Article on Player Development Paths

[karl(east)]

I wrote this after our latest little blow-up on the forum about the WHL and alternative development models. I usually try to keep some distance from these debates for the sake of neutrality, but I think this essay approaches the issue from a far enough distance that I'll throw it to the dogs on this forum.

http://mnhockeyprospects.com/2013/06/05 ... minnesota/

[O-townClown]

This is great, Karl. Well thought out and well written.

[scorekeeper]

As usual Karl, excellent read and spot on. It couldn't have been said any better.

[JDUBBS1280]

Great piece Karl. Thanks for the wonderful read!

[O-townClown]

http://hockeynow.ca/posts/43674-cover-s ... caa-hockey

[JDUBBS1280]

http://hockeynow.ca/posts/43674-cover-s ... caa-hockey

Good article. Thanks for sharing O-Town.

[scorekeeper]

A good read on one of the in-season , university academic opportunities provided to WHL players;
http://www.whl.ca/article/whl-au-partne ... -continues

[almostashappy]

A good read on one of the in-season , university academic opportunities provided to WHL players;
http://www.whl.ca/article/whl-au-partne ... -continues

From the linked WHL Press Release:
"Since 2009, when Athabasca University partnered with the Western Hockey League to offer AU courses to the league’s players, more than 200 WHL players have registered in more than 350 AU courses."

OK, so 200 kids have registered for 350 classes. But how many of those kids have completed a class with a passing grade and earned college credit? Flip side...how many dropped courses, or incompletes, or failing grades? Also doesn't say if the players have to pay any of the tuition costs. And five years into the program, how many kids have successfully transferred their AU credits once they've left the league and started college full time?

Not that I'd expect scorekeeper to know. Just a little cautious because it's written by the league, rather than by an independent source

[The Exiled One]

A good read on one of the in-season , university academic opportunities provided to WHL players;
http://www.whl.ca/article/whl-au-partne ... -continues

From the linked WHL Press Release:
"Since 2009, when Athabasca University partnered with the Western Hockey League to offer AU courses to the league’s players, more than 200 WHL players have registered in more than 350 AU courses."

OK, so 200 kids have registered for 350 classes. But how many of those kids have completed a class with a passing grade and earned college credit? Flip side...how many dropped courses, or incompletes, or failing grades? Also doesn't say if the players have to pay any of the tuition costs. And five years into the program, how many kids have successfully transferred their AU credits once they've left the league and started college full time?

Not that I'd expect scorekeeper to know. Just a little cautious because it's written by the league, rather than by an independent source

To graduate in four years, a typical college student will average about five classes a semester. Or rather, 200 students will have registered for 1000 classes. However, NCAA student-athletes might not be able to handle that large of a course load, so the average would probably be closer to 900 classes... just for comparison.

Here's an article on Mark Parrish, who upon retiring from the NHL, has decided to pick up where he left off and finish his degree...

http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar ... 3307280034

[scorekeeper]

A good read on one of the in-season , university academic opportunities provided to WHL players;
http://www.whl.ca/article/whl-au-partne ... -continues

From the linked WHL Press Release:
"Since 2009, when Athabasca University partnered with the Western Hockey League to offer AU courses to the league’s players, more than 200 WHL players have registered in more than 350 AU courses."

OK, so 200 kids have registered for 350 classes. But how many of those kids have completed a class with a passing grade and earned college credit? Flip side...how many dropped courses, or incompletes, or failing grades? Also doesn't say if the players have to pay any of the tuition costs. And five years into the program, how many kids have successfully transferred their AU credits once they've left the league and started college full time?

Not that I'd expect scorekeeper to know. Just a little cautious because it's written by the league, rather than by an independent source

Oh but I do know, Happy. It's not a secret. The above link is just talking about University education available - 100% free - to players while they are with the clubs, which is growing in leaps and bounds every year. And post-WHL, record numbers of kids are getting degrees through the WHL all 100% paid for.

Here's last years list, including specific kids and specific schools in US and Canada - and from Independant source ;
http://english.cis-sic.ca/sports/mice/2 ... 0121207-cw

These lists are available year by year. Remember that only about 4 kids graduate every year from WHL teams, as most go pro - but almost all of these kids graduating who don't turn pro are cashing in on 100% paid for scholarships at some of the best schools in the world.

A great example, and a kid who had the forsight to get on board with the WHL early, is Mike Helyer. A kid who played 5 years in the WHL and then moved on to the University of Manitoba where he played 5 more years and went to school on the WHL dime. Post graduation he resumed his pursuit of professional hockey and this year was named the Central Hockey League Rookie of the Year
http://minorleaguehockeyreport.com/2013 ... -the-year/

If he ever decides to quit playing hockey professionally he has a Masters degree in his pocket - all paid for by the WHL.

Great story and a great kid.