Why so many swedes in NCAA?

[Eye of Ra]

Elite Prospects - NCAA Stats 2021-2022

There is 49 swedes in NCAA this season.

In comparison, there is only 7 russians, 22 finns and 11 czechs.

Why is the number of swedes so high?

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[Barclay Donaldson]

Elite Prospects - NCAA Stats 2021-2022

There is 49 swedes in NCAA this season.

In comparison, there is only 7 russians, 22 finns and 11 czechs.

Why is the number of swedes so high?

Swedes typically value education more than some other European compatriots. Same reason why you will see more Swedes in North American prep schools than other European nationalities.

 

[JMCx4]

Because the Russians, Finns & Czechs are only interested in grabbing the brass ring in North America (the NHL), while Swedes are smart enough to know that getting a solid education while they play hockey offers them an alternative when their long-shot dream dies?

ETA: Dang it, @Barclay Donaldson beat me to the punchline. Great minds think alike!

 

[mk80]

I'll find a third way to what has been said already, but also a lot of the Russian and other European players use the North American junior system to boost their hockey profile for signing with a pro league back home and aren't looking to play college.

 

[JMCx4]

Good job, boys.