CHL can now play NCAA - change everything !

[Corso]

Minnesota and New England are still going to be harder to crack. Minnesota has an incredibly strong HS hockey culture. That's not going to change quickly if at all. New England has been neglected by the Q for so long that it will take a few years before any kind of mass movement happens. Should see a few more NE kids heading to the Q though. Would really help if they can get a footprint in Maine and New Hampshire.

Apparently the Q is looking at placing two teams in the N.E. area.

Don't be to quick to assume that just because Mass kids previously ignored the Q that they will continue to do so. Many Mass kids pick and move to the USHL and even the BCHL. Many of those will now stay closer to home and play in the Q.

It will be interesting to see where those Minny kids end up after their H.S. seasons are over. At one time most of those kids went directly to the NCAA (as did those from the N.E. area after they graduated from their prep programs) but now many of them end up in the USHL for one, two and even three years. Some of those players will end up in the Dub.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

Diego Buttazzoni (2006, WHL, Portland Winterhawks) commits to UMass Lowell

 

[landy92mack29]

Diego Buttazzoni (2006, WHL, Portland Winterhawks) commits to UMass Lowell

I'm curious when he goes as his brother is there already as a 04 freshman, still think he'll do 1 more year in Portland but family factor might have him speed things up.

 

[WarriorofTime]

Apparently the Q is looking at placing two teams in the N.E. area.

Don't be to quick to assume that just because Mass kids previously ignored the Q that they will continue to do so. Many Mass kids pick and move to the USHL and even the BCHL. Many of those will now stay closer to home and play in the Q.

It will be interesting to see where those Minny kids end up after their H.S. seasons are over. At one time most of those kids went directly to the NCAA (as did those from the N.E. area after they graduated from their prep programs) but now many of them end up in the USHL for one, two and even three years. Some of those players will end up in the Dub.

The big issue though is that the Q is a pretty terrible league right now. Which is why they've been flying in total nobodies from the BCHL that have no trouble cracking and playing high in the lineup. So in addition to culture shock, there's not a ton to gain until the Q steps up its quality. Most Americans in BCHL are typically kids that were shoved out the door by the USHL and sought an opportunity for more ice time in a better spot than the NAHL. Probably not the type that would raise the quality of play in the QMJHL to any real degree.

Surprised as an insider on all things junior/college hockey, you haven't really brought up one of the biggest logistic factors, which is how CHL teams are generally run with kids being in camp at 16, usually going back and then breaking in at 17. Are CHL teams going to hold a door open for an American kid that is slightly better than the Canadian kid that's been around their team for a couple years later, to come after the high school season ends and join in full when they're 18? That's never really been S.O.P. and Americans that go to CHL were either coming after their NTDP run or starting when they're 16 just like the domestic players. The MA kids packing their bags for Quebec or Minnesota kids packing their bags for the western league would be a huge paradigm shift, and I'm not sure if the supposed quality difference between major junior and the more traditional path for non-NTDP kids justifies it the way it does for OHL region kids.

 

[Corso]

I'm curious when he goes as his brother is there already as a 04 freshman, still think he'll do 1 more year in Portland but family factor might have him speed things up.

Would expect him to join in the 26-27 season.

 

[bigdog16]

Apparently the Q is looking at placing two teams in the N.E. area.

Don't be to quick to assume that just because Mass kids previously ignored the Q that they will continue to do so. Many Mass kids pick and move to the USHL and even the BCHL. Many of those will now stay closer to home and play in the Q.

It will be interesting to see where those Minny kids end up after their H.S. seasons are over. At one time most of those kids went directly to the NCAA (as did those from the N.E. area after they graduated from their prep programs) but now many of them end up in the USHL for one, two and even three years. Some of those players will end up in the Dub.

Mass kids will continue to ignore the Q if their rights are held by a french-speaking team. Thats the biggest hiccup. Kids dont want to deal with that

 

[Hockeyville USA]

Mass kids will continue to ignore the Q if their rights are held by a french-speaking team. Thats the biggest hiccup. Kids dont want to deal with that

Yep, plenty are willing to go to the Maritimes & be in an English speaking culture.

 

[Corso]

Mass kids will continue to ignore the Q if their rights are held by a french-speaking team. Thats the biggest hiccup. Kids dont want to deal with that

I could see the smaller French markets have trouble in attracting American talent, but I think Quebec, Gatineau, Rimouski, Shawinigan and even Sherbrooke will be just fine. The six Atlantic teams should also be fine as well.

 

[jtechkid]

I believe he marks the 60th CHL OA to commit, exactly 1/3rd of all O/A.

You can expect more and more Americans going to the CHL no matter what state they are from.

I think you have to go if they take you because college hockey just said the best league is the CHL and that’s where we are recruiting as they decommit most bchl nahl 2004 and i see a ton of uncommitted older players in ushl . So you need follow the money( scholarships) and recruiting if your a USA player and thats CHL . USHL is fading faster than my blue jeans in high school . If you stock picker buy CHL franchise and short ushl . Selling Chicago Steel 2 years ago probably top ticked market . As usual USA hockey - USHL old guard sleeping !

