Tips for Securing Hockey Scholarships

Hockey scholarships are very different from a regular college scholarship program. Unlike many sports, hockey scholarships are awarded by colleges and universities based on their program needs. The recruitment process is much longer than for the typical college sports team. In order to be considered for hockey scholarships, the candidate must be playing at the Junior A hockey level.

Create a List of Preferred Schools

Candidates interested in obtaining hockey scholarships should begin their search by creating a list of potential schools. It is important for the candidate to keep certain factors in mind when considering schools. Not all college scholarships for ice hockey are the same, and can vary in amount. Some colleges have athletic scholarships which cover the costs of tuition and living expenses, while others only cover tuition. A list of five to ten schools should suffice; however, players should keep in mind that smaller schools tend to have fewer scholarship opportunities available than larger ones. After this step, potential candidates should find out more information about the coaches. This includes contact information, such as an email or business mailing address. This will help candidates in the next step of the process, creating a professional portfolio.

Prepare a Portfolio
Potential candidates should create a professional portfolio of their achievements. A good portfolio should contain information about the student, such as a professional resume outlining achievements and detailed statistics from previous seasons. A sealed transcript should be included in the portfolio. The reason for this is that many coaches are just as interested in a player's performance both on and off the ice.

A good portfolio should include a cover letter and letters of reference. The cover letter should contain a brief outline as to why a coach should be interested in recruiting the candidate, along with a statement of intent. A statement of intent is a few sentences in the cover letter which explains what the candidate would like to achieve. In addition, it provides an explanation for the reader, the reason for sending them the portfolio. For example, it might say, "I would like to bring to your attention the skills, achievements and leadership capabilities which have enabled me to serve as captain of my team. I would like to discuss my assets to XYZ University's hockey team as a valuable member."

If possible, candidates should also include a letter of reference from a person of credibility, such as a coach, teacher, community leader or employer. This gives coaches an indication of the seriousness of the candidate's intent, as well as more insight into their personality and character.

Since many colleges and universities are in diverse locations, it is nearly impossible for coaches to visit all potential candidates. As a result, it is a good idea for candidates to create a video highlighting their competitive skills. This will give the coach an idea about the skill level and performance of the player. Copies of the video can either be burned onto a DVD or uploaded online and the links listed in the resume.

Candidates should also include a handwritten thank you card with the portfolio. While this gesture may seem pointless, something as simple as a thank you note can make a portfolio more memorable.

Establish Communication with Coaches

Many coaches prefer to make contact with potential candidates while they are still in high school. This allows the coach to monitor the player's progress as they move through high school and into junior leagues. Potential hockey scholarship candidates should reach out to coaches with their portfolio to attract their attention. Once a coach has taken an interest in a candidate, the candidate will be informed that their portfolio has been taken into consideration. Successful candidates will be notified that they are being recruited if they are actively communicating with coaches.

Author is a college student who likes to research college scholarships such as hockey scholarships.