>I like large freshman classes ... but not just every four years or so. I think
>they're wise every year or two. First, I must add here that when I see a
>freshman class of 13, I don't see all of those players being part of the
>squad in their senior year. In fact I see at best  6 of them actually skating
>as seniors. If they don't contend for starting positions then they get cut. ...
 
I see two issues here:
 
1) Is this the best way to develop a college team?
 
2) Is this method practical in the college game?
 
 
I doubt that this is the best way to develop a college team in any case,
but I think the second question is more relevant.  This method is not at
all a practical philosophy for college recruiting and team-building.  With
respect to scholarship players, the school must honor the scholarship for
four years whether or not the player plays.  I doubt that any schools
granting hockey scholarships can afford to give up the scholarships to
implement this idea.
 
Even regarding non-scholarship players or programs, it seems to run counter
to the idea of good faith to cut a more talented older player in favor of a
younger player who might turn out to be more talented in a couple of years.
I would think that it would limit the school's recruiting power if
incoming players knew that they could only expect a two-year career unless
they turn out to be a superstar, and it would be bad faith if they came in
with the expectation of a four-year career only to be discarded after two
years in favor of a less-talented younger player.
 
This points out the real benefit of having a JV squad, in that younger
players would have a place to play, and the team could afford to recruit
extra players each year.  I don't know how many schools have JV squads,
though (Cornell dropped theirs a few years ago).
 
Howie
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Howard Stein                               Go Big Red!
Cornell '91                                Kill, Schafer, Kill!
[log in to unmask]                           "Hooligans with horns" alumni
 
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