Ralph Baer
Let's Go 'Tute!
Re: RPI Recruit Thread 2018-19
https://mapleleafsnation.com/2017/05/16/feature-deciding-between-major-junior-and-ncaa-development/
I guess that he will major in Management.
https://mapleleafsnation.com/2017/05/16/feature-deciding-between-major-junior-and-ncaa-development/
Even with an offer from the Brandon Wheat Kings on the table, James McIsaac of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Portage Terriers opted to go choose the safer route and pursue a chance to play NCAA hockey.
“With the college route, you get more years of hockey and it’s a way to prove your game and get more experience as well, ” said McIsaac, who the Brandon Wheat Kings drafted in the sixth round of the 2014 WHL draft. “I’ve never heard anything negative about NCAA hockey.”
McIsaac’s intrigue of NCAA hockey started when his eight-year-old travel team made it’s way to Grand Forks for a tournament. They also went to catch a University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks game.
“I fell in love with the atmosphere, I loved the type of game it was and then I just kinda pushed myself towards that path my whole life,” said McIsaac. “I want to do something with my life after hockey. Obviously, the NHL would be my ultimate dream but if that doesn’t work out I want a backup plan and I think college would help me with that.”
Yet despite his desire to play NCAA hockey, McIsaac attended the Wheat Kings past two rookie camps to explore all his options. While attending those camps, the Wheat Kings wanted to sign McIsaac.
“It’s tempting. When they put you in that room for player meetings tell you how the WHL is the best route to go, it’s intriguing,” said McIssac. “It definitely crossed my mind to play there, but I had to stick to my word.”
But McIsaac, who has hopes to pursue a degree in business, has no regrets about his decision to play with the Terriers, this year’s MJHL champions. Despite not playing Major Junior this year, McIsaac generated plenty of buzz in front of NHL, CHL and NCAA scouts when he participated in the CJHL top prospects game, where top NCAA recruiters had their eyes on McIsaac.
Looking down the road, McIsaac is unsure if he’ll be back with Portage, or if he’ll play in the USHL with the Fargo Force. Heck, he may even decide to go sign with the Brandon Wheat Kings next fall, but by playing the past two seasons in Jr A as opposed to with Brandon, McIsaac has kept all his options open as his game develops.
I guess that he will major in Management.
