Other Hockey Markets Exist For Fans
With the continuing absence of the NHL since the lockout between the NHL and the NHLPA began on September 15, hockey fans have been looking for an outlet to dull the pain. Including talks up to just this morning, little progress has been made in the revenue area and cancellation of preseason games have cost the NHL $100 million. It seems as if there will not be NHL hockey for quite some time. In the meantime, I'm going to try and take part in watching other forms of hockey. If you want a hockey fix, here are a few options for the avid hockey fan.
Professional Hockey
American Hockey League: The AHL is the tier of professional hockey right under the NHL in the North American market. Most of these teams are owned or tied in with NHL teams as where their prospects are developed. It has a great mix of young kids on the rise who still need some coaching before the big leagues and veterans who have made careers out of playing in this league. It is very good hockey and gives a chance for the fan of a particular NHL team to see what kinds of players the team has in their system. Who knows, if the NHL returns, some of these players could see some call up time with the big club. Some current NHLers to prevent travel to Europe will stay and play in the AHL as well.
European Leagues: Although tough to find for the non-technology person, Kontinental Hockey League and Swedish Elite League games may be televised over the internet for hockey fans. Many of the players in the NHL, are heading over to these areas to play high level hockey. These are considered the professional leagues of Europe and the best of those players that stay over there will play in these leagues. These leagues also playing on Olympic size sheets, making the ice bigger and more open for players.
College Hockey
This is the most exciting league for me coming into the winter. Without NHL hockey and for me, the Rangers, my main go to hockey will be at the college level. Division I college hockey provides a great atmosphere with the game and fans alike. Stadiums are packed with supporters and bands of each time while the hockey on the ice is fast-paced and exciting. Best part about it is there is plenty of it and can be attended in person. Tickets are cheap and it's a great way to see a great hockey game. Again, these are some of the kids that have been drafted, or will be drafted by NHL clubs, developing under a team not affiliated with the big clubs. A great example of a recent player out of college to make a big splash is Chris Kreider who won a National Championship with Boston College then provided major offense for the Rangers in last years NHL playoffs.
Junior Hockey
United States Hockey League: The USHL is the top junior league in the United States. It has a great mix of home-grown American talent mixed in with some of the best young players in the world. It may not get the recognition that the Canadian Hockey League gets, but it is certainly a great game and provides hockey in some areas that are not normally reached by NHL teams. For fans of these areas who won't have much else, this is a good league to go check out. Games can also be found on the internet for other hockey fans interested in catching a game.
Canadian Hockey League: Made up of three separate leagues that play in their own playoffs and championships before coming together for the Memorial Cup (one of the COOLEST concepts in hockey), this league is the best of the best in terms of junior leagues. Canadian players run the league since it is home-grown, but some of the best talent outside will make their way over in hopes of being seen and drafted by an NHL team. Some big time NHL prospects and undrafted players make their way through this league and put up some major numbers. It is exciting hockey to watch and can be found on the internet as well. Unless your really that desperate and want to move to Canada, where it'll be the top story on ESPN every night!
Hopefully that provides some other options to all you hockey fans out there waiting for the NHL to return. I know we all need hockey fixes, so these will not be as great as the NHL, but something close to it to hopefully provide some closure to hockey depression. Just hope the NHL comes back soon.....
Professional Hockey
American Hockey League: The AHL is the tier of professional hockey right under the NHL in the North American market. Most of these teams are owned or tied in with NHL teams as where their prospects are developed. It has a great mix of young kids on the rise who still need some coaching before the big leagues and veterans who have made careers out of playing in this league. It is very good hockey and gives a chance for the fan of a particular NHL team to see what kinds of players the team has in their system. Who knows, if the NHL returns, some of these players could see some call up time with the big club. Some current NHLers to prevent travel to Europe will stay and play in the AHL as well.
European Leagues: Although tough to find for the non-technology person, Kontinental Hockey League and Swedish Elite League games may be televised over the internet for hockey fans. Many of the players in the NHL, are heading over to these areas to play high level hockey. These are considered the professional leagues of Europe and the best of those players that stay over there will play in these leagues. These leagues also playing on Olympic size sheets, making the ice bigger and more open for players.
College Hockey
This is the most exciting league for me coming into the winter. Without NHL hockey and for me, the Rangers, my main go to hockey will be at the college level. Division I college hockey provides a great atmosphere with the game and fans alike. Stadiums are packed with supporters and bands of each time while the hockey on the ice is fast-paced and exciting. Best part about it is there is plenty of it and can be attended in person. Tickets are cheap and it's a great way to see a great hockey game. Again, these are some of the kids that have been drafted, or will be drafted by NHL clubs, developing under a team not affiliated with the big clubs. A great example of a recent player out of college to make a big splash is Chris Kreider who won a National Championship with Boston College then provided major offense for the Rangers in last years NHL playoffs.
Junior Hockey
United States Hockey League: The USHL is the top junior league in the United States. It has a great mix of home-grown American talent mixed in with some of the best young players in the world. It may not get the recognition that the Canadian Hockey League gets, but it is certainly a great game and provides hockey in some areas that are not normally reached by NHL teams. For fans of these areas who won't have much else, this is a good league to go check out. Games can also be found on the internet for other hockey fans interested in catching a game.
Canadian Hockey League: Made up of three separate leagues that play in their own playoffs and championships before coming together for the Memorial Cup (one of the COOLEST concepts in hockey), this league is the best of the best in terms of junior leagues. Canadian players run the league since it is home-grown, but some of the best talent outside will make their way over in hopes of being seen and drafted by an NHL team. Some big time NHL prospects and undrafted players make their way through this league and put up some major numbers. It is exciting hockey to watch and can be found on the internet as well. Unless your really that desperate and want to move to Canada, where it'll be the top story on ESPN every night!
Hopefully that provides some other options to all you hockey fans out there waiting for the NHL to return. I know we all need hockey fixes, so these will not be as great as the NHL, but something close to it to hopefully provide some closure to hockey depression. Just hope the NHL comes back soon.....
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