Colleges facing more competition for talent

June 28, 2004

The Minnesota Junior Hockey League’s emphasis on putting its players into college has been well documented. And, with close to 20 commitments as of mid-June, is clear every organization is doing its job.

With the caliber of play and the character of the player becoming more desirable every year, colleges are finding a more competitive atmosphere in hopes of landing the MJHL’s finest.

Both Lawrence University coach Dave Ruhly and St. Olaf College boss Sean Goldsworthy are seeing that firsthand.

“The level of hockey in the MJHL has grown considerably the last three years,” said Ruhly. “With that, more and more colleges are taking players from the MJHL.”

Because of the MJHL’s enhanced competition, many of its players are now able to be thrown right into college hockey’s fire.

“I’ve been successful in recruiting student-athletes from the MJHL the past four years, both as role players and impact players during their first years here,” said Goldsworthy.

For MJHL general managers like Scott Ludwig, he’s making sure his players have a number of options after their days with the St. Paul Lakers.

“I think the MJHL has taken tremendous steps forward the past few seasons and the college coaches are really taking notice,” he said.

The colleges also give a lot of credit to the MJHL teams’ coaches and general managers for keeping them in the loop on all the players’ activities, both on the ice and in the classroom.

“There’s no question the organizations in the MJHL have a solid perspective on creating academic and athletic opportunities for these players to move onto the collegiate level,” said Goldsworthy.