In 2000-1, there were 36 rookies from Canada, 4 from the United States, and 33 from Europe in the National Hockey League.  The tables have definitely turned since that season (See below), especially with the rise in U.S.A Hockey (Mirtle).  Maybe, we want to change the title to North American Hockey League with a twist of lemon Europeans.  I understand the difficulty with the NHL- IIHF transfer agreement, which was actually re-opened for negotiation two weeks ago, according to the IIHF.  Even Major League Baseball organizations pay top dollar for the rights to certain Japanese players in the posting system, which “was implemented to prevent Japanese teams from losing young star players to the Major Leagues without compensation.”

Other than Canadians, which will always remain ahead of the pack, this is the first time in seven seasons that there are fewer European rookies entering the league.  I do not believe that this will have a negative impact on the future of the NHL outside of America.  If anything, the SM-liiga, premier professional ice hockey league in Finland, and one of the best in Europe, is thriving.  Many of its players are being signed by NHL teams.  For example, Calgary Flames’ Miikka Kiprusoff and the Minnesota Wild’ Niklas Bäckström are both starting goaltenders in the NHL after succeeding and winning awards for their respective Finish league.

"Here's a look at that data, by country of birth (players from this season must be on pace to play 30 games):" (Mirtle)

 Canadian-born players represent half of the league, while U.S.-born skaters comprise nearly 18 percent.  According to Mirtle, the talent pool in the United States college-level ice hockey has increased dramatically.

Just ask the New Jersey Devils and their long-list of stockpiling NCAA skaters from Brian Gionta, David Hale to Paul Martin and Zach Parise.  Of course, Patrik Elias, Dainius Zubrus, Sergei Brylin, Johhny Oduya are among six Devils' who represent Europe, Russia.  There are also nine from Canada, including Martin Brodeur, John Madden, and Travis Zajac.  You can see a melting pot of NHL players on the Devils current roster.  I hope there is no language barrier.

Devils on Current Roster (non-injured):

Canada: Nine

United States: Eight

Europe/Russia: Six

As Mirtle concluded, "U.S.A. Hockey is on the rise, and we're already seeing it at the sport's premier level. It's only a matter of time before American clubs become more of a force on the international level, and that's when we'll really start to take notice of just how much more American-bred the NHL has become.

Canada's still No. 1 when it comes to producing NHL-calibre talent, but we've now got a definitive No. 2."

In my opinion, I always believed in North American sports.  I think we are fortunate in live in two of the greatest countries in the world.  We will never forget Jaromir Jagr and the hundreds if not thousands of European-born athletes who migrate to America for our competitive leagues, freedoms, and most importantly, money to support their families.

Nevertheless, we just one-upped them again.  What a feeling.

• ‹ previous
• 268 of 431
• next ›