Every August, rising juniors in high school from around the United States, as well as the world, get offers from Division 1 schools to fulfill a dream of playing college hockey.
This year is no different, as the recruiting window opens on Aug. 1.
While some players commit immediately on Aug. 1 and in the days after, some wait awhile to mull their options. Some don't commit for a year or two.
There is no right way to handle things, which is why I thought it would be helpful for players being offered now — and players in future recruitment classes — to hear from last year's top prospects.
I talked with seven players who committed in August or September 2022. All had very different paths and situations from each other.
Here is the advice they gave.
Matthew Frost
Committed to Boston College on Aug. 1, 2022
Hometown: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan | Played two seasons at South Kent
Frost: "Work hard all the time. Don’t worry about any of [the recruitment]. Whatever comes at you, just take it and don’t jump to the first thing that comes.”
Ethan Gardula
Committed to UConn on Sept. 1, 2022
Hometown: Princeton, Mass.
Gardula: "You've worked so hard for this, so don't take it for granted. Also, take your time like I did. Make sure you list the pros and cons of every school. Just go over it with your parents and stuff and just make the right choice what you think is best for you.”
Owen Keefe
Committed to Boston University on Aug. 1, 2022
Hometown: Saugus, Mass.
Keefe: "Just not to worry about it. You don't have to commit Aug. 1. You don't have to commit the year after — you have a lot of time until you get to college and you can play. People take different paths and people develop at different ages. Just keep working hard and keep getting better every day. That's all it comes down to. It's just hard work and keep out-working people and you'll end up in a good spot.”
HARVARD COLLEGE HOCKEY EXPERIENCE: 13 standout forwards | 8 standout defensemen and goalies
Tory Pitner
Committed to UMass on Aug. 1, 2022
Hometown: El Cerrito, Calif. | Played two seasons at South Kent
Pitner: "Everything that you need to focus on is all your game — hockey on the ice and your mindset. People can kind of get caught up with their recruitment and like 'Oh, this school did this. This school did this. I'm going to this school this weekend.' And I feel like for me, the biggest thing was kind of just focusing on the hockey part of it because if the hockey goes away, the recruitment goes away. Just kind of taking it one step at a time and being grateful for the opportunities for the guys that are being recruited. For the guys that aren't, just focus on hockey and not worry about it too much. I know that's pretty easy to say and harder to do, but just kind of working on your craft every day. ...I think where people get in trouble is kind of blowing everything out of proportion. I think staying grounded and having a good group around you is really the main piece to help make the process as smooth as possible and help make it as enjoyable as possible because it's fun. It's great getting recruited — you love when people tell you how good you are. Obviously, that's not what we need. So we need to sit there and work on what we need to get better or focus on."
Landan Resendes
Committed to Boston College on Aug. 15, 2022
Hometown: Marlborough, Mass.
Resendes: "Just work and if you have a school call or multiple schools call, it's awesome. But don't let it get to your head and just keep working on your goals and just trying to get there. Don't set a date for yourself. Just find the right time and whatever you feel is the right fit for you and your family and the school is important too. Do the right thing for you. I feel like that's the right way to go."
KEEP AN EYE OUT: Here are 9 prospects to watch on or after Aug. 1
Jack Sadowski
Committed to UNH on Aug. 8, 2022
Hometown: Arlington, Mass.
Sadowski: "Just worry about the season — the season that you're in right now. Just worry about the next game, how well you're going to do it, and it all comes together at some point. Obviously, you want to commit early when you see all the other kids doing it, too. You probably get a little jealous, but I mean, it doesn't really matter at the end of the day. If you work hard enough, you'll end up in the same spot as them.”
Teddy Stiga
Committed to Boston College on Aug. 10, 2022
Hometown: Sudbury, Mass.
Stiga: "The biggest piece is just don't rush it and honestly, kind of let it come to you. Don't feel pressure like you see this guy committed and 'That guy is committed there so I need to go there.' Just do what's right for you and just do what you feel is right. I feel like the right decision will just come to you and you'll know."
