I've also noticed a trend to older freshman.  Whether it is the
US Junior leagues (USHL, NAHL), prep or Canadian Juniors,
it seems that it is the rare player that makes the jump
directly from high school to Div 1.
 
The reason may be the colleges want bigger & stronger
players so they can beat up on (insert current hot school).
Be nice to ask some college coaches, though.
 
Way back, we were seeing a lot of 19 year old freshman who
would go to US prep school or grade 13 (and Jr) in Canada.
But I can remember 20+ year old freshman at Clarkson back
in the late 70's.
 
If the trend continues, will the colleges see a lot of 2 year
players (Frosh + Soph) who then leave for the pros?????????
 
2 cents (heavily discounted)
 
Joe
 
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