcomes.

Confidence, resilience, and coachability are traits that can elevate you above equally skilled peers.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the season isn’t just about sharpening your slapshot—it’s about crafting a complete package that scouts can’t ignore. From your resume to your mindset, every detail matters. Start early, stay consistent, and remember: the players who get scouted aren’t just talented—they’re prepared.

TL;DR: Your Preseason Scouting Checklist

• Update your hockey resume and highlight reel.
• Set measurable goals and track progress.
• Understand your league’s scouting exposure.
• Build a professional online presence.
• Communicate with coaches early.
• Focus on conditioning and nutrition.
• Know the scouting calendar and plan accordingly.
• Attend preseason showcases.
• Develop mental toughness and resilience.

Ready to make this season your breakout year? Start now—and let your preparation speak louder than your stats.