John Whelan wrote:
>         4. And one more college gripe: what's with these seniors who
> go off and play pro hockey the moment the college season ends?  You
> might be able to convince me it's in an underclassman's best interest
> to accept a pro contract with a guarantee of financial stability
> rather than risk a career-ending injury in college, but would it kill
> these guys to finish their degrees and turn pro in the fall like
> football players do?
 
Alternatively, one could ask, "What's with these fans who object to a
senior leaving for a good opportunity?"
 
Although I liked some of John's other observations, this one seems off
the mark.  If a kid has given a fan four years of hard work, then who
cares if he tries to get that extra pro experience?  The majority come
back during the summer and finish off the incomplete semester anyways.
 
There were even cases of players who "turned pro" right after the season,
but only insofar as playing during spring break while their fellow students
headed to Florida.  When spring break was over, these kids were back in
school.
 
Either way, it's their choice and criticism seems off base.
 
-------------------------------------------------
Dave Hendrickson     [log in to unmask]
Hockey East writer for U.S. College Hockey Online
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