Re: Boston College Hockey '13-'14: Tournament Season - One Game At A Time!
I think guys should go whatever route they feel more comfortable with. If they're good enough they will make it, if they aren't they won't, simple as. I think development plays a lot smaller role than people realize.
After reading through the many posts about Milano and the choice players make to play in the CHL vs. NCAA, there seems to be some wild misconceptions about the Major Jr. route.
First, its hard to quickly sort through every D1 school and CHL team but its safe to say not every school provides a great education and hockey program like BC, and not every CHL team is run like the London Knights. Some good, some bad. Both systems are a business - don't kid yourself.
A few facts to compare.
1-a) The NCAA provides hockey development packaged with an education. Some schools are highly ranked, others are not. Some programs are well funded. Others are not. Scollys are limited to 18 max at most schools. Some have fewer. Some have none. Many players are on full rides but quit a few are on partials or receive no financial support from the athletic department at the school. Funds are granted on a year to year basis and can be withdrawn at anytime. There is no obligation by the school or player until an LOI as been signed, and again its for one year at a time.
1-b) The OHL (Milano's destination) provides hockey development packaged with an education. Every player in the league gets educational money. One year played, one year paid. Some get 4 years up front, some 2. The money can be used at any school anywhere in the world. That is the players choice. Amounts received are based on your which university is closest to your home. So if you live in London, Ont. the amounts accrued would be based on U of Western Ontario. While the player is with a team all education expenses are paid in full. So, again looking at Milano, if he wanted to attend U Michigan Plymouth pays the tab. Taking two or three classes in not out of the question. Its up to the player to make that choice. The year paid for a year players amounts are given once your OHL stint is finished. The only way these funds are voided is if you sign a pro contract.
Without debating good school bad school, good hockey, bad hockey - both routes provide education and hockey development.
2-a) The NCAA does not provide any additional financial support beyond the scolly. Players and families are responsible for incidentals while the player is away at during the school year or at required off season training sessions. These training sessions are paid for by the school and represent a significant financial benefit to the players and families.
2-b) Each OHL player receives $1000 toward their off season training. Overage players receive $500 per month for incidentals and overage players (20 yrs old) receive $1000 per month.
When compared both routes provide some additional financial benefit.
Post NCAA and OHL Hockey opportunites
These points don't apply to the Milano's and Eichel's or the world. Neither would play 4 years of NCAA or 5 yrs of OHL. They'll be in the NHL a 2 years after their draft. These points applies to the many others.
3-a) Once a player graduates with his 4 year degree they many have the option of playing pro, minor pro, european hockey or heading off into the working world. What great options to have.
3-b) When a player "graduates" from the OHL at 20 they have a few options. Most choose to tap their education money and head of to finish their degree while playing CIS (Canadian University) hockey. By comparison, CIS hockey would rank with many D1 programs. Not BC, Not U Mich and not ND. More along the lines of some Atlantic D 1 programs. Others try pro, minor pro or European hockey then come back to play CIS hockey. Again, what great options to have.
Both the NCAA and CHL can get a player what he is looking for. Find the right fit and stay focused on your goals and things should work out.
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