Exposure
In the 2007-08 season our Jr B team will have had 8 players skate with 7 different EJHL teams, 3 players invited to the USHL prospects camp in Chicago, 1 play in the World Junior Nationals U20, 1 go to OHL free agent camp, 3 make commitments to NCAA ECAC D-III Universities and 2 more to ACHA D-I schools. It's been our most successful season of player movement in the young history of the organization.

Many of this would not have been possible had it not been for the quality reputation of the Empire league, the Tri State coaching staff and the various showcases and non-league tournaments that we competed in throughout the season. "We're an organization that is selfless and work tirelessly for our players. We expect the same effort in return from them so it helps keep us in check to make sure we're giving them every opportunity possible to pursue their dreams".

In todays recruiting process many difficult decisions have to be made in terms of which player moves up and which one is left behind. One major factor in that selection process is academics. As an organization, our Jr B players are required to submit copies of their report cards each semester to the coaching staff to make sure they are staying in line academically. If not, adjustments can be made to accomodate that player and give them an opportunity to raise their grades. Balancing hockey with school work and every day life is critical in giving yourself the best chance to move on and play at the next level.

College Placement
With a coaching staff that has played and coached in the NCAA college ranks, we have established a strong base of contacts that allows us to give our kids an added level of exposure. Sometimes sending video on one of your top players to a D-I college assistant that you used to play with, is enough to get that school to come watch him play and give an evaluation.

Every showcase and select home and away weekends are filled with College, Jr A, and in some cases Pro scouts there to watch our hockey team compete. This year, for example, 3 of our EJHL showcases were represented by over 100 NCAA College, Junior and Professional coaches and scouts.

See below for a ful list of Tri State Alumni 2005-07...

"To summarize our organizations belief system I'd say this; we're young so we have not yet developed a 'tradition of winning' but more so a tradition and reputation for what was talked about above. While winning is important in some ways, I believe that takes care of itself if your foundation and the product you build it on is solid. Our organzation gives kids an opportunity to learn, grow as players and people, gain top notch exposure and scouting opportunities at the next level all while being challenged at a very high level each and every game. We don't just have one or two good teams in our league. We have 19 quality programs and you can't recreate the growth and development that takes place by being challenged each time out versus only a handful of times a year. I think it's time people evaluate what is truley important in an development process and make sound decisions from there"- Mike Anderson.

What does your program do for you??

Interested in talking more about Junior hockey, Tri State or the development opportunities that might be available to you? email us at tristateselects@gmail.com. Coaches can arrange to have you on the ice for a practice, tour the locker room and meet the current players. 
 

The "EJ" (Eastern Junior Hockey League) puts more players in D1 Schools, with scholarships than any league in the country, except the USHL.