 

[jtechkid]

I’m USA guy so not expert in the CHL league but I follow BCHL , USHL, NAHL pretty closely . Their has been a ton of average bchl kids moving and having zero issue in the Q league . Is the Q league dramatically weaker than the OHL - WHL ?

 

[kyle44]

The big issue though is that the Q is a pretty terrible league right now. Which is why they've been flying in total nobodies from the BCHL that have no trouble cracking and playing high in the lineup. So in addition to culture shock, there's not a ton to gain until the Q steps up its quality. Most Americans in BCHL are typically kids that were shoved out the door by the USHL and sought an opportunity for more ice time in a better spot than the NAHL. Probably not the type that would raise the quality of play in the QMJHL to any real degree.

Surprised as an insider on all things junior/college hockey, you haven't really brought up one of the biggest logistic factors, which is how CHL teams are generally run with kids being in camp at 16, usually going back and then breaking in at 17. Are CHL teams going to hold a door open for an American kid that is slightly better than the Canadian kid that's been around their team for a couple years later, to come after the high school season ends and join in full when they're 18? That's never really been S.O.P. and Americans that go to CHL were either coming after their NTDP run or starting when they're 16 just like the domestic players. The MA kids packing their bags for Quebec or Minnesota kids packing their bags for the western league would be a huge paradigm shift, and I'm not sure if the supposed quality difference between major junior and the more traditional path for non-NTDP kids justifies it the way it does for OHL region kids.

As someone who lives in a Q territory, has watched the league extensively for 30 years, and can admit that the quality of the talent in the league has certainly declined in recent years, the bolded is an exaggeration at best. Only two of these "BCHL nobodies" that have been flown in can be found in the top 200 players when ranked by points per game (Samuel Boisvert who is ranked 86th and Ethan Montroy at 131), despite some of them only playing 10-15 games. The only one of these new guys really making an impact on the league is Remi Gelinas, who came from the CCHL and has been ripping it up. Most of the BCHL, CCHL, OJHL and American additions are depth players who are replacing some of the dead wood in the league.

 

[Kingpin794]

I’m USA guy so not expert in the CHL league but I follow BCHL , USHL, NAHL pretty closely . Their has been a ton of average bchl kids moving and having zero issue in the Q league . Is the Q league dramatically weaker than the OHL - WHL ?

The Q is a step behind the OHL and the WHL. I don't think that gap is ever going to close but with the new rules the Q should step its game up in time.

 

[Corso]

I’m USA guy so not expert in the CHL league but I follow BCHL , USHL, NAHL pretty closely . Their has been a ton of average bchl kids moving and having zero issue in the Q league . Is the Q league dramatically weaker than the OHL - WHL ?

The Q certainly seems to be the weak sister among the three leagues. Doesn't mean it's devoid of talent or not scouted (currently has more NHL drafted prospects than the USHL) but is probably lacking in the depth department. I wouldn't call a lot of those BCHLers moving to the Q as completely average either. Prince George lost one of their better forwards and top D to the Q for instance.

As someone who lives in a Q territory, has watched the league extensively for 30 years, and can admit that the quality of the talent in the league has certainly declined in recent years, the bolded is an exaggeration at best. Only two of these "BCHL nobodies" that have been flown in can be found in the top 200 players when ranked by points per game (Samuel Boisvert who is ranked 86th and Ethan Montroy at 131), despite some of them only playing 10-15 games. The only one of these new guys really making an impact on the league is Remi Gelinas, who came from the CCHL and has been ripping it up. Most of the BCHL, CCHL, OJHL and American additions are depth players who are replacing some of the dead wood in the league.

Wouldn't worry too much about him or his posts.....I usually ignore him for the most part. He's generally upset about the way things have developed, that's all.

 

[WarriorofTime]

The Q certainly seems to be the weak sister among the three leagues. Doesn't mean it's devoid of talent or not scouted (currently has more NHL drafted prospects than the USHL) but is probably lacking in the depth department. I wouldn't call a lot of those BCHLers moving to the Q as completely average either. Prince George lost one of their better forwards and top D to the Q for instance.



Wouldn't worry too much about him or his posts.....I usually ignore him for the most part. He's generally upset about the way things have developed, that's all.

Pretty rich coming from the guy who claims to have all the inside connections and then shrinks every time called out on it. Nobody is “mad”. There’s nothing to be “mad” about.

Anyways the Q only has more drafted talent because the players are forced to stick around after being drafted. Now that players can go to college we’ll see. Your bold prediction that this whole development will kill ncaa hockey from getting any good talent ever is speculative (and wishful thinking as you’ve consistently demonstrated all over the thread) at best.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

I’m USA guy so not expert in the CHL league but I follow BCHL , USHL, NAHL pretty closely . Their has been a ton of average bchl kids moving and having zero issue in the Q league . Is the Q league dramatically weaker than the OHL - WHL ?

The O has always had the most elite offensive talent, the defense & goaltending can be non existent at times. Almost always recognized as the best of the 3 CHL leagues.

