No one has mentioned what the players want. These kids are old enough to go to work (Ducks kids work), college, military, sit at home playing PlayStation.... They want to play hockey while they can and before they have responsibilities. Playing on a Juniors team actually teaches responsibility, work ethic, team work, dedication, and other life skills important to their future. Forget about hockey a moment and focus on the maturation process. Education is very important and my guess is that starting college at 20/21 with or without hockey is easier for a mature student. Sure these kids have dreams that most of them will not achieve but going for the dream is an important life lesson. Let them go for it. They will decide when it is time to hang up the skates and will be better off for the experience.
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