Because of the opportunity that USA Hockey is offering youth players with the Development Camp to play with the best players from around the country, the feedback from the event is overwhelmingly positive.

However, some coaches and scouts believe there is one issue that would make the camp even better.

Currently, the camp’s policy prohibits coaches and scouts from actively recruiting players during the event. Coaches and scouts also do not have access to rosters while the games are taking place. Because players switch teams and numbers between their games, it is almost impossible to keep up with specific players as they progress over the weekend.

Some have suggested setting up an area away from the ice where coaches and scouts would be, allowing players who wanted to speak with coaches there after the games.

Ken Rosenbaum, the president of the Carolina Amateur Hockey Association, says that the main reason why recruiting is not allowed during the tryout camps is because that’s not their purpose.

“The philosophy of the district is to preserve the integrity of the purpose of the camp, which is to select the best players for the national camp,” he says. “It is not a scouting event.”

Aagaard adds that the policy is in keeping with USA Hockey guidelines.

"The kids need space, peace, and quiet to concentrate on the task at hand."

"If we had scouts running all over the place and in the dressing rooms, it would be a nightmare," he continues.

However, Rosenbaum is quick to say that coaches and scouts that would like to have a list of the players involved with the camp may have it, but must register with Mike Mulhall of player development before the camp begins.

He also says that the rosters will not be made available until after the tryouts end.

“After the event, coaches and scouts are welcome to talk to players, even on-site,” he says. “Just not during the event.”