Okay I admit it has been awhile since I have posted to my blog, but I have a reason to write again. It isn't about the current BCHL playoffs – although there are some great matchups happening right now and of course we are on the cusp of the final two. No, I am actually writing as a plea to the media to take up the role of cheerleader for the game of hockey as played in the rinks that make up the BCHL.
I have been noticing a lot of hype recently south of the border when it comes to the game of hockey, especially at the college ranks. In the arenas where so many BCHL alumni now skate up and down the wing, I have been drawn into a hype that I haven't seen since my youth. It’s a breath of fresh air and “WOW” is my first reaction.
WOW to the players themselves that continue to amaze and represent the BCHL at every drop of the puck – or as in the case of Brad Thiessen – every stop of the puck. WOW to the passion and display of affection shown by the fans. Perhaps more so the WOW is for the intense and in-depth media attention given to the teams and players, especially with the NCAA Tournament now underway.
The hype leading up to the listing of the sixteen teams in the NCAA tournament bracket was overwhelming. I witnessed American based news channels talking about hockey and the tournament as well as Canadian hockey broadcasters making references to what was happening in the NCAA while covering NHL games. Bracketology might have to be a subject for another blog, but suffice it to say that this is something more than just a simple distraction and generates as much interest south of the border as that time frame leading up to the naming of the Canadian World Junior team or the Olympic team.
I have long thought that American fans were somewhat complacent when it came to the great Canadian game, but what I have witnessed has staggered my perceptions. Fans en masse fill every available seat for these NCAA games and many come painted and full of adrenaline, cheering throughout. Another aspect of the game that stood out for me was the presence of school bands leading the cheer – I wonder if Don Cherry would approve.
The NCAA is drumming up a lot of attention and I have heard many NCAA references to players currently in the NHL. I don't recall it being as big a deal even last year, but this year it is everywhere. Perhaps it is the ever increasing number of players that are advancing from the college ranks to play in the big show. According to one study it is the number two source of players and closing the gap quickly. This has to be a good thing for the BCHL as a whole.
As the NCAA continues to churn out highly sought after talent, the trickledown effect is only going to do wonders to promote the BCHL, which is already considered to be the elite Junior `A’ league in all of Canada. Generating huge amounts of interest from NHL and of course NCAA scouts, the BCHL and all of its teams will continue to attract more and more young skilled players looking to catch the eye of those scouts.
Once only considered to be a development league and a place for late bloomers to get a second chance at making it, the idea of playing in the BCHL is now becoming the first choice of players that want to have maximum opportunities for advancement. American born players that are already restricted by import rules are jumping at the opportunity to play in the BCHL instead of the USHL. Canadian born players are spending more time weighing their options and reconsidering their path to play in the Big Show. From securing a NCAA scholarship to being drafted to the NHL, the BCHL is the destination league of choice for more and more players every year.
Simple supply and demand rules will lead to hockey that is played at a level that is above and beyond what we have already admitted is better than just good hockey. We all remember Kyle Turris being picked in the top three of the NHL entry draft … although I still think he should have gone first overall, it won't be long before the BCHL will see a first overall selection in the draft.
It isn't just all about being drafted into the NHL either. The NHL loves the BCHL because those players that are scouted and presented with a scholarship now are given four additional years to develop before having to be given their first contract. Of course situations arise and players start performing at NHL levels and come out of the college ranks earlier.
The genesis of growth for the league has long been established and it is continuing in the right direction. What I really want is for other members of the media to take some time to recognize all of the positives with the BCHL. Take a lesson from the media frenzy south of the border covering the NCAA tournament and become a cheerleader for the league, its players and the fans that have long known the enjoyment of hockey played in the BCHL. This is great hockey that leads to great things … lets hype it up and add some colour to the game that we love.
Ron Gallo, the voice of the Prince George Spruce Kings, will be blogging the Interior Conference during the 2008/09 season. Check back often for Ron's insights into the latest news from the BCHL's Okanagan and Northern-based teams.
