Posted by Jayson on 27th November 2003 at 23:03 GMT
Posted from 195.93.65.9 (cache-frr-ae06.proxy.aol.com)
In reply to Re: Playing hockey in Europe posted by Nick V. on 27th November 2003 at 22:37 GMT:
Dont mix all these leagues!
The European leagues are totally different to the North American leagues. We don't have Major Jr. Leagues here - also no College Leagues! So, these leagues are out.
Btw, the AHL, ECHL, UHL, CHL, SEHL, WHA2 are MINOR PRO LEAGUES.
Guys from this leagues do have chances to play in Europe. As we have a IMPORT LIMIT in all leagues, coaches/managers don't need to sign low level guys from any North American league, they need/want and can get core players from the minor pro leagues.
For example, in Germany:
DEL Teams look for NHL/AHL Guys, 2.Bundesliga teams look for AHL/ECHL Guys, Oberliga Teams for core players out of the ECHL, UHL and CHL.
Players from the Major Jr Leagues as well as the Jr A Leagues dont have a good chance - not 1% from all NA Imports came from this leagues to Europe. Reasons: The good ones are not interested. But the main reason is: European teams dont want them. They are too young, never played pro - why chose these guys in front of a guy who scored 40points in the ECHL?
Of course, some college guys are going to Europe straight after graduation. Due to their age as well as the fact that they are even cheaper, they are interesting for European teams. But only for the second or third leagues.
Btw, if you do have an Italian passport - teams in Italy would be interested in you.
PS: If you reply something like "If you never played hockey, I dont want to talk to you", then why do you ask here?