Mustangs battle the Terriers on Day 3 of the SJHL Showcase (Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

Achieving Dreams

Pressure-packed week with Division I scouts in attendance at SJHL Showcase

Nov 16, 2023 | 5:01 PM

For most, if not all of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League players, this week was their best chance to be seen by scouts from across North America.

It’s safe to say the pressure was high, especially when you consider the level some of the scouts represented.

Whether it was the NHL or Division I scouts like Andrew Magera from the Bemidji State Beavers, only the SJHL’s best would have likely caught their eyes.

“It’s just good to get a sense for where some of the best players in the league are, and then comparing them to some of the guys that you’ve identified ahead of time and just getting a sense for the overall skill level and speed that this league has this year and using that as your evaluation,” Magera explained.

Only 20 players during last year’s SJHL season were offered and accepted a Division I scholarship, as the evidence of those opportunities being far and few in between is recognized.

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According to Magera, there are a lot of good junior leagues out there, which includes the SJHL.

“There are good players everywhere in every league now it seems, and in junior hockey, you have to be on top of it because there are good players coming out of it, and the SJHL is certainly one of those leagues, so you need to know the marketplace,” he added.

“For us, we’re just looking for the best player on the ice who makes the biggest impact in the game and from there, you kind of whittle down and identify certain things. Obviously, we need high-end talent and ability and drive and skating just like everyone else is looking for, so it’s just about finding the right fit.”

The right fit will include both the player on the ice, as well as off the ice.

No one knows more than how hard it is to be the best version of either at all times, than DJay McGrath.

McGrath is a former Kindersley Klippers captain, who is now a mental health advocate.

McGrath spoke to all the teams during the Showcase this week, as just a reminder to not get too down on yourself and ask for help if needed.

“I remember when I came to my first showcase, you got the scouts in the stands and you gotta be at your best performance, but at the end of the day, you’re a kid, and you’re a teenage boy who wants to play hockey,” he told northeastNOW.

“The biggest thing when you have pressures is the best thing to do is speak up and speak about your problems because there is someone out there that’s going to help. The biggest message is if guys are down, especially in a tournament like this, you have to speak up and rely on your teammates.”

McGrath has also been talking to scouts throughout the event who have clarified that 80 per cent of what they want in a player comes outside the rink.

He is hopeful that his message will help these kids who have their whole lives in front of them enjoy the moment and capitalize on their skills in a healthy way.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8