2011 NHL Entry Draft prospects J.T Miller, Connor Murphy, John Gibson prefer OHL over NCAA
It feels like the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) took place more like yesterday, rather than over a month and a half ago, while prospects, J.T Miller, Connor Murphy and John Gibson have already made decisions as to where they will be heading next season,
on the way to preparing for a major league position.
All three players will have to prove themselves to their respective team’s next season whether or not they deserve a spot on the roster and if they can provide something the franchise already does not have. The trio has chosen the Ontario Hockey League (NHL),
over the college, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), considering a former a better opportunity for them.
Miller, a 15th overall draft pick by New York Rangers during the first-round, was learnt to have chosen a contract with Plymouth Whalers over a scholarship to the University of North Dakota, and terms the decision as a quicker route to the NHL.
"I talked to the Rangers and my family and my advisors, and we all came to the conclusion that I'd probably get to the NHL faster by going the Plymouth route", Miller said. "It all came together and it was the best choice for me".
Murphy, an 18-year-old defenseman from Boston, Massachusetts, United States, was selected as the 20th overall by Phoenix Coyotes in June. According to him, school is a very important for him, but in the end, it all comes down to which way would
be faster in ensuring a quick transition to the major league.
The defender chose Sarnia Sting over a chance to play with Miami Ohio University.
John Gibson, a 38th overall pick of the Anaheim Ducks, turned down an offer from University of Michigan in order to play with Kitchener Rangers and expects to learn a lot on his way to the NHL.
"You play a lot more games, like a professional schedule", Gibson. "I'm looking forward to that, getting used to that, and having a lot of pressure".
It might have been a tough decision for all three prospects to give up a college education in order to pursue their professional career, but with hard work comes success and they are certainly out to capture it.
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