How to Make a Hockey Team Draft

Conducting an initial draft is an essential element of any hockey league. Whether you are running a youth league or choosing players for a professional organization, the draft is the fairest way to disperse players among the teams. Teams study and scout players to determine who will not only provide the most talent for their roster, but also who will fit in best chemistry-wise with current players on the team. Making your own hockey draft can be done with the cooperation of players and other managers.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the pool of players from which managers will choose. In youth leagues, players will likely be separated by age or skill level. Size may also be included, as hockey is one of the more physical sports available to children. In adult or professional leagues, a player's experience may determine whether he is eligible or not. For example, a league may require players to be high school graduates or at least 18 years old.

    • 2

      Schedule a group tryout for all available players and drafting managers to attend. Set aside ice time at a rink and invite all interested skaters to attend. In a group setting, every team gets an equal shot to scout every player and can make an informed decision when the time comes for them to make a draft pick.

    • 3

      Set up a series of drills for the players to run through. These drills give managers a chance to see how talented the players are. Centers and wingers should be tested on their speed, shooting power, shooting accuracy and puck handling. Defensemen will be graded on their checking, passing and physicality. Goalies will show off their reflexes by blocking shots.

    • 4

      Encourage each manager to keep notes regarding the players in the draft. Preparation is a key component of any draft strategy. Managers should identify players they would like to target in the draft.

    • 5

      Determine a draft order. Some leagues may prefer a random selection of draft order. Others may pick in an inverse order of how the teams finished the previous year. For example, a team that finished in last place will be awarded the first pick so it has a better chance at improving its roster. Determine whether you want to run a standard draft, in which draft order remains the same in each round, or a snake draft, in which the team that picks last in the first round will pick first in the next round.

    • 6

      Begin selecting hockey players. A time limit for each pick will ensure the draft runs quickly and efficiently. When teams have compiled a roster with three forwards (two wingers and one center), two defensemen, one goalie and ample reserves, conclude the draft.