Although it isn't a very deep guide, I still look forward to receiving my THN copy every year. Looking back, I received it on the 28th last year, so I'll probably have it in 2 weeks or so.
I'll also likely buy McKeen's and Hockey Prospect.
Still a little pissed that McKeen's went digital only.
Good to see HockeyProspect travelled to Europe for the U18.
It's a good trademark for them.
Always nice to buy something when you know they actually see the players and travel a lot(U18, WJC, scouts in the Q and WHL as well as Ontario of course)
As per David Burstyn's twitter, Mckeen's will also be at the U18's!
Also nice to see FC is copying Mckeen's in any way they can, however Mckeen's does not require you to purchase a draft guide to be eligible for a signed Yakupov jersey. http://mckeenshockey.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1350188
Getting people to buy something to be entered into a draw is illegal. They do not even show pictures of the 'helmet'.
I received my draft newsletters from Mckeens and like 'Sheninagans" it cost me less than $10 to bind and print both of them.
Mckeen's has a facebook page http://www.facebook.com/McKeensHockey
that you can join to see samples of free scouting reports that you will receive. I think the guys at Mckeens know what they are doing as 5 guys who have worked for them got jobs with NHL teams. I did not buy either HP or FC but I heard they had Doug Hamilton at 19, and I heard FC did not feature much in terms of in-depth scouting reports and had very little to nothing on Europeans. Just because someone is constantly in your face with their product doesn't mean that it is good
As per David Burstyn's twitter, Mckeen's will also be at the U18's!
Also nice to see FC is copying Mckeen's in any way they can, however Mckeen's does not require you to purchase a draft guide to be eligible for a signed Yakupov jersey. http://mckeenshockey.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1350188
Getting people to buy something to be entered into a draw is illegal. They do not even show pictures of the 'helmet'.
I received my draft newsletters from Mckeens and like 'Sheninagans" it cost me less than $10 to bind and print both of them.
Mckeen's has a facebook page http://www.facebook.com/McKeensHockey
that you can join to see samples of free scouting reports that you will receive. I think the guys at Mckeens know what they are doing as 5 guys who have worked for them got jobs with NHL teams. I did not buy either HP or FC but I heard they had Doug Hamilton at 19, and I heard FC did not feature much in terms of in-depth scouting reports and had very little to nothing on Europeans. Just because someone is constantly in your face with their product doesn't mean that it is good
Just an FYI to stmikes76 and others who believe the same way...
1. FC has had a givaway every year since 2007 so your copy of Mckeens theory is trash.
2. FC has 18 scouts all over the globe, including four of them being European based and reports from most of the major international tournaments.
3. FC puts loads of skill based content into each profile and Hamilton was the sixth ranked prospect last season by FC. (see below profile of 125 published in our 2011 draft guide)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Future Considerations 2011 Draft Guide
No. 6
DOUGIE HAMILTON
POSITION: Defense
SHOOTS: Right
TEAM: Niagara (OHL)
BORN: June 17, 1993
VITALS: 6’-4.5” / 195 Lbs
STATS: 67 GP 12 G 46 A 58 PTS 77 PIM +35
STRENGTHS: A very large frame and swift feet are a combination that do not always go togther, Hamilton is an exception. He skates like the wind with a very long powerful stride that covers loads of ice in a small amount of time. Has great edge work and agility for such a big guy, moving as though he is a 5-6 forward and not a 6-5 defenseman. Is a constant physical presence using his large and still growing body and shows a willingness to throw clean open ice hits now and then. Makes attackers think twice about coming in the zone on his side as he uses a long reach and physical element to stop the rush. Jumps into the offensive zone aggresively and often times becoming that fourth forward. Has a nice shot that is both hard and accurate. Transitions the puck from defense to offense very quickly. Has good character and is a very coachable player. Likes the puck on his stick and is a threat to go end to end at any moment.
WEAKNESSES: Has a tendancy to want to take the game over too much and can start running around his own zone and getting out of position as well as shooting to deep in the offesnive zone and getting trapped on a quick transition. Needs to add some upper and lower body strength to his currently wirey frame. Some have questioned his desision making and long range passing ability but really it looks both should will improve as he matures and gets more comfortable in his role on the backend.
NOTES: Sports and smarts seem to be two very improtant things in the Hamilton house. With both mom (Lynn) and dad (Doug) being former Olympic athletes while older brother Freddie is a teammate of Dougies in Niagara. Hamilton was winner of the Bobby Smith Trophy for the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year which was also won by brother Freddie two seasons ago.
NHL POTENTIAL: Top pairing two-way defenseman.
Moral of the story my friend is you might want to get your facts straight before you go ahead and slander someone or their products even if it is just on a message board.
These are all decent publications but, imo, you don't need to subscribe to more than one to get a pretty good picture of the prospects/draft.
