The battle to get the best of the best to play college hockey picked up last week when the Hockey Commissioners Association unveiled a Web site to promote the NCAA hockey track.

The HCA doesn't mention it specifically in its release announcing the site, but playcollegehockey.com has to be perceived as an effort to counter those from Canadian major juniors. Both are trying to be viewed as the top producer of NHL-ready talent.
The new site features answers to questions about recruiting and eligibility and links to stories about former college players in the big leagues.

The Ontario Hockey League, one of the leagues that makes up Canada's major junior system, has a similar Web site, bestofbothworlds.ca, where it gives information on the academic opportunities for players.