I'd say its more Triple A vs College, there has been quite a few past USHL players that make the jump straight to an NHL roster, while at the same time not every AHL player will eventually make an NHL roster, since it's still technically their development league. but as I said its more about the overall game time atmosphere. I've been to both plenty of times and there are moments in Wells during Wild games where you can hear a pen drop across the arena. the climate is to corporate compared to the Mad House on Hickman which is what makes the Bucs fun. Wells Fargo just isn't a good sporting environment in general really. It's the same with the Barnstormers in Vets vs Wells.
Right I get the environment, small intimate old barn that’s relatively full (and always has $1-$2 beers) vs a huge arena with fans scattered and not right on top of the action. Personally I’d still rather watch AHL because the level of play is much better.
Not to start an argument, but there are almost no USHL players that make the jump straight to the NHL, ever (many have eventually made the NHL, but not jumped directly). It’s primarily a pre-collegiate developmental league. Most every player in the USHL has already signed or is working to earn a D1 scholarship and has potential to reach the NHL from there.
Canadian juniors is a different story.
