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The NTDP has made some interesting choices over the years.

What percentage do you suppose turn down this opportunity because they'd have to leave friends and family to do it?

I'm not trying to knock it. I'm just curious if it's really a tough hurdle for them in getting the best guys?

I think for the most part the NTDP does a good job attracting players outside of Minnesota. It sometimes gets tougher here because minny kids have the option of staying home and still playing pretty competitive hockey. There is no question that the NTDP is a big jump from high school, and a tremendous opportunity, but many kids from around the country don't have decent high school hockey as a choice and are already traveling great distances to find competition. Much like our neighbors to the north, players from many parts of the country understand that relocating at age 16 or 17 is just part of the reality of pursuing hockey at the next level. Makes me happy my sons had the chance to play high school hockey and live in their community.

16 and 17 is young but some kids are ready for it. Ann Arbor is a great community too.