I never watched any NCAA hockey in my youth. BU, BC, RPI, etc were too far away with Princeton probably being the closest. I had no access or interest. But I did get to many AHL games in Hershey (100+?). Although a step behind the NHL, AHL play is good hockey. Over the past few years, I have been watching PSU hockey from afar as well as some AHL highlights, and the thing that strikes me as being the biggest differences between the two levels are the crispness in passing and the strength along the boards and in the crease. This may be do to average age, with the AHL having some older NHL-experienced guys.
I don't know if college hockey allows for older, experienced amateurs, or if they even exist, whether from Canadian Junior leagues or from Europe. I'm not saying to replace the roster, but sprinkling in a few older "ringers" could be a strategy for any college hockey team.
I don't know if college hockey allows for older, experienced amateurs, or if they even exist, whether from Canadian Junior leagues or from Europe. I'm not saying to replace the roster, but sprinkling in a few older "ringers" could be a strategy for any college hockey team.