Dive into our essential guide to college hockey recruiting with hosts Lee MJ Elias, Mike Bonelli, Christie Casciano Burns, and Sheri Hudspeth in this episode of "Our Girls Play Hockey." Joined by Megan Myers, assistant coach for the Boston University women's ice hockey team, the discussion covers everything from the ideal age to start thinking about college hockey to crafting the perfect email to catch a coach's attention. Megan shares her expertise on navigating NCAA rules, the importance of balancing academics and athletics, and the value of both official and unofficial visits. This episode is a must-listen for players, parents, and coaches looking to understand the recruiting process and make informed decisions about their hockey futures.

Key Discussion Points

Starting the College Hockey Recruiting Process

- Division I recruiting now starts right after sophomore year of high school.

Contacting Coaches

- Use school websites to fill out questionnaires and email all team coaches to ensure visibility.

Importance of Academics

- Prioritize academics, as injuries or other factors could end a hockey career.

Emailing Coaches

- Effective emails should have clear subject lines, concise content, and include team schedules and coach contact information.

Video Content for Coaches

- Include game shifts rather than just highlight reels to show overall play, including defensive actions and game IQ.

Decision-Making Factors for Coaches

- Coaches look for players who make an impact on the game, control the pace, and demonstrate hard work.

Handling Social Pressure and Early Commitments

- Social pressure on players to commit early due to peers' commitments; enjoy the process and make informed decisions.

Tournaments and Showcases

- Key tournaments and showcases include Naha in Boston, Pittsburgh tournaments, and Stoney Creek in Canada.

Advisors and Recruiting Platforms

- Players can handle recruiting on their own with proper guidance; advisors may be needed in less visible regions.

Official vs. Unofficial Visits

- Official visits include paid expenses, while unofficial visits do not.

Balancing Academics and Athletics

- Understand and utilize available resources to balance the demands of being a student-athlete.

New Women's Hockey Programs

- Pros and cons of joining new programs, including the opportunity to be a part of history versus the challenges of a developing team.