But the expenses paid are as a result of things they're obliged to do in the course of playing for the team. The billets are paid; however, team selection is through a draft so players are often obliged to move from their home to play (i.e. they can't just choose the OHL team nearest to them and live at home for free). Hotels and transportation are paid; however, the players are obliged to go on road trip where they have to stay over night on the road. Equipment is paid for; however the equipment is necessary to play. How much of these are really "perks" if they're necessary for the players to perform the duties that they're contractually obligated to?
Junior A and B and C players pay for their equipment. They are drafted into the league and often play outside of their own community. They are not compensated.
AAA Peewee and Bantam players play tournaments out of town on a regular basis. Their parents front all the money for that with the exception of small sponsorship amounts. When a player decides to "tryout" for these top flight PeeWee and Bantam teams, their parents are given a sheet of responsibilities and a list of expenses and a payment schedule to pay for the outlined schedule. At 12 years old the players are subject to strenuous workloads and responsibilities and they are not compensated, they pay through the teeth for that development opportunity.
These athletes you're describing also have considerable discretion over where and when they train; who coaches them; and how they make use of their time/lives when they are not actually training.
The athletes can also obtain sponsorships and receive government support.
When they compete at events, there is often prize money involved.
In other ways, there are many ways for the athlete to offset the cost of training.
Playing junior hockey and training as a figure skater/skier are not analogous situations.
Government support is through the carding system. To be eligible the athlete needs to obtain a level of National and International ranking before they can obtain funding. The amounts are for living expenses only so basically rent and food. They don't cover training whatsoever.
Sponsorships. Again, are only afforded to those that have excelled on the World stage and are few and far between.
Olympic athletes are amateur; therefore, their events do not provide "prize money." Very high level athletes may receive appearance fees but, again, those are very few and far between.
Go online and search for "hardships for amateur athletes" and read up on the difficulties they have clawing their way to the top of their respective sports and how much debt they rack up or how much money out of pocket their families shell out supporting them.
Do not forget the development money the leagues receive from the NHL.
Those monies are only given based on draft pick status. Draft pick status has a lot to do with development of the player and subsequent opportunities at a pro career.
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We all can go around in circles making our points for one side or the other. There is no doubt that $60 per week is silly. They should get about the same amount as a kid working 15-20 hours per week part time. I think we can all pretty much agree on that, especially since the per dime has not changed in over 20 years.
We can argue about how long the player should have to utilize their scholarship. Personally, I say the shorter the better since life pressures get in the way the older we get which may hamper the player's ability to go back to school. Many get married, have kids and all of a sudden have a family to support. So to suggest a 25 or 26 year old should be able to use their scholarship is rather obtuse.
One of the players I admire most is Dan Tudin. He was a really late draft pick of the Ottawa 67's and didn't get a sniff of playing time first year. After a couple seasons riding the pine he got an opportunity in training camp to play with Dan Tessier. They clicked and played two years together forming a formidable line with the 67's. Dan went on to play four years at Dalhousie and received an Honours Degree. He turned pro after school and played a couple years in the ECHL before going to play in Italy. He has now played 10 years for Ritten Renon.
Dan Tudin should be the example that other players follow. It is far more likely the player has success in the same fashion as Dan Tudin. When the numbers are stacked against you, take advantage of the scholarship, go to school, play hockey and continue to develop. Graduate, turn pro and take your shot at 23 or 24. If you have talent, your will be in demand. Maybe not an NHL talent but still playing hockey for $80k per year in a half season in Europe with expenses paid is a great alternative.
