Cullen McCrate
Michigan State
The Road Map to College Hockey
Competitive Minor Hockey (Ages 13–15)
Goal: Play with a competitive minor hockey program
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Play AAA or top-level hockey: Especially in key regions like Ontario, Michigan, Minnesota, or New England.
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Skill refinement: Power skating, strength training, hockey IQ.
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Start video review: Use tools like Hudl and LiveBarn to better visualize how to improve performance and decision making.
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Academics matter: Keep strong grades—NCAA D1 requires a solid GPA and some will require standardized test scores (SAT/ACT).
Exposure and Junior Draft Years (Ages 15–17)
Junior Hockey (Ages 16–20)
Goal: Get noticed by scouts and commit to a development path.
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Prepare for CHL Drafts: using our network, we will help attain feedback on areas of improvement and depth leading up to the draft
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Play Junior: Leagues like the BCHL, AJHL, OJHL, or NAHL provide more runway and are prime places for development to the next step towards the USHL or CHL.
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Seek out alternative options such as Prep Schools or high-end AAA Academies
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Contact schools: Our team will reach out to different programs throughout college hockey to gauge interest and establish a timeline for recruitment
Goal: Commit to an NCAA school and prepare for the transition.
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Play high-level Junior Hockey: USHL and CHL are the best places to continue to develop and grow as a player
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Be coachable and consistent: Scouts look for skill, compete level, and character
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Make contact with NCAA programs: Once you're 16, coaches can speak to you as of January 1st of sophomore year
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Set up official or unofficial visits: Get to know the campus, coaching staff, program history, and academic fit.
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Commit to a school: Verbal commits can be extended on August 1st of the athlete's sophomore year
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Improve your NCAA Eligibility Center status: Register and make sure your academics and amateur status are cleared.
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Colton Sparrow
Vernon, BC
+1-250-307-6311
Colton has a vast wealth of knowledge for the game of hockey through his many different
avenues of experience. Colton joins us after his latest role in the BCHL as director of player recruitment and development for the Vernon Vipers. On top of those roles, Colton has also coached at the CSSHL level for the Rink Kelowna Academy as well as assistant coach with the Vipers of the BCHL for 4 seasons. Colton also has the experience from the players perspective, growing up in BC he played his minor hockey in Vernon before embarking on a 4 year BCHL Career which resulted in a few championships and obtaining a scholarship to play at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. After 2
seasons in the NCAA Colton decided to continue his career; along with finishing his studies at the University of Regina where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and signed a contract with the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL. After a short time in minor Pro hockey in the US, Colton headed overseas to finish his playing Career in Sweden.
Sean McGovern
Calgary, AB
+1-905-699-7312
Sean currently coaches in Calgary, AB, and has a wide range of knowledge from his 6-year pro career in Europe. Before turning pro, he played NCAA D1 at St. Lawrence University under former NHL and D1 coach of the year Greg Carvel.
During his junior career, Sean attended the Taft School and went on to play in the BCHL with the Surrey Eagles, gaining a deep understanding of the recruiting process and what it takes to elevate your game. He loves helping players develop hockey IQ and showing the different options a player has to achieve their goals.
Paolo De Sousa
Montreal, QC
+1-514-290-3883
Paolo brings over a decade of experience in coaching and player development to Import Sports Management. A product of Harrington College of Canada and Ontario Hockey Academy, Paolo advanced to junior hockey with stints in both the OJHL and GOJHL.
His career has taken him across North America and Europe, including time spent at The University of Oklahoma and working with athletes throughout the Montreal area. Most recently, Paolo completed his fourth season in Europe, where he helped lead the Baden Rhinos to a championship in Hügelsheim, Germany.
Building on that success, Paolo has accepted a new role as Head Coach and Player-Coach for ERC Lechbruck in Germany for the upcoming season. His well-rounded background as a player, coach, and mentor enables him to support and guide athletes in finding the best opportunities at the junior, collegiate, and professional levels.
GET IN TOUCH TODAY
Have questions about your hockey future? Whether you're a player or parent, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
📩 Email us directly at info@importsports.ca
An experienced advisor will get back to you as soon as possible.
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