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Column: CHL vs. NCAA, it's my prerogative

The debate is the same every summer. “(Insert player name here) would be better off staying in/going to school,” is what the college hockey backers will say.

The debate is the same every summer.

“(Insert player name here) would be better off staying in/going to school,” is what the college hockey backers will say.

On the other hand, the Canadian Hockey League fans will say “The CHL prepares players better for the NHL.”

Truth be told, both are solid forms of development for young hockey players looking to carve out a career in hockey.

Now, the college hockey supporters will tell you that NCAA hockey is the smart choice because players leave with a degree on top of being able to play hockey and that’s certainly a valid point.

In the CHL, many players put their education package earned every year so it’s not like players who decide to play in the CHL, and ultimately make a CHL team, are not getting an education at all, it’s just taking them a little longer in many cases to do so.

Now, there are restrictions on the CHL education packages but that’s a discussion for another column/story.

This whole debate has come to the forefront in recent weeks with the rumours that American-born forward Jeremy Bracco, a draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, will de-commit from Boston College to join the Ontario Hockey League’s Kitchener Rangers.

Via Twitter, Bracco reaffirmed his commitment to BC as the rumours swirled through his profile, which initially noted he was committed to Boston College, has since been edited to show no mention of the American school.

Exactly where he will start the 2015-16 season will be determined over the next six to eight weeks, and that doesn’t mean he finishes the season where he started it.

Regardless, the rumours sparked the yearly debate.

For me, I have the luxury of covering both the OHL and NCAA (Lake Superior State) and I consider myself lucky to do so.

I can honestly say I don’t prefer one over the other as both have different types of appeal.

Everyone has an opinion as to which choice is the better one and that’s certainly ones prerogative.


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Brad Coccimiglio

About the Author: Brad Coccimiglio

A graduate of Loyalist College’s Sports Journalism program, Brad Coccimiglio’s work has appeared in The Hockey News as well as online at FoxSports.com in addition to regular freelance work with SooToday before joining the team full time.
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