The CHL Spin Doctors are trying to infiltrate MNHS Hockey

[burd]

Re: The CHL Spin Doctors are trying to infiltrate MNHS Hockey

So much red. And over what? Immunity to satire?

Look, it's OK. If the kid passes up good college opportunities but can't make it in hockey either, there's always Purdue.

 

[Tipsy McStagger]

Re: The CHL Spin Doctors are trying to infiltrate MNHS Hockey

In other news, the Spin Doctors are trying to infiltrate a soup kitchen.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cXWbMu4PtpE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[JDUBBS1280]

Re: The CHL Spin Doctors are trying to infiltrate MNHS Hockey

I'm guessing Zack (see below) didn't completely understand the scholarship program before he committed to play in the CHL.

Recently, a lawsuit was launched against the WHL, which resulted in a flood of questions from concerned Hockey Advocate parents asking; “What exactly Does a CHL or NCAA Scholarship cover?” If you haven’t already read either of these two articles (Law Suit – WHL Response), the WHL is being sued by former Captain, 5-year Player and US Citizen Zack Dailey of the Everett Silvertips. In short, having lived in Alberta for many years he designated the University of Alberta as the University that he would attend, but after spending more then 5 Years living and playing hockey in the USA, the institution re-classified him as an out of province student and thus subject to vastly more expensive tuition ($15,408.56 versus $6,200). The lawsuit resulted as the WHL felt that they do NOT have to pay for the extra fees whereas the Player feels the spirit if not the intent of his contract was that the Club would pay for his tuition at THAT University regardless of additional costs.

 

[JDUBBS1280]

Re: The CHL Spin Doctors are trying to infiltrate MNHS Hockey

Some other things to consider. Let's say you get scholarship offers from the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin, and Notre Dame. If you turn down those offers and play in the CHL, you would accrue 1 year of post-secondary benefits for every year you play at least a game in the CHL. But those benefits will be based on a comparison to the "home university" you designate. That means the amount of money you receive may not completely cover your tuition if you choose to get your education elsewhere. Could be a big deal if you choose to go to Notre Dame.

Which brings me to my second point. How many of these kids who pass on a scholarship offer to play hockey at schools like Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Notre Dame have the academic records to get into those universities without said scholarship? Especially if they are playing a CHL schedule while attending school as a 15-18 year old. Just another thing to consider that I am not sure all 15-16 year old kids and their parents think about prior to making these decisions.

 

[Jimjamesak]

Re: The CHL Spin Doctors are trying to infiltrate MNHS Hockey

 

[JDUBBS1280]

I have to admit, I'm not quite sure how to respond to your strange fascination with ponies.

 

[Biddco]

In other news, the Spin Doctors are trying to infiltrate a soup kitchen.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cXWbMu4PtpE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Bahahah. Someone beat me to posting a Spin Doctors video.

 

[Jimjamesak]

Re: The CHL Spin Doctors are trying to infiltrate MNHS Hockey

I have to admit, I'm not quite sure how to respond to your strange fascination with ponies.

 

[HarleyMC]

Re: The CHL Spin Doctors are trying to infiltrate MNHS Hockey

Harley - I never said kids aren't aware of any of their options at 15-16. I said very few if any are aware of ALL of their options at 15-16.

How many 15 year old kids do you think know exactly how many schools are willing to offer them scholarships and when exactly they'll be able to bring them in?

No, you stated, "No kid knows the full extent of what NCAA options are available at that age" which is the statement I responded to. My response was, how do you know that's true? Basically, your whole argument on this thread is based upon your conjecture that "No kid" understands their options. Now you've changed that to "very few" which is also pure speculation, unless you have statistically significant evidence to support it.

I had this discussion 2-3 years ago with Puck Swami, who also expressed similar concerns regarding the CHL's recruiting tactics and the stipulations of their education package. Since then, College Hockey Inc. (CHI) seems to have done a very good job in exposing some of the dubious CHL recruiting practices (i.e. financial kickbacks to prospective players), resulting in more scrutiny than ever before by league officials, as well as the NHL which financially supports CHI, USA hockey and the CHL (10M/yr for player development, education and wellness programs).

As the CHL has grown, CHL commissioner David Branch said the league has been deliberate in developing clear-cut policies on allowable benefits for players, which are largely for education and training allowances... The OHL has hired an enforcement officer to investigate any allegations of impropriety, and the league’s competitive balance depends on a level playing field... Tyler Boldt is the manager of player development and recruitment in the Western Hockey League, and part of his job is educating young players, including correcting misinformation he believes circulates about his league. His position exists largely because of the effectiveness of Paul Kelly’s campaign (CHI).

