Course Overview:

Unlock the secrets behind building elite hockey talent with SMWW’s 8-week online Hockey Player Development & Strategy course, led by renowned NHL executive Mike Smith. With decades of experience as General Manager of the Chicago Blackhawks and Assistant GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mike brings unparalleled insight into player development, team-building, and modern hockey strategy. This course provides a comprehensive look at how today’s top organizations evaluate, develop, and optimize player performance at every level—from amateur to professional.

Whether you’re a coach, scout, executive, or analyst, this program equips you with the tools to help players reach their full potential and gives you a strategic edge in today’s highly competitive hockey landscape.

What You’ll Learn:

Foundations of Player Development: Understand the stages of player growth and the key attributes that define success at each level of competition.

Strategic Team Building: Learn how top-level executives build rosters through draft strategy, development pipelines, and performance forecasting.

Modern Hockey Systems: Explore how analytics, video, and on-ice tactics combine to create effective game plans and long-term development models.

Player Evaluation Techniques: Discover how professionals assess a player’s ceiling, character, and role fit using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Creating Development Plans: Learn how to design individualized training and development programs to help players maximize their potential.

Why Learn from Mike Smith:

Mike Smith is a respected veteran of NHL front offices with over 35 years of experience, having served as General Manager of the Chicago Blackhawks and Assistant GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs. A pioneer in the use of hockey analytics and a former Director of Player Personnel, Mike has a proven track record of identifying and nurturing talent. His extensive experience makes him the ideal mentor for anyone looking to understand what it takes to develop winning hockey players and teams.

Ideal For:

• Hockey coaches and player development professionals

• Scouts and talent evaluators

• Front office executives and hockey operations staff

• Sports analysts focused on performance and strategy

• Individuals pursuing careers in professional or junior hockey

Course Highlights:

Live Mentorship: Participate in weekly live Zoom sessions with Mike Smith and SMWW staff, offering direct access to one of hockey’s most strategic minds.

Real-World Scenarios: Work through practical case studies and development strategies used by NHL teams and hockey programs worldwide.

Player Development Tools: Learn to use the same tools and evaluation frameworks used in professional hockey organizations.

Career-Enhancing Certification: Earn a respected credential from SMWW, demonstrating your expertise in hockey player development and strategic planning.

Get Started:

Elevate your career and help shape the future of hockey by enrolling today. For more details and to sign up, visit the SMWW Hockey Player Development & Strategy course.