The path of an NHL prospect isn’t particularly flashy or extravagant for most of those who pursue it.
Sure, some guys get to play in prestigious events such as the World Juniors, while others get to develop in professional leagues in Europe, sometimes playing with and against former NHLers.
However, for most prospects, especially those who play in the North American junior leagues, it’s far less glamorous. Your weekends involve long, cold bus trips to far-flung, little-known places with names like Prince Albert, Rouyn-Noranda, North Bay and Muskegon.
Just because there isn’t much of a spotlight on these prospects, though, doesn’t mean that they aren’t still developing as hockey players.