Personally, I currently subscribe to THN and am quite satisfied with their content. That said, I will occasionally check out the others, as well.
If I were serious about making a living as a scout, I'd probably subscribe to all of them, in addition to watching as many games as I could, whether it be live, on TV, or via webcasts.
I was referring to HP having Hamilton at 19. The scouting report on Hamilton that Cup provided is not even accurate. Hamilton is not a physical player and that was a question mark of his all last year, actually he was quite passive and the Bruins told him he needed to get tougher, which is well documented. In addition his skating is not as great as 'these scouts' report as he does not have a separation gear. They barely make mention of his hockey sense which is his best attribute. I am not sure which other promotional items they have offered in the past, none that I have seen but I am sure Cup will reply. Additionally, I would like to know what makes FC 'experts' in scouting when they couldn't even get Hamilton correct. I doubt they have 18 scouts or that any of them have even worked for a major junior team yet alone a Tier II or Jr.B one.
On their website it says Director of Scouting Dan Stewart covers 'some' ushl and 'some' ncaa hahahaha wouldn't a Director of Scouting cover all areas. This guy has no credentials whatsoever, no mention of him working for a team whatsoever. You would think a guy with over 10 years experience (if he was remotely good) would atleast have landed a gig with a junior team by now. Says he manages 12 scouts not 18 Cup, furthermore they do not even list their other scouts. This guy is a glorifed blogger
On their website it says Director of Scouting Dan Stewart covers 'some' ushl and 'some' ncaa hahahaha wouldn't a Director of Scouting cover all areas. This guy has no credentials whatsoever, no mention of him working for a team whatsoever. You would think a guy with over 10 years experience (if he was remotely good) would atleast have landed a gig with a junior team by now. Says he manages 12 scouts not 18 Cup, furthermore they do not even list their other scouts. This guy is a glorifed blogger
We have 18 scouts around the globe. If you want an exact list of what is being covered...
Of course this is over 18 but some scouts scout more than one area.
And you can insult FC all you want but we all take time out of our regular schedule to scout and produce good pieces. Personally, I take an hour train ride from Rhode Island, plus an hour bus rides to games around Massachusetts and Connecticut. Insult us all you want, but we put time and money and dedication to do so. I spend $30 bucks each weekend to do so.
What have you done?
EDIT: Its says 12 but we recently added 6 more scouts to the staff to give you better insight. And you say "think a guy with over 10 years experience (if he was remotely good) would atleast have landed a gig with a junior team by now", have you even met a hockey management person?
Hockey people take care of hockey people, meaning to get into the business, you would have to be a NHL player or NHL coach.
I was referring to HP having Hamilton at 19. The scouting report on Hamilton that Cup provided is not even accurate. Hamilton is not a physical player and that was a question mark of his all last year, actually he was quite passive and the Bruins told him he needed to get tougher, which is well documented. In addition his skating is not as great as 'these scouts' report as he does not have a separation gear. They barely make mention of his hockey sense which is his best attribute. I am not sure which other promotional items they have offered in the past, none that I have seen but I am sure Cup will reply. Additionally, I would like to know what makes FC 'experts' in scouting when they couldn't even get Hamilton correct. I doubt they have 18 scouts or that any of them have even worked for a major junior team yet alone a Tier II or Jr.B one.
What are you reading?
From ISS:
Quote:
Scouting Report: A very appealing defender with size, physical ability and some offensive skill as well, Hamilton strutted his stuff very well during Niagra’s playoff run. He is a strong defender with good separation skills along the boards who can fish loose pucks out of scrambles or use his body to take over the needed space. He is very mobile and fairly explosive for his size. He has good man to man coverage ability, and holds lanes well against the rush. He is very good at protecting the puck under pressure and can rush up the boards effectively. He likes to jump into the rush or drive the weakside during zone play. He can be an intimidator and front of his net as well.
From BruinsDraftWatch (who is now a scout for The Red Line Report)
Quote:
Strengths: Sizeable frame with long limbs; grew about two inches and added about 10 pounds of muscle last summer-- developing on an impressive physical curve, with another expected jump when he turns 18 in June. Very good skater with strong, power-generating stride and the ability to cover a lot of ground. Good footwork and directional change ability despite his size and high center of gravity. A right-shooting defenseman who generates very good power and torque on his shot. Unleashed a howitzer drive in the Top Prospects Game that eluded goaltender David Honzik and clanked in off the far post-- a testament to his potential as a power play triggerman at the highest level. Aggressive in the offensive zone; will jump on loose pucks and take them to the net; has become increasingly involved in the Niagara attack and is producing at nearly a point-per-game. Makes a pretty strong, crisp first pass and can help with the transition game. Good physical presence: will use his size to staple opponents to the boards. Not a huge open-ice hitter, but initiates contact and embraces the tighter-checking situations. Bright, intelligent kid who carries himself well and is a good teammate. Learns from his mistakes. Tremendous athletic bloodlines passed down from both father and mother; grew up in a disciplined house and already understands the commitment and dedication needed to be a top echelon athlete.
