[QUOTE]Originally posted by Fangers:
You can apply as an individual to participate and they can try to get you assigned to a team, but from experience I know it's very tough to get a goalie spot. /QUOTE]

Can you suggest ideas how to pursue one of these coveted goalie spots? I am very new to the sport, having just completed my first season with four kids playing. My goalie son will be in 5th grade in the fall, so I am trying to determine what path to follow as he would like to go the prep school route.

#1. Check www.prephockey.org and do all the research you can about the different schools and about the many variables you need to consider when selecting a school. I highly recommend buying the prep school guide book (no, I don't get a cut of any sales) as I found the info in there very helpful.

#2. Look up the Hockey Night In Boston, Chowder Cup, and Pre-Prep showcases and go to their websites. For HNIB find out who is responsible for your area of the country and start a dialogue with that person. They can let you know about tryouts/etc. as it relates to the team from your region. For the Chowder Cup and Pre-Prep events, look at rosters/lists of current teams and get an idea which teams come from your area. You should be able to get contact information for the organization/coach of team(s) from your area - contact them and let them know your situation and find out the process for getting a roster spot. If you can't track down info on a specific team, contact the event contacts and they can help get you in touch with appropriate folks.

#3. Talk with your son's local coaches and let them know of his desires. They may have contacts of thier own that could help out.

Good luck!

I'm new to the site - great discussion going. My daughter is a AA calibre goalie (entering her first year of Midget)from Ontario who is also strong academically. She was invited to a Canadian prep school last year for a tour and practice and wants to try her luck with the US schools. She will be attending the Pre-Prep showcase in August in hopes of attracting some interest.
I would be interested in some feedback on a couple of items :
Are the showcase events worthwhile for girls to attend or are most schools there to try to bolster their boy's program ?
If a kid fits the school's academic profile and there is a strong interest in her athletically (strong in hockey and soccer), what sort of "financial assistance" can one expect to be offered ? We have a decent family income but certainly could not consider anything close to the full cost of one of these schools.
I'd appreciate any insight on the above.
Thanks.

senator,

I'll be sending you a PM shortly.