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Two Racers U16 AAA Players Discuss Their Experience at USHL Camp

By Derek Edwardson, 07/14/17, 2:45PM EDT

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At the beginning of June, two Indy Racers (formerly Indy Strong) U16 AAA players accepted invites to the Omaha Lancers USHL Main Tryout Camp. We sat down with Jack Saavedra (South Bend) and Luca Foglio (Indianapolis) to discuss their experience in Omaha and the lessons that they can share with younger players hoping to be there some day.
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For those unfamiliar with the USHL, here’s a little background on the league and its players. The USHL is the only tier 1 junior hockey league in the United States comprised of 16-20-year-old players that have moved away from home to pursue their dreams of playing division 1 and professional hockey. It is the top feeder league for NCAA division 1 hockey. Over 95% of USHL players receive division 1 opportunities (http://www.ushl.com/page/show/1209136-ncaa-route). In other words, it is more difficult to play in the USHL than it is to play division 1 NCAA hockey. It has also become one of the top NHL development leagues in the world. In 2016, there were 45 current or former USHL players drafted in the NHL (including former CIYHA U16/18 player from Crown Point, Ryan Jones).

For most players, the first contact with junior teams comes in the form of invites to “prospects” and “futures” camps or combines from all levels of junior hockey that fill the in-boxes of parents and players between the ages of 14-17 every spring. If you have a player approaching this age, you will soon find this out.

Main Camp (the camp that Saavedra and Foglio attended) differs from those in that this is the final evaluation where all the team’s returning players, draft picks and recruits are there for a crack at making next season’s team. The prospects/futures camps are for players hoping to get an invite to main camp in the future. Because it is an excellent chance to evaluate so much high-end talent all in one place, Main camp is not only attended by the team’s coaching and scouting staff, but also numerous division 1 NCAA coaches.

Upon their return to Indiana, we spoke with Luca and Jack about their experience.

Q: What were your initial reactions to the camp experience and the first ice session?

A: (JS) “WOW! I thought that it was going to be fast with a lot of good hockey players and I was right! I was a little nervous because it’s was a USHL main camp but, during the first game I got comfortable with the speed and playing with these guys and noticed that I could certainly hang with them.”

A: (LF) “There are some big bodies out there. Everyone was always in position. It is faster than any competition I've ever played. It was not as physical as I thought it would be. Nobody looked out of place at the camp.”

Q: Where did most of the players come from?

A: (JS) “The players were from all over the US and a couple from Europe and Canada. They were from top ranked teams and ones that I’ve never heard of. It didn't matter what team they came from since they were all very good.”IMG_0285 (1).JPG

A: (LF) “There were players from U-16 and 18 programs, prep and high school players and NAHL players.”

Q: Do you think playing U16 AAA in Indy helped prepare you for camp?

A: (JS) “I think playing for Indy helped because I came from playing AA hockey my whole life to now U16 AAA which is much faster. Switching to U16 AAA has allowed me to get stronger, faster, and become a better all-around hockey player. So yes, I believe this past season prepared me well for the Omaha camp.”

A: (LF) “Yes, I thought the high-tempo practices and conditioning helped.”

Q: What are your goals for next year and what do you plan on doing to achieve them?

A: (JS) “My goal for this summer is to become very well-conditioned, stronger in my lower body, and become a really good hockey decision-maker at full speed.  Guys at Omaha were all in top shape, had obvious lower body strength, and great game situation reaction time. I am returning to the Racers U16. I hope to take on more of a leadership role and help the team win games.”

A: (LF) “My goals are to play at pace with the team and to be in a position to make a tier 1 or 2 junior team next summer.”

Q: What advice would you give a player attending a USHL Main camp for the first time?

A (JS) “Just because you are younger than most of the guys at the camp doesn’t mean you aren't supposed to be there. Just play your game and do your best because they are looking for all kinds of players for now and in the future.  They are looking for a variety of skill sets for their team so, always do your best!”

A (LF) “Don't be too panicked with the puck. Expect pressure at all times and make sure you have good endurance.