[Blakey_Blue]

I think you'd be suprised . For sure it's different and not taken as seriously as in Canada (at least by the general public). You get your fair share of guys who wouldn't make the junior system squads. But the upper echelon of players are every bit as good in my opinion. Keep in mind that the USA Junior Team that won the WJC's this year were almost entirely from the US college system (save maybe 3 or 4 guys including Ryan Kesler, who did play a year of NCAA for Ohio State, Patrick O'Sullivan who plays junior, and Wisniewski who I believe plays Junior as well, and Danny Richmond who bolted after his freshman year at Michigan to play for an OHL club). Jeff Tambellini (Steve Tambellini's son) was offered just this year the opportunity to play junior after his rights were acquired by Kelowna. He turned it down without hesitation to stay here at Michigan. Just for reference, some guys to come up through the college ranks: Marty Turco, Mike Knuble, Mike Comrie, Anson Carter, Rob Blake (did play at least 1 season for Bowling Green), Martin St. Louis, Brad Richards, Steve Sheilds, Brian Gionta, Chris Drury, Dany Heatly (played at Wisconsin before leaving early for the NHL), Brett Hull, Curtis Joseph, Brendan Morrison (played all 4 years I believe), Mike Komisarek, John Madden, Brian Rafalski, Steve Reinprecht...I could go on. Sure there's more history and more enthusiasm surrounding the Canadian Juniors, but I really think you'd be suprised at the quality of the college ranks.