Do I need an agent to play in the NHL?

As November ends and December begins it is the time of the season when teenage players and parents of those players become more inquisitive about the marketplace known as professional hockey. Questions like "Should my son have an agent?" and "Do you know an agent I can call?" become part of their conversations around the rink.

More often than not, they stem from the myth that in order to become a successful player you need an agent. Albeit true having connections or knowing someone is a plus, it is not "the" answer to making it pro for a young budding star. Understanding that player agents do not make money until the contract with a team is signed, is the first step to knowing what you will be dealing with. And like any business, agents are in business to make money.

Like the stock market, player agents want to make sure they invest their resources (time & effort) wisely for a good return. They spend many months and years honing their clients to become the strong valued commodity that a team is willing to pay for. Everything from proper training on ice to media grooming is planned out for the player's development. So the last thing they can afford is a crap shoot. They would prefer to invest their time and effort on a commodity (player) that has a higher percentage of making them money, than on one who may just fall by the way side.

A study was done years ago that showed the odds of a player signing an NHL contract is 1 in 40,000. The question you should ask is not "do I need an agent?" but what needs to be done to make it. Consider a player's age. If a player is 18 or younger and playing major junior, Junior A, or B, then his NHL draft year is in 2009, 2010 or later and his odds are in his favor. If a player is older than 18, he most likely is past his NHL draft year and has less of a chance to make it.

The business of hockey (player agents and teams) across North America know almost every player who is 18 years of age at the major junior and college levels of hockey. There are player reviews by central scouting, with in depth write-ups. Players also can not rule out word of mouth. If a player is a late bloomer he will quickly learn he needs to become a marketing expert, by talking to coaches, leveraging relationships and connecting with decision makers.

The process of becoming a professional hockey player, is one of learning and growing. It is not to be bestowed on any one person. Here are some key steps that will help players live out a dream of playing professionally and connecting with the "right" agent.

1. Pick up the phone and conduct interviews with agents (there is a list of agents below from the NHLPA and PHPA. There is a list of sample questions to help with your interviewing process).
2. Speak to other players on the team and ask if they like their agent and is their agent willing to take on new clients.
3. Speak to the management of the team and ask if there are agents that have good/bad relations with.
4. Make contact with NHL team GMs and ask who they like to deal with.
   

Here is the link to the certified agents that the NHLPA / NHL work with.
http://nhlpa.com/Agents/

Here is the link to the PHPA that work with the AHL, CHL and ECHL
http://www.phpa.com/en/content/home/agents/listing/?

If you are not sure what to ask here are questions you can use: http://www.thehockeysource.tv/sectionsourceknowledge/agents.php
On that page you will find a sample of questions to ask any agent.

The more homework a player does, the more he will realize the work that is needed to play professional hockey.

Let me cut to the chase...

You don't have much time BUT you want answers.


Like most people in youth or minor hockey today, there are so many things you are being told that you can't always make sense of what you are being told. If you are a parent then you know that this time of the season can be quite stressful. By now your son or daughter have experienced time away from their studies, chores and personal enjoyments. Not too mention YOUR increased level of stress driving them, watching them and helping them stay focused on "all" aspects of thier young life.



So what can you do, starting today, that will help you feel like you are back in control?


Do what you can control. Like every good hockey player knows you can only do your own job. When you try and do someone else's, you create a gap and get in their way. Here is a list of five stress busters.

1. Be supportive - ask questions instead of making observations. Realize that you are not playing the game. Decisions are required to be made at an instance. Ask clarifying questions and then listen. You will be amazed at how simple asking a question can get them re-focused on what is important.


2. Get yourself organized. Children follow what you do, not what you say. If you are organized and plan what you need to get done, they will learn a life long skill.


3. Speak to your son/daughter's coach and teacher. Seek to understand the needs of the people who spend a majority of your child's waking hours. You will see the demand that is put on them.


4. Buddy up with another parent. Give your self a break to do other things that are important to your family. At the same, you can give another parent a break while you get to connect with your child and thier friends (teammates).


5. Imagine that your child was someone else's. How would you treat them? Probably with fewer rules and more of a free spirited attitude.

Whether you are in Canada, the US or Australia... the same issues come up in this game. Take the time each day to enjoy and share the magical moments. Hockey is a game and is meant to be fun!