The Push and Pull and U SPORTS Advantages
- Dale Henwood
- Jan 20
- 2 min read
It is increasingly difficult to navigate the complex hockey industry as a young player or parent. For many, U SPORTS is the best options for their career as U SPORTS is the pathway that delivers.
Recently, Advancement Hockey Advisor Services featured a series of posts with messages about the value of the U SPORTS option. Key recruiting messages to prospective players could include the following:
Value of U SPORTS
U SPORTS players are typically older and stronger (20 to 25 years old)
Many CHL or high-end Junior A/Tier 2 backgrounds making it elite competition
The speed, structure and physicality often match or exceed NCAA Division 1 and is elite hockey and wildly unappreciated!
The Untold Story
The focus is on development – as a player and a person
U SPORTS hockey is one of the most underrated pathways in North America
Fast, physical and experienced hockey with older players, higher IQ and pro habits
You can still go pro afterwards
You earn a real degree while playing elite university hockey
For Canadians it’s far more affordable than NCAA alternatives
The New Landscape
There has been a massive shift in the hockey landscape as the NCAA has been gifted a pool of talent that previously was not available.
As many players move South, this creates more openings for players from across Canada
Programs want mature, smart, coachable players who can step in right away
U SPORTS is the Top Tier
U SPORTS is a major pathway; it’s high-level university hockey
The competition is fierce and development-focused
It’s affordable, respected and built for long term success
You should be proud to play U SPORTS, not everyone gets the chance
Don’t overlook options just because they aren’t the traditional path
The Academic Edge
Canadian tuition is far cheaper than US private D1 schools; International tuition conversions make NCAA Division 1 extremely costly for Canadians
U SPORTS schools offer scholarships, including partial and full rides
You earn a respected Canadian degree with strong career pathways
You graduate with less debt, more options and still elite hockey
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