Senior stats: 10 goals, 16 assists, +/- = -1

You've managed to last four years with the hockey team, which isn't something a lot of people can say. However, you're not quick enough or strong enough to keep up with the pros. Rec-league hockey may be your next (or only) step.

Senior stats: 12 goals, 24 assists, +/- = 6

You carved out a long but mostly non-descript collegiate career. You love the game and want to continue to remain a part of it, but playing pro hockey isn't likely. You have a business degree that you can fall back on, though, so the next logical step could be operations for a hockey team. You could also work in marketing, ticket sales, or even the front office, especially if you have people skills.

Senior stats: 26 goals, 41 assists, +/- = 37

You achieved plenty of success as a star on your D-III team, but your lack of elite athleticism means an NHL career is a long shot at best. There may be opportunities for you in Europe, however. You could play in Russia, Finland, or Sweden, among other places. (If you end up in Sweden, a steady audio diet of Abba might make your transition a bit easier.)

Senior stats: 21 goals, 35 assists, +/- = 15

You've impressed most observers with your tenacity and creativity with the puck. You won't be confused with an Olympic speed skater, though, so you'll have to hope that your intangibles can get you an invitation to an NHL team's training camp. A minor-league hockey career may be your likeliest scenario, but the dream of NHL hockey could become reality with a little luck. Dare to dream on...

Senior stats: 36 goals, 42 assists, +/- = 39

Your dominance at your powerhouse D-I program was obvious, and it didn't go unnoticed by NHL scouts. You'll likely hear your name called on draft day, but you still can't rest easy. You'll be battling the best of the best from Europe and Canada to make your mark in the NHL and the Olympics. So stay frosty.

Ever hear the phrase, "one in a million"? Well, you'll need to be exactly that if you want to go pro. Think about the best high school athlete in your district of 10 high schools. The absolute Big Man in the area. He gets headhunted so hard by colleges that he can barely spare time for his school work, let alone friends. Then, he gets into college and is a total all star there...of the 12 best all stars on his team that year. Well, guess, what? Only one of those guys will be a pro in five years...if this is a top class of athletes out of the the past several years. 

So, even if you're in the 95th percentile of all NCAA athletes in your sport, you've still got a snowball's chance in a microwave of going pro. Not to mention actually mattering at all. More than likely, you'll still be struggling to eke out a living on the bench for a year or stuck on a farm team until you're forced to look for other work. We could bludgeon you with more data and stats, but as you dream about success, just make sure you're hedging your bets.

In other words: enjoy that "alternative" career, Shmooper. (#realtalk)