> BUT,  it is also a shame to say that in the mind of a 18-19 yr. old kid AND
> his (I would add /her, but it really doesnt apply!) parents, that "my only
> chance at success in this world is to pursue a career in hockey.  Therefore,
> I will give up my opportunity that this institution gave me to become
> {better} educated, to pursue a ?5-7 year career as a professional hockey
> player."  Now granted, this is over-generalizing, and each situation is
> unique.  But in Dan LaCoutures case, what happens to him when hes 30, with a
> ripped up shoulder and knee, and has made maybe $750,000 - 1M in a ten year
> career.  OK, its more than I make, but I'm willing to bet it wouldnt be
> enough to last for another 30 years.  To boot, he has no education, so
> chances are he will not know how to invest it properly.
 
SO - he goes back to school -- who cares if it's where it is -- a community
college, you can get a decent education there.  He's made $750,000 so he can
afford any school that will take him.
 
What happens if he rips up that knee in college before making the $750,000???
Don't know about you, but it will be a LONG time before I earn that much in my
lifetime TOTAL.
 
If someone came to me when I was 18 with a chance to work in the profession
that I love for 7 years and make nearly a million dollars, but after which I'm
on my own ... I'd have waited 2 seconds before asking where to sign.
 
> OK, I'm not dumb enough to say that this happens to all guys who drop out of
> school to play minors/NHL, but you have to admit it is not that unlikely of a
> scenerio.  Where is John Lilley (Aneheim minor system?), and what will he be
> doing in ?5 years?
 
So what.  Lilley is doing what he loves, and when his career is over, he can go
back and finish school.  Big deal.
 
> I feel sorry for the player, parents and school, because each one has lost
> out in this type of situation.  The only winner is the NHL team who owns his
> rights, and whos to say what his chances are of playing there any time soon.
>
> Heres to seeing D.L. back in the scarlet and white... soon!!!  We need some
> scoring punch!!
 
And this is the real point, isn't it?
 
Adam Wodon - AC Productions
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