U.S. hockey players earning spots on benches of elite college programs

[Pierre Gotye]

Very cool article:

It used to be University of Denver would recruit in Canada and Minnesota and get all the players they want. But now players from all over the place are playing in the top junior A leagues -- the feeder leagues to the NCAA. DU has guys from all over the United States. Players from left, Justin Jones, of Texas, Jarrod Mermis, of Illinois, David Makowski, of Missouri, Dan Olszewski, of Wisconsin, Nate Dewhurst, of Iowa, Matt Donovan, of Oklahoma, Paul Phillips, of Illinois, Josh Rosenholtz, of Connecticut, Dustin Jackson, of Nebraska, and Beau Bennett, of California, all wearing something that represents where they came. RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post (THE DENVER POST | RJ SANGOSTI)

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_16978931

Click to read more...

 

[vwg*]

I think it's great USA hockey is starting to pump kids out from places like Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri, California, Texas, etc. It might not be catching on as fast as some people (read: people who want to move every team from the sunbelt back to Canada) would like, but the game is definitely growing in the US. Some of the players come from places that don't even have a NHL, AHL or college team for miles yet they're still producing high level players.

 

[leoleo3535]

Interesting article.......at the same time it should be recognized that there is a huge increase in the number of US players (sun states) that are now coming to both the CHL and Junior A leagues in Canada to develope their game and aspire for pro.
Beau Bennett (mentioned in this article) played in the BCHL and was drafted from there.