The Gentry Academy Thread

[edgeless2]

I believe breakaway has done it the right way. No HS team...just building for the future. Grade A education and trying to compete at AA. I was a little surprised Wayzata had the run they did at bantam, but I think they are the largest school in the state. I’ll add congratulations to Wayzata as they were definitely not a favorite. Love the dogs, with hometown boys taking out the transfer teams. Not that there’s anything wrong w that!

[Slap Shot]

Congrats to Gentry and their hockey players for making their first state hockey tournament. It sickens me that any grown adult would say anything other than a congratulations to these kids. You sound like 5th grade recess soar losers. Good luck at state Gentry! GB

I don't have anything against the kids playing the game. The adults that created and allowed this however....

[stateofhawkey]

Look, the bottom line is Gentry should not be allowed to exist in the MSHSL. It is no secret that their entire existence revolves around recruiting kids specifically to play hockey at their school. EVERYONE knows it. Elite prospects says a lot of kids on their roster come from out of state, as far away as Las Vegas and Massachusetts. The MSHSL explicitly states recruiting for athletics is not allowed. End of story. I can't even say that this is just my "opinion" because everything i'm saying is a proven fact.

[rainier2]

Look, the bottom line is Gentry should not be allowed to exist in the MSHSL. It is no secret that their entire existence revolves around recruiting kids specifically to play hockey at their school. EVERYONE knows it. Elite prospects says a lot of kids on their roster come from out of state, as far away as Las Vegas and Massachusetts. The MSHSL explicitly states recruiting for athletics is not allowed. End of story. I can't even say that this is just my "opinion" because everything i'm saying is a proven fact.

How is this different from Hermantown?
Out of state players? Check.
Recruiting? Check.
School revolves around hockey? Check.

Gentry's just doing what others are already doing, they're just doing it better. Since the end justifies the means nowadays, then we should celebrate what Gentry is doing and ask why other programs aren't doing enough to keep up.

Hopefully in less than a decade we will have a dozen Gentry/Shattuck type national behemoths and no one will bother watching the MN JV tourney anymore, A or AA.

[thestickler07]

Look, the bottom line is Gentry should not be allowed to exist in the MSHSL. It is no secret that their entire existence revolves around recruiting kids specifically to play hockey at their school. EVERYONE knows it. Elite prospects says a lot of kids on their roster come from out of state, as far away as Las Vegas and Massachusetts. The MSHSL explicitly states recruiting for athletics is not allowed. End of story. I can't even say that this is just my "opinion" because everything i'm saying is a proven fact.

How is this different from Hermantown?
Out of state players? Check.
Recruiting? Check.
School revolves around hockey? Check.

Gentry's just doing what others are already doing, they're just doing it better. Since the end justifies the means nowadays, then we should celebrate what Gentry is doing and ask why other programs aren't doing enough to keep up.

Hopefully in less than a decade we will have a dozen Gentry/Shattuck type national behemoths and no one will bother watching the MN JV tourney anymore, A or AA.

Maybe one day you'll direct your ire towards the appropriate party, and the one who actually can do something about the sport generally: the clowns at the MSHSL.

[O-townClown]

Hopefully in less than a decade we will have a dozen Gentry/Shattuck type national behemoths and no one will bother watching the MN JV tourney anymore, A or AA.

Nobody I know is more familiar with Tier I Midget hockey than me. Your desire is definitely not one I share.

[rainier2]

Look, the bottom line is Gentry should not be allowed to exist in the MSHSL. It is no secret that their entire existence revolves around recruiting kids specifically to play hockey at their school. EVERYONE knows it. Elite prospects says a lot of kids on their roster come from out of state, as far away as Las Vegas and Massachusetts. The MSHSL explicitly states recruiting for athletics is not allowed. End of story. I can't even say that this is just my "opinion" because everything i'm saying is a proven fact.

How is this different from Hermantown?
Out of state players? Check.
Recruiting? Check.
School revolves around hockey? Check.

Gentry's just doing what others are already doing, they're just doing it better. Since the end justifies the means nowadays, then we should celebrate what Gentry is doing and ask why other programs aren't doing enough to keep up.

