Showcase Thoughts

I write this from a press box in the Whittemore Center in Durham New Hampshire, home of the UNH Wildcats.

No, I have not taken a job at a new college.

I’m here scouting and working for the AHA Showcase

I’ve participated and coached over 20 showcases throughout my career and here are the key take aways that players and parents miss.

1. Dress well. You don’t need a suit but a golf shirt and and closed toe’d shoes (not lawn mowers either). You want to present yourself as a professional and someone who takes their game seriously.

   • Please do not wear crocs

   • Please do not make out with your girlfriend/boyfriend, whatever friend in the rink.

     • Yes I have seen this

2. Play your game. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. If you score goals, score goals. If you are a strong puck handling goalie, play the puck. You are here to SHOWCASE yourself. Play your game!

3. Parents: your child is a direct reflection of you. If you’re acting out, yelling, being un-professional, your kid will end up being a parent cut. No point wasting money, just stay home at that point.

4. Players, go talk to coaches. You don’t have to sell yourself, but have a normal professional convo. It helps if you know a few things about the coaches’ program but showing you can hold a conversation is important.

5. Ask questions, a well run showcase should have some sort of Q&A. Ask any and all questions you may have. Now is the time. You invested to be here, make it count.

6. Enjoy it. You get to be around players you don’t normally see. Talk to people, make connections and enjoy the sport. It can be stressful to have to perform with a lot of eyes on you. Put that in the back of your mind and go play.

If you want some help navigating your career or need to build your game. Click here and I’ll help you in any way I can.

-Dr. Jamie