/ Hockey GM & Scouting Course

Learn How to Become a Hockey Scout

In just eight weeks, you can learn the scouting and organizational abilities needed to launch your career as a global hockey scout.

Earn a spot in the front office of a professional hockey team. Learn elite hockey scouting and management skills. Our 8-week online Hockey GM and Scouting course, taught by Former NHL President, GM & Head Coach Doug MacLean and Ontario Hockey League GM Mike Oke, is #1 in the world. As ice hockey explodes around the globe, more scouts are needed. Learn the skills teams are requiring as a hockey scout and scout hockey in your area. Membership to RinkNet and Elite Prospects included!

NEXT START DATE: November 18
Weekly Interactive Zoom Video Chats With Doug MacLean and Mike Oke

NEXT START DATE:
November 18

Weekly Live Interactive Zoom Video Chats with Doug MacLean and Mike Oke

WEDNESDAYS 5 pm PT 8 pm ET THURSDAYS 12 am GMT
8-week online course
Access to SMWW network
Resume enhancement
Ongoing career advice
Class size limited to 25 students

Mentors

Chania

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Learn More About Becoming a Hockey GM and Scouting Student

We want to help you find the right course for your career. Fill out the form below and an SMWW Career Counselor will follow up directly with you.

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What You Can Expect From Our Hockey GM & Scouting Course

Hockey management requires a versatile skill set, evaluating players, talent disccovery, plus budgeting, operations, and marketing. 

This cutting-edge Hockey Scouting course will prepare you to enter the world of hockey with a diverse array of skills that will qualify you for a variety of roles for professional hockey teams and clubs. Our course is trusted by leagues, teams, coaches, and scouts at every level of the game, around the globe.

As part of this course you will learn:

  • Scouting and player evaluation including body type, mental makeup, playing ability and physical tools
  • How to identify players who will succeed in the top leagues versus minor leagues.
  • Access to RinkNet, the #1 hockey video technology.
  • Traditional scouting techniques vs. new high-tech scouting methods
  • Evaluating college players as compared to major junior hockey talent in preparation for the NHL draft
  • NHL Draft War Room strategies
  • Responsibilities of a Hockey General Manager
  • How to run the front office of a hockey franchise
  • Capology and team-building methodology
  • Player contracts, trades, acquisition, and negotiation
  • The franchise, facility, and venue operations
  • The art of making a hockey scouting report
  • The language of hockey scouting
  • Overview of the CBA
  • Steva Hockey Digital Software
  • Professional rewrite of your resume/CV to meet hockey standards including your references from Doug MacLean and Mike Oke.


Successful graduates are working at all levels of professional and collegiate hockey, in the NHL, OHL, WHL, QMJHL, AHL, and NCAA. Internationally, successful graduates are working in the DEL, NLA, SHL, KHL, Liiga, Czech Extraliga, and beyond. Our track record of training successful hockey scouts and executives is exemplary. Our 8 week Hockey GM & Scouting Course is the #1 scouting course in the world. 
Successful graduates have participated from the USA, Canada, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Latvia, Slovakia, and many other countries. Hockey is exploding and scouts are needed all over the world.

 

If you are thinking about a career in hockey, SMWW is a cutting-edge program that offers you the training, skills, vital networking, mentoring, and hockey-specific training that will assist you in breaking in or advancing your career in professional hockey. They have hundreds of graduates now working at all levels of the game.
- Brian Burke, Pittsburgh Penguins President of Hockey Operations

Hockey Scouting Technology Included with this Course

In addition to learning how to scout in professional & collegiate hockey this course will introduce you to cutting-edge software hockey scouts use on a daily basis. Like most professional sports leagues, hockey is embracing a shift to new scouting techniques using specific software for video analysis and analytics. Students in our Hockey GM and Scouting course will receive training and hands-on experience using the cutting-edge technology being implemented by hockey teams worldwide.