Hopefully in less than a decade we will have a dozen Gentry/Shattuck type national behemoths and no one will bother watching the MN JV tourney anymore, A or AA.

Maybe one day you'll direct your ire towards the appropriate party, and the one who actually can do something about the sport generally: the clowns at the MSHSL.

Oh I agree, the MSHSL is an ineffective, impotent, tone deaf band of muttonheads. It's just that they've shown zero interest in doing anything about Class A sandbagging, so what's the point? At least some people in Hermantown and STA land spoke/speak of wanting to go AA.

[WestMetro]

Lee/Karl

is there a need for split off to a separate thread for possible brainstorm ideas for changes to MSHSL / Minn Hockey eligibility rules for in state transfers and/or out of state moveins?

Lee/Karl- split off needed for thread on eligibility rules discussion?

[Slap Shot]

Look, the bottom line is Gentry should not be allowed to exist in the MSHSL. It is no secret that their entire existence revolves around recruiting kids specifically to play hockey at their school. EVERYONE knows it. Elite prospects says a lot of kids on their roster come from out of state, as far away as Las Vegas and Massachusetts. The MSHSL explicitly states recruiting for athletics is not allowed. End of story. I can't even say that this is just my "opinion" because everything i'm saying is a proven fact.

How is this different from Hermantown?

From what I gather school is quite secondary to hockey at Gentry.

[WestMetro]

Funny how both Gentry and Green Wave have a kid from NoDak with a hatty . Should this be renamed the Green Wave hater thread , c’mon people .

[rainier2]

Look, the bottom line is Gentry should not be allowed to exist in the MSHSL. It is no secret that their entire existence revolves around recruiting kids specifically to play hockey at their school. EVERYONE knows it. Elite prospects says a lot of kids on their roster come from out of state, as far away as Las Vegas and Massachusetts. The MSHSL explicitly states recruiting for athletics is not allowed. End of story. I can't even say that this is just my "opinion" because everything i'm saying is a proven fact.

How is this different from Hermantown?

From what I gather school is quite secondary to hockey at Gentry.

Players don't transfer to Htown from all over just to get in on their great algebra program.

[stateofhawkey]

https://www.startribune.com/the-scaries ... 600039959/

David La Vaque posted an episode of the "Talkin Preps" podcast on Twitter just this afternoon, where veteran high school hockey coach Ted Cheesebrough gives his thoughts on Gentry BEAUTIFULLY! Fits right in with what we're talking about. Start listening at the 27:00 mark.

[Slap Shot]

How is this different from Hermantown?

From what I gather school is quite secondary to hockey at Gentry.

Players don't transfer to Htown from all over just to get in on their great algebra program.

It's still mostly school first and you'll never see me express admiration for Htown taking in transfers. I just wouldn't compare what goes on there to Gentry which is basically Shattuck.

[WestMetro]

Slapshot . Most high schools were distance learning the whole year . Your specific thoughts on how some players parents and coaches care more about kids education than others? What outcome based comparisons do you have ? Just some thoughts . So now people are trashing kids, players, and coaches . Right during Tourney 2021 when its a miracle the season has been played at all. Classy !

[7TIMECHAMPS]

Funny how both Gentry and Green Wave have a kid from NoDak with a hatty . Should this be renamed the Green Wave hater thread , c’mon people .

Furuseth? I am not exactly sure he counts as a NoDak kid. Most of his youth hockey that I know of was played in MN, Roseau and Rosemount.

[O-townClown]

https://www.startribune.com/the-scaries ... 600039959/

David La Vaque posted an episode of the "Talkin Preps" podcast on Twitter just this afternoon, where veteran high school hockey coach Ted Cheesebrough gives his thoughts on Gentry BEAUTIFULLY! Fits right in with what we're talking about. Start listening at the 27:00 mark.

Wow, so eloquent! I think he did a great job of explaining how he feels without bashing Gentry one bit. He does a great job of explaining his decision not to play them.

[WestMetro]

Funny how both Gentry and Green Wave have a kid from NoDak with a hatty . Should this be renamed the Green Wave hater thread , c’mon people .

Furuseth? I am not exactly sure he counts as a NoDak kid. Most of his youth hockey that I know of was played in MN, Roseau and Rosemount.

