In the NHL
|
Former Collegians in the NHL, 2011-12
Former Collegians in the NHL, 2010-11
|
College hockey is making a bigger impact in the National Hockey League than ever before, and it's visible at every turn.
Nightly highlights are filled with dazzling plays from former college players like Brian Gionta and Ryan Miller. Cover stories in The Hockey News and features on Hockey Night in Canada spotlight the efforts of players like Ryan Kesler and Thomas Vanek.
More than 300 former college players skated in the NHL in 2011-12, a record number and more than 30% of the league. College hockey, in short, is the fastest growing development path for the NHL.
Former Collegians in the NHL, 2012-13
Former Collegians in NHL Front Offices
The Conn Smythe Trophy has been won in three consecutive years by former collegians in Jonathan Toews, Tim Thomas and Jonathan Quick.
NHL front offices are filled with general managers, assistant general managers and scouts who played the college game. Head coaches and assistant coaches in the league have college backgrounds.
Once a hidden gem of hockey talent, college hockey has become one of the biggest suppliers of talent to the NHL, surpassing all Europe. More than thirty percent of players in 2011-12 came from college hockey, up 30% from 10 years earlier and poised to grow even more.
The 2012-13 college hockey rosters feature nearly 200 NHL Draft picks and several candidates for the 2013 NHL Draft, further evidence of the ongoing influence college hockey plays at the sport's highest levels.

"The NHL ... could soon reach the point where one of three players has an NCAA background." - USA Today 
