So, did I get your attention with that headline kids? Are you a Canadian player, or fan saying “oh no way” or “this is total bullshit”? Yeah, well, hold on to your poutine boys and girls and open your eyes just a little to some of the facts.
The QMJHL is not what it used to be. It used to be a power house of player development. It used to pump high profile prospects into the NHL every year. It did so in significant numbers.
Historically the QMJHL put out top end butterfly style goaltenders, and super skilled offensive players. Some guys named Roy, Lemieux and Crosby come to mind.
Only 14 players taken from the QMJHL in the 2016 NHL draft. Only 2 first round picks, and of the 14 players picked 3 of them were not Canadian players. Draft results alone show you how far the league has fallen behind the USHL, OHL and WHL.
But here is where you really see whats up with these guys……
The Victoriaville Tigers have no Head Coach, no General Manager, and have had to go back to the past to assemble a board of directors to just operate the team. Yeah, that’s great for operations.
The Gatineau Olympiques don’t have a Head Coach and they wont even have an arena to play in for the 2017 – 2018 season and beyond. Ohhhhhh yeah, and for a final kick in the Gatineau nut sack, the city just turned down a proposal to build them a new arena even though the current arena is going to meet the wrecking ball after this season.
Ummmmmmm yeah, here in the United States, we call that a serious case of “I don’t give a shit” when looking at these team operations.
Now, I know some of you are saying that’s just 2 of the 18 teams. Yep, that’s two teams.
What happens when Quebec City gets their NHL team? They will get one too, don’t think for a second they wont get a relocation team in the next 24 months. What happens then is the Quebec Ramparts who lead all Major Junior teams in the country in attendance will be toast.
Oh, and what about Acadie Bathurst Titan, Baie Comeau Drakkar, and Val d’Or Foreurs who all average less than 2000 fans per game. Yeah, and they are also the three worst teams of all Major Junior teams in the country for attendance.
Add those numbers kids. That’s 2 with no leadership, 1 with an NHL team eventually forcing a move, and 3 more that cant sell water in the desert. Yeah, selling junior hockey in Canada is like selling water in the desert kids, it shouldn’t be that hard!
My prediction? Well, I am glad you asked…..The NAHL will over take the QMJHL in 24 to 36 months in player development for the NHL. What will the hockey world think then?
Now those two teams in trouble doesn’t look like such a small number does it?
But hey, it is summer, and I did go to the beach yesterday. Maybe everyone up North can keep their heads in the sand like I had my feet yesterday. Yep, what ever you’re doing up there boys sure seems to be working!
David Wagner – The Angel Of Death – For Those Who Live Stupidly I salute You
*The Death Pool is a mix of comedy, and satire in connection with recent events. It is not an official report of current events although it may look as though the news is so accurate that it could one day happen or may be happening.