Yeah . And all that too . So more Minnesota roots than Panzer ?

[GPGT]

I've seen Hermantown a few times this year. Even fully loaded .. gentry seems like a problem.

In the qf today, they didn't even seem to try. Everything came easy. Hermantown wound definitely push their limits , but that's nonsense considering the situation in the quarterfinals

[WestMetro]

https://www.startribune.com/the-scaries ... 600039959/

David La Vaque posted an episode of the "Talkin Preps" podcast on Twitter just this afternoon, where veteran high school hockey coach Ted Cheesebrough gives his thoughts on Gentry BEAUTIFULLY! Fits right in with what we're talking about. Start listening at the 27:00 mark.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

As I mentioned earlier in this thread , I never followed Gentry before this year , didn’t know any families. But getting to know some this year , my understanding is that they have several other sports , one of their top scorers was a state champion in one and another placed well in a different sport . They are only in their third year and growing - maybe band is next , maybe school plays.
I mean are you supposed to have everything your 2nd or 3rd year?

People seem to think they have way too much hockey talent . But they have no D1 commits yet. Compare that to EGF in the semis and Htown in the finals , if that’s how things turn out . Some of whom are out of state or in state transfers

[thestickler07]

https://www.startribune.com/the-scaries ... 600039959/

David La Vaque posted an episode of the "Talkin Preps" podcast on Twitter just this afternoon, where veteran high school hockey coach Ted Cheesebrough gives his thoughts on Gentry BEAUTIFULLY! Fits right in with what we're talking about. Start listening at the 27:00 mark.

Gentry got the part where Cheese talks about them removed - editor's note added to the story and podcast.

[WBLPuck99]

https://www.startribune.com/the-scaries ... 600039959/

David La Vaque posted an episode of the "Talkin Preps" podcast on Twitter just this afternoon, where veteran high school hockey coach Ted Cheesebrough gives his thoughts on Gentry BEAUTIFULLY! Fits right in with what we're talking about. Start listening at the 27:00 mark.

Gentry got the part where Cheese talks about them removed - editor's note added to the story and podcast.

Someone able to summarize his stance.

Does anyone know if there is ice time limitations per the MSHSL for practice? I believe they limit practice time for football for safety and heat stroke concerns, but I don't know if any other sport is limited.

[LSQRANK]

can someone post the actual text to this podcast

[Wise Old Man]

Look, the bottom line is Gentry should not be allowed to exist in the MSHSL. It is no secret that their entire existence revolves around recruiting kids specifically to play hockey at their school. EVERYONE knows it. Elite prospects says a lot of kids on their roster come from out of state, as far away as Las Vegas and Massachusetts. The MSHSL explicitly states recruiting for athletics is not allowed. End of story. I can't even say that this is just my "opinion" because everything i'm saying is a proven fact.

How is this different from Hermantown?
Out of state players? Check.
Recruiting? Check.
School revolves around hockey? Check.

Gentry's just doing what others are already doing, they're just doing it better. Since the end justifies the means nowadays, then we should celebrate what Gentry is doing and ask why other programs aren't doing enough to keep up.

Hopefully in less than a decade we will have a dozen Gentry/Shattuck type national behemoths and no one will bother watching the MN JV tourney anymore, A or AA.

Maybe one day you'll direct your ire towards the appropriate party, and the one who actually can do something about the sport generally: the clowns at the MSHSL.

I’ll respond to the “clowns at the MSHSL” comment by also responding to what Westy asked back on the previous page about what we would suggest be done to police these types of situations better. Westy, what needs to be done is have the MSHSL enforce not only the letter of the law but, the spirit of it as well. As I stated earlier, why Gentry was founded and what they’ve become is the absolute antithesis of what community based hockey is meant to be. Who they are and how they operate may be technically “legal”, but anyone who knows and cares about our system of development can see it goes against everything we believe in. It’s kind of like porn, you know it when you see it.

