wings5
Registered User
- Jan 6, 2008
- 7,443
- 931
Is there a big difference between USHL hockey and University hockey? How would you compare them? USHL players are younger (?) but how about the style of play etc.?
I would say so, the USHL is more like junior in terms of hockey with more physical play and fights and whatnot. What seperates it from the CHL is the heavy emphasis on defense.The USHL has long been considered a defensive league which is why even the best prospects stats are lower there such as Gagner, Carlson, Moore when they played in that league.The NCAA is much more fast paced hockey , run and gun style of hockey where skill thrives. There are stronger players obviously due to the ages of the players and the work-out programs. There is also a suspension for fighting in this league and players wear full cages. Because it is a skilled league teams often advise players they pick which route is best for them. There was and arguemnt which James Van Riemsdyk going to New Hampshire and the NCAA in general over Brampton of the OHL because JVR is built for a power forward roll in the NHL and he would better learn to play a physical style playing in the OHL. Not to mention New Hampshire where he played plays in is an olympic ice surface . Lukily he turned out alright developed his skills, and is learning to use his body slowly in the NHL.