Selects Tour FAQ

What age groups are appropriate for these programs?
The European Selects BOYS Tour is for Bantam AA and older players only. The European Selects GIRLS Tour is for U19 AA and AAA girls.

What kind of coaches can we expect for these programs?
The coaches for all our programs are current NHL, collegiate and Junior coaches.

What kind of team's will we play?
All USJDP European Selects Tour teams will play local Junioren (Junior A/Midget Major ages) and Novizen (Midget Major/Midget Minor ages) teams. All teams will either be at the Elite or A levels, which equates to Junior A/Midget Major AAA - Midget Major/Midget Minor AA.

What kind of games?
Each game will consist of a 15-minute warm-up, three 20-minute stop time periods, and a zamboni break after each period. Sometimes, tourney games will differ. These games may consist of a 10 minute warm-up, followed by two, 25-minute stop time periods with a zamboni break in between.

How do I register for one of these Tours?
To be accepted on this tour, each player must Email USJDP a complete player report. Included in this report must be current year player team and stats, player size, position, shot direction, family contact info, and coach name and contact number. Upon receipt of completed player report, the USJDP will contact each coach for an in-depth player recommendation and evaluation. After speaking with each coach, USJDP staff will make a determination about each player and notify you of our decision within 2-3 weeks.

Are meals provided?
Breakfast and dinner is included each day of the tour for all players. Please note that lunch is not included and only one soft drink is provided per meal per player. European customs do not encourage more than one soda per meal and all players are recommended to drink water while traveling and training. Please be aware of this while having lunch on your own.

Is transportation included?
All in country transportation is included and provided via private motor coach. However, if you plan to venture into town during some off time, public transportation, especially buses, are easy and convenient.

Is the Jungfraujoch trip mandatory?
This day is mandatory for all players traveling alone and is voluntary for players with parents long. The cost of the ticket for the Jungfraujoch is included for players, but is not included for parents. We have learned the hard way in the past that this is a good day for parents to grab their sons to spend a day off with them as some have either done the Jungfraujoch before, or want a day to themselves as a family. It is typically one of the only days without hockey so it is a good time for families to spend some time alone.

Where do the groups stay?
All living arrangements are as a group, including coaching staff. All accommodations will have individual rooms that house anywhere from 2-10 players, and will be in the same section of the hostel/hotel as the coaches. Players may bunk with personnel of their choosing provided this does not cause conflicts or create havoc. However, this is not guaranteed at all locations due to changing room configurations. We will do our best to accommodate everyone's wishes.

How do we exchange money?
Money can be exchanged at all banks and airports, as well as smaller money exchange booths located in tourist areas. For the best rate however, try to do all your money exchanging at a bank. Using an ATM card, or paying for items with a credit card, is also desirable as that will get you the best rates. For exchange rates, visit www.x-rates.com. Do not exchange all your money at one time as you may not use it all and then you will lose doubly on the exchange back to USD. Last note: Coins play a very important part in the Swiss monetary system. Some are as much as 5 Swiss Francs (CHF), so please do not disregard them just because they are coins.

Can we call home?
The red SwissCom phones work the best. Enter the phone booth, pick up the receiver, dial 001, the area code & phone number, and then insert a credit card. It will hold it for a second to register and then tell you to pull it out. Immediately after pulling your card out it will connect. It is very fast, easy and cheap. A 15 minute call is approximately 3 CHF, or around $2.00-2.25 depending on the current exchange rates.

What is the weather like?:
Summer Tours: The weather this time of year in Switzerland is warm during the days, high in the mid to high 80's, and cool at night, especially in the mountains.

Spring Tours: Spring time in Switzerland is much like spring time in the Rockies, it could be 20 and snowing, or it could be 50 and sunny. Although at altitude (Engelberg sits at 3350 ft), it will still be cool at night.

What kind of spending money do I need?
As daily lunches are not included it is recommended that the players budget $25 USD per day for their daily lunch. Additionally, they should bring a little spending money as well for snacks or gifts. However, since the tour does include everything except lunch, they will not need much. $250 - $300, and an emergency credit card or debit card, should be enough.

What do I do with my sticks? 
All players will have to check their own sticks all the way through to Zurich.  Some airlines may try and charge you for a third bag fee for your sticks, however, this is not correct. According to FAA guidelines, checked hockey equipment equivalent to one bag includes a hockey gear bag and two hockey sticks in an exterior stick bag. If the person who is checking your bags tries to hit you with an extra charge, be sure to mention this regulation, as you should NOT be charged an extra fee for your stick bag. As a recommendation, I have found in the past that it is much easier to get a gear bag and a stick bag checked through if you do so curbside. Traditionally, I have found them to be much easier to deal with on this issue.

Is skate sharpening available?
Skate sharpening is few and far between. It is HIGHLY recommended that you sharpen your skates right before you leave just in case. Every effort will be made to get them sharpened at each venue, but it is not always available.