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What is the Current state of College Placement for US leagues outside of the Division 1 Level?

What is the Current state of College Placement for US leagues outside of the Division 1 Level? - The Hockey Focus
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The Dan K Show is putting out terrific data comparing Junior Leagues and placement rates for Jr to NCAA advancement- The Dan K Show

After all the turmoil and chaos of the last year in Junior Hockey is a critical time to evaluate where we stand and how leagues have faired on early returns. Lets recap.

What is the Current state of College Placement for US leagues outside of the Division 1 Level? - The Hockey Focus

From the start of last season to now many “Advisors” and outside observers have made their positions known on the NCDC vs EHL debate. Early returns showed that maybe the NCDC had taken a stride ahead in last years race when several team left the EHLs and other teams within the EHL had their rinks purchased by a controlling interest in the USPHL/ NCDC.

Since that time we have seen several events play out:

  • Seacoast Spartans sold their NCDC team and relocated (lasting 1 year in the NCDC)
  • The NCDC continued to expand going from their original number of 11 teams (in 2017) to 32 teams (2025)
  • At least one NCDC team was announced but had to go into dormancy or relinquish their franchise without ever fielding a team (East Charlotte- CT Chiefs North)- CT Chiefs North – Wikipedia
  • Other franchises are struggling to complete rosters as the season approaches (see below)
What is the Current state of College Placement for US leagues outside of the Division 1 Level? - The Hockey Focus
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Popular opinion of the CHL/NCAA ruling believes that there will be a trickle down effect for all US based leagues, as college commits at the NCAA level become more scarce, and Canadian players who previously were ineligible become eligible to play US hockey.

Early returns are positive for the EHL comparative to the NCDC, USPHL Premier and NA3HL. Perhaps its small size and geographic location? Perhaps its franchise stability and competitive balance are viewed as positives compared to its peers?

Whatever the reason may be, early signs are showing the EHL performing well versus their competition….

Stay tuned to the Dan K Show for timely and detailed info for parents and players making Junior Hockey decisions, in particular their “Battleground Tracker”. Click on below link to view.

NCAA and CHL Recruiting Battleground Tracker — The Dan K Show

By Andrew Trimble

To Purchase Andrew’s book, The Hockey Planner, click on this link- 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: 9781963743395: Amazon.com: Books

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