What an NCAA rule change might mean for junior hockey in Sask.
1h ago
Previously, WHL players were declared ineligible to play NCAA hockey in the U.S.
The NHL is playing hardball when it comes to their players going to the Olympics.
And the International Olympic Committee has clearly stopped negotiating as it’s the International Ice Hockey Federation doing all the talking with the league about finding the money to get the players there.
So it’s sounding more likely South Korea will be a different tournament for hockey with no Crosby, McDavid, Matthews.
That would sad. Because it’s the best hockey, anytime, anywhere.
Now what.
If it isn’t going to be the NHL players, than who best fill the void. I’d offer up junior players – those that we see each and every year at the under-20 tournament but maybe more than just juniors but an under-23 tournament – like you see in the Olympic soccer tournament.
That would allow younger AHL prospects and still have NHL teams get some young guys playing on a big stage and would still allow the World Junior tournament to shine in December-January.
But the clock hasn’t struck zero yet – and it’s too bad hockey fans will lose out because billionaires are arguing over who spends a few dozen million.