Tonight we previewed the CHL league that will host the Mastercard Memorial Cup, went in depth with the CHL scholarship program, spoke to a future Boston College Eagle who will play in the USHL this season and checked in on the Traverse City rookie tournament as well as went inside the AJHL.
The CHL scholarship program came under some criticism recently by an American college hockey writer named Chris Lerch. We spoke with Lerch last Saturday and tonight welcomed WHL manager of recruitment and player development Tyler Boldt to the program to discuss the education package. Is it really as simple as one game in the league gets you a year of school? Are there different packages for different players? How does playing pro affect the package? We also asked Tyler about an email he sent in the spring urging coaches in Alberta to warn their players about an upcoming College Hockey inc seminar. Tyler gave us an honest answer and we certainly appreciated his not backing down from the issue. (Segment 1)
For the next 2 segments we spoke with 2 writers who cover the QMJHL. Kathleen Lavoie from Le Soliel was back on the program to preview the Telus East and West divisions while Willy Palov from the Halifax Chronicle Herald went through the Atlantic division with us. Saint John seems to be the team to beat this year, although when it comes to a team joining Shawinigan as hosts of the Memorial Cup Kathleen wasn't so sure. What will happen with Sean Couturier should the Flyers return him to junior? Are there any dark horses in the field this year? Is Nathan McKinnon's addition to Halifax enough to push them near the top? Will Quebec's youth keep them from reaching their full potential? Can Danny Flynn will another Moncton team to a playoff run? (Segment 2, Segment 3)
From junior we went the pro route next...sort of. Mike Morreale is covering the Traverse City NHL rookie tournament and gave us the lowdown on 3 on 3 overtime, as well as how several prospects are looking. From Kelowna Rocket and New York Ranger draft pick Shane McColgan to Dallas Star/Windsor Spitfire netminder Jack Campbell to Carolina Hurricane/Calgary Hitmen (maybe) forward Victor Rask and others were discussed. (Segment 4)
Micheal Matheson is a smooth skating blueliner who passed on playing for the Memorial Cup hosts in Shawinigan to skate in the USHL for Dubuque, and eventually Boston College. He was our 2012 draft prospect of the night and told us why he chose that route. How he became such a fluid skater and what the NHL's research and development camp was like. Michael was also a member of Canada's gold medal winning team at the recent Ivan Hlinka tournament. (Segment 5)
We wrapped the show with out newest segment, Inside the AJHL. Each Tuesday the voice of the Sherwood Park Crusaders Taylor Medak will bring us stories from the league as well as a game of the week to check out. We also debated whether or not the CHL should institute a one fight per game rule or not. (Segment 6)You can hear it all...or hear it again, simply by heading to the media archive section of our website where you can hear every interview we've ever done on The Pipeline Show.
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