Re: Wisconsin Recruiting Vol. XXVI: Make him an offer he can't refuse
My post was not directed at Ryan at all. It is how USA hockey/USHL allows the NTDP to do whatever they want. I don't know how closely you follow the USHL, but this comes 4 days prior to a 30 man roster having to be locked in to the USHL. Year after Year, the NTDP poaches players from USHL teams and it gets old. Call it whatever you will, but losing a draft pick and a lock to make your roster is a joke. Go to any USHL forum and you will see the hatred for the NTDP from 90% of USHL fans.
I am one of the 90%.
USHL teams pay dues to USAH, only to see NTDP take players for its roster. By definition, the USHL (as the only Tier 1 league) is supposed to be the pinnacle of junior hockey in the U.S. But NTDP gets to play outside the rules.
So why does the USHL do this?
- Because it absolutely loves hearing NHL teams say "with the x pick in the NHL draft, (insert team name here) picks John Doe, National Team Development Program, United States Hockey league.
- it absolutely hated hearing the above phrase, capped by "NAHL"
- Because the NTDP games are heavily scouted, it is continued good exposure for the players on the other 15 teams.
- Although there is a team in Muskegon, it gives that exposure in Michigan, home of so many D1 teams. Also, the Ann Arbor location is convenient for scouts.
- Because the teams are U17 and U18, it does lead to some players choosing other USHL teams instead of Canadian juniors, for those not ready for college.
- Keep your friends close and enemies closer.
I hate it. I wish I had a tape of Herb Brooks absolutely blasting the NTDP at an ASG in GB a decade ago. He got up in front of the USAH brass and told them what a waste of money NTDP was on so few kids.
I do get that the US has better results at some international tournaments sending teams that always play together, instead of USHL select teams. But if they are the best players at that age group, they should be playing for the regular teams in the best league.
As for not wanting to live in Iowa... there is something to be said playing for a team that has solid support and where you are a minor celebrity. That happens in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, etc. NTDP plays home games in front of 150 with no atmosphere. I think it's got to be much more fun playing in almost every other USHL city. But - for some - wearing that crest and having that international experience is important. So, in that regard, it is another choice for some players. But I still don't like it.
