According to USA Hockey’s own definition of Junior Hockey on their website and in their regulatory info, Junior Hockey is “The principal purpose of this development program is to prepare the athlete for career advancement either in a collegiate program or a professional opportunity.
- Advancement either in a collegiate program or a professional opportunity
There may be other social, physical, mental and career benefits to participating in Junior Hockey, but as the definition states, “Advancement either in a collegiate program or a professional opportunity“, is the most important reason this level exists. Following last weeks EHL vs NCDC comparison, we had a lot of great dialogue comparing what league was better. The “Eyeball Test” or “Pointing Fingers” about where the data or who wrote the article became the available comeback for many, as a way of distracting from the raw data and info put forth in the argument.
So lets look at the data that is important according to the definition of the level:
- Collegiate Programs
- Professional Hockey Advancement
For NCAA Division 1 it is obvious that Junior Hockey is critical to player development. Non Pay to Play leagues are firmly in the top positions for advancement at this level. Sure, there are other more recent sources available, but recent data is difficult to evaluate due to the opening of the transfer portal during COVID, and providing a 5th year of eligibility to many athletes. According however, to the last Pre- Covid data, a total of 13 players out of 480 who advanced to NCAA Division 1 did not go through Junior Hockey.
2019 data for all 480 NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey freshmen
Taking a comparative look at Pay to Play leagues from their last, most recent info posted (2023-24), taking in all levels of NCAA and using the respective websites for the leagues (note that Alumni Commits are included, this is simply taking the info from the site) here are the totals:
EHL- 159 Commits – 2023-24 NCAA Commitments (easternhockeyleague.org)
NCDC- 152 Commits- NCDC COMMITMENTS BY YEAR | NCDC (ncdchockey.com)
CCHL- 38 Commits- NCAA COMMITMENTS | CCHL- Central Canada Hockey League (thecchl.ca)
NA3HL- 36 Commits- College Commitments | North American Tier III Hockey League | NA3HL
NOJHL- 26 Commits- Commitments 2023-2024 | NOJHL League Site
Of course, number of teams and roster sizes provide us with a deeper understanding of the amount of commitments per team, this is however, the total number of commits for these leagues (according to their own websites) for the 2023-24 season.
Pro Alumni for each league is available here:
EHL- Hundreds of Pro Alumni from European Pro to NHL Pro Alumni (easternhockeyleague.org)
NCDC- Hundreds of Pro Alumni within their overall network of levels (Youth to Junior ) NCDC ALUMNI | NCDC (ncdchockey.com)
CCHL- 11 NHL Alumni listed. Many more at various other Professional levels NHL | CCHL- Central Canada Hockey League (thecchl.ca)
NA3HL- No Pro Alumni listed, just info on NCAA D1, D3 and ACHA Player Advancement | North American Tier III Hockey League | NA3HL
NOJHL- No Pro Alumni listed but info is available on OHL advancement as well as Usports and NCAA NHL draft pick Miller among 20 NOJHL alumni who saw OHL action in 2023-24 | NOJHL League Site
Why all this info then?
In a previous post on the Hockey Focus, we discussed why many leagues left USA Hockey or Hockey Canada. Officiating, Financial stability, Rules and Regulations and much more went into those respective decisions, however most critical was the ability for some of these leagues to self- define and remove themselves from the unbalanced and inaccurate Tier System that was put in place by their governing bodies. The Governance and clarification of the Tier System is NOT based on USA Hockey’s own definition. It does not place any value (and no longer rewards- which could be a future article) these leagues for their ability to place players into NCAA or Professional Hockey.
The parent and the player (the customer of Junior Hockey) should then also evaluate where they want to spend their money. This evaluation needs to be critical and outside of the outdated Tier System. What leagues will provide the best possible chances for my athlete to advance to Collegiate or Professional Hockey? If their goals can only be achieved through playing Junior Hockey, which league gives player the best chances for success?
You don’t need an Advisor to ask yourself these very important questions. Research, read the data and make informed decisions.
By Andrew Trimble
Andrew’s new book- “The Hockey Planner: A Year-by-Year Plan to Assist You on Your Hockey Coaching Journey: From Learn to Play to Junior Hockey.” is available now.
This essential guide is designed to elevate the coaching experience for those involved in Amateur Hockey, providing invaluable insights and practical tools for coaches, parents, and players alike.
Click Here to Purchase- The Hockey Planner: A Year by Year Plan to Assist You on Your Hockey Coaching Journey: From Learn to Play to Junior Hockey: Trimble, Andrew: 9781963743388: Amazon.com: Books
