College hockey could use a few improvements(what couldn't), but as it
stands ... its just the way it should be.
 
The whole idea of college  players going on to the NHL is simply one of
affirmation on the level of play in Div. 1 NCAA arenas. The more college
players that make it, the better we feel about our sport. The purpose of
college hockey however, is not to feed the NHL. Heck, if its NHL quality
we wanted, we'd watch the NHL. I'm so crazy about college hockey
because of all the differences between it and the pro variety. Its nice to
see our (college hockey's) stars make the big time ... but I've enjoyed
watching all the lesser skilled players who sometimes have shown me
unbelievable stuff. That's one of the things I love about the college game.
For example, watching a Christian Sbrocca steal the puck from a sure
NHL'er, then skate in and around another on defense. That's what makes
the game so exciting.
 
A lot of these players won't make the NHL, but they're just as much fun
to watch.
 
Who should feed college hockey? All this talk about the USHL and other
US Junior leagues being the primary feed is interesting. Currently, they
bring quite a few to Div. 1 (especially the Des Moines Bucaneers).  It
surely couldn't hurt our game to support these leagues in any way
possible. But, there's a lot of great talent coming right out of high school.
There is currently a good deal of support for those programs, so there
isn't much help needed.
 
In light of these two sources, I'd like to learn more about the prep school
circuit. Here in New England, there's quite a talent bed from local boys to
kids from other parts of the country. For this specific reason, they're not
allowed to compete with state schools. Consequnetly, they receive very
little support. I can't remember the last time I saw any major coverage of
the squads. I know there's an annual prep tourney but I never hear who
won it. I'd like to find out more and possibly attend a few of these games
... but I imagine the rinks are suited for any significant numbers in
attendance. You could field a line-up of sure-fire NHL'ers from what's
come out of Cushing Prep the last couple of years (well, throw in a few
Philips Exeter skaters). The prep schools are definitely producing the
quality players and you hardly hear anything about them until they hit
college. Of course, the same is true for junior leagues. The state schools
turn out fewer players yet get all the publicity.
 
Any prep school resources out there on the web? What's this
Westminster School where Nick Carso hails from? ... He's heading to
Lowell next year.
 
Speaking of WWW resources ... let's hand it to "New England College
Hockey Insider" (http://www.newenglandinsider.com/). They've put up a
fine site with heavy Hockey East ties. The draft watch section is very
interesting and they've got current notes on practically every team.
Check them out!
 
- Paul.
 
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