Goaltender (Goalie)

• Save percentage / shot-stopping efficiency

• Puck handling & play outside the crease (when leaving the net)

• Communication with teammates during the game

• Consistency & resilience (how you respond after goals or team mistakes)

• High-level mobility, speed, and technical movement (footwork, edge work)

According to many North American scouts, the #1 quality for a goalie is mental toughness and psychological stability.

Defenseman (Defender)

• Backward skating technique and speed

• Defensive-zone positioning and teamwork with a partner

• Transition speed — how quickly you start the attack with the puck in your zone

• Decision-making after faceoffs (both won and lost draws)

• Shot blocking

• Smart line changes and timing with teammates

• Joining the rush and play at the blue line

• Shot speed and accuracy

• Physical play / battles along the boards

• Active stick in the defensive zone (aggressive but controlled)

• First pass and puck distribution

• Special teams play (power play & penalty kill)

• Discipline (avoiding unnecessary penalties)

• Puck management (avoiding careless turnovers)

 

 

Forward

• Speed and skating skills

• Off-puck play (positioning, spacing, reading the game)

• Puck protection & stick skills

• Initiative and playmaking

• Compete level / physical battles

• Backchecking and defensive responsibility

• Play at the blue lines (both offensive and defensive)

• Shot blocking when needed

• Quick decisions in transition (defense → offense)

• Shot accuracy and power

• Discipline (avoiding unnecessary penalties)

• Smart line changes and timing with teammates

• Special teams play (power play & penalty kill)

• Mental toughness (handling pressure and game situations)

• Net-front play (finishing, screens, taking away the goalie’s vision)

 

 

Important for all players

Scouts evaluate more than your on-ice skills. They pay close attention to:

• Hockey IQ and decision-making

• Education and communication level

• Lifestyle, habits, and professionalism

• Character, leadership, and behavior in a team environment

 

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