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	Major Jr. hockey within the hockey world is still by far and away the premier Jr. League. Players in this league are all gunning for the same thing, the NHL. Excellent fan support, quality media coverage and exposure to NHL scouts are all drawing points for Major Jr. hockey.       Players choosing Major Jr. as a career path are generally focused on bettering themselves for the NHL. The intensity of the game combined with the schedule prepare these players for the jump they hope to make. All Major Jr. players forfeit their U.S. Div. I eligibility by simply playing in the league. In order to combat this, the Major Jr. leagues have taken the initiative to provide 1yr of funding towards post secondary schooling per player per year played in the league. What this has done is allow players the chance to chase their NHL dreams while still being covered for school. Today, more and more players that pursue this level take advantage of this scholarship money by graduating to the CIS after their junior eligibility runs out. When considering Major Junior hockey, a player should clarify and qualify the education funding available with the team and league. Ask questions like how much per year? What does that cover? How long following my departure from the league is the money still available for schooling? These and many more questions are important, and we urge you to make sure that you have the answers.       Rookies entering the league will generally be young players around the ages of 15-17. For most, it will be their first time away from home. Combine this with playing top notch hockey and adapting to the league often becomes a challenge for the players.       During their Major Jr. years, players will be faced with issues such as hiring agents, contact with NHL scouts, the pressures of being drafted, as well as being rated by central scouting. This can be a difficult time for any player, and we encourage you to seek out advice and guidance from coaches or players who have experienced what you are going through. This will help you to be prepared for what you are facing.       Major Jr. players will most often take their game to a higher level following their Major Jr. careers. The choices that present themselves the most are that of the various pro leagues as well as the CIS. With nearly as many players pursuing education in Canada after Major Junior as those graduating from Junior A in the U.S., the CIS has become a major breeding ground for graduating Major Junior players. Whatever the player decides, the options to further their careers are available.       Major Jr. remains the primary source from which NHL teams draw. This fact alone draws talented players from all over the world to compete at the Major Jr. level. This talent level makes for the best Jr. hockey on the planet. Major Junior Leagues Professional Leagues
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