Today on NHL.com, we take a look at the process by which promising youth players become legitimate NHL draft prospects. As crucial as in-season development is for young players, the work the top young players do during the spring and summer is equally crucial to their development.

The level of dedication and commitment to the sport these young men show is remarkable. In many ways, they trade the ability to have a "normal life" for the chance to chase a dream that only a small minority will ever realize.

One of the fastest-rising spring/summer development programs is East Coast/West Coasts Selects program. Founded in 2003 the program (which is run by scout and coach Travis Howe, the son of Mark Howe and grandson of Gordie) will see its first group of NHL draft-eligible alumni walk up to the podium this year.

The alumni include five projected first to early second round picks (Sam Gagner, Logan Couture, Nick Petrecki, Kevin Shattenkirk and Colby Cohen), a projected mid second to early third round pick (Dale Mitchell) and ten other players projected by CSS and/or ISS to be selected in later rounds of the draft.

While natural ability is important, of course, the work habits and playing style that emerge between the ages of 12 to 16 will also play a large role in shaping the player's future scouting reports.

If you'd like to read more about the development process for the aforementioned players, click Hockey a Year-Round Commitment for Top Prospects.

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