The reality is, the boys state tourney is the cash cow of the MSHSL. And, it’s not making as much money as it used to for several reasons. The reason it has been as popular as it is for as long as it has, is the very essence of the community based developmental model where the high school teams are made up of kids who’ve literally grown up in their respective programs. The moment the MSHSL allows the basic foundation of the tourney to significantly fade, it will become just another state tourney. Will it happen overnight? No. But, as I said previously, open enrollment has been slowly chipping away at the foundation since it became the “law of the land” 30 years ago. Add on the expansion of both the USHL and NAHL, which in turn has created more demand for players, along with the attraction of being able to play more games at those levels, and we’re already losing some of our best players that help make the tourney the event it is.

Now, the addition of the Elite League has obviously helped in that regard but, the MSHSL has a real obligation to be sensitive to the things that could destroy the golden goose. One way to do so is by ensuring programs like Gentry are the exception and not the rule. To include making new rules that strictly limit that type of operation or, ensure they aren’t just a one sport/one activity training academy. That may involve adding rules that limit how many hours a week or a day a team can practice. To include any off-ice activity.

The MSHSL also needs to add an enforcement division to look into any and all potential rules violations as it relates to player recruitment. To include ensuring that a transfer’s family has actually moved into the new district as required. Versus these families renting an apartment and just having their bills mailed there. Or, to ensure that the family of any athlete from out of state has actually move into the district (or at least the state — here’s looking at you St. Thomas). Along with investigating reports of parent recruiting or even paying of tuition for other players at private schools.

The “League also had an obligation to improve the competitive balance within each class. Even if it means adopting sport specific competition rules. And yes, I’m referring to Hermantown and their insistence on staying in A. For instance, enact a rule that states if you’re a Class A team, you’re only allowed to play a AA team if they’re in your conference — and then only once per season — or, if you have to play one in a holiday tournament. That might make finding games a bit challenging for the northern AA schools without having to travel significant distances. So, maybe allow up to 10 regular season games against AA teams, with any games after the first round of a holiday tournament not counting toward that total since a team obviously can’t predict how they or other teams will do in a given tournament. Trust me, the moment you deny Hermantown or any school like them in the future to have their cake and eat it too as it relates to playing a highly challenging regular season schedule but then dropping down for playoffs, they will immediately choose to go up as it’s the ability to do both of those things that makes them attractive to the Duluth area open enrollees.

And, Minnesota Hockey could help as well by making a rule that limits your youth program to playing at the level the high school program is. Meaning, if Hermantown wants to stay in A, then their youth teams have to play in the A playoffs. And, if they start dominating that level too much, then force them to create multiple teams at those levels that are equal in ability.

Unfortunately, the neither the MSHSL or MH has shown any real interest in adopting these types of rules. Or, in the MSHSL’s case, policing the many recruiting/transfer violations we all know are occurring. However, if that continues, I’m genuinely concerned that the erosion of the community model foundation will increase exponentially. I’m sure many of you have seen the numbers of former Minnesota high school players playing in the NCAA tournament compared to the other “hockey states”. We had way more than the next state behind us. Meaning, our development model IS working. But, that won’t be the case if we allow it to devolve into the private club model that Gentry is obviously far closer to. Especially since our model is far less expensive than the other available models which in turn makes it easier to maintain our entry level youth numbers. Sorry, it had been awhile since I had written one of my classic, late night novels.

[Slap Shot]

Slapshot . Most high schools were distance learning the whole year . Your specific thoughts on how some players parents and coaches care more about kids education than others? What outcome based comparisons do you have ? Just some thoughts . So now people are trashing kids, players, and coaches . Right during Tourney 2021 when its a miracle the season has been played at all. Classy !

What? Gentry is a sports factory disguising itself as a school. Distance learning that was forced upon districts this year is irrelevant. And I have no ill will towards the kids in the least as I already stated but you apparently ignored.

[WestMetro]

Wise Old Man has made some specific suggestions on eligibility rule changes and enforcement . Other have made other points .

My thought would be to split off those to a new topic

And meanwhile , my thought would be to quit beating up on Gentry kids and parents in their first Tourney, and remember they are moving up to AA next year . That’s different than a program which is the subject of another thread .

I don’t think anyone has pointed out anything about a MSHSL rules
investigation or Minn Dept of Education learning standards investigation . Or coaching violations .

I’ll again point out their opponent tomorrow has a fairly recent out of state transfer that is arguably the best on their team and one of best in the country in that age group . I plan to enjoy watching him tomorrow along with the Gentry kids