[charles]

Anyone have any theories as to why certain regions of the world and certain career paths are most likely to generate NHL level talent at certain positions?

I have not scoured rosters or anything, and there are no actual numbers to back this up, and there are plenty of elite counterexamples to the suggested pattern, but, does anyone else have a sort of subconscious bias toward guys from certain places?

I know if I hear a frenchy last name on a goalie, I immediately take him seriously; I hope half of my defensive corps comprises Alberta farmboys; I want my centers to have been forced to play 2-way games in college hockey; and I assume most europeans choose speed and precision over grinding and contact, and as such, are better suited for wing snipers.

OK, I've laid out my outlandish theory, now pick it apart. Mods feel free to move to another forum if necessary.