2024-25 Players Graduating

[Swampy]

Surprised no team has taken a flyer on Ondrej.

Someone's going to pick him up, there has been a lot of interest in him.

He might be more interested in European leagues, considering the state of our country and it's immigration policy. He's likely on a student visa. Who knows what hoops he has to jump through (especially at 6'6"!!)

I forgot the student visa angle of it. Also a factor for sure. Though I'd be mildly surprised if he goes back to Europe. As we've talked about, you can't teach 6'6" (plus he's also pretty good at the whole hockey thing) and it's likely enough that one or more NHL teams will want to take a flyer on him. (Y'all already know who I want that to be, lol.) With an ELC similar to Bancroft's, he could be in the $150K a year range without playing a single NHL game - that's likely much more than he can get in Europe. Plus, the "boom" of the NHL - if he can secure a stable roster spot, it could be worth millions of dollars. Additionally, if it "doesn't work out" in North America and he tops out in the minor leagues, it's easier to go back to Europe to be a star there than it is to go from Europe to America.

I'd also note that Czechia's also got a tumultous political climate, if we want to go there, though I'd suspect that's not his number one priority, lol.

Wouldn't the most sensible thing be to join a Canadian NHL team?

(Except for Canada's tariffs on U.S.-produced goods, there wouldn't be much else standing in the way.)

[Jeff Hopkins '82]

Surprised no team has taken a flyer on Ondrej.

Someone's going to pick him up, there has been a lot of interest in him.

He might be more interested in European leagues, considering the state of our country and it's immigration policy. He's likely on a student visa. Who knows what hoops he has to jump through (especially at 6'6"!!)

I forgot the student visa angle of it. Also a factor for sure. Though I'd be mildly surprised if he goes back to Europe. As we've talked about, you can't teach 6'6" (plus he's also pretty good at the whole hockey thing) and it's likely enough that one or more NHL teams will want to take a flyer on him. (Y'all already know who I want that to be, lol.) With an ELC similar to Bancroft's, he could be in the $150K a year range without playing a single NHL game - that's likely much more than he can get in Europe. Plus, the "boom" of the NHL - if he can secure a stable roster spot, it could be worth millions of dollars. Additionally, if it "doesn't work out" in North America and he tops out in the minor leagues, it's easier to go back to Europe to be a star there than it is to go from Europe to America.

I'd also note that Czechia's also got a tumultous political climate, if we want to go there, though I'd suspect that's not his number one priority, lol.

Wouldn't the most sensible thing be to join a Canadian NHL team?

(Except for Canada's tariffs on U.S.-produced goods, there wouldn't be much else standing in the way.)

Crossing the border to play US teams?

[stereax]

Surprised no team has taken a flyer on Ondrej.

Someone's going to pick him up, there has been a lot of interest in him.

He might be more interested in European leagues, considering the state of our country and it's immigration policy. He's likely on a student visa. Who knows what hoops he has to jump through (especially at 6'6"!!)

I forgot the student visa angle of it. Also a factor for sure. Though I'd be mildly surprised if he goes back to Europe. As we've talked about, you can't teach 6'6" (plus he's also pretty good at the whole hockey thing) and it's likely enough that one or more NHL teams will want to take a flyer on him. (Y'all already know who I want that to be, lol.) With an ELC similar to Bancroft's, he could be in the $150K a year range without playing a single NHL game - that's likely much more than he can get in Europe. Plus, the "boom" of the NHL - if he can secure a stable roster spot, it could be worth millions of dollars. Additionally, if it "doesn't work out" in North America and he tops out in the minor leagues, it's easier to go back to Europe to be a star there than it is to go from Europe to America.

I'd also note that Czechia's also got a tumultous political climate, if we want to go there, though I'd suspect that's not his number one priority, lol.

Wouldn't the most sensible thing be to join a Canadian NHL team?

(Except for Canada's tariffs on U.S.-produced goods, there wouldn't be much else standing in the way.)

And the Canadian tax rates and price levels. And the fact that he'd be spending significant time in the US anyway. If he is upset enough with the American political climate that he doesn't want to stay here (which is quite unlikely - hockey players skew conservative, and those that don't won't often "make a stand" like that, especially leaving significant money on the table), he would most likely go back to Czechia. That being said, even if the end goal is Czechia, he'd likely be better-served playing in the American minors for a year or few anyway to have a body of work at the pro level that will get him a large ("star" level) contract in Europe. Right now, he doesn't have that.

[stereax]

Kempf to the Eagles (Avs AHL team). O'Leary following Shane to Norfolk.

[stereax]

From Big Red Hockey (@hockey_cornell_):

Big Red games to watch:

Tim Rego and the Swamp Rabbits take on the Icemen at 7
Michael Suda and the Ghost Pirates take on the Everglades at 7:30
Ian Shane and the Admirals take on the Heartlanders at 8
Dalton Bancroft and the Bruins take on the Checkers at 7:05
Jack O'Leary is set to make his pro debut tonight for the Admirals!! Tune in at 8 pm!

