A year ago, JP Hurlbert made a decision that would have been almost unthinkable for an American prospect not long ago.

The Allen, Texas native was entering his NHL Draft season as a member of USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, one of the most respected development pipelines in hockey. He was already committed to the University of Michigan, NHL scouts were familiar with his game, and the traditional path forward was clear. Stay at the NTDP, continue developing against elite competition and arrive at Michigan after the draft.

Instead, Hurlbert headed to the Western Hockey League.