Will be interesting to see how the traditionally dominating schools fare with many of the top players playing GDA
Most schools will only lose 1-2 players if that many. The impact won't be as great as you'd think unless a town has an unfortunate concentration of talent
Considering how many kids got waivers, I don't think the impact is going to be significant.
Strange that anyone would want a waiver? Why? Just play HS and another league, especially as the GDA is rubbish right ?
Bottom line is the GDA clubs (on LI) need the players more than the players need the GDA club. The question isn't "why?" it's "why not?".
There are 2 scenarios to consider and maybe it'll make more sense...
First one-really strong player, already committed to a great college and already part of the NT pool. Gets lots of HS accolades and is on a strong HS squad that she loves and takes pride in. Now this player is fully prepared to play ECNL and play HS ball, until "the club" tells her they really, really want her to play GDA and that most of the ECNL squad is moving to GDA. She tells "the club" that HS ball is important to her and she plans on playing HS ball. "The club" responds by telling her they'll get her a waiver to play HS ball and she can still be part of GDA, problem solved. So the kid says-Ok.
Second scenario-decent player, one of the best on a less than average team in a mediocre club. Said mediocre club becomes a feeder to a GDA program who is desperate for players. "Mediocre Club" encourages decent player to try out for GDA giving the whole dog and pony show about "top league", "recruiting opportunity" etc. Decent player (who has never played any higher than NYCSL D1) responds by asking about HS ball. "Club" says don't worry, they're giving out waivers so you can do both! Kid and starry eyed parents sign up for GDA.
And there you have it...
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