[stereax]

Only Penney and Psenicka remain.

[Dafatone]

Kempf to the Eagles (Avs AHL team). O'Leary following Shane to Norfolk.

Avs love them some Cornell defensemen.

[jtwcornell91]

Surprised no team has taken a flyer on Ondrej.

Someone's going to pick him up, there has been a lot of interest in him.

He might be more interested in European leagues, considering the state of our country and it's immigration policy. He's likely on a student visa. Who knows what hoops he has to jump through (especially at 6'6"!!)

I forgot the student visa angle of it. Also a factor for sure. Though I'd be mildly surprised if he goes back to Europe. As we've talked about, you can't teach 6'6" (plus he's also pretty good at the whole hockey thing) and it's likely enough that one or more NHL teams will want to take a flyer on him. (Y'all already know who I want that to be, lol.) With an ELC similar to Bancroft's, he could be in the $150K a year range without playing a single NHL game - that's likely much more than he can get in Europe. Plus, the "boom" of the NHL - if he can secure a stable roster spot, it could be worth millions of dollars. Additionally, if it "doesn't work out" in North America and he tops out in the minor leagues, it's easier to go back to Europe to be a star there than it is to go from Europe to America.

I'd also note that Czechia's also got a tumultous political climate, if we want to go there, though I'd suspect that's not his number one priority, lol.

The World Championships start in 5 weeks.  The roster doesn't seem to be out yet: https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2025/wm/teams/roster/61445/czechia but that often depends on which AHL and NHL teams have been eliminated from the playoffs by the time of the tournament.

[scoop85]

Only Penney and Psenicka remain.

I have to imagine both will be landing somewhere soon

[stereax]

Surprised no team has taken a flyer on Ondrej.

Someone's going to pick him up, there has been a lot of interest in him.

He might be more interested in European leagues, considering the state of our country and it's immigration policy. He's likely on a student visa. Who knows what hoops he has to jump through (especially at 6'6"!!)

I forgot the student visa angle of it. Also a factor for sure. Though I'd be mildly surprised if he goes back to Europe. As we've talked about, you can't teach 6'6" (plus he's also pretty good at the whole hockey thing) and it's likely enough that one or more NHL teams will want to take a flyer on him. (Y'all already know who I want that to be, lol.) With an ELC similar to Bancroft's, he could be in the $150K a year range without playing a single NHL game - that's likely much more than he can get in Europe. Plus, the "boom" of the NHL - if he can secure a stable roster spot, it could be worth millions of dollars. Additionally, if it "doesn't work out" in North America and he tops out in the minor leagues, it's easier to go back to Europe to be a star there than it is to go from Europe to America.

I'd also note that Czechia's also got a tumultous political climate, if we want to go there, though I'd suspect that's not his number one priority, lol.

The World Championships start in 5 weeks.  The roster doesn't seem to be out yet: https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2025/wm/teams/roster/61445/czechia but that often depends on which AHL and NHL teams have been eliminated from the playoffs by the time of the tournament.

Are we seriously saying Psenicka on the Worlds team. I love him but no, guys. If that happens I will cry tears of joy, but it's not.

[arugula]

Correct.

[Swampy]

Surprised no team has taken a flyer on Ondrej.

Someone's going to pick him up, there has been a lot of interest in him.

He might be more interested in European leagues, considering the state of our country and it's immigration policy. He's likely on a student visa. Who knows what hoops he has to jump through (especially at 6'6"!!)

I forgot the student visa angle of it. Also a factor for sure. Though I'd be mildly surprised if he goes back to Europe. As we've talked about, you can't teach 6'6" (plus he's also pretty good at the whole hockey thing) and it's likely enough that one or more NHL teams will want to take a flyer on him. (Y'all already know who I want that to be, lol.) With an ELC similar to Bancroft's, he could be in the $150K a year range without playing a single NHL game - that's likely much more than he can get in Europe. Plus, the "boom" of the NHL - if he can secure a stable roster spot, it could be worth millions of dollars. Additionally, if it "doesn't work out" in North America and he tops out in the minor leagues, it's easier to go back to Europe to be a star there than it is to go from Europe to America.

I'd also note that Czechia's also got a tumultous political climate, if we want to go there, though I'd suspect that's not his number one priority, lol.

Wouldn't the most sensible thing be to join a Canadian NHL team?

(Except for Canada's tariffs on U.S.-produced goods, there wouldn't be much else standing in the way.)

And the Canadian tax rates and price levels. And the fact that he'd be spending significant time in the US anyway. If he is upset enough with the American political climate that he doesn't want to stay here (which is quite unlikely - hockey players skew conservative, and those that don't won't often "make a stand" like that, especially leaving significant money on the table), he would most likely go back to Czechia. That being said, even if the end goal is Czechia, he'd likely be better-served playing in the American minors for a year or few anyway to have a body of work at the pro level that will get him a large ("star" level) contract in Europe. Right now, he doesn't have that.

I understood the reference to

the state of our country and it's immigration policy. He's likely on a student visa.

to imply that he's in danger of having his student visa revoked and finding himself "disappeared" to Gitmo, El Slaveador, or some place worse. If he joined a Canadian NHL team, he could get a Canadian visa and not have to deal with Washington's anti-immigrant ideology. As for Canadian tax rates, he'd get health care, childcare benefits, and other things paid with taxes. Regarding price levels, it would depend on where he's located. ChatGPT gives the following costs of living:

• If New York City = 100:
• Toronto ~75-80
• Vancouver ~85-90
• Montreal ~65
• Mid-sized U.S. cities ~50-70

[The Rancor]

Surprised no team has taken a flyer on Ondrej.

Someone's going to pick him up, there has been a lot of interest in him.

He might be more interested in European leagues, considering the state of our country and it's immigration policy. He's likely on a student visa. Who knows what hoops he has to jump through (especially at 6'6"!!)

I forgot the student visa angle of it. Also a factor for sure. Though I'd be mildly surprised if he goes back to Europe. As we've talked about, you can't teach 6'6" (plus he's also pretty good at the whole hockey thing) and it's likely enough that one or more NHL teams will want to take a flyer on him. (Y'all already know who I want that to be, lol.) With an ELC similar to Bancroft's, he could be in the $150K a year range without playing a single NHL game - that's likely much more than he can get in Europe. Plus, the "boom" of the NHL - if he can secure a stable roster spot, it could be worth millions of dollars. Additionally, if it "doesn't work out" in North America and he tops out in the minor leagues, it's easier to go back to Europe to be a star there than it is to go from Europe to America.

I'd also note that Czechia's also got a tumultous political climate, if we want to go there, though I'd suspect that's not his number one priority, lol.

Wouldn't the most sensible thing be to join a Canadian NHL team?

(Except for Canada's tariffs on U.S.-produced goods, there wouldn't be much else standing in the way.)

And the Canadian tax rates and price levels. And the fact that he'd be spending significant time in the US anyway. If he is upset enough with the American political climate that he doesn't want to stay here (which is quite unlikely - hockey players skew conservative, and those that don't won't often "make a stand" like that, especially leaving significant money on the table), he would most likely go back to Czechia. That being said, even if the end goal is Czechia, he'd likely be better-served playing in the American minors for a year or few anyway to have a body of work at the pro level that will get him a large ("star" level) contract in Europe. Right now, he doesn't have that.

I understood the reference to

the state of our country and it's immigration policy. He's likely on a student visa.

to imply that he's in danger of having his student visa revoked and finding himself "disappeared" to Gitmo, El Slaveador, or some place worse. If he joined a Canadian NHL team, he could get a Canadian visa and not have to deal with Washington's anti-immigrant ideology. As for Canadian tax rates, he'd get health care, childcare benefits, and other things paid with taxes. Regarding price levels, it would depend on where he's located. ChatGPT gives the following costs of living:

• If New York City = 100:
• Toronto ~75-80
• Vancouver ~85-90
• Montreal ~65
• Mid-sized U.S. cities ~50-70

Correct. Him being here on a student visa might be a complication to get a work visa in the current political environment. I don't know that he's in danger of being gitmo'ed but who the hell knows anymore. Everyone I know that has any status other than the blue passport is worried about crossing in or out of the US right now. I'm guessing the NHL/AHL/ECHL has a special visa hotline? Or did that get cut too?

[CU2007]

Multiple things can be true. Our alumni having success in the pros is good for the program. That's why they have all those pictures of alumni in NHL and Olympic jerseys in the hallway. All schools do this and it does impact recruiting. That being said, Bancroft leaving makes next year's team worse. Undoubtedly true. Bearlover is within his rights to say "aww shucks that's too bad" as it relates to the chances of next year's success. But we can also hope that now that Dalton has made his decision, he goes on to a long and prosperous career which gets Cornell Hockey positive recognition as a good place for players to develop and hopefully helps get us the next productive player. And on and on she goes.

[scoop85]

Multiple things can be true. Our alumni having success in the pros is good for the program. That's why they have all those pictures of alumni in NHL and Olympic jerseys in the hallway. All schools do this and it does impact recruiting. That being said, Bancroft leaving makes next year's team worse. Undoubtedly true. Bearlover is within his rights to say "aww shucks that's too bad" as it relates to the chances of next year's success. But we can also hope that now that Dalton has made his decision, he goes on to a long and prosperous career which gets Cornell Hockey positive recognition as a good place for players to develop and hopefully helps get us the next productive player. And on and on she goes.

Nicely stated