The Dub has historically been the most defensive, most physical, tighter structured, better goaltending league, but this is changing with the elite talent level increasing in Western Canada. The Dub is still a bit behind the O but it has closed the talent gap significantly.

The Q has always been known for the no defense high scoring style, and in recent years, the talent level has dropped off a cliff, as Quebec is the poorest province so many people can't put their kids in minor hockey as hockey & everything else has gotten more expensive. Even more haves and have nots in terms of individuals and teams in the Q. And before the rule change, you were seeing more and more Q territory guys bypassing the Q and going south to the NCAA, weakening the league further.

 

[jtechkid]

The O has always had the most offensive elite talent, the defense & goaltending can be non existent at times. Almost always recognized as the best of the 3 CHL leagues.

The Dub has historically been the most defensive, most physical, tighter structured, better goaltending league, but this is changing with the elite talent level increasing in Western Canada. The Dub is still a bit behind the O but it has closed the talent gap significantly.

The Q has always been known for the no defense high scoring style, and in recent years, the talent level has dropped off a cliff, as Quebec is the poorest province so many people can't put their kids in minor hockey as hockey & everything else has gotten more expensive. Even more haves and have nots in terms of individuals and teams in the Q. And before the rule change, you were seeing more and more Q territory guys bypassing the Q and going south to the NCAA, weakening the league further.

thx !

 

[Hockeyville USA]

Loic Usureau (2004, QMJHL, Chicoutimi Sagueneens) commits to Maine

 

[Hockeyville USA]

Nathan Krawchuk (2005, OHL, Sudbury Wolves) commits to RPI

 

[NTDP]

Nathan Krawchuk (2005, OHL, Sudbury Wolves) commits to RPI

RPI is one of the teams I'm hoping can compete with the new CHL rule down the line, however with how demanding the curriculum is there and the fact they just haven't been good in a while - they're still behind the eight ball. I have family in the NY capital region and the Houston Field House is a great place to catch a game. Saw them play Union in 2014 with Shayne Gostisbehere.

 

[bigdog16]

RPI is one of the teams I'm hoping can compete with the new CHL rule down the line, however with how demanding the curriculum is there and the fact they just haven't been good in a while - they're still behind the eight ball. I have family in the NY capital region and the Houston Field House is a great place to catch a game. Saw them play Union in 2014 with Shayne Gostisbehere.

RPI will always have trouble recruiting because the school is in the middle of a terrible neighborhood. Very cool rink, though.

 

[Corso]

RPI is one of the teams I'm hoping can compete with the new CHL rule down the line, however with how demanding the curriculum is there and the fact they just haven't been good in a while - they're still behind the eight ball. I have family in the NY capital region and the Houston Field House is a great place to catch a game. Saw them play Union in 2014 with Shayne Gostisbehere.

I believe it's their first CHL recruit. I figured more of the smaller to mid-tier programs would have landed most of the O/A but players will gravitate to the best programs.

 

[Corso]

Loic Usureau (2004, QMJHL, Chicoutimi Sagueneens) commits to Maine

Solid pick up by Maine, highly regarded by NZ.

 

[qc14]

Apparently the Q is looking at placing two teams in the N.E. area.

Don't be to quick to assume that just because Mass kids previously ignored the Q that they will continue to do so. Many Mass kids pick and move to the USHL and even the BCHL. Many of those will now stay closer to home and play in the Q.

It will be interesting to see where those Minny kids end up after their H.S. seasons are over. At one time most of those kids went directly to the NCAA (as did those from the N.E. area after they graduated from their prep programs) but now many of them end up in the USHL for one, two and even three years. Some of those players will end up in the Dub.

I think a lot of NE kids have also ignored the Q because the Q has not been a particularly great league recently.

RPI will always have trouble recruiting because the school is in the middle of a terrible neighborhood. Very cool rink, though.

I vividly remember visiting my friend there and being flipped off for no reason by a random middle schooler as I drove through his neighborhood. Doesn't help too that it's legitimately difficult and like 5 degrees for half of the school year

 

[NTDP]

RPI will always have trouble recruiting because the school is in the middle of a terrible neighborhood. Very cool rink, though.

Lol yeah Troy has some areas you shouldn't go

I believe it's their first CHL recruit. I figured more of the smaller to mid-tier programs would have landed most of the O/A but players will gravitate to the best programs.

Yes I believe so, I think a school like RPI will still be reaching into the NAHL, CJHL, even now they don't have many commits in the USHL also.

 

[Corso]

I think a lot of NE kids have also ignored the Q because the Q has not been a particularly great league recently.

I vividly remember visiting my friend there and being flipped off for no reason by a random middle schooler as I drove through his neighborhood. Doesn't help too that it's legitimately difficult and like 5 degrees for half of the school year

Q has never attracted a large number of Americans , in 2004 16 U.S. born players graced the league. Twenty years later that number stands at....16. That, however, is a sizable increase from last year (2 U.S. born players), the year prior (4 U.S. born players) or a few years ago (3 players). At the start of the season only 4 Americans were listed. This rule changed has so far caused a 400% increase in two months' time.

The numbers will continue to increase, and no one should be surprised when there are north of 40 players in the league within the next couple of seasons.