Recruiting isn’t a moment, it’s a body of work.

In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down what actually matters when it comes to recruiting, scouting, showcases, and promotion in youth hockey. From the myth of “being seen” at tournaments to the rise of agents and advisors at younger and younger ages, they cut through the noise to give players, parents, and coaches a clear perspective.

This episode also covers how players should prepare, what scouts are really looking for, and why the best promotion is still just being a good player. Whether you’re chasing the OHL Cup, planning your next showcase, or just trying to help your kid navigate it all, this one’s for you.

Key Moments:

2:00 – Moving away & life skills through billeting

6:00 – How living away matures athletes

8:00 – Preparation for tournaments as a young player

12:30 – Mixed messages on how to prepare for games

14:00 – Do tournaments and showcases really matter?

17:30 – The importance (and limits) of the OHL Cup

20:40 – You don’t need a top team to be scouted

25:50 – Scouts can only see so much

26:10 – Handedness and other overlooked scouting factors

30:00 – Agents, advisors, and who really needs them

32:30 – Why do so many kids have reps now?

46:30 – Recruiting timelines and when things really happen

51:00 – Parent involvement: help or harm?

55:00 – The impact of parent behavior on player opportunity

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