by Dale Henwood GBHA Advisory Council
It is increasingly difficult to navigate the complex hockey industry as a young player or parent. For many, U SPORTS is the best options for their career as U SPORTS is the pathway that delivers.
Recently, Advancement Hockey Advisor Services featured a series of posts with messages about the value of the U SPORTS option. Key recruiting messages to prospective players could include the following:
Value of U SPORTS
- U SPORTS players are typically older and stronger (20 to 25 years old)
- Many CHL or high-end Junior A/Tier 2 backgrounds making it elite competition
- The speed, structure and physicality often match or exceed NCAA Division 1 and is elite hockey and wildly unappreciated!
The Untold Story
- The focus is on development – as a player and a person
- U SPORTS hockey is one of the most underrated pathways in North America
- Fast, physical and experienced hockey with older players, higher IQ and pro habits
- You can still go pro afterwards
- You earn a real degree while playing elite university hockey
- For Canadians it’s far more affordable than NCAA alternatives
The New Landscape
- There has been a massive shift in the hockey landscape as the NCAA has been gifted a pool of talent that previously was not available.
- As many players move South, this creates more openings for players from across Canada
- Programs want mature, smart, coachable players who can step in right away
U SPORTS is the Top Tier
- U SPORTS is a major pathway; it’s high-level university hockey
- The competition is fierce and development-focused
- It’s affordable, respected and built for long term success
- You should be proud to play U SPORTS, not everyone gets the chance
- Don’t overlook options just because they aren’t the traditional path
The Academic Edge
- Canadian tuition is far cheaper than US private D1 schools; International tuition conversions make NCAA Division 1 extremely costly for Canadians
- U SPORTS schools offer scholarships, including partial and full rides
- You earn a respected Canadian degree with strong career pathways
- You graduate with less debt, more options and still elite hockey
