Campus Visits for Hockey Recruits

Campus visits are a very important step for all hockey recruits. There are two types of campus visits: Unofficial and Official visits.

Unofficial Visits:

There are some great advantages to an unofficial visit for hockey recruits. A prospective student-athlete can go on as many unofficial visits to as many schools as they want. Also, the visits can take place prior to the hockey player's senior year in high school (Grade 12).

This is especially important for hockey players who are doing their research to decide on the school route vs. the Major Junior route. As a 15 year old, you would be able to go on unofficial visits to any NCAA school.

The downside to unofficial visits is that the team cannot cover any travel or meal expenses. The only thing they can provide is complimentary admission to a home game.

Official Visits:

Official visits are treated differently than unofficial visits. The biggest difference is that it is an expense-paid visit and a prospective student-athlete is only allowed to go on one official visit per school. Furthermore, you are only allowed to take a maximum of five official visits total.

The earliest a prospective student-athlete can be provided with an expense-paid visit is the opening day of classes of their senior year in high school. An important note for hockey players who are playing junior hockey following high school graduation is that you can receive 5 additional official visits starting October 15th following your high school graduation.

Scenarios to consider:

1. You are a two-sport athlete and you excel in hockey and lacrosse. The hockey and lacrosse team at the same school is recruiting you. How many official visits can you go on at that school?

• You can only go on one official visit per school.

2. You are a two-sport athlete and you excel in ice hockey and field hockey. You go on 3 official visits for field hockey. How many official visits can you go on for ice hockey?

• You have two official visits left to use for any sport.

3. You are a Junior Hockey player and graduate high school last year. During your senior year in high school you went on 2 official visits. How many official visits can you still go on?

• After October 15th following high school graduation you are permitted five additional official visits. 

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