In the NHL
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Former Collegians in the NHL, 2011-12 Former Collegians in the NHL, 2010-11
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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.
Former Collegians in the NHL, 2011-12 | NHL Matchup Tool
The Conn Smythe Trophy has been won in consecutive years by former collegians in Jonathan Toews and Tim Thomas.
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.
The Hockey Hall of Fame will induct two former college players this year in Joe Nieuwendyk and Ed Belfour.
Once a hidden gem of hockey talent, college hockey has become one of the biggest suppliers of talent to the NHL, surpassing all Europe. Thirty percent of players in 2010-11 came from college hockey, up 34% from 10 years earlier and poised to grow even more.
The 2011-12 college hockey rosters feature 202 NHL Draft picks and several candidates for the 2012 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 
