“Then There Were Two”

You can learn a lot by just watching. You can learn a lot by just watching how people or organizations react to change.

A change to the landscape of junior hockey in New Brunswick has been rumoured for quite sometime. That rumour came to flourish yesterday when the NCDC (National Collegiate Development Conference) announced five teams would be added to its circuit while three teams were being added here in New Brunswick.

Eastern Charlotte, St Stephen and Woodstock are now all part of the NCDC, so what does that mean for junior hockey in this region?

“Then There Were Two”

With yesterday’s announcement there are now two junior leagues in this region vying for potentially the same players. Obviously, the Maritime Hockey League has been a dominant force in Atlantic Canada for what seems to be eons, but how will that league, and its franchises react to this news?

To be honest, I know nothing about the NCDC, I have never watched one single game or know anything about the players that call that league home. Nevertheless, like anything else, there will be people that don’t know anything about the league and instead of taking the time to build knowledge they will automatically criticize it or downplay its impact. Often the hockey world mirrors society in that if people don’t understand something they automatically will fear it.

Clearly having another junior league entering the region could appear or be perceived to be bad for business for the well-established and well known MHL, but there’s probably more questions than answers right now.

The drafting process could be no doubt one area of massive concern for both leagues given the talent pool and history of some players not reporting or only coming to the league after spending time in other leagues and coming back to the MHL in the latter stages of their junior careers.

How old is the NCDC? What kind of players do teams attract? What type of recruitment options do they boast? What’s the caliber of hockey look like compared to the MHL?  What about territorial picks, what will that look like moving forward with two leagues present in the same province?

The landscape of U18 AAA hockey in this region is also in some influx right now with rumours of a “wild west” approach with the fall of borders to start as early as this fall.

Choice is always controversial when it comes to the game of hockey, but with the introduction of a new junior league and multiple teams in the region players and their families will no doubt weigh their options even more before making their final decisions.

Options are great to have, but making the right decision is critical for the overall experience and development of any player. Obviously, people should always be mindful or beware of organizations or leagues for that matter that make sweeping statements about player development and recruitment, because there’s no true guarantees or sure things when it comes to that level.

Competition in certain markets, especially in the game of hockey should only strengthen the caliber and quality of the sport. Now isn’t the time to harshly criticize particular leagues or organizations, now’s the time to be innovative and make creative changes that promote true growth and development of the leagues and for all those involved. 

Having a junior hockey league in this region that potentially targets younger players would benefit players and the league, but that’s one propositional that potentially will never occur which is troubling.

Having U18 AAA leagues more focused on development and not trying to “lure” or convince players to come back for a 3^rd year at the level in hopes of winning banners, hoisting trophies or being part of the leadership group would also benefit everyone involved.

Being set in their ways or relying on a “steep” tradition or brand is safe and all, but also very dangerous in a world that is ever changing and constantly evolving.

Good for business takes on an entirely new meaning when new competitors enter the equation. Now is the time to make fundamental changes to strengthen the impact that each market can have on players and reemphasize player development and being a key factor in their journey in the game.

You can learn a lot by just watching. You can learn a lot by watching how people or organizations react to change. Then there were two.