Unlike many North American sports, hockey players can choose to develop outside of an educational setting, in the Canadian Hockey League, though some contend that the on- and off-ice value of a college experience makes it the clear choice for most players. It's an argument supported by the sharp rise in the number of former college players in the N.H.L. (more than 300 in 2011-12), and the percentage of players who earn their college degrees (85 percent in the latest N.C.A.A. study). Depending on the university, a hockey scholarship can be worth $200,000 or more in real tuition savings over a four-year period. But the real value is perhaps best captured by the actions of the Wisconsin freshman forward Nic Kerdiles. Kerdiles made his college debut in late November, delayed nearly two months because of an N.C.A.A. suspension for a minor infraction involving a family adviser that temporarily affected his amateur status. Kerdiles, a native of Irvine, Calif., had other options, but he never wavered in his commitment to college hockey. "I'll be honest with you, no, there was never a doubt," Kerdiles said when asked if the N.C.A.A. suspension made him consider leaving Wisconsin. This campus is amazing. The facilities are unbelievable. The coaching staff is excellent and my teammates are great. It was really an easy decision for my family and me. The Badgers have not lost since Kerdiles first suited up (7-0-3 after last weekend's sweep at Minnesota State). He has two goals and five assists. In the long run, however, Kerdiles figures to be the real winner, and his actions are far more powerful than any bullet points, percentages, or dollar values can be in placing a value on the scholarship a hockey player receives. "It is my turn to be a role model for young hockey players in California and the West Coast," he said. I take that responsibility very seriously and would be devastated to see any of them change their path from college route just because of the adversity I faced as a student-athlete.