Minnesota AAA Teams

[MNHockeyFan]

anyone have any info on the Pink Panthers? I hear they're one of the best... plus we play them this weekend..

Last year I believe they went undefeated in the Showcase Tier I Division, but many of the other teams were not really "Tier" I as you might think of AAA teams. Still, I think you will find the Pink Panthers to be formidable assuming they retain most of the players from last year. I do know of one very good player (NDP Phase III) that has played with them for several years, and the last I heard she was going to play for them again. Last year they had several others of a similar caliber.

[icerinkrat]

anyone have any info on the Pink Panthers? I hear they're one of the best... plus we play them this weekend..

They are a good team and usually pretty competitive in AAA. Last year I watched them and they had 2 NDP phase IIIs, several phase IIs, and then several other good players. Their roster does change, so it is hard to say who they have. They are organized and coached by someone in Stillwater, and then also coached by someone from southern minnesota. I will say they always seem to be having more fun than most. I have also heard that they don't practice at all, they just show up and play. That could hurt them. They do not have tryouts, they just choose players who they think fit in. One parent told me they have a "no brat policy." I thought that was funny.

I see you are from Albert Lea, if your team is just from Albert Lea, this Pink Panther team is much better. They would beat most any AA school. I guess that is why they call it AAA.

[MNHockeyFan]

The rosters for the various Icecats teams are now posted on the website:

http://www.minnesotaicecats.com/

It was nice to see that of the 21 rostered players (including alternates) on the Icecats U16 team, 16 of the 21 made it to NDP Phase II.

This is a sign that the team should be very competitive - congratulations to you all!

[ghshockeyfan]

It would be interesting to compare this to the other U16 teams out there if anyone has that info. based on roster? Sounds like once again the IceCats are stacked with talent!

[thefriendlyfan]

It would be interesting to compare this to the other U16 teams out there if anyone has that info. based on roster? Sounds like once again the IceCats are stacked with talent!

The ice cats are stacked all right, but it should be interesting to see if their chemistry is any better this year... from what I've heard in the past, many of the girls couldn't stand each other... we'll see if that's changed this year.

[joehockey]

I think the St. Croix Saints had 21 of 23 at PI and have 14 at PII plus one at Wisconsin Festival. We have found the group has a lot of focus on getting better but also on having fun over the summer - good group of kids and supporting famalies.

[MNHockeyFan]

The ice cats are stacked all right, but it should be interesting to see if their chemistry is any better this year... from what I've heard in the past, many of the girls couldn't stand each other... we'll see if that's changed this year.

I'd be interested in knowing where this information came from, and what team you were referring to.

[ghshockeyfan]

Meltdown Schedule is now out:

http://www.showcasehockey.com/tournfile ... file_id=58

[hockeyfan#4]

In my opinion, off season hockey is great for the girls.
The problem with it as I see is:
Their are too many under qualified, unorganized, overzealous, self serving parents that are trying to make this the summer hockey Stanley Cup. Only for the benefit of their own daughter or daughters. They are in complete disregard of the developement of the girls and progress of the sport. Some of the people trying to put together teams think they have the knowlege to organize and coach and all they get is resiual damage to the players. As parents we should not be giving our kids a false sense of security by involvong our children at a level of play that is beyond their means. Some of these coaches are yelling and screaming on the benches to the kids without any knowledge of what a good play or skill is. I see nothing positive in that.
What happened to the fact that this is about the KIDS not the (living vicariously through my children crazy adults)!!!!!!!!!
I know some of the people that read this are going to be angry or upset about this opinion. However the people that are upset are most likely the people that need to look in the mirror and ask if they are the person I am talking about. (You all know who you are)

And for those of you that bring a positive attitude and knowlege to the rink, wether you have all AAA players or just a bunch of girls that like to play and have fun in the off season (because sometimes that is what this is all about)!
I applaud your effort and enthusiasm and it always rewarded when the girls leave with a great experience.

[ghshockeyfan]

I think it's a fine line between healthy encouragement & living too vicariously re: kids & athletics. One of the hardest things I see parents dealing with is when their child just doesn't want to participate anymore. Especially after so much time, effort, $ invested as well as having lived a certain lifestyle for so long that seemed to center almost too much around a sport or sports.

I always ask my players to fill out an info. form at the start of the season and ask some questions about why they play, what their goals are, etc. We then talk about this player-coach meeting wise. I think some parents would be stunned to know how many kids play "for their parents" or mom/dad vs. because they want to play personally.

