Quote:
Originally Posted by dash_pinched
Until the dust settles, I think we'd better get used to the CHL being a mostly 17 year old and 18 year old league. I also believe that some pretty good players that were looking for NCAA opportunities might look at CHL teams if they feel they might get more playing time in the CHL.
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This crossed my mind as well. There are only so many roster positions and ice-time to go around. With NCAA teams loading up, it might not end up being the best development path for some of these junior stars if they end up on the 3rd and 4th lines, especially the ones that want to turn pro within the next couple of years. Right now, it seems like almost every junior star is clamoring to get into one of the good U.S. college programs, but within the next few years, I suspect that we will see it level off to an equilibrium.
I do think the Canadian junior system needs to change it's model somewhat though. From what I understand, some teams do make a lot of money, but most don't. I can see a future where the number of teams decreases in the CHL, and where they focus on quality over quantity, and these players actually get paid decently to entice them to stay in the CHL. The junior A and independent leagues like the BCHL will pick up the slack.