Our organization attended America's Showcase this year and look forward to
coming back each year. The staff ran a first class showcase and catered to the
needs of each scout/recruiter.
The
America's Showcase tournament is among the best in the USA for recruiting.
The tournament is very well organized and brings an extra element of
class to the game of hockey. The
scheduling, the people, the hockey and the facility are top class and would
recommend any scout, recruiter or coach to check out the America's
Showcase!
To [America's Showcase]:
Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of
attending the Pittsburgh America's Hockey Showcase. As the General Manager of
the Eugene Generals Tier III junior hockey club, an Associate Coach in Chief of
the Pacific District, and a 20 year coach that has attended various events
throughout the county, I want to express my gratitude to all who made the event
possible. It was truly and impressive event.
I had already had the pleasure in
past years to attend the showcase as a coach. At that time, I was impressed
with the organization, logistics, competition, professionalism, and
friendliness of all the staff. This year, I had the opportunity to see the
event from the Scout's perspective and was equally impressed, if not more so,
with the Showcase. This opportunity to see the event from both perspectives
allowed me to see, from the whole, what an truly first class event this is.
Below are my observations as a scout from the 2013 Showcase.
Professionalism and Courtesy
The Showcase was professionally
staffed from the initial contact at the front door. Signage was clearly marked,
and the process for check-in was welcoming and warm. I was presented with a
Name Tag (after providing the staff member with proper credentials) that gave
access to the entire facility. In addition I was presented with an impressive
array of scouting materials.
Furthermore, the Showcase provided
high quality meals and snacks. Given the format of the showcase (two games on
two sheets), this extra attention to fill my personal need of food and drink
further allowed me to maximize my time on task. It also, of course, has the
added value of making me feeling welcomed and invited.
Scouting Material
Without a doubt, the scouting
materials provided at this camp ranks among the top that I have received at any
other event. Organized, professional, and complete, the scouting package
allowed me to immediately evaluate players for viability (where the players
wants to play), current hockey career, and academic quality. Broken up by
teams, and well presented, I wish all events would have scouting materials like
these. In the recent weeks, I can also attest to their accuracy.
Scout Access
Scouts were provided private viewing
areas separated from the public. In addition to limiting interactions with
curious parents, it allowed team representatives to meet and discuss current
events in the hockey world, share thoughts and players, and conduct additional
business.
Scouts were also allowed access to
any player without bias. It seems the intention of the showcase to allow every
scout, and therefore any team, the opportunity to view, evaluate, and then
contact any player and then allow the player to contemplate all the available
choices and make an informed decision. There was no bias towards any one
region, league, or affiliation. My experience in this regard was top notch.
Clear and Concise Signage
Each team's locker room was well
marked. Signs indicating locker room assignments was routinely updated and
accurate. Bench signage is a stroke of pure genius. Jersey numbers and colors
allow for easy identification of players. This logistical thought and
implementation is also first class and generally unique to this event. Again,
this really made scouting easy and efficient.
Facility
This is truly a fist class facility.
Clean. Easy to access. Great viewing angles. On time. Located close to the
airport with great accommodations. Parking is easy. Facility clearly designed
with public access and use in mind. Great facility for scouting. Having the
frozen four there was a nice bonus this year.
As a long time coach and scout, I'm
impressed with this event. It is my hope that hockey in general gives each
player the opportunity to develop his skills, hone his character, and hopefully
showcase those talents to a wide range of interested parties. It is a critical
part to the player development process. The America's Hockey Showcase exceeds
my expectation in every regard. Thank you to so much to all who made this event
the success that it is.
Flint Doungchak, General Manager
Eugene Generals