How New Rules & Rising Stars Are Reshaping Hockey's Path to the Top

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The landscape is shifting. Major junior players are eyeing college hockey. And a 16-year-old from Whitehorse is making everyone rethink what's possible.

The old rulebook about development paths? It's getting rewritten right before our eyes – from the WHL to the NCAA and everywhere in between.

Here's what we'll cover in less than 5 minutes:

• The Connor Levis Story Shows How the Game is Changing

• The McKenna Effect: A Teenage Phenom's Game-Changing Impact

• The Game Doesn't Lie: A Lesson From Stu Barnes

Let's dive in!

CHL to NCAA: The Connor Levis Story Shows How the Game is Changing

Let me break down a fascinating development that's got the hockey world talking.

Connor Levis just committed to Bowling Green, which normally wouldn't raise eyebrows. But here's the twist - he played AHL games last season. And he's currently playing in the CHL.

Wait... what?

The Old Rules

Traditionally, this was simple:

• Play CHL = No NCAA

• Play AHL = Definitely no NCAA

• Get paid to play = Goodbye college eligibility

The New Reality

The NCAA has gotten smarter. They've realized that amateur tryouts (ATOs) are part of player development. Now, as long as you only get basic expenses covered (travel, hotel, meals), you can still play college hockey.

The Fine Print

Agents across hockey are saying the same thing: "Show me the paperwork." Because details matter. One extra payment beyond expenses and the NCAA door slams shut.

The Bigger Picture

This isn't just about Connor Levis. It's about players having more paths available in their development. And in hockey, more paths mean better opportunities to find the right fit.

The McKenna Effect: Why This 16-Year-Old Could Change Hockey's Future

Let's talk about Gavin McKenna and why the hockey world can't stop buzzing about him.

Here's what's wild: A 16-year-old kid (born December 20, 2007) is putting up superstar numbers in the WHL - 60 points in 30 games. Against players up to 20 years old. To put that in perspective, he's dominating players who are finishing junior hockey while he's young enough to just be starting.

But it's not just about his remarkable scoring pace.

McKenna is perfectly positioned to become hockey's first mega-recruit. He could be:

• The top NHL draft pick in 2026

• The most sought-after NCAA recruit ever

• A CHL superstar

Think about that leverage. No elite prospect has ever had these options before.

The "McKenna Rule"

We might look back at this moment as the start of a new era - where top prospects don't have to choose between major junior and college hockey. They can test both waters.

The kid from Whitehorse isn't just scoring points in the WHL. He might be writing the playbook for future elite prospects.

P.S. Two years from now, player agents will be telling their clients "let's try the McKenna strategy."

The Game Doesn't Lie: A Lesson From Stu Barnes

When I was coaching with the Dallas Stars, I had the privilege of working alongside Stu Barnes - one of the most genuine and honest people you'll ever meet in hockey. His wisdom about the game, much like his character, was always straight and true.

One of his sayings still echoes in my mind:

"You can't cheat the game. The game will always put you back in your place."

Think about that for a minute.

You might catch a lucky break. Maybe you move up a level and score a few quick goals. Maybe you make that team you weren't supposed to make. For a moment, it feels like you've figured out a shortcut.

But hockey has a way of sorting things out.

The Game Knows

• It knows how how hard you’re working on the ice

• It knows if you're really doing the work in the gym

• It knows if you're taking care of your body

• It knows if you're mentally prepared

This isn't just coach-talk from Stu. This is wisdom from a man who played over 1,000 NHL games and continues to impact players' lives today. He understands that success in hockey isn't about finding shortcuts. It's about embracing the long road.

Because eventually, the game sorts everyone out. It puts you exactly where your work ethic, dedication, and preparation say you should be.

Next time you think about skipping that workout or taking it easy in practice, remember: The game knows. It always knows.

- Mike

That’s all for now! Hope you enjoyed it.

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Thank you!

Mike