It should be this year, I personally don't see what he has to gain from another year in the USHL. I'd be shocked if he didn't move to the NCAA next season.
I was wondering the same thing- I have heard varying reports. Here is a release from Michigan which seems to indicate starting on the team this fall.
https://mgoblue.com/news/2024/6/28/ice-hockey-hage-selected-21st-overall-by-montreal-canadiens-in-nhl-draft
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He’s already enrolled at Michigan after playing two seasons and 67 games with the USHL's Chicago Steel. He’ll be joining the college team this fall, which is great for his development given the higher competition level in college hockey, especially at a program like Michigan.
Hage had a solid run with the Chicago Steel, leading the team in goals (33) and assists (42) in 54 games during the 2023-24 season. Moving to college hockey is a natural next step for him.
So, yes, Hage will be playing for the University of Michigan in the 2024-25 season, which is exactly what we were hoping for!
I really like Hage. The way he plays and carry himself on and off the ice remind me a lot of Jack Eichel! Hopefully he can be as impactful and good as him!
Sure, he is presumably receiving a scholarship that will cover his living expenses, and the NCAA program is ideal for development. Not that many games, lots of practice, lots of gym time. Hughes indicated he needs two years to be ready for pro, Michigan is a great place for that to happen.
and also to mention that pro careers are unpredictable and can be short lived. one injury can derail everything. that's why pro players always need backup plans for their after-career
A lot probably don't, but taking one online course at a time or a summer course could also lead to finishing, probably depends on how the team feels about it. If they aren't looking to be in the playoffs, I feel like it would be definitely okay for summer.
The nice thing about college is if he plays well and dominates he can leave after a year or two unlike high end CHL players (Owen Beck) who is stuck until age 21 season. The bad thing is if he doesn’t want to sign he can stay four years and become a free agent (Adam Fox)
Anything can happen in a far, full contact League. I wish we would revamp out system, get rid of the quasi-pro "minor hockey" Laura and develop our robust university hockey into a similar model as the NCAA.
As far as I can remember he is a University of Michigan commit.
Definitely a Michigan commit just trying to see if he is going this year or next. Thanks for the response though!
It should be this year, I personally don't see what he has to gain from another year in the USHL. I'd be shocked if he didn't move to the NCAA next season.
Hopefully Hage can develop a friendship with McGroarty and convince him to sign in Montreal next season
I think they’re already friends. McGroaty made a post about Hage after he got drafted
I was wondering the same thing- I have heard varying reports. Here is a release from Michigan which seems to indicate starting on the team this fall. https://mgoblue.com/news/2024/6/28/ice-hockey-hage-selected-21st-overall-by-montreal-canadiens-in-nhl-draft
That’s exactly what I was looking for! Says he will be there (Michigan) in the fall. Thanks!
Theoretically he will play two seasons with Michigan before he is ready to sign and come on over.
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He’s already enrolled at Michigan after playing two seasons and 67 games with the USHL's Chicago Steel. He’ll be joining the college team this fall, which is great for his development given the higher competition level in college hockey, especially at a program like Michigan. Hage had a solid run with the Chicago Steel, leading the team in goals (33) and assists (42) in 54 games during the 2023-24 season. Moving to college hockey is a natural next step for him. So, yes, Hage will be playing for the University of Michigan in the 2024-25 season, which is exactly what we were hoping for!
I really like Hage. The way he plays and carry himself on and off the ice remind me a lot of Jack Eichel! Hopefully he can be as impactful and good as him!
Seems the plan is for him to head to University of Michigan. He should do well there and add to his game.
NCAA, so his development is out of our hands. The good news is the NCAA has a great track record!
Hage reminds me so much of Fantilli. Next season will be a huge teller. His points were the same as Fantili’s in the USHL.
College for three or four years.
Is it worth it to go to University if you’re just going to play hockey full time?
Sure, he is presumably receiving a scholarship that will cover his living expenses, and the NCAA program is ideal for development. Not that many games, lots of practice, lots of gym time. Hughes indicated he needs two years to be ready for pro, Michigan is a great place for that to happen.
and also to mention that pro careers are unpredictable and can be short lived. one injury can derail everything. that's why pro players always need backup plans for their after-career
Do they just go back to the University and finish if it doesn’t pan out?
A lot probably don't, but taking one online course at a time or a summer course could also lead to finishing, probably depends on how the team feels about it. If they aren't looking to be in the playoffs, I feel like it would be definitely okay for summer.
The nice thing about college is if he plays well and dominates he can leave after a year or two unlike high end CHL players (Owen Beck) who is stuck until age 21 season. The bad thing is if he doesn’t want to sign he can stay four years and become a free agent (Adam Fox)
The cutoff for CHL to AHL is 20 years old, so Beck can play in the AHL this year.
A guy like Hage, a late first rounder, has quite low chances of having a legit NHL career.
He has about 70% chance making the NHL.
Anything can happen in a far, full contact League. I wish we would revamp out system, get rid of the quasi-pro "minor hockey" Laura and develop our robust university hockey into a similar model as the NCAA.
That makes a lot of sense to me.