Rangers prospect Anthony Duclair is one of the featured players participating in Traverse City. Too bad you can’t see him.
The Canadian Press/Francis Vachon

Every September, hockey fans get excited for its return. Not only do we get to see our teams and favorite players come back but we also get a chance to follow prospects. Whether it be during training camp, preseason or in specialized prospect tournaments, it’s nice to see who stands out. Unfortunately, for those who don’t live in Traverse City or are media credentialed, you have no way of keeping track.

Not long ago, NHL Network televised games in Traverse City. However, times have changed and not for the better. For whatever reason, they’d rather air playoff repeats than give starved fans what they want. It’s no secret I’m not fond of NHL Network or NBC Sports Network (NBCSN). I’ve always felt both league partners could do better to promote the game. While it’s not all negative during the season with NHL Network airing AHL and prospect games while NBCSN shows college hockey, there’s still collective disappointment that fans don’t get to see any coverage of Traverse City or a host of other tournaments featuring former top picks. Unless you live in Canada, you’re shut out.

By show of hands, who thinks the NHL can do a better job? This isn’t to ignore loyal reporters who at least give us something. When you are left empty handed after failing to find a decent site that has a boxscore, it’s sad on so many levels. In today’s world of social media, it doesn’t make any sense. Sure. You can follow Corey Pronman on Twitter and at least read some of his tweets. Unless you’re an ESPN Insider, you’re not getting much information. It makes blogging about it useless.

Today is the final day of Traverse City, who are in their 16th year. Throw your hands up in the air. Hooray for not giving us anything. Shame on everyone involved. Thanks for nothing!