I'm as guilty as anyone of pulling kids up to the "next level" when their talent seems to warrant this & to help continue the development process. This is good for a kid after dominating a level and with no other option but to return to that same level - if they can handle it emotionally and physically.

[Bensonmum]

What I have found to be a difficult situation is when my kid wanted to play 'just for fun'. I think it's great they want to keep playing, but there are very few opportunities to play sports now on a 'casual', just for fun basis. I have one kid who has decided to give up playing a sport at the HS level (not hockey) but wanted to keep playing in the summer, for the fun and exercise, etc. Sorry to say, there are virtually no teams around that don't expect a serious commitment and outlay of money. And obviously that's not a product of kids' wishes, that's an environment created by adults.

[Twinnesota]

I think it's a fine line between healthy encouragement & living too vicariously re: kids & athletics. One of the hardest things I see parents dealing with is when their child just doesn't want to participate anymore. Especially after so much time, effort, $ invested as well as having lived a certain lifestyle for so long that seemed to center almost too much around a sport or sports.

I always ask my players to fill out an info. form at the start of the season and ask some questions about why they play, what their goals are, etc. We then talk about this player-coach meeting wise. I think some parents would be stunned to know how many kids play "for their parents" or mom/dad vs. because they want to play personally.

I'm as guilty as anyone of pulling kids up to the "next level" when their talent seems to warrant this & to help continue the development process. This is good for a kid after dominating a level and with no other option but to return to that same level - if they can handle it emotionally and physically.

Good posting !!!
And I might add that there is also some peer pressure from teammates to keep some kids playing. I personally see some of that.
Take care.
T

[keepitreal]

What I have found to be a difficult situation is when my kid wanted to play 'just for fun'. I think it's great they want to keep playing, but there are very few opportunities to play sports now on a 'casual', just for fun basis. I have one kid who has decided to give up playing a sport at the HS level (not hockey) but wanted to keep playing in the summer, for the fun and exercise, etc. Sorry to say, there are virtually no teams around that don't expect a serious commitment and outlay of money. And obviously that's not a product of kids' wishes, that's an environment created by adults.

In hockey at least, there are Jr. Gold (boys) and U19 (girls) as an option to high school athletics.

[MNHockeyFan]

In hockey at least, there are Jr. Gold (boys) and U19 (girls) as an option to high school athletics.

At our school these past two years there were a couple of girls who made it known to the coaches before tryouts that they did not want to play varsity, instead choosing to play JV's, even though both played at the varsity level when they were in 9th and 10th grades. Each would have received at least some varsity playing time as seniors.

[OntheEdge]

In my opinion, off season hockey is great for the girls.
The problem with it as I see is:
Their are too many under qualified, unorganized, overzealous, self serving parents that are trying to make this the summer hockey Stanley Cup. Only for the benefit of their own daughter or daughters. They are in complete disregard of the developement of the girls and progress of the sport. Some of the people trying to put together teams think they have the knowlege to organize and coach and all they get is resiual damage to the players. As parents we should not be giving our kids a false sense of security by involvong our children at a level of play that is beyond their means. Some of these coaches are yelling and screaming on the benches to the kids without any knowledge of what a good play or skill is. I see nothing positive in that.
What happened to the fact that this is about the KIDS not the (living vicariously through my children crazy adults)!!!!!!!!!
I know some of the people that read this are going to be angry or upset about this opinion. However the people that are upset are most likely the people that need to look in the mirror and ask if they are the person I am talking about. (You all know who you are)

And for those of you that bring a positive attitude and knowlege to the rink, wether you have all AAA players or just a bunch of girls that like to play and have fun in the off season (because sometimes that is what this is all about)!
I applaud your effort and enthusiasm and it always rewarded when the girls leave with a great experience.

HockeyFan#4,

Fun in the offseason? It depends how you defne fun. For some, fun is hanging out with your buddies and playing a little hockey. For others fun is meeting new friends and playing a higher level hockey than what is available during the Winter. For some its about development and choosing opportunities to get better over the summer. For others fun is being on the best team and winning all of the time. For some its a combination of some or all of the above. All goals are attainable in the summer without many rules regarding where you have to play.

I think everyone agrees that there are overzealous parents living vicariously through their kids. But there are also many parents that are just supporting their kids dreams and goals. My problem is differentiating between overzealousness and very supportive parents. I think the difference is when parents push kids that just don't have that inner drive it is overzealousnous. Some kids (even some of the more talented ones) just don't want to play all year or just want to play for fun. To push such kids is overzealousness. Supporting kids that have that inner drive to play at the highest level is supportive. Financial suicide maybe but not overzealousness.