So if you have something against FC, that means you have something against ISS (who is regularly featured on TSN) and the Red Line Report (BDW is now scout for that team)
Looking at stmike76's post history I'd say it's fairly obvious he works for McKeens in some capacity, which makes his diatribes in this thread that much more sad and pathetic.
Looking at stmike76's post history I'd say it's fairly obvious he works for McKeens in some capacity, which makes his diatribes in this thread that much more sad and pathetic.
Yeah, there's no doubt about that. I bought McKeens two years ago and was happy with the product. I won't be purchasing anything from them this year though, the only reason being one of their employees in full trashmode.
ISS is featured on TSN because they pay to do so, none of their guys go to games after a father bought the company to promote his kid. The Red Line report on Hamilton is the best and most accurate one as they know what they are doing! Found it funny that you listed all your scouts but have not spoken about the prizes you have offered in the past! Who are your scouts in the USHL and NCAA? I do not hate FC I am just trying to raise awareness that you aren't really scouts just bloggers and I do not work for Mckeens either. I also like how you deflect why you can't get a job in a junior league. Heck the NHL has guys in assistant GM management roles and there are Head Scouts who never played a single game in the NHL yet they are working!
I will cease my posts however I think it is funny how Cup could not answer my questions. If you offered such great promo items then why wouldn't you elaborate as to which ones! Its obvious that they haven't as they have not researched their current promo as you can NOT MAKE SOMEONE BUY A PRODUCT to be eligible for a prize! Also they don't have as many scouts as they claim, they think having a larger staff is better thats why they say 18 because that is what most NHL teams carry FT/PT basis, reality is they have three, maybe four.
I will cease my posts however I think it is funny how Cup could not answer my questions. If you offered such great promo items then why wouldn't you elaborate as to which ones! Its obvious that they haven't as they have not researched their current promo as you can NOT MAKE SOMEONE BUY A PRODUCT to be eligible for a prize! Also they don't have as many scouts as they claim, they think having a larger staff is better thats why they say 18 because that is what most NHL teams carry FT/PT basis, reality is they have three, maybe four.
ugghhh... you are having the opposite effect that you want to.
A Griffin Reinhart helmet is pretty cool, but would definitely like to see a picture. I really like the Yakupov signed jersey McKeen's is also offering, which is intriguing since it's basically free to enter.
I used to work with McKeen's and can vouch for their service. I'm not sure who the poster stmikes76 is, but I can say it is a good product well worth looking into for any draft fans.
Not fond of some of the poorly founded criticisms going around:
FC:
- Say what ya like, Vickers & staff put in a ton of work and effort and some real knowledgeable lads - I can personally vouch for the WHL guys, 2 of which attend a ton of games and know their stuff.
McKeens:
- couldn't ask for a better group of guys at the top
HockeyProspect:
- Mark Edwards - great gent who really knows his stuff - I observed him talking with guys at the World Juniors (we often spoke to the same guys back to back).
Each publication brings different elements to the table and each, in its own right, offers valuable insight to the reader.
A Griffin Reinhart helmet is pretty cool, but would definitely like to see a picture. I really like the Yakupov signed jersey McKeen's is also offering, which is intriguing since it's basically free to enter.
I used to work with McKeen's and can vouch for their service. I'm not sure who the poster stmikes76 is, but I can say it is a good product well worth looking into for any draft fans.
Are you sure about that? After all stmike76's only post over the past two years that wasn't either a)praising McKeen's or b)bashing other scouts/scouting services was him posting a link to a sportsnet.ca that you wrote. It's also kind of funny that decide to make your first post in years less than an hour after stmike76 says he will stop posting.
Either way, I can't imagine all of this childish behavior having a positive impact on McKeen's sales this year, which is too bad as they put out a very solid product.
ISS is featured on TSN because they pay to do so, none of their guys go to games after a father bought the company to promote his kid. The Red Line report on Hamilton is the best and most accurate one as they know what they are doing! Found it funny that you listed all your scouts but have not spoken about the prizes you have offered in the past! Who are your scouts in the USHL and NCAA? I do not hate FC I am just trying to raise awareness that you aren't really scouts just bloggers and I do not work for Mckeens either. I also like how you deflect why you can't get a job in a junior league. Heck the NHL has guys in assistant GM management roles and there are Head Scouts who never played a single game in the NHL yet they are working!
Dan Shrader, DynamoAO, and myself are the guys that I know of. I believe there is at least one more that I am missing.
