Yep, I guess some kids work harder than others. If only we had more equity and inclusion everybody could develop exceptionally in sports.
not about that, its about accessibility - why do you think 90% or so NHL players from Canada? its accessibility, more kids get to try it, so more kids who are very athletic ( not just effort / hard work ) go into hockey. in US they hockey is only accessible to few who can afford it. so most of the athletic kids go to baseball, basketball, football .....
it has to be 3 things ( athleticism / effort / and $$ ), kid needs to be born athlete + effort, you missing one part, you can get so far, you definitely cant go pro if you are missing one part. I agree that the effort and drive is #1, but it can get you so far.
look at MF (2011/2012), parents spending crazy money, at 2011 there were/are kids flying private from TX every weekend to play games with the team. Kids having private rinks and coaches come to those rinks before school for private lessons. Average family ( and when i mean average i mean it loosely ) cant compete with that. I agree money gets you so far, if kid is not putting effort, no amount of money will help him/her, but that does not hurt.