What are the benefits of playing junior a hockey say instead of western hockey league?
NCAA college eligibility is probably the biggest reason. The
NCAA considers the three member leagues of the Canadian Hockey
League (the WHL, OHL and QMJHL) to be professional, so any player
who suits up in one of these leagues is deemed ineligible to play
NCAA hockey. Kids that play Junior A hockey retain this
eligibility, and there is a growing trend of players going from
Junior A to NCAA to the NHL (i.e.: Dany Heatley) rather than CHL to
NHL.
The WHL has its own scholarship program, however, offering one
full year's tuition for every year played in the WHL. The CIS
places no restrictions on the eligibility of CHL graduates.