Why You Should Attend a Junior Hockey Team's Prospects Camp... Even if You're Sure You're Not Going to Play Junior This Season

Every year, junior hockey teams across North America hold prospects camps to evaluate potential players, identify future talent, and build connections for the coming seasons. If you're an aspiring hockey player with dreams of advancing your career, you might assume these camps are only for those ready to make the jump to junior hockey immediately. But even if you know you're not playing junior this season, attending a prospects camp can still be a valuable experience. Here’s why:

1. For the Experience (and “The Experience”)

There’s a big difference between playing minor or high school hockey and stepping onto the ice in a junior environment. Attending a prospects camp allows you to experience the speed, intensity, and structure of junior-level play. Even if you don’t make the team, this exposure prepares you for future opportunities by giving you a taste of what’s expected at the next level.

Beyond the on-ice competition, “the experience” of attending a camp can be just as valuable. You’ll meet new teammates, work with experienced coaches, and get a feel for the organization’s culture. This can be a huge confidence booster and a reality check about where you stand in your development.

2. Getting Seen for the Future

Just because you’re not ready for junior this season doesn’t mean you won’t be next year. Coaches and scouts remember players who show potential, work hard, and make an impression. Attending a camp puts your name on their radar, and when it’s time to recruit for next season, they might reach out to you first.

3. Getting on the Affiliate Player List

Many junior teams have an affiliate player system, allowing them to call up players from lower levels when needed. Even if you don’t make the roster, a strong performance at camp could land you a spot on this list. This means you might get called up during the season due to injuries, suspensions, or other roster changes—giving you a real chance to prove yourself when it matters.

4. Challenging Yourself

One of the best ways to improve as a player is by competing against stronger opponents. Prospects camps push you to skate faster, think quicker, and adapt to a higher level of play. The challenge alone makes the experience worthwhile, as it can highlight areas you need to work on and accelerate your development.

5. Getting Ice Time

Sometimes, the most basic reason to attend a camp is simply to get more ice time. Whether it’s the offseason or you’re between teams, a prospects camp offers high-intensity practices and scrimmages that can help keep your skills sharp. Instead of treating it like a tryout, think of it as an opportunity to train with high-level players in a structured environment.

Finding the Right Camp

Not all camps are created equal. If you’re attending for experience rather than immediate placement, look for camps that offer the best value. Research organizations with a strong track record of developing players and moving them to higher levels. Talk to former players, check out the coaching staff’s experience, and consider the team’s reputation in junior hockey circles.

Final Thoughts

A prospects camp isn’t just about making the team—it’s about making yourself a better player, making connections, and setting yourself up for future opportunities. Even if you’re sure you won’t play junior hockey this season, attending a camp can give you a leg up for when the time is right. So lace up, hit the ice, and make the most of every chance to grow as a player.

Ed Garinger is a seasoned hockey coach, mentor, and educator with over two decades of experience. A native of the Bruce Peninsula, he played minor and junior hockey before earning his BA and BEd from Nipissing University, where he also competed in varsity volleyball and extramural hockey.

Coaching since age 14, Ed has balanced his teaching career with an extensive coaching and development portfolio, working with players at all levels. He has coached in the Provincial Junior Hockey League, led youth and high school teams, and served as a learning facilitator for the OMHA. His experience includes elite programs like the OHL/OHF U15 and U16 camps, U17 Regional Camps, and Hockey Canada’s Skills Academy.

A Hockey Canada HP1-certified coach, USA Hockey-certified coach, and Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC), Ed is committed to ongoing professional development and continually seeks to expand his knowledge to better serve players and coaches. Now based in Orillia, he enjoys passing on his passion for hockey to the next generation.