Hockey Counseling Associates

Helping athletes prepare themselves to take the next steps in their hockey careers.

Why we do what we do

1. To help navigate you through the many different options available to hockey players who are SERIOUS about continuing their playing career.

2. Do we take everyone? The short answer is no. Placing players into college programs requires time and effort. We assess the level of interest and commitment each player is willing to invest in this opportunity. It’s crucial to note that we evaluate the player’s own level of interest and effort, not that of the parents. ALL parties involved must be fully committed to this process.

3. Remember, when preparing for higher levels of hockey, you must earn and maintain your spot. The coaches you will be preparing for are some of the best in the U.S., and they will utilize the players who offer the best opportunity to win. Their jobs depend on it.

4. We aim to also prepare all youth and high school players for life after hockey by evaluating and counseling them on both their weaknesses and strengths. Our goal is to help the players understand how to self-evaluate, problem-solve, and address their weaknesses. These steps will equip them with critical life skills, both on and off the ice.

5. We want you to succeed. This is our number one goal!

key features

What Sets Us Apart

Explore the unique features that set us apart. We help you prepare yourself for your next steps in hockey by continuously growing and expanding our opportunities to offer athletes.

Player evaluation and counseling

Focused on skill development for athletes looking to play at a higher level by experienced evaluators.

Showcase and player events

We will identify and help you select showcases and events best suited for your player to have an opportunity to shine.

Guidance and support

We will provide guidance and support as to which programs may fit your player the best and help facilitate contact with coaches.

Private coaching and lessons

We offer private coaching and lessons for those in need focusing on the needs established at evaluation.

Hockey Life vs Personal Life

Talent alone will only get you so far in hockey unless you are able to manage life skills that can be carried beyond the game on the ice.

Education

MOST IMPORTANT is Education! If you do not have good academics, you will not be playing college hockey. Focus 1st on your education, grades, and SAT/ACT.

Work Hard

Working hard does not stop on the ice. This is equally as important in the gym and in the classroom. Work as hard at being a good student as you do being a good hockey player.

YOU MUST BE A GOOD TEAMMATE

Good teammates help each other, they don’t fight each other. These traits will always be seen by the trained eye.

YOU MUST BE COACHABLE

This trait is valued and will also be seen. Coaches want players that are willing to listen and apply the lessons learned on the ice.

Partnering Programs

Affiliates Teams & Organizations

AWIK approved partners we are proud to be with

Testimonials

Rick Cousineau is a fantastic resource and an invaluable member of the hockey community, and the only one I’d trust with my player’s future. Rick is truly dedicated to finding the correct fit for your player, and the ONLY one filling this unmet need for post-varsity players. He is 100 percent committed to the player and will stop at nothing short of what is best for them. Rick has a vast network of exceptional connections throughout the country at all levels of the game and has garnered the utmost respect from those relationships. He is revered in both the local hockey community as well as the national community. His honesty and work ethic are unparalleled, and his professional approach will not cater to any other agenda other than that of the player. I trust Rick Cousineau; I trusted him to guide my first player through the college-level hockey world, and I will trust him with my next. I recommend Rick with the highest consideration.

— Steve Kloppe

Rick Cousineau

President/ Owner

Brock Carlston

Evaluator / Consultation

Bill Carlston

Evaluator / Consultation

Joseph Caprio

advisor

Chris Pastotnik

Marketing / Communications

Contact Us

Got questions or ready to take the next steps to elevate your hockey career? We’re all ears! Reach out to us today to discuss your ideas, schedule a consultation, or simply say hello. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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