To be sure, scouting AAA USA Hockey Nationals is a popular event. Scout from all over North America attend and recruit. It is a very motivating thing to see and be around.
I only became a fan of the USA Hockey AAA system in the last few year. Typically before I scout the Canadian AAA playoffs almost exclusively. So why the change you ask?
It is simple, the USA is producing top player at an unprecedented rate. Though my compatriot in Canada do not want to hear it, the USA has caught Canada, and will likely pass Canada when it come to player development.
It is simple math equation. The larger country with the larger population will usually produce more specialized athlete than the less populated country by direct sport comparison.
Now this do not mean that Canada do not produce top player in the world. It do mean that the volume production of high level player is now tilting to the USA.
I know many of you are now comparing McDavid and Eichel no? Feel free to do so. In any other year, both will be the number one pick in the NHL draft.
This is no argument of the top one tenth of one percent of player. It is a discussion of the other nine tenth of the player who are one percenters. It is the argument of the next two to five percent of top level player.
It is simple to see in the number as well. NCAA hockey is developing a lot of NHL caliber player these day. While I am not sure, it look to me that more free agent player going to NHL from NCAA than Major Junior. I am sure someone will publish the exact numbers.
So I watch with great interest the USA Hockey AAA national tournament players. From 14 U to 18 U, the talent is deep. Shockingly deep I would say. It not only the player talent that is deep, but the coaching was exemplary.
There was not a single team that I could identify that did not have at least one legitimate NCAA or NHL prospect. Can the rest of the world say this to their national membership?
I will also so the event was well run and structured. Fan definitely enjoy, and the player were clearly focused on task at hand while still enjoying and soaking in the experience. That is what it should be, an experience to carry with you for life.
I congratulate those who won the brackets. Most impressive to me is the Mid West region teams. Michigan and Illinois were so well represented even a bad scout could not help but notice.
I salute the team, the player, the parent, the fans, and USA Hockey for putting on an exceptional event. I salute Amherst and Buffalo for such great hospitality and accommodation. I can say, that this event bring about a scouting satisfaction that is second to none.
Coach
