A college commitment is a process, and a lot of work goes on behind the scenes by GDA that people do not always see. It does not happen overnight, and many sacrifices are made from both the player and the advisor side, but every move we make is strategic. As you will see from the timeline below every player has a different and unique path but the end result is the same. Some players have a very direct path, while others need to seek multiple opportunities in order to reach their goals. At GDA Hockey, players and families listen to our advice all season long to eventually reach this milestone in their careers, a NCAA commitment. Preparing a player for NCAA hockey involves many crucial steps along the way. We stay abreast of all options at every level of the game while finding the right organization at the appropriate level where the player will fit in with that system and coaching staff based on that player’s performance, playing style, personality and needs - while always marketing and promoting our players. Some of our best work is done when a player is released from any organization. We are always prepared for such instances as we strive to keep the families and players on the path pushing towards the same goals, offering feedback and advice along the way to not only ease tensions during tough times but to also improve the player both on and off the ice, offering support and insider expertise throughout their journey. Even though some of these decisions and discussions throughout the year might be difficult, and a player might go through much adversity (cuts, trades, late season releases) all of these things GDA provides truly add up and make a huge difference when your son is fighting with hundreds of other players for limited roster spots at all levels of hockey. Having someone on your side every step of the way is what you need to take the next step in your career. It takes time and patience, and the timeline and path might not always be easy but we get the results!