Kids have always got stronger in the off season......why are you making it sound like this is new because of U18
In past years if you were not protected by a CCHL team the thought of playing Major Midget or Junior B was it. Lots of Kids packed it in. Some of those who didn't pack it in would be motivated to workout to be able to play CCHL. My thoughts are there are even more now given the closer connection to the CCHL team. At the end of this season theyt would have been rtold what to do to get to the next level. This didn't happen 2 years ago, unless you were already protected.
The HEO AAA structure gives kids more opportunities to get to the CCHL. If they take this opportunity and work hard they will have a chance.
Having said thuis the CCHL will continue to grab kids from outside of league territory so that they can attract the scouts, which attracts the kids, etc.