<p>I am from southern california, not a hotbed for ice hockey. I am passionate about the game and would love to play at Div 111. I have met with some NESCAC coaches and sent them tape. Any other ideas of how to get myself better known since it is difficult for coaches to assess play on the left coast. My first goal is obviously to get accepted understanding that I am not going to be one of the coaches admission picks. I also felt that hockey might enhance my chances but I need to highlight myself without becoming annoying</p>
<p>Colgate hockey is Division I and consistently one of the top 25 teams in the country - the level of competition is considerably tougher than NESCAC hockey (which is also pretty darn good). Take a look at the Colgate athletics website and see the hockey leagues the current players have played in before coming to Colgate - these are some of the best junior hockey players in the country.</p>
<p>I would add that my son has been playing hockey since he was 5. Even the top players at his high school who are very very good, are not being recruited for hockey and typically have not made the teams even at the Division 3 level.</p>
<p>Typically, the recruited hockey players spend 2-3 years playing Junior hockey, for which you still have to try out and pay for, take some classes etc.</p>
<p>The average age of the freshman hockey player is probably 21 years old, even at the Division 3 level.</p>
<p>If you are interested in continuing to play hockey, I would look at schools that have club programs, many of which you still need to try out for. Are you a senior or younger? I just know that it is very very tough to break in, having experienced this through some neighbors who have a son who is now playing in the AHL. Good luck though.</p>
<p>Thanks for the information. I am a senior. I was surprised when I saw the ages of the freshman at NESCAC, what happened to the student who wants to play competetive? This is becoming like a professional minor league brought on by money and alumni. I am not interested in club. The hurdles are enormous my question remains how to become better known or is sending tape and a letter the best I can do. Middlebury has a JV team which is nice since there is a chance to play</p>