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FAQ: 2020 Player Development Camps

By USA Hockey, 03/20/20, 4:20PM EDT

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Last updated March 20, 2020 at 6:00pm ET. For the latest USA Hockey updates regarding coronavirus please visit USAHockey.com/playersafety

Last updated March 20, 2020 at 6:00pm ET. For the latest USA Hockey updates regarding coronavirus please visit USAHockey.com/playersafety

Why did USA Hockey revise its 2020 player development plans?

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is the reason we revised the 2020 player development plans. The primary concern is the safety of our players, officials, coaches, volunteers and families involved in the player development process. The process to select players for our National Camps is multi-tiered and varies from district to district. The 2020 player development process began in some affiliates as early as November 2019 and ends in other districts as late as June 2020. The restrictions put in place, nationally and locally, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic affected most affiliates and districts from holding tryouts for camps. The majority of our events are organized by USA Hockey volunteers, and there are difficulties in rescheduling the events given the uncertainty of the situation (i.e. ice time, flights, hotel, registration, refunds, evaluators, staff, etc.).

Why did USA Hockey cancel instead of postponing the affiliate/district tryouts and camps, and the Boys Select 15, Girls 15, Girls 16/17 National Camps?

We canceled these camps due to the uncertainties associated with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and when we will be allowed to host events again. It was not feasible to postpone camps due to the depth of the logistics required to reschedule the tryout process and these National Camps.

If I have already registered and paid for an affiliate/district camp or tryout, whom do I contact for a refund?

Please contact the affiliate/district personnel that you registered with directly or check the website of the appropriate camp or tryout. 

Why did USA Hockey cancel only the Boys Select 15, Girls 15, Girls 16/17 National Camps?

Due to the uncertainty caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we streamlined the player development camps that USA Hockey would host this summer and kept only the camps that lead to events in August. By still conducting the Boys Select 17 and Select 16 National Camps and Girls Under-18 Select National Camp, we will be able to identify the players for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Five Nations Tournament, and Women’s Under-18 National Team Festival.

Why does it say the Boys Select 17 and Select 16 National Camps and Girls Under-18 Select National Camp are tentative?

These camps are tentative because of the uncertainty that has been caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. For example, if the Hlinka Gretzky Cup or Five Nations Tournament, in August are canceled, there would not be a need to host the Boys Select 17 and/or Select 16 National Camps. We will continue to monitor the situation and make decisions that are in the best interest and safety of all of our constituents.

When will players receive invitations for the tentatively scheduled camps?

Players will be notified on or near the following dates:

Boys Select 17 National Camp – June 1, 2020

Boys Select 16 National Camp – June 8, 2020

Girls Under-18 Select National Camp – June 1, 2020

These dates are subject to change. USA Hockey chose these dates to give additional time prior to inviting players in the event there are updates on the coronavirus situation that would affect USA Hockey’s ability or need to host these camps.

How will players be selected for camps?

Invitations to National Camps, if ultimately held, will come from USA Hockey’s national office with input from USA Hockey coaches, scouts, district player development representatives and other hockey personnel. 

Will the Boys Select 17 and Select 16 National Camps be the same structure as previous years?

No. Each camp will be reduced to a smaller number of teams and neither camp will have more than four teams.

Will the Girls Under-18 Select National Camp be the same structure as previous years?

Yes. The camp will have four teams with approximately 72 players.