AN EDUCATED PATH TO THE NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

                              “AN EDUCATED PATH TO THE NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE.”
                                                           The RoughRiders and The USHL

Many young hockey players dream of hoisting Lord Stanley’s Cup as a member of a National Hockey League team. Cedar Rapids RoughRider and Michigan State University alumnus, Justin Abdelkader, did just that when the Detroit RedWings won the Stanley Cup in 2008. While the dream is similar for each player, the path they chose to attain their dream is unique to each of them.

For many, the path includes leaving home at an early age and playing junior hockey in the best developmental league in the world, the United States Hockey League. The sacrifices these players make are many but the rewards are tremendous. Many USHL players go on to play college hockey where they can further develop in a very competitive hockey environment while also pursuing a college education. While at some of the finest universities in the world, college hockey players develop not only as an athlete but also mature as a person and earn an academic degree as well. Four days a week are spent focusing solely on studies, practice and recreation. Time is spent exercising your mind as well as your body and building friendships with fellow student athletes that will last a lifetime.

While in college, student athletes gain the attributes the NCAA has defined as essential: learning, balance, spirit, community, fair play and character. The 35-45 college game season allows for more time in the classroom, more time on the ice honing your skills and more time in the weight room getting your body in top physical condition. The practice/ game ratio is extremely effective in developing young men into NHL caliber players. With the average NHL hockey career lasting a mere four years, the importance of having an education is becoming increasingly important.

For many Cedar Rapids RoughRider players taking “an educated path to the NHL” has proven to be the best path to take.

David Moss- University of Michigan-Calgary Flames
Teddy Purcell-University of Maine- Los Angeles Kings- Tampa Bay Lightning
Justin Abdelkader- Michigan State University-Detroit Red Wings
Derick Peltier- University of Minnesota-Colorado Avalanche
Joe Fallon- University of Vermont- Chicago Blackhawks
Zach Miskovic- St Lawrence University-Washington Capitals
Alec Martinez-Miami University- Los Angeles Kings
Hunter Bishop- Ohio State University-Montreal Canadians
Alex Stalock-University of Minnesota-Duluth-San Jose Sharks
Rob Bordson- University of Minnesota-Duluth-Anaheim Ducks
Ray Kaunisto- Northern Michigan University-Los Angeles Kings
Casey Wellman- UMASS-Amherst-Minnesota Wild
Tommy Wingels- Miami University-San Jose Sharks
Richard Bachman- Colorado College-Dallas Stars
Nathan Perkovich- Lake Superior State University-New Jersey Devils                                                       Bobby Goepfert- St Cloud State University- Anaheim Ducks                                                                       PJ Atherton- University of Minnesota- Tampa Bay Lightning

All of the above players either graduated with a college degree or made significant progress towards its completion. In addition to preparing for the coming season each summer, many continue their education by taking summer classes in an effort to complete their college degree.

While not all of our college bound players have made it to the NHL, the RoughRiders are extremely proud of the 150+ players who have moved onto college hockey. Mark Carlson, RoughRider Head Coach and General Manager, strongly advocates that promising young hockey players follow “an educated path to the NHL”.

“Being a graduate of the college hockey system from UMASS-Lowell, I can definitely attest to the benefits of this path,” said Carlson. “I feel like I am a better coach and hockey executive as a result of my time in college. College is a great environment where players can take their game to the next level,” Carlson added.

“The time spend in college gives these guys much needed balance in their lives and also forces them to learn how to budget their time and set priorities which are critical skills later in life. I would not be where I am today, if I didn’t believe that taking an educated path to the NHL is the best route,” Carlson concluded.