Tools vs. Toolbox

A persistent scouting bias & why some prospects stagnate

There are two kinds of hockey scouts:

• Those who prefer players who play just like they did

• Those who prefer players who play nothing like them

As a player I plateaued at the high school varsity level, winning “Most Improved Player” in Grade 11 despite only leading my team in penalty minutes.

Standing 6’1” 175lb, I was a decent straight-line skater with an a…