RinkNet Technology

RinkNet has become the premier hockey operations solutions system and a vital tool used in nearly every hockey front office. Students will get a membership to RinkNet with this course and will be trained over the 8 weeks of this course. RinkNet is used by over 3,500 hockey executives from every NHL and CHL team, USHL, and NAHL, among others.  

RinkNet will provide full technical solutions and support for all Hockey GM and Scouting students and students will learn how to use the software and provide RinkNet with data/reports that they file for use by all RinkNet users. RinkNext is not available to the general public, so this is your best chance to get trained on this software!

Elite Prospects

Each Hockey GM and Scouting student will be assigned an Elite Prospects Premium account ($120 value). Elite Prospects offers the most informative hockey player database in professional hockey. By partnering with Elite Prospects, SMWW Hockey GM and Scouting students will have access to one of the most unique and powerful tools as it relates to hockey data at all levels from minor hockey to junior to pro, in both North America and Europe. 

Included in the course is a one-year subscription to Elite Prospects Premium, which will provide students the opportunity to explore and practice using the theories and concepts discussed in the weekly classes and course curriculum. SMWW Hockey GM and Scouting students will be joined by an Elite Prospects team member to give them hands-on training on the EP website to get the most out of their premium account.

Steva Hockey

Students will receive training and instruction on Steva video analysis software, the NHL's official provider of scouting video content. The Steva hockey software allows coaches to easily analyze video of games and practices.

Video analysis is a growing trend in NHL scouting circles, and knowing how to use this powerful tool could make a difference in your career.

Steva allows you to:

  • Scout opponents and recruits
  • Develop team and individual play through visual feedback
  • Improve the quality of practices
  • Create custom video streams
  • Produce team video albums
     

Many of our graduates have been asked by their local team to video and scout potential players. Adding Steva Hockey experience to your resume is the type of skill that will make you stand out from the crowd. Steva is only compatible with PCs, options will be available if you are a MAC user. 

Sports Jobs This Course Will Prepare You For

Hockey management requires a versatile skill set; not just evaluating players and creating a competitive team and not just budgeting, operations and marketing. This cutting-edge course will prepare you to enter the world of hockey management with a diverse array of skills that will qualify you for any of these roles in the NHL, OHL, WHL, QMJHL, AHL, and NCAA and globally in the DEL, NLA, SHL, KHL, Liiga, Czech Extraliga, and beyond:

  • Hockey Scout
  • Hockey General Manager
  • Hockey Agent
  • Hockey Player Personnel
  • Hockey Management
  • Hockey Front Office
  • Hockey Coach
  • Hockey Operations
  • Hockey Sports Marketing
  • Hockey Media & Community Relations
  • Hockey Account Manager
  • Hockey Internships

Meet Your Course Mentors

"At SMWW, we give you the who you know and the what you know!"

Doug MacLean

Doug MacLean spent 24 years in the National Hockey League serving in many management and coaching capacities including NHL President, GM, and Head Coach. In addition, Doug is a beloved former Canadian sportscaster working in television and radio as a Hockey Analyst with Sportsnet Canada for 9 years.  In 2023, Doug became a Best Selling author with his first book "Draft Day" and has consistently hit the bestseller lists in Canada.

Doug was the President, General Manager, of the Columbus Blue Jackets for 10 years. Prior to that, MacLean was Head Coach of the Florida Panthers. MacLean is probably best known for leading the then-upstart Florida Panthers team to the Eastern Conference championship and playing in the Stanley Cup Finals. The next two years, Doug went on to lead the Florida Panthers to the Eastern Conference playoffs.

MacLean served as Assistant Coach with the St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals and Associate Coach and Assistant GM of the Detroit Red Wings, including a stint as the GM for the AHL Adirondack Red Wings. MacLean's first professional head coach position came in 1990 when he was sent to the Baltimore Skipjacks, the Capitals' AHL affiliate, Doug started his coaching career at the Junior A and University levels in Canada. 

