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CHL/NCAA

JoeSchmo

JoeSchmo

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Jul 17, 2024
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RB76

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Aug 22, 2023
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The average age of the last five memorial cup champions was approximately 19.5 years of age.

The average age of the last five NCAA champions is approximately 22 years of age. NHL champs over the last five seasons averaged about 27 yrs of age. (Quant Hockey Stats)

Based on the above, one could argue that there is no bigger determinative factor to success in the CHL and NCAA than elite skill and the age factor.

The level of growth each year at this stage of their development is substantial as evident by watching 19/20-year-old skill players play against 17/18-year-olds. (Knights vs Rangers last night).

The London Knights understand this better than most and I would guess so do most of the top ranked NCAA D1 programs. Why then try and recruit 18/19 yr olds CHL players when you could have them at 20. In addition, why would kids jeopardize losing an $80-$100,000 CHL school package by leaving early.

I believe there may be a scenario in the near future where the NCAA becomes the preeminent development path for North American NHL players, much the same way that most North American pro basketball and football players come through the NCAA.

Perhaps it's an increase in the number of D1 programs along with an increase in number of games played or simply the recognition that age and development is integral to long term success.
 
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coolhandluc44

coolhandluc44

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Jan 29, 2024
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RB76 said:
The average age of the last five memorial cup champions was approximately 19.5 years of age.

The average age of the last five NCAA champions is approximately 22 years of age. NHL champs over the last five seasons averaged about 27 yrs of age. (Quant Hockey Stats)

Based on the above, one could argue that there is no bigger determinative factor to success in the CHL and NCAA than elite skill and the age factor.

The level of growth each year at this stage of their development is substantial as evident by watching 19/20-year-old skill players play against 17/18-year-olds. (Knights vs Rangers last night).

The London Knights understand this better than most and I would guess so do most of the top ranked NCAA D1 programs. Why then try and recruit 18/19 yr olds CHL players when you could have them at 20. In addition, why would kids jeopardize losing an $80-$100,000 CHL school package by leaving early.

I believe there may be a scenario in the near future where the NCAA becomes the preeminent development path for North American NHL players, much the same way that most North American pro basketball and football players come through the NCAA.

Perhaps it's an increase in the number of D1 programs along with an increase in number of games played or simply the recognition that age and development is integral to long term success.
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Good points. Also its important to remember that your scholarship in NCAA is not guaranteed year after year. And not all scholarships are 100%. Maybe your CHL package might cover some of the remainder but it might not cover all of it. Plus if you left before your 19 year old season, the scholarship package will not be honoured by the OHL. So if XYZ school offers me a 50% scholarship, and I leave before finishing my 19 year old season, where is the remaining 50% coming from? And these are schools in the States which are much more expensive than schools in Ontario.

From a school cost perspective, I think it makes sense for players to finish their 19 year old season in the CHL. One it means you get to keep your CHL education package, and two it means more available money to offset any remaining cost your NCAA scholarship may not cover if you are not on a full ride package
 
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EvenSteven

EvenSteven

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Sep 3, 2009
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The only part of this that doesn’t make sense to me is Crawford being adamant that a team back in the Toronto area is a must.
 
coolhandluc44

coolhandluc44

Registered User
Jan 29, 2024
120
108
I have a crazy Toronto expansion idea
  1. The team is plays out of Varisty arena at the University of Toronto. I know the arena needs a renovation, but imagine nice new seats, video board and lighting etc. The Brantford Civic Centre was a dump before the renovations happened for the Bulldogs so anything is possible. I have never been to this facility so I don't know the shape but it looks like it can hold about 4000. Maybe you even call the team the Toronto Varsity Blues, maybe have a student band section and try to market it like it where an NCAA team in the OHL.
  1. The teams plays out of the old Maple Leaf Gardens. I know this venue is on the really small size (I believe 2600 capacity). Maybe there is a way you could get 400 more bodies in there to make it 3000. Maybe call the team the Arena's or St Pats. You would try and get fans the allure of seeing competitive hockey back at Maple Leaf Gardens
I think if the Toronto market is going to work, maybe have the team in city and market it to the hockey fans living in the city, university and college students and the not the suburbs. Toronto would not be my preferred choice, but if you’re going to try it try something abstract. Other option of course is if the Toronto Marlies ever left you put an OHL team there and call them the Marlies, just like what they did with the Hamilton Bulldogs.
 
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