It’s a crazy time of year for coaches and players because recruiting is in full swing. Whether players are attending showcases or committing to their offseason training, coaches and programs are pouring over video to add the next great hype machine to their squad.

Some of these showcases include a lot of players. So how do you get noticed? It’s not always about scoring all the goals (though that certainly doesn’t hurt) - the best scouts and coaches look for specific characteristics that might not seem obvious on the surface.

Here’s the first things I look for when I’m scouting a new player.

1. Edges 

Proper edge control is fundamental for defensemen and it’s easy to spot. Edges and agility help players maintain balance and control while skating both forwards and backwards. Strong edge work allows defenders to make quick lateral movements, maintain proper gap control, and execute tight turns while defending. With better edges players can close gaps on attacking players more quickly and put their team on offence quicker.

Good gap control includes:

• Keeping feet moving to match attacker's speed
• Using an active stick to eliminate passing lanes
• Ability to "surf" laterally across the ice
• Folding to the middle between the dots to force plays outside

  Learn more about gap control and get ideas with these clips from the NHL 4 Nations Faceoff Tournament.

2. Passing

Passing is one of the most important yet under-represented skills in the game. When a defenceman retrieves the puck, what are they doing with it? Are they throwing it up the boards because the speed of play is too fast? Are they shovelling their problem to someone else?

Or are they passing it to a teammate to get the attack started? Efficient passes require proper technique, and this technique is a surefire key that scouts look for every single shift. Players who can execute passes under pressure build trust with their coaches, which leads to more ice time and opportunities at higher levels. Those are the players coaches and managers want on their side.

• Hockey is a team game - even highly skilled players who can't involve teammates will struggle to advance
• Quick decision-making with passes can be the difference between playing at higher levels (like NHL vs AHL or junior vs. pro) or getting more ice time (first line vs third line)
• Even defensive players can earn professional contracts by being reliable passers - a stay-at-home defenseman can make millions if they can efficiently move the puck

3. Shoulder Checks 

So what can players do to ensure that their passing is up to the test? Regular shoulder checking before retrieving pucks is crucial. This habit:

• Reduces defensive mistakes and turnovers
• Helps players make better decisions under pressure
• Improves awareness and puck support
• Can be practiced through simple retrieval drills

Here are some of the game's best and brightest committing to shoulder checks on every retrieval. 

Recruiting players with a sound understanding of all habits, not just shoulder checking, is the goal of every scout or manager. players who shoulder check and scan before retrieving the puck have a lot of potential to grow with a new team and develop quickly.

4. Stick on Puck 

Back to the start, we have to get the puck back first. Defencemen are responsible for the attack just as much as the defence. Active stick positioning is essential for defending effectively. This includes:

• Maintaining proper stick placement to eliminate passing lanes
• Using the stick to pressure opponents and force turnovers
• Developing consistent stick habits through static positioning drills and progressive 1-on-1 scenarios.

5. Shooting from the Point 

Now that we’ve kept our gaps tight, checked attackers, retrieved pucks and moved them north, how can a defenceman get noticed in the offensive zone? While defending is primary, defensemen must also contribute to offense.

Let’s get some pucks on net and score some goals. Every puck that hits a defenceman’s tape on the blue line has the chance to develop into a dangerous scoring chance. Point shots require:

• Quick release rather than looking for perfect plays
• Understanding when to shoot versus when to pass
• Ability to get shots through traffic

These fundamentals form the foundation of successful defensive play at any level. All eyes are on you and if you’re skating well, moving the puck, demonstrating good habits, checking, and shooting, then you’re going to get noticed.