USHL and the NHL Draft

Found a nice article this morning (well at least morning in Pacific Time) by the Hockey News about the increase in USHL players being drafting by NHL teams, and the USHL's relation to NCAA Hockey. Patrick Wiercioch is quoted in the article as well.

In 2007 around 17% of the kids drafted were from the USHL, pretty impressive.

The articles makes some great points about 18 year olds playing against 22 year olds, and the type of development that fosters, which is very similar to NCAA Hockey. The CHL maxes out at 20 year old.

Since the Badgers have a lot of recruits in the USHL, its good to see the league get some good press.