OHL reporter Ryan Pyette is taking questions from fans and colleagues about what’s happening on the ice, in the general managers’ suites and in the league office throughout the season. Have a question? Put it in the comment section below or email us at [email protected]
Q: Can you give us any new thoughts on the NCAA rule change, allowing CHL players to go to American schools, now that the dust has started to settle?
A: I think some kids that would have been reluctant to come to the OHL, maybe they would have played Tier II in B.C. or gone to the United States Hockey League, they don’t have to worry at age 15 or 16 any more – the OHL is now an option. A bunch of kids have already done that. The big test, as CHL boss Dan MacKenzie told me, is after the draft in 2025. Let’s see how many commit to the OHL.
Q: Reader Wayne Chalkley asks: Is there any limit on the number of players a team can gain or lose in a single season?
A: I think that’s one of those rules that needs to be sorted out. If a program loses all its players, obviously that’s a problem. I think some teams are asking themselves, what are we willing to lose? But it’s better for the players because it’ll force some of these teams that aren’t very well run to spend some money. One example is a workout room. OHL teams need to keep pace with NCAA schools, which have really good ones.
Q: Reader Marc Crawford notes the London Knights drafted likely No. 1 NHL pick James Hagens a few years ago. With the NCAA changes, is there any chance he comes to London?
A: I think it was the fifth or sixth round two or three years ago. He’s 18 now, he’s playing in the NCAA for Boston College. The guys the Knights are going to get will be the ones who aren’t playing much for their college team. Anthony Stolarz, for example, left because he wasn’t starting for the University of Nebraska and came to London. Now he’s the Maple Leafs starter. But Hagens is going to get premium minutes at Boston College, they’re not going to screw that up. It’s very unlikely he’ll come to London.
Q: Reader Jim Evershed laments the cost of going to OHL games, saying it’s close to $200 for a family of four to watch the Ottawa 67’s. He asks: Is the OHL at risk of pricing itself out of the reach of fans?
A: Everything is expensive and it’s painful. People have to make a choice. But the concern doesn’t square with the attendance figures. The attendance numbers are really good. It’s obviously expensive, it’s a real commitment to go to a game, but compared to other forms of live sports it’s a good deal. I was in Guelph the other day and there were 4,800 people in the stands.