One thing I hate about this time of year is the attrition of great college
talent. I don't mind coaches leaving one job and signing another contract --
other teams or from college to pros -- because they are professionals and that
is their job. But when it comes to players I get damn jealous because they are
younger than I am and making a hell of a lot more money. Where did I go wrong?
Was I just born TOO EARLY or was I never that talented? You don't have to
answer that.
 
Naumenko, from what I read, signed for 1.5 million a year -- that's American
dollars, plus got a $1.5 x 10 to the six signing bonus. Congratulations to
him, to Maund, and to all others who are given this opportunity. It is very
important to college hockey that these signing happen, because this way
college hockey (including Minnesota) can compete with the Canadian junior
leagues for the BEST college talent.
 
I love turning on ESPN (1 or 2) and seeing Drury for Colorado, Kariya and
Cullen for Anahiem, Parrish for Florida, Bombadier and Morrison for New
Jersey, Mackult for Vancouver, Blake for Los Angeles, etc. (as opposed to
Boston U, Maine, St. Cloud, St. Cloud, Northern Michigan, Michigan, Michigan,
Bowling Green). These men have gone on to pursue professions that not only
bring great joy to thousands of people and contribute to civic pride, but
support their families and themselves.
 
I feel sorry for the University of Alaska, Ohio State University, and others
who lose students early. I feel sorry for myself because I will not get to see
these players in their black and green or in their silver and red. But I feel
very happy for these players (just as I would feel happy for myself if I was
walking around with a $1.5 million dollar signing bonus in my pocket).
 
Nathan Eric Hampton
 
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