This is a message to me from Clay that he wanted me to pass along, please read the entire thing and listen to what he is saying. Again if I missed anyone that you know of, just add them in Trevor, If you could pass this to all that are attending. On Friday and Saturday, I really look forward to everyone attending the OHL games and then going through what everyone saw. I will also be going to some Big Nickel Tournament games on Saturday. I will provide a schedule of the games I am attending and those who are interested and want to see those games and then discuss what they saw on Saturday night that would be great as well. What I am about to say is not to be taken offensively by anyone but I need to say it. When you are at games you may be asked why you are taking notes or whatever and I plead with you that you not try give an impression that you are scouting for me, the Kings or scouting and then talking about your thoughts with a scout from the Kings. I am not embarrassed to work with any of you. In fact, just the opposite as I changed my entire schedule which impacted 3 weeks worth of scheduling so that I could do it. Your response could just be, I am just taking notes for myself. Also, I hope that the majority, if not all of you attending the meeting room that has been arranged after the 2 games as this will be the most productive part of things and is something I am looking forward to. There is no need to dress up to impress me at all. Jeans and casual is the way to go. I am telling you now, getting dressed up will not impress me and is not totally comfortable to be sitting in for long periods of time if you do not have to. I am different, I am a paid employee of the Kings and believe that a certain dresscode is necessary when I am working. Also, when I scout, I normally sit alone or might be with other NHL scouts or team management chatting with them. Do not be offended if I ask to sit alone. I am most productive when I am that way. During intermissions or whatever and if I am not working or you see me in the concourse please stop me and say hello. Again, we are doing this task together and this is going to be fun and hopefully we can all learn a ton. Maybe you will help me to pick the next King that I push for. Following the games, Trevor has done an incredible job and arranged for a meeting room and I will get us some food. If you want to bring beer or whatever for yourself that is totally fine. This is not a kegger, but certainly not a dry week situation. I want this to be a ton of fun but incredibly productive. I ask that everyone who comes to the games whether you take notes or not attend after as it will be helpful for all involved. Trust me, I am benefiting from this as well. At the OHL games I would like the following players to be evaluated: Players born in 1998,1997, and if there are kids in the specific game (not based on play during the year) that standout for you that are undrafted then do some notes on them. I do not care about drafted players. At Big Nickel games- only kids born in 1997,1998 and 1999(if there are any). Not interested in 1996 and older. I have not see my schedule, but for the moment, my plan is to hunker down at one rink and see games until I have to get to the Wolves game. More than likely it will be Countryside as there are 2 pad there and so I can maximize the number of games I see. Its not always easy to cover every single player that meets the criteria that I am asking for so do not worry if you do not have notes on every player. Things to look for and evaluate and be ready to discuss I am not going to elaborate on this now as we will go through it on Friday and Saturday night. Skating ability , overall hockey sense (should have some examples during the game that show good or bad sense), compete, physicality, Offensive skills in the O-Zone, skills off the rush, D-Zone Read/sense, overall D-Zone play. Again, you may not be able to evaluate all of these criteria. That is fine. For the Big Nickel Tournament- It may make it easier that limited the reports to kids that are born in 1997,1998,1999(if there are any) and are taller than 511 (in your opinion if heights and weights are not available). Again, I hope everyone will respect what I am asking in terms of not running around telling people that you are scouting for an NHL scout or meeting with one. Its something that I am doing to benefit all of those who are attending. This is going to be beneficial not just looking at scouting but also the way you deal with people in a group in this industry and thats why I encourage everyone to come after. Hell you get free food, I do not drink so I wouldnt even know what beer to provide. So I have an excuse but as I say please feel free to bring your own. Trevor confirmed that is not an issue and no one will be asking for ID. Trust me in causal discussions after games between scouts, there are lots of pitchers and bottles on the table. I am impressed with the number of ladies that are attending as well. Guys, I am telling you they have creativity and drive big big time and will make you guys work to keep up with them. But ladies, honestly, you should attend even if you havent taken any notes or whatever as its good to be a part of these events and learn to work and thrieve in a group setting. If you are taking notes during the game, all the better. Again, I am really looking forward to seeing you at game and after on both Friday and Saturday. I am asking Trevor to send this to everyone who is thinking of attending or is attending. He will give you the address and the time to attend the meetings after. There is no time limit on the meetings. We can chat hockey and about players as much as you want. If anyone has any questions, please contact me either via text on my cell 416 988 7778 or by Email: [email protected] See everyone on Friday, Clay Leibel LA Kings
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 17:44:54 +0000