College coaches and NHL scouts want to learn all they can about prospective players before committing a scholarship or draft pick to them.

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A relatively new tool coaches and scouts have to investigate prospective players is social media. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and other channels can give

As Scott Powers writes on USHL.com, with that scrutiny comes some potential dangers:

The most prevalent advice among college coaches and professional scouts is simply to take a few moments to consider what is being put out there. Decisions aren’t given a second chance by simply deleting. Once something is out in cyberspace, it’s like to stay out there. Screen grabs have certainly done plenty of people in.

Former Dubuque Fighting Saints and current University of Denver head coach Jim Montgomery stresses to his players what they post can have repercussions small and large.

“We want our players to recognize that whatever they post can reflect on them forever,” Montgomery said. “It’s their name, the family name attached to it and represents our school. It can affect their college eligibility. That’s the biggest concern.”

Prospective players and parents should be sure to read Powers' story.