Has it always been a dream of yours to play pro hockey in Europe?
If so, you've come to the right article.
We're going to dive into exactly how it works...
Let's get started!
Before we start discussing the best route you should take based on your personal situation, let's take a few minutes to look at this from the pro clubs in Europes perspective.
Why?
Because doing so will allow you to better understand what clubs in Europe are actually looking for when they are seeking out import players (such as yourself).
Each season, professional hockey leagues in Europe continue to get stronger...sure, a few leagues stay the same or get slightly weaker (loss of budget, relegation, restructuring).
For the most part though, the majority of leagues across Europe have improved talent wise over the past decade.
This has happened for a number of reasons. Two of the primary factors that have caused this are:
1. import players make the leagues stronger (duh)
2. ample resources, development, & coaching across the nation from youth -> juniors -> pro
As more resources are given to hockey development programs across a country (Sweden, Hungary, UK, wherever), the stronger their youth players become.
Over a number of years, these younger players soon develop into the next level of talent.
When you mix this factor in with good import players, the import players then naturally help elevate the local players game by being on the ice with them every day. In turn, it's a win-win for the talent level of the team (and for the talent level of the whole league).
When coaches (trainers), GM's, & team Presidents are seeking import players to come play hockey overseas in Europe for them, it is their goal to bring over players who will make a positive impact on the ice.
They want difference makers both on and off the ice.
This is quite obvious, but it's extremely important to bring up because if you don't have the strongest CV (hockey resume) or maybe your stats the past few seasons don't do your playing ability justice, you need an alternative way to STAND OUT to clubs.
You need a way in. An opportunity.
The good news is that we've worked with and have built up contacts with clubs in dozens of hockey leagues/countries across Europe over the past 7 years. Therefore, we know a thing or 2 about the best route to take when helping players land a team.
We only help players play in Europe (hence the agency name...Play Hockey in Europe).
Depending on your level of play and your resume, there are a number of routes in which you can take.
Trying to Land a Pro Hockey Team On Your Own
You could go the route of trying to land a team solo without any outside help or guidance from an agency.
We don't recommend this route for a number of reasons.
Hockey Agents Reach out to You
If you were drafted to "The Show" (NHL), come from a top-tier NCAA Div1 program, or have extensive major junior experience (CHL), you'll likely have already heard from a few Hockey Agents in Europe.
For a majority of players though, hockey agents will not come knocking on your door looking for you.
You need them to learn about YOU.
And the only way for them to learn about you is if you're able to get in direct contact with the right people within each organization (the decision makers that run each organization).
With hundreds of clubs across Europe spanning from the Atlantic Ocean to the Baltics and the Arctic Circle down to the Mediterranean Sea, you need to work with an agency who's build up contacts with a ton of teams across a wide set of countries.
We've done this.
Working With Play Hockey In Europe
There's so many good "potential" import players at all positions that teams can choose from. How can you stand out?
We help you in reaching all of these clubs directly and in showcasing your ability to them virtually.
So if you have the work ethic and want to play hockey overseas but aren't sure how to make it a reality, click here to send us a message.
We'll let you know if our agency is able to help you and look forward to speaking with you regarding your hockey goals.