Doug clearly succeeded at every level of hockey, working up the ladder and now he wants to give back and assist you with your hockey career in the Hockey GM & Scouting Course. Register for the course and get to know Doug in the weekly Zoom chats. Catapult your hockey career.

Mike Oke

Since 2013 Mike Oke has been the general manager of the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) after joining the team three years earlier as the manager of player personnel.

Prior to joining the Petes, Mike worked with the International Scouting Service (ISS) as Chief Scout where he was responsible for day-to-day operations and managing the scouting staffs responsible for developing scouting reports on players eligible for the NHL Draft, as well as the WHL, QMJHL, OHL, and CHL import drafts.

Mike also has a deep background in coaching having been an Assistant Coach in charge of video with Team Pacific at the 2008 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge, the Director of Player Personnel and Assistant Coach with the Oshawa Generals, an Assistant Coach at Wilfrid Laurier University of the Ontario University Athletic Association and Head Coach/Manager with the Trenton Sting of the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League.

Oke has assisted with over a thousand SMWW graduates acquiring jobs in professional and collegiate hockey. The team of Sinden and Oke can get you where you want to go!

Dr. Lynn Lashbrook

Lynn LashbrookDr. Lynn Lashbrook, President, and Founder of Sports Management Worldwide has been working and teaching in Sports Management for over 30 years and has demonstrated a lifelong passion for helping students reach their career goals in the world of sports. In addition to his varied sports career, Dr. Lashbrook has served at the collegiate level as Athletic Director. During his years as the Athletic Director at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Dr. Lashbrook brought UAF Hockey into the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. During his hockey years at UAF, Lashbrook mentored the rising young hockey coach Don Lucia who is currently the head coach at the University of Minnesota, where he has led the Gophers to five Frozen Fours and two National Championships (Although most people would agree, Don mentored Lynn!). 

Dr. Lashbrook is currently President of the SMWW Sports Agency which includes professional hockey players and several certified NHL sports agents. He has worked in the business of hockey at the college level behind the scenes and administratively. You will love his unique perspective, high energy, and great knowledge of the big business of hockey.

All SMWW Courses include a live interactive zoom video chat with Dr. Lynn Lashbrook and all SMWW students, once a week for the eight-week course.

Why our Hockey GM and Scouting Course is Your Perfect Match

The popularity of hockey has tripled globally over the last 20 years, making it one of the world's most popular sports and a place where employment opportunities continue to grow. Unlike many sports, in hockey the search for talent is global, reaching from the Canadian tundra through Europe and back to U.S. soil.

At SMWW, we'll teach you how to evaluate hockey talent globally and how to manage a team.

While most online courses primarily consist of typing and watching videos on your computer – our online Hockey GM & Scouting course includes weekly interactive zoom video chats with your mentors, allowing you to form a personal connection and ask questions of these legends of the game.

Let me repeat, you get to chat weekly about the hockey industry and scouting techniques with Doug MacLean and Mike Oke, and after completing the course Doug MacLean can be added to your resume as a professional reference!

SMWW is a quality organization. I have personally hired their graduates!
- Mike Johnston, Former Head Coach Pittsburgh Penguins

Course Details

Weekly Interactive Zoom Video Chats: A unique aspect of each 8-week course is the opportunity for students to participate in weekly, interactive zoom video chats with fellow students, Doug MacLean, Mike Oke, and Dr. Lynn Lashbrook. This is a tremendous opportunity to network within the professional and collegiate hockey industry by getting to know your mentors and fellow students personally via Zoom. Chats are recorded and archived so you can listen at your convenience if you miss class.

Online Education: This innovative academic course is facilitated through a web-based educational delivery system. You will enjoy the online discussion boards, weekly readings, weekly quizzes, course projects, and interaction amongst fellow hockey business-minded students and faculty. All training materials you will need are included in the course fee and will be shipped to your door. The hockey books that have been hand-picked by Mike & Doug are included in the course fee are worth the price of the course all by themselves!

