Brightest hopes being snapped up by US colleges

Irish hockey has waved goodbye to some of its brightest female prospects in recent weeks, as the trickle of talent heading to America turns into a flood.

With employment opportunities on Irish soil scarce, the country’s hockey players have been exploring opportunities within the sport. The majority of the Irish men’s squad currently play semi-professionally in the Dutch, German and Belgian leagues, while the women are now opting to experience student life in the United States.

Omagh’s Ireland international forward Megan Frazer was the first of the current crop to be lured on scholarship in 2009, winning consecutive all-American titles with the University of Maryland before being crowned the country’s best student hockey player last year. College recruiters have since awoken to the talents of Irish players. The result is that 16 more starlets — the majority of whom have previously been involved with Ireland at U18 or U21 level — have opted to follow the American dream, 11 of whom are heading over as freshers this year.