As I mentioned in my previous post, I contend that more resource options are available today than ever before in addition to coaches, parents, and associates to help kids make an informed decision about their future. CHI is one such resource and conducts educational summits throughout Canada and the US to assist "proactive" HS hockey athletes in understanding the opportunities and disadvantages of each path.

Hockey-playing teenagers now are more educated about their options than any group before them. Glen Bates, a 16-year-old from Michigan, estimated that he’s attended at least 10 College Hockey, Inc. seminars. “It’s increased people’s thirst for knowledge,” said Tyler Boldt, manager of player development and recruitment for the WHL. Ultimately, that should lead to families making more informed decisions, whichever path they decide -- college or junior.

“They’re both wonderful ways to get (to the NHL), both viable ways to get there,” said Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke. “It’s a very personal situation and individual decision for a player. It’s hard. I think we’re fortunate in the NHL to get players in all three sources (including Europe). There’s great merit to all of them.”

VIDEO: College Hockey Inc. connects coaches and potential NCAA athletes

 

[JDUBBS1280]

No, you stated, "No kid knows the full extent of what NCAA options are available at that age" which is the statement I responded to. My response was, how do you know that's true? Basically, your whole argument on this thread is based upon your conjecture that "No kid" understands their options. Now you've changed that to "very few" which is also pure speculation, unless you have statistically significant evidence to support it.

I had this discussion 2-3 years ago with Puck Swami, who also expressed similar concerns regarding the CHL's recruiting tactics and the stipulations of their education package. Since then, College Hockey Inc. (CHI) seems to have done a very good job in exposing some of the dubious CHL recruiting practices (i.e. financial kickbacks to prospective players), resulting in more scrutiny than ever before by league officials, as well as the NHL which financially supports CHI, USA hockey and the CHL (10M/yr for player development, education and wellness programs).



As I mentioned in my previous post, I contend that more resource options are available today than ever before in addition to coaches, parents, and associates to help kids make an informed decision about their future. CHI is one such resource and conducts educational summits throughout Canada and the US to assist "proactive" HS hockey athletes in understanding the opportunities and disadvantages of each path.



VIDEO: College Hockey Inc. connects coaches and potential NCAA athletes

Yes, I said "No Kid", but I didn't think that would be taken literally. That is my bad. I should have chosen my words better. Some kids are obviously highly touted and get scholarship offers early.

I still contend that most kids don't know all their options at 15-16. And it still appears that you are unclear what I mean by "options".

When I say "options", I mean which schools are willing to give them scholarships, how much scholarship they are willing to give them, and when they are able to bring them in.

For guys like Shane Gersich or Joey Anderson, they likely have a fairly good sense pretty early who's willing to offer them what. But for the majority of guys, schools aren't going to give them those offers at 15-16 because they want to wait and see how they look at 17-18. Why? Look at Seth Ambroz. He was a world beater when he was younger, but hasn't exactly lived up to that as he got older.

And I do agree with you that College Hockey, Inc has done a fabulous job educating kids on their options, and kids are more informed today then they were years ago. But when I read stats that only 32% of CHL kids are using the CHL's scholarship program, it makes me wonder if there is still an education gap out there.

For instance, kids might be aware that they have to use their CHL scholarships within a certain period after they are done playing in the CHL, but do kids at 15-16 really know how prepared they will be at 20 to give up their dream of making the NHL at 20? Because that is the choice the CHL makes kids make in order to use their scholarship plan. If they don't use the package within 12 months or sign a deal to play in Europe, etc.. they lose that scholarship package.

And how many kids turn down scholarships to a certain school at 15-16 not knowing they will not be able to get into that school by academic standards at 20? Hockey opens doors for some kids to get into schools they otherwise wouldn't be able to get into.

I guess I just don't understand the need to rush to commit to the CHL as a 15-16 year old. Like Hammy pointed out, if you look at guys like Ryan Gropp and Seth Jones, and many others who have waited to make a choice, waiting and leaving their options open has worked out well for them. Some kids might discover at 17-18 that the CHL is the right fit for them. If so, I wish them the best.

But it makes me wonder when I see kids like Alex Baer and Paul Bittner commit to the CHL at such a young age A) if they really had a good sense of what scholarship offers would be there for them and B) if they really understood what their goals will be at 20 if they don't make the NHL and if they will be prepared to give up their hockey dreams at that age and C) if they will be able to get into the schools that they want.

In the end it's their choice and I wish them nothing but the best, but I think these are good discussions to have. That's all.