The Art of Scouting: How the Hockey Experts Really Watch the Game and Decide Who Makes It

The Art of Scouting delves into the secretive world of hockey prospecting, a world more akin to Cold War-era spying than a casual day in the stands. Long hours spent gathering priceless information, drinking bad coffee, constant travelling, high stakes. These are the people who decide whether someone has the talent to make the final step to the NHL - or not. The future success of their organizations depends on their skill, especially in a time where the NHL salary cap is solid, lower than other professional sports and likely to be reduced further still. The scouting fraternity, while keeping tight-lipped about what they know and spreading misinformation to their rivals, is also surprisingly supportive of their own and wary of outsiders. Shane Malloy, who has been covering hockey prospects, scouting, and player development for the past decade, is the first media personality to be welcomed into this world and brings to hockey fans an enlightening and fascinating narrative that explains the culture, history, science and art of hockey scouting. Through expert interviews and Malloy's unique experience, readers will gain a true understanding and appreciation for what scouts do and how they do it, what it really takes to make it to the NHL, and how to watch the game like a scout. Engaging and informative, The Art of Scouting is loaded with the inside perspective for serious fans and hockey poolies alike. Simply put, there is no other source like it on the planet.