The VICTORIOUS HOCKEY COMPANY’s Biweekly Newsletter:  THE JOKERS

Hello Players and Families,

Junior hockey is an incredible journey filled with opportunity, but it’s also riddled with bad actors who manipulate, exploit, and take advantage of players and families who don’t yet understand how the system truly operates. While many organizations, coaches, and advisors are in this for the right reasons, there are just as many—if not more—who are only looking to serve their own interests. These are the Jokers of junior hockey, and their tactics range from shady business practices to outright fraud.

Why bring this up now?

Because I’ve seen the worst of it firsthand. Recently, I’ve noticed my own words and advice being plagiarized by advisor platforms trying to make themselves sound more credible than they actually are. Even worse, I’ve had players leave Victorious Hockey Company and, within weeks, end up with the same poaching advisor, time and time again. They weren’t given a better path—they were fed empty promises, persuaded that we weren’t doing enough for them, only to find themselves in a situation that didn’t actually help their career at all.

The Jokers in Junior Hockey Exist at Every Level

This isn’t just about dishonest advisors—they’re only one piece of the problem.

• Advisors taking kickbacks from teams—selling a roster spot as if it’s an opportunity, when in reality, it’s just a money grab for both sides. The player pays the advisor to help him find a spot, and the team pays the advisor for bringing in paying players. Who really benefits? Not the player.

• Owners running teams like cash grabs—offering promises of development, exposure, and upward mobility, but in reality, they’re just filling a roster to cover their operational costs. No intention of helping players move on, just collecting checks from parents hoping for a real opportunity.

• Coaches who care more about control than development—benching players for reasons they won’t explain, playing favorites, and running teams like dictatorships instead of fostering an environment for growth.

• Fake "international opportunities" that are nothing more than expensive vacations—advisors and programs sending players overseas under the guise of "learning a new culture" and "gaining valuable experience," when in reality, they’re just throwing a bunch of Canadian and American kids in a dorm with little supervision, no development structure, and zero real pathway forward. Some advisors actually own the team itself!

• Physical abuse disguised as “tough coaching”—players being forced to play through injuries, denied proper medical attention, or subjected to dangerous drills meant to "toughen them up" rather than actually improve their skills. Some of the worst cases include hazing, excessive bag skates as punishment, and even physical altercations between players and coaches.

• Emotional and psychological abuse—coaches and team staff belittling players, destroying their confidence, or using threats to maintain control. Some players have been humiliated in front of their teammates, told they’ll never make it, or even blackballed from future opportunities for speaking up. The mental toll of these tactics can be just as damaging—if not worse—than the physical strain of a demanding season.

The Worst Part? It’s the Players Who Pay the Price.

These Jokers don’t just waste your time—they waste your career.• Development years wasted—Players end up in leagues or on teams that offer no real path forward.• Families drain their savings—Spending thousands of dollars on empty promises, sometimes having to start over completely the next season.• Reputations ruined—When a player gets caught up with the wrong people, it can affect how legitimate teams and programs view them moving forward.And what’s worse? Many families don’t even realize they’ve been scammed until it’s too late. 

Enough is Enough 

I got into this business to be the good advisor—to be someone families could trust. So, when I see these Jokers lying, stealing, and selling false hope to players, I’m going to call it out. 

Players and parents deserve transparency, honesty, and real guidance. If an advisor is trying to sell you something too good to be true, it probably is. If a team is promising you an easy path forward, ask yourself what they get out of it. And if you ever feel like something doesn’t seem right—trust that instinct and ask questions. 

There are plenty of great people in hockey, but the bad ones thrive on players and families not knowing any better. 

Take Control of Your Future. 

Don’t fall for the gimmicks, the backroom deals, or the empty promises. Surround yourself with people who actually care about your success. Ask the hard questions. Protect your development years. Be smart about who you trust. 

For the players,Mike 

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USA Hockey has unveiled the National Development League (NDL), aiming to enhance youth hockey development nationwide. This initiative brings together Tier I programs to optimize player and coach development through the American Development Model (ADM). The NDL will feature full-season teams at 15U (14- and 15-year-olds) and 17U (16- and 17-year-olds) levels, exclusively for American players. Designed to complement existing structures, the NDL aspires to bridge the gap between youth and junior hockey, fostering a robust environment for top talent.

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Following consecutive fifth-place finishes at the World Junior Hockey Championship, Hockey Canada is initiating significant changes to restore its competitive edge. The organization will appoint a full-time General Manager for the Program of Excellence, responsible for overseeing the under-20 team, and a Vice-President of Hockey Operations to enhance talent evaluation and strategic processes. These roles aim to ensure meticulous selection of players and staff, addressing recent performance issues and reaffirming Canada's prominence in international hockey. 

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The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) has announced the 2025 Fraser Cup Division Semifinal schedule. Each division features a best-of-three series, with higher seeds holding home-ice advantage. Key matchups include West Bend Power vs. Wisconsin Woodsmen and Helena Bighorns vs. Badlands Sabres. Other divisions feature teams like the Texas Brahmas, Granite City Lumberjacks, and Northeast Generals. Winners will advance to the Division Finals, bringing them one step closer to the Fraser Cup Championship.

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Athletes who excel under pressure often possess high self-efficacy and mental toughness, viewing high-stakes situations as challenges rather than threats. Effective cognitive-behavioral strategies include pre-performance routines, imagery techniques, and positive self-talk, which help maintain focus and reduce anxiety. Simulated pressure training and process-oriented goal setting further enhance resilience and consistency in performance.

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Minnesota is set to host a prestigious international hockey tournament and is requesting state financial support to ensure its success. The event is expected to boost local economies by attracting visitors and showcasing the state's rich hockey heritage. State aid would cover operational costs and enhance facilities, underscoring Minnesota's commitment to promoting sports tourism and reinforcing its status as the "State of Hockey."

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Players and families, we want to hear from you. If there are any questions, concerns, or if you just want to have a conversation, please feel free to contact us directly. We want to hear from you. Good Luck and Great Hockey!

 

Thank you,

Team VHC

 

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