Junior hockey

From ArticleWorld

For many 16-20 year-old players, junior hockey is a place to develop their skills, play at a higher level of competition and possibly be seen by scouts for major colleges or the professional National Hockey League (NHL). In the U.S., junior hockey players maintain a strict amateur standing, while their Canadian counterparts are considered professional as they receive a stipend for playing. European junior hockey most often has an affiliation with a professional team.

In the U.S.

With the growth of hockey in high schools and colleges, junior hockey does not have the same connotation nor importance as it does in Canada. Junior hockey teams play in small market cities across the Midwest, West and Alaska and includes players in the development process for teams that represent the U.S. in international competitions. However, a number of American junior hockey players have gone on to impressive careers in the NHL. Before the Winter Olympics opened its teams to professionals, junior hockey was a source of players for the U.S. teams.

In Canada

Junior hockey is a large and important network of leagues across the country, and the culmination of a sophisticated youth hockey program in Canada. Junior hockey players are minor celebrities and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), the umbrella organization for the junior leagues, is home to some of the best talent in North America. Major colleges and the NHL see junior hockey in Canada as the ideal system for identifying talent. Below the CHL are junior “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” leagues.

European junior hockey

Junior hockey in Europe is much more akin to a minor league system in North America. Junior teams there normally have player development programs with professional teams. Junior hockey in Europe is the best way for talented young players to be seen as there is no draft as there is in North America.