College Hockey Versus Canadian Junior Hockey: A Question Of Scouting

At least that’s the long held perception by many. Steven Stamkos came from the CHL, Jonathan Toews came from NCAA College hockey, and the lists and comparisons can go on and on. There is no question that the comparisons made between these two rivals will continue into the foreseeable future and this only serves to reflect and reinforce the success that both of these organizations have achieved in getting some of their players to the pro level.
Does it really matter which route is better? Does it really matter that one is considered professional (CHL) and one is not? Both NCAA college hockey and Canadian junior hockey have been wildly successful in drafting players to the pro level. College hockey offers a shorter season than does the CHL – approximately 45 games in college hockey compared to approximately 70 games in the CHL. College hockey has in general, older players – seniors could be 23 years old, compared to the CHL who could have 16 year olds but no players older than 20 years.

The speed of the game is considered greater in the CHL. Also, primarily due to more games being played per season, the CHL schedule is viewed as more beneficial than college hockey for players who may turn pro as it more closely mirrors the travel and grind of a pro hockey season. In college hockey, all players must wear a cage but no such requirement is mandated in the CHL – except for 16 yr olds. If a player needs development, the college hockey route is considered better. If a player is considered ‘pro-ready’ and ‘elite’, then the CHL is most often recommended.

However, just like the other pro sports leagues, the probability of making the NHL is very low. There are a total of 690 players in the entire league. Although college hockey and the CHL are the acknowledged pipelines to the pros, once one factors in the elite European prospects who now get equal exposure by scouts, most recognize that participation in hockey is for fun and recreation.

The American Hockey League (AHL) is the professional ‘farm’ system for the NHL and serves to develop and house ‘call-ups’ for replacement needs in case of injuries, trades and promotion. There are so many talented and qualified hockey players who fall through the recruiting and scouting cracks, those who never got a fair look or were tainted by a scout or recruiter’s poor assessment. The question then becomes, where do these players play if they don’t make the NHL or AHL? What do they do to continue playing the sport they truly love?

Fantasy hockey should only be a term used to describe those hockey pool fanatics, not to describe the feelings of a player who was deemed not good enough to play for a certain team and then thinks there’s no where else to play. Any player who feels they’ve been overlooked or just wants a change, should consider exploring online hockey recruiting and hockey scouting website services to expand their hockey choices. Many of these overlooked players and prospects have heard of Canadian University hockey, the ECHL, the German Elite League, the Swiss Elite League. There are also sites that offer players direct contact with Junior A, Junior B, Prep and Boarding School, Midget AAA, and even highschool hockey contacts.
Technology now puts the power of choice in the hands of players instead of scouts and recruiters who don’t have, or don’t take, the time to see many excellent hockey prospects. And just like the debate of which one is better, college hockey or the CHL? The decision should rest in the hands of the player. Get noticed by going online to continue playing the game you love!


---

Keywords: college hockey, junior hockey, recruiting

By: PuckProspect

Free Article Directory: http://www.jumparticles.com

Copy and Paste Link Code:
<a href="http://www.jumparticles.com/1000626">College Hockey Versus Canadian Junior Hockey: A Question Of Scouting</a>

Article ID 1000626
This article has been viewed 1458 times