Here is a topic that makes me cringe. College!
For hockey players. I heard a statistic during the Frozen Four telecast that the average age of a college hockey player is 23. Yikes. Hockey is unlike other sports such as baseball, football, etc. There are some, very few, players that go directly from high school to the college hockey ranks. However, most players stay in the juniors’ program until they age out at 20 years old and then attend college. Some players go on to play NCAA D1 and others NCAA DIII. If a hockey player wants to play hockey in college, he needs to earn that spot. They stay in junior hockey and are looked at by scouts, especially when playing for respectable junior programs.
The goal is to play NCAA D1 hockey. Not an easy task and we are very aware of what it takes to make that happen and the odds of it happening. Here is where I get upset. As a parent of a 2015 High School graduate who plays hockey, I am so tired of being asked, oh where is your son going to college. And then we have to give the same explanation over and over again. Hockey players usually stay in the junior programs to be seen by colleges. I even give the statistic of the average age of a college hockey player. Then we get, oh so he is not going to college. Well yes! He is going, just not now. We are sending our boy to college he is just taking a year off to play more junior hockey and see if he is good enough to be chosen by a D1 school.
Players can be seen early on in their career and commit to a college, but they continue to stay in juniors until you are ready to report to the college you signed with. Which is normally, not the year you graduate from High School. Hockey players are a different breed. It is truly unlike any other sport.
Our hockey player’s goal is to play college hockey. Education in our family is the most important thing. Going to college has always been the goal and will always be the plan. But when you have an athlete in hockey, the path is so much different. In some ways, I think taking a gap year between high school and college is not a bad thing. Maybe taking a year to play hockey, focus on getting bigger- better-stronger is the key to making that D1 commitment. A year of no school pressure may also allow you to explore further what it is you want to study in life. And answer the question, “What do I want to be in life?”
So Grandma, stop lecturing us how important college is, we know how important it is. We are a very non-traditional family, hardly ever follow the normal course of life. Why would we start now?
Family and friends we ask that you celebrate our high school graduate. Embrace his passion for the game of hockey. College is never off the table, we are just taking a different route to get there. Allowing our son to continue to see if he has what it takes and to never leave “what if” on the table.
Hockey has done more for our son than you can ever imagine. He is far beyond the years of his High School peers,.
Hockey Mom
Certainly! From your excerpt, I can see several key concepts related to college hockey, the journey from high school to college for hockey players, the significance of junior programs, NCAA divisions, scouting, and the dynamics of pursuing a career in hockey alongside education. Let's break it down:
College Hockey Dynamics:
College hockey differs significantly from other sports like baseball or football in terms of the path athletes take from high school to college. Unlike some sports where players may transition directly from high school to college teams, hockey players often take a different route.
Average Age of College Hockey Players:
The average age of a college hockey player being around 23 is a telling statistic. This indicates that players typically spend additional years post-high school in junior programs before making their way to college hockey.
Junior Programs and Scouting:
Junior programs serve as crucial platforms for young hockey players to showcase their skills to scouts. Players aim to be scouted by reputable junior programs to increase their visibility to colleges, especially those competing at the NCAA Division I level.
NCAA Divisions (D1 and DIII):
There's a distinction between NCAA Division I and Division III in terms of competitiveness and opportunities for hockey players. The ultimate goal for many is to play at the Division I level, which requires dedication and skill.
Gap Year and Career Development:
Taking a gap year after high school is not uncommon in hockey. This time off from academic pressure allows players to focus on honing their hockey skills, physical development, and exploring potential career paths or academic interests before committing to a college.
Importance of Education:
Despite the focus on hockey, education remains a priority for these families. They acknowledge the significance of college but understand the unique path their athlete needs to take in the hockey world.
Non-Traditional Path:
The family emphasizes their non-traditional approach to life, acknowledging that the path to college for a hockey player may diverge from conventional routes. They ask for understanding and celebration of their son's passion for hockey.
Family Support and Emotional Impact:
The family seeks support and understanding from relatives and friends who may not grasp the intricacies of pursuing a career in hockey alongside education. They emphasize the positive impact hockey has had on their son.
By addressing these concepts, it's clear that the journey from high school to college for hockey players involves a unique blend of athletics, education, scouting, and personal development. It's not just about reaching college but also about nurturing talent and passion for the sport.
