[timw0j]

Another comment I saw elsewhere said that the Elite league he plays in regularly is full of very good amateur/ex-pro players as well. It's not like they picked up a guy off the street and threw the pads on him. He had a ton of experience playing against players just below the caliber of current NHL players.

That's not to diminish what he did though. It's amazing that the NHL has something like this place, and the guy seems to have taken it very very well with a lot of humility.

[zf00002]

At least two levels below. Those good amateurs and ex-pros would be in a minor league team if they were good enough.

[gringoDan]

Not necessarily. If you are college-educated, can make high-five-figures / six-figures as an accountant, and have given up on the NHL dream, why schlep it for less of half that salary in the minors? Not to mention if you have a family and don't want to take long bus trips to away games all winter.

For marginal players, being semi-pro is as much of a lifestyle choice & opportunity cost calculation as a statement of ability.

[RobLach]

Minor league hockey players earn on average ~$43,000 / 6 month season. Factor in health risks, job insecurity, and being on the road most of the time it becomes much less appealing.

[notfromhere]

It might be difficult to play in a minor league if you have a legitimate career.