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The new approach to recruiting puts play- er development as its primary focus. In other words, allowing kids to be kids and play the game they love without any more outside pressure. "There is still a large percentage of families that go through the youth sports experience without ever stepping into this process and are left to enjoy it for what it is," Paluch said. "It's a positive experience for their children and athletes. When people start using a college acceptance or college scholarship to target a youth athlete's measure of success at age 12 or 13—they don't match up very well. I think it can create a poor experience." Cleveland Monsters general manager Chris Clark believes the new rules takes the pres- sure off of teens from trying to impress scouts. Clark played four years for the Clarkson Golden Knights before embarking on an eight-season NHL career. " We preach patience in development at every level, but the recruitment model in recent years has flown in the face of that," said Clark, a member of USA Hockey's board of directors. "This is an important step by NCAA hockey that will allow players to take their time and not feel like they need to chase a commitment that is likely several years away." The changes are just not aimed at young skaters. It also provides families more time to consider their college options. "It's an important decision for a family and a player," said University of Minnesota Duluth coach Scott Sandelin. " We wanted them to make a better decision when they are a little bit older and they have a little more education on certain things. I think that's we are trying to do." Sandelin cites Mikey Anderson as an exam- ple of a young player he felt uncomfort- able recruiting. Anderson committed to the Bulldogs as an eighth grader. He played two seasons for Minnesota Duluth before signing with the Los Angeles Kings after they drafted him in the fourth round in June. Sandelin also had a late bloomer in Alex Iafallo, who committed to the Bulldogs as a senior and now also plays for the Kings. York also had some players who committed as high school seniors—Philadelphia's Kevin Hayes and Pittsburgh's Brian Dumoulin—who eventually made the NHL. With the inception of this new rule, York is relieved that he doesn't have to worry about wooing high school freshmen to come to Chestnut Hill. Now, players will still be there two years later, better prepared, mentally and physically, and ready to tackle the rigors of college hockey. "We all came to our senses and said, 'This is not the right way to do things.'" P Tom Worgo is a freelance writer based in Annapolis, Md. PHOTOS BY Getty Images C O L L E G E H O C K E Y R E C R U I T I N G The thrill of playing college hockey can wait until a player is mentally and physically ready for the rigors of being a student athlete. The whole process was Looney Tunes. Ninety percent of the coaches in America understand a 14-year-old has trouble matching the color of his socks. And they had no idea on academics. How were they going to do in algebra or in foreign languages? What a game that was." JERRY YORK HEAD COACH AT BOSTON COLLEGE 44 // SEPTEMBER 2019 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM