Can anyone provide insight as to how a player might secure a spot on a pro team in Western Europe, or Sweden, Finland etc?
What's involved?
What's the process for making that happen?
When do those leagues typically start their seasons?
Actually any info would be helpful.
Thanks
F1
Hi Falconone, Sorry to hear about your son. Best thing for him is play pro in NA for a season or two. All European leagues have already started and filled rosters. They sign guys typically between May-July with most teams having players report in August. They sign imports early to get work visa issues sorted out because that can be a long process (e.g. Italy is notorious for taking months to process pro guys visas).
Unless you want to pay his own way over there for tryouts, he won't get a contract without playing NCAA/CIS or minor pro. A couple years ago, some Jr.A guys from Canada have paid they're own way for tryouts in Belgium and France and have to get on with a club, but they left in July and bounced around in August. Also, it is easier for Canadians to play overseas at lower level pro teams because Canadians can get one year work visas with the Schengen program. Germany, Belgium, France, Netherlands, etc. all grant one year work visas for Canadians under the age of 30 if they apply in the spring.
For goalies, the process is ten times worst right now. Lots of guys looking for work.
Also, get an agent. But do research first when selecting an agent.