The VICTORIOUS HOCKEY COMPANY’s Biweekly Newsletter:  LOOK AT ME!

The Stanley Cup has begun, which can only mean that we are in the middle of hockey camp season. Each year, right around this time, I begin seeing lots of different opinions about attending various hockey camps. Unfortunately, much of what I read is not exactly accurate. One of the biggest misconceptions in youth and junior hockey is this:

It’s easy to see where that belief comes from. We’re deep into hockey camp season, and families are bombarded with showcase invites, prep camps, prospect events—all of them promising scouts, exposure, and the chance to be discovered.

But let me be clear:

Exposure and opportunity are not the same thing. Not even close.

You could attend a hundred different camps in a hundred different cities, in front of a hundred different scouts—and still never be truly seen. Here’s why:

That’s not a knock—it’s just reality. Hockey is expensive to operate, and programs need to fundraise creatively. Charging $400 to $600+ per player to attend a weekend-long camp with 300 participants isn’t about individual evaluation. It’s about sustainability for the program. Scouts and coaches might be present—but they’re not watching 300 players. They’re watching five. Maybe ten.

It doesn’t happen by signing up cold. It happens through pre-scouting and relationship building. Coaches often arrive with a list of specific players they’re there to evaluate—players who reached out ahead of time, shared their résumé, and started a conversation. If you’re not on that list, there’s a strong chance you’ll be nothing more than a jersey number in a crowded barn.

Too many players attend camps where no one knows who they are. No introduction. No fit. No communication. And afterward, all they get is a generic follow-up email inviting them to pay for next year’s camp. Meanwhile, the opportunity they hoped for never materialized—because the right eyes weren’t even looking their way.

You don’t need more exposure—you need better exposure. That means:

-Playing in front of programs that are already interested in your skillset.

-Contacting coaches ahead of time and letting them know you’ll be there.

-Keeping your Elite Prospects profile up to date and sharing your hockey résumé.

-Working with someone who can advocate for you directly with the decision-makers.

This is where a legitimate hockey advisor can make a huge difference. A good advisor doesn’t just suggest camps—they open doors. They help ensure you’re one of the players on that coach’s shortlist before you step on the ice. Because at most of these events, the decisions have already started before the puck drops.

Exposure is a numbers game—but the real game is being one of the right numbers. Coaches aren’t looking for random standouts. They’re looking for players who fit their style, fill a need, and show professionalism in how they prepare and communicate.

So don’t chase every camp. Don’t fall for the promise that just being there is enough.

Do the work ahead of time. Be intentional. Make yourself hard to miss.

For the players,

Mike

­

The London Knights captured their third Memorial Cup title with a 4-1 win over the Medicine Hat Tigers. Denver Barkey led the charge with two second-period goals, while Jacob Julien and Easton Cowan also scored. Goalie Austin Elliott made 31 saves. After falling to the Tigers earlier in round-robin play, London rebounded to win the semifinal and final. Head coach Dale Hunter matched Don Hay’s record with his third title. Medicine Hat’s lone goal came from Gavin McKenna.

­

The Chicago Blackhawks are expanding Fifth Third Arena with a $65 million renovation, set to open January 2026. The facility will feature two new ice rinks, including a 2,000-seat Championship Arena, and serve as the new home for the USHL's Chicago Steel. Additions include a bar honoring Rocky Wirtz, lounges, a city-view patio, and a Blackhawks Hall of Fame. The project complements the nearby $7 billion United Center redevelopment and reflects Chicago’s growing hockey footprint.

­­

The 2025 Stanley Cup Final features a rematch between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, with several NCAA alumni playing key roles. Florida is led by Evan Rodrigues (Boston U.) and Nate Schmidt (Minnesota), while Edmonton features Jake Walman (Providence) and Trent Frederic (Wisconsin). Zach Hyman (Michigan) is sidelined due to injury. Players like Mackie Samoskevich, Nico Sturm, and Troy Stecher add collegiate depth to their teams, highlighting NCAA hockey’s growing impact on NHL success.

­­

The NAHL announced its 2025 award winners, with Bismarck’s Tomas Anderson named MVP after leading the league in wins (37) and ranking top-three in all major goaltending categories. Rookie and Goalie of the Year honors went to Lone Star’s Ryan Cameron, who posted a record-setting 12 shutouts. Austin’s Alex Laurenza earned Forward of the Year, while Anchorage’s Brock Devlin took Defenseman of the Year. John Mitchell was named Coach of the Year after guiding the Wisconsin Windigo to a 41-win season and their first Robertson Cup appearance.

­­­­

The Connecticut Jr. Rangers have partnered with JuniorHockey.io to enhance development initiatives and boost media exposure. Operating Tier II (NCDC) and Tier III (USPHL) teams out of Stamford, CT, the Rangers aim to expand their reach and visibility. Coach Mike Stanaway praised the collaboration as a natural next step, while Stephen Heisler of JuniorHockey.io highlighted the Rangers' strong operational standards. The alliance blends content creation with player development to elevate both the program and junior hockey media coverage.

­­­----

Players and families, we want to hear from you. If there are any questions, concerns, or if you just want to have a conversation, please feel free to contact us directly. We want to hear from you. Good Luck and Great Hockey!

 

Thank you,

Team VHC