Global Participation: SMWW students participate from over 162 countries. Courses have an international influence and instructors will cater assignments to specific countries or leagues. Countries with economic challenges are eligible for economic discounts.

University Credit Available: For additional fees to Fort Hays State University in Kansas, you may receive graduate or undergraduate university credit for Sports Management Worldwide's courses. Click here for more information.

Optional Yearly NHL Draft Career Conferences: All SMWW students and faculty are invited to attend the yearly Sports Career Conference at the NHL Draft held in June every year.  All SMWW Students receive a huge discount and are encouraged to attend to utilize their skills and network within the industry.

Advanced Certificates: Want to take your career to the next level? Our Advanced Certificates have been hand-selected by our team of sports industry experts to put you on a path to success. These bundles allow you to take advantage of our biggest discount available, by bundling multiple courses and becoming an expert in that field. Learn more about our Advanced Certificates here.

Military Discount: For those individuals who represent their country in military service, (active, reserve, or retired) we offer a discount. Thank you for serving your country! For more information on the Military Discount please Click Here.

Tax Write Off (For USA Citizens): SMWW course tuition, books, and supplies can be used for education tax credits. Save your receipts and consult with your tax advisor on how this applies to you.

What Happens After I Complete the Course?

Upon successful graduation of the Hockey GM & Scouting Course you'll have many options:

Become an SMWW Scout:

Graduates will be invited to join SMWWscouts.com, our network of professional scouts working across all sports and in all countries.

You will advertise yourself as a certified scout and trained evaluator. Teams, coaches and agents use this service to find qualified talent evaluators in areas they need them.

We become your match-makers!

The site will include your own webpage with your picture and biography and samples of your best scouting reports. As a graduate of the Hockey GM and Scouting course, you are eligible to apply for acceptance as an SMWW scout and be featured on this website!

Work for a Team:

Our goal is to see all Hockey GM & Scouting graduates gainfully employed in hockey worldwide. SMWW will customize a hockey portfolio to assist you with your career, and Doug MacLean will be a reference on your resume.

Through our extensive network of professional and collegiate hockey teams and organizations worldwide, our objective is to prepare you for when the right job opportunities become available. Numerous people that have gone through our programs are now employed in great positions and you could do the same. We want to help you launch your hockey career and help you find a position where you can be the most successful and satisfied.  With hundreds of graduates of this course working in the industry, many are now doing the hiring and call SMWW when they have an opening.

Course Certificate:

Successful graduates of our Hockey GM and Scouting course will be sent an SMWW Certificate of Accomplishment. This certificate represents not only your achievements in the course but also demonstrates your personal commitment to self-improvement and the ability to "self-train" yourself for higher positions within the sports business industry.

Resume Redesign Service:

Acquiring the skills necessary for your dream sports career is only one part of the employment journey. Even with the required skill set, you still have to market yourself properly to attract the attention of sports industry employers. 

At SMWW, we’ll teach you the skills you need to thrive AND help you redesign your resume for optimal impact in the sports industry. We'll help you craft a resume to highlight your new skills in Hockey Management and Scouting, including a reference from Doug MacLean, Mike Oke, and Dr. Lynn Lashbrook while optimizing it to reach hiring managers searching online. 

We want you to become the next SMWW success story and will go to great lengths to help you get there!

THREE MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF $650

Or a single payment of $1,950

Includes all course textbooks and access to a web-based classroom. Shipping is additional.

PRICE IN  
APPROXIMATELY $1950

If we offer an economic discount in your country, it is included in the estimate above. Exact pricing including the discount is shown before you complete checkout. Payment plan options are provided during checkout.

PAYMENT METHODS:
Prerequisites: Must be 18 or older to participate and have a passion for sports.
CALL TODAY: 1-877-SMWW-NOW
(In the UK: 087 12884799)

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