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Maritime Q-Scout · 05-22-2007, 05:13 PM

Addick,

At the same time having the opportunity makes a difference. Take a look at the NHL with expansion into the United States their ability to develop players has increased dramatically. Look at the QMJHL's expansion into the Atlantic Provinces. How many Nova Scotians, New Brunswickers, PE Islanders, or Newfs played in the CHL and had a legit shot at the NHL? That's changed, there's more opportunity for kids in hockey here now because of having a league team here. Of the Sydney area I believe only 2 people my age played in the QMJHL. Now there are more than 2 on the Screaming Eagles, let alone throughout the league. In fact there's a chance that there will be a Cape Breton native win the Memorial Cup two years in a row. Something that's only been done 4 times previous before last year. It will take time to develop the players at a professional quality, but all of a sudden there's a goal there. Right now why bother persue soccer, it'll get you into univeristy and help pay for your undergrad but other than that . . . there's no desire to keep playing really.

Even still, in two seasons of Making the Cut one of the winners of season 1 was Dominic Noel from New Brunswick, and this past one was Franklin MacDonald from Baddeck NS. Having the league here is giving kids from small towns outside of the major areas to have a chance at developping their skills and letting them know that sport is an option, and can be a dream. Frankly no QMJHL in the East means no Dominic Noels, no Franklin MacDonalds. Even Brad Richards could have been a question mark.

You're always going to get your Hargraves, or Crosbys coming from unexpected regions, but that just goes to show that those regions exist and need to be show there is a chance

05-22-2007, 05:13 PM	#22
Maritime Q-Scout Ben Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: God's Country (aka Cape Breton Island) Exp:	Addick, At the same time having the opportunity makes a difference. Take a look at the NHL with expansion into the United States their ability to develop players has increased dramatically. Look at the QMJHL's expansion into the Atlantic Provinces. How many Nova Scotians, New Brunswickers, PE Islanders, or Newfs played in the CHL and had a legit shot at the NHL? That's changed, there's more opportunity for kids in hockey here now because of having a league team here. Of the Sydney area I believe only 2 people my age played in the QMJHL. Now there are more than 2 on the Screaming Eagles, let alone throughout the league. In fact there's a chance that there will be a Cape Breton native win the Memorial Cup two years in a row. Something that's only been done 4 times previous before last year. It will take time to develop the players at a professional quality, but all of a sudden there's a goal there. Right now why bother persue soccer, it'll get you into univeristy and help pay for your undergrad but other than that . . . there's no desire to keep playing really. Even still, in two seasons of Making the Cut one of the winners of season 1 was Dominic Noel from New Brunswick, and this past one was Franklin MacDonald from Baddeck NS. Having the league here is giving kids from small towns outside of the major areas to have a chance at developping their skills and letting them know that sport is an option, and can be a dream. Frankly no QMJHL in the East means no Dominic Noels, no Franklin MacDonalds. Even Brad Richards could have been a question mark. You're always going to get your Hargraves, or Crosbys coming from unexpected regions, but that just goes to show that those regions exist and need to be show there is a chance __________________ "Calgary Flames is the best team in all the land" - My Brainwashed Son Last edited by Maritime Q-Scout; 05-22-2007 at 05:18 PM.