| In the Canadian junior ice hockey system almost | | | | players.Players that do not make the American |
| every young player dreams about one day making it | | | | Hockey League find themselves looking for a job in |
| to the National Hockey League.When you do a fast | | | | the minor leagues at the level below. A few of these |
| count in your head you soon realize that there are a | | | | leagues are East Coast Hockey League, Central |
| huge number of guys playing junior hockey in Canada. | | | | Hockey League and the United Hockey League.As |
| You also soon realize that very few of these ice | | | | you understand the players do not make as much |
| hockey players actually will make it to the National | | | | money in the minors as they do in the NHL and life is |
| Hockey League.This article will focus on all those ice | | | | tougher as well.You still play about 70 to 80 games a |
| hockey players that do not make it directly to the | | | | season in the minors and it is very rare that teams at |
| NHL.These players have to prove themselves in the | | | | this level travel by plane. So, if you do not know how |
| minor hockey system, before a few of them head | | | | to sleep on a bus, you better learn. Fast!A game day |
| up to the NHL where they want to play.The minor | | | | in the life of a minor league ice hockey player could |
| hockey leagues are as follows:At the level below the | | | | look like this:You wake up at around eight, have |
| National Hockey League you find the American | | | | breakfast and arrive at the rink at nine. At the rink |
| Hockey League and here most of the players have | | | | you make sure that your equipment is OK and you |
| NHL contracts. It is good ice hockey with many good | | | | get ready for the mandatory pre-game skate. |