By François Biber

Ron MacLean says university hockey is a second chance for some

Mar 14, 2013 | 12:03 PM

If the PotashCorp University Cup couldn’t get any better, players and coached in the tournament had the chance to bump elbows with one half of Hockey Night in Canada.

Ron MacLean was the keynote speaker at the SaskTel Awards Gala on March 13 at TCU Place. Prior to the ceremony, he told reporters how this national championship could be where Canadians see the highest level of hockey.

“This type of hockey affords the guys a balanced approach to life. It’s a combination between education and the game that they’ve now become familiar with,” said MacLean.

“They’ve served their apprenticeship and now they’re in a position to actually use what they had learnt, coupled with the size of being an older adult. So you really get some of the best hockey.”

In an era where NHL general managers are trying to ice the best teams under a firm salary cap, university hockey programs are a second chance for some of the more elite players to catch the attention of pro scouts.

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“The salary cap world, it’s tough. People are looking for that $500,000 to $1 million player, that guy that’s affordable. It usually came in the way of the kid with the entry level contract, but this is another new opening for a guy to have that second chance.”

MacLean used the example of Toronto Maple Leafs Mike Kostka and Ottawa Senators defenceman Eric Gryba.

“A couple of injuries with Jared Cowen and Erik Karlsson out, Gryba comes out and it’s like he owns the place,” said MacLean about the 24-year-old Boston University product.

“(At Boston University) he was so far down on the depth chart and now he’s established himself as an absolute top four defenseman.”

MacLean said the same about Kotska, a 27-year-old defenseman who has secured his spot as a top four point-man with the Leafs.

Having spent 25 years reporting on hockey with the CBC, MacLean has done it all. And when asked about the NHL’s current superstars, he responded by saying there’s no shortage of talent in the league.

“(Sidney) Crosby can take the puck from his own end and go to the far end before he needs to make a play, he doesn’t pass it. He is at another level and it’s great to see,” said MacLean.

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