2009 doesn’t feel like it was THAT long ago. My wife and I walked into Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City to see how “the sausage was made” as it were. The workshops were written about, the on ice drills were a thrill for fans, and everyone knew which restaurant and bowling alley to go to just to try and hang out with some players. Comparing the prospect portion of the summer from then until now is almost impossible.
The drills, equipment, nutrition and honestly the size and strength of young players is a bit overwhelming. Year round training, personal coaches, youth programs and even youtube have created a path where the starting point for an 18 year old draftee (or invitee) is in a different realm. Today I’ll be driving past the USNDP in Plymouth. Around lunch time the players will be out walking and they look like grown men. The science and the sport continue to impress.
With all that in mind, some of you were in jr hockey. Some of you have played pro sports in other arenas. There used to be a joke that in the 60s training camp was a month long and some athletes had to drop 20-30 lbs they picked up in the off season. Now you can get “suspended” (pre season is a little different in that realm) if your stats are too far off of your exit weight.
For all of you who get to see QMJL, OHL, WHL, Development programs and then the choice of North American pro, collegiate or international what path would you take at this point in history? The one hockey playing family in our neighborhood growing up (no program at the schools) had 2 boys. One of them coaches at the “high end” youth levels around Detroit (Little Caesars, Honeybaked, Belle Tire, Honda etc). In the 30+ years I’ve known him, it’s always been the college route as the recommendation. You can get a relevant degree, forge relationships and continue in some capacity to work in the industry.
The “Q” is having concerns as fewer alumni are being picked in the top draft rounds. If I remember correctly, no one from that league was selected in round 1 this year. Jr. Hockey can see high scoring, but international hockey can pit you against NHL alumni and adult players (but on a wider playing surface). It will be interesting to see if the NCAA’s settlement and potential compensation models will shift the landscape. Those players who couldn’t sign and stay in school may see that option changed. Good for the players, potentially not great for jr leagues.
So, you chime in. If it was you or your progeny (or if you are a coach one of your players) where do your discretions lead to? I still personally favor the college route. You can pick the school that will blend the best personal opportunity with the best available program. You’re not going to get traded to another school, and you have a chance to learn broadcasting, psychology, and something every pro needs. Accounting. As always, thanks to all who stop by, to my friends in Missouri, apparently it was 92 after sundown a couple nights ago. That sounds pretty nasty. Stay cool and safe.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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