Kingpin794
Smart A** In A Jersey
The money for hockey players though isn't enough that its a major factor in deciding CHL vs NCAA.Not to the extent of football or basketball athletes but the best hockey players are getting endorsements .
For the high end guys it's just easier to stay in America. The outcome is basically the same. They make the AHL around 20/21. They're aren't too many that get there much earlier than that and the ones that do would be the same types getting to the NHL early out of the CHL. It's just a matter of preference with regards to things like coaching, family etc. Plus the overall quality of play has improved in the NCAA over the past 15 years or so. CHL hasn't gotten worse, NCAA just picked it's game up.
For the mid to low level guys, NCAA is great for them too. Can take their time. Be a 20 yr old freshman. Be 23 by the time they hit pros and be fully developed physically. Makes the transition easier. Their ceiling might not be higher but they can maybe carve out a 3rd or 4th line role for themselves. Or worse case have a nice AHL career.
The gap between CHL and NCAA isn't a thing anymore. It's just easier for most Americans to stay put.