For purposes of this series of ratings, we asked scouts to rate the leagues based upon what they saw during the 2013-2014 season. This is not a historical account of each league as some have been around much longer than others. This is not a projection of where a league may be seen for the 2014-2015 season.
These ratings are NOT based on player movement up or down. These ratings take into account the general talent levels in the leagues, the competition levels, and player depth.
These ratings are independent, and no one at TJHN participated.
1. OHL
The Ontario Hockey League is currently the leader in every category according to scouts. Competition levels, talent levels and the depth of talent can not be matched on a league wide basis for any other league at this point. This rating was unanimous.
What the scouts said;
“It is the best league in the world hands down. The competition level, and the talent levels are like none other.”
“They get the best future NHL talent. They know how to train players, coach and recruit. Some of the best NCAA and USHL kids jump ship every year because they are told to go there. I am not saying its right or wrong, but like the NHL the best want to play with the best.”
2. WHL
The Western Hockey League was ranked third in the development ranting series, and only barely beat the third place league in this series based upon some of the exceptional talent in the league last season.
“The depth is there, but its simply not like the “O”. There are some things I would like to see more of, but last year they had some really good players.”
“They had some real offensive punch this year, which was a little unusual since they are known for defence. But strictly speaking about this season, they had some players that could go.”
3. USHL
The USHL was ranked second in the development series, and was only edged out by the WHL by a few votes. Scouts made it clear that they all feel the USHL is a league on the rise and that they believe the league will only get better.
“This is a fantastic league. The competition is there, and the talent is there. Its a little younger than the other leagues, and it hurts them when they have players jump ship for the OHL or go to school before they finish their junior careers.”
“If they didn’t see some of the top talent leave every year, this could be the best league in the world.”
4. QMJHL
Like the development series, the league was nearly a unanimous pick to finish fourth in this series. The QMJHL is still a very good league, but also one that is just not producing top level talent consistently.
“Its still a great league. Its just not the league it was historically. The depth isn’t there. The competition is good, but not as good as the others. Its just a league in transition at this point.”
“I still think the league is one of the best in the world. You can find players on nearly every team. But its definitely not like the other leagues when it comes to player depth.”
Next week TJHN will publish the next story in the series rating the Canadian Junior A leagues and the NAHL.
