New commissioner really needs to find ways to change this within the league and the teams. Can't have this much high end talent leaving the league each year...
CIS hockey isn’t sexy. NCAA hockey has more prestige. There is a little more flexibility for the top prospects. They can play on a really strong league that is geared towards 16 and 17 year olds as opposed to 18 and 19 year olds(BCHL, USHL, USNTDP).
For the top prospects like discussed here, it isn’t about their four or five year development path on one decision. It is about their one or two year development path so they choose a league they can play where they develop and remain competitive. After that year or two in programs that are better suited to their age, they can then graduate to NCAA (or CHL if that’s the best spot for them) when they are a more mature player and better prepared physically to handle the challenge. If they are strong enough, they are at the NCAA level for one year and then turn Pro.
For the true top prospects or the “can’t miss” guys, why would the CIS education package even be a serious consideration? A kid like Malhotra has a father that will pay his tuition if things don’t work out. Many of these kids have parents that would have zero issues paying tuition at a Canadian School. That whole compensation package isn’t worth a lot to most of these kids.
So, with a CIS package compensation not being a consideration, the decision is reduced to a two year decision prior to the NCAA acceptance. Where is the best place for that player to play for the next year or two? THAT is the decision being made. If they choose the CHL, they are making a 4 year commitment. Some don’t want a four year commitment.