In sports, some people worship icons like Vince Lombardi or Bobby Knight who yelled and pushed athletes to get the maximum out of their talent. Some parents want this style or at least someone who gives the kids a kick in the pants when needed to get the maximum out of their talent. I personally don't like or agree with the abusive style. I like teaching coaches. I think kids have to have that burning desire, inner drive (and some talent helps) to succeed. I think the best coaches are enthusiastic teachers that help channel that talent and drive without yelling.

I think the best parents let the best coaches do the coaching.

My question is, when a super team is formed and they dominate all other teams, are they getting the utmost developmental experience? Is it better for development to be on such a team or to be on a team which is competitive but not dominant? I think the beauty of sport is not about winning but competing and developing your talent. I think the best athletes are never satisfied with the status quo and are always trying to get better (e.g. Tiger Woods who was willing to change his golf swing when he was dominating just because he thought he could get better in the long run). Don't get me wrong, winning is fun but it is more fun (for me at least) to watch an athlete develop his or her talent regardless of the score at the end of the game.

[MNHockeyFan]

My question is, when a super team is formed and they dominate all other teams, are they getting the utmost developmental experience? Is it better for development to be on such a team or to be on a team which is competitive but not dominant?... Don't get me wrong, winning is fun but it is more fun (for me at least) to watch an athlete develop his or her talent regardless of the score at the end of the game.

I think if you look at many of the scores in regular season conference games, you'll find many blowouts also, maybe even on a par with AAA summer games. Everyone would agree that competitive games are much better for all involved than lop-sided mismatches. At least with AAA teams have the option of playing up a level (which many do) and picking the games and tournaments they want to play. With high school your conference matchups are predetermined and there isn't much you can do to avoid the mismatches.

[keepitreal]

I agree with most of the observations here. What I will add is that I would rarely characterize AAA hockey as a development environment, and that is where most people go wrong. Most teams practice a few times and play a few tournaments. If you are looking for skill development in this framework, your money is best spent elsewhere.

At its worst, AAA hockey is a mix of politics and parental egos, a beauty pageant, for some an attempt to drag up a player's skills by surrounding her with superior players, or a treadmill chasing the mythical "visibility" and supposedly omnipresent college scouts who apparently surrender their summer weekends to watch U12 tournaments.

However, at its best, I believe AAA hockey represents an excellent yardstick of a player's development. Given a small degree of insight, it's a good reality check for both parents and players. It allows players to participate with and against what are presumably the more dedicated and skilled players, and can often reveal what a player needs to achieve to reach a higher level. When a team dominates a level, they have reached the end of that yardstick and have earned the right to play at the next level, i.e., play up.

In my opinion, the real development here is not in skills, but in mindset and goal orientation.

[ghshockeyfan]

Agreed 100%!!!

[ghshockeyfan]

The rosters for the various Icecats teams are now posted on the website:

http://www.minnesotaicecats.com/

It was nice to see that of the 21 rostered players (including alternates) on the Icecats U16 team, 16 of the 21 made it to NDP Phase II.

This is a sign that the team should be very competitive - congratulations to you all!

I saw the U16 IceCats play a bit tonight in a scrimmage against the Schwaan Blues U16. Lots of young talent out there!

[MNHockeyFan]

I saw the U16 IceCats play a bit tonight in a scrimmage against the Schwaan Blues U16. Lots of young talent out there!

I hear Schwann's has a nice team too. I understand the score was 4-3 Icecats, and it took a late goal to win it.

[iPuck]

In my opinion, you need to take some time off from hockey (or any sport for that matter). As a teenager, I don’t think it’s good to stay so focused on a sport. I will say I love hockey, and I love to play hockey, and I probably could play year around. But I take a season off so I can experience other things. Some teenagers need a social life. Some need to focus on finding a job. Some need simply a free life to do what they want. In girls hockey right now, most can only take it to college. Then what happens after those four years? It’s tough to find a career to go and play hockey as a girl and make enough money to support yourself. College hockey is a great experience, but after that, for most the only option is coaching. Where you can share your love for the game—not how well you did in your high school and college years. Very few girls get to go play in the Olympics or on a national team. I’m not saying that girls shouldn’t dream of being on those teams, but we also need to face the reality of very few girls get to have that dream. Man would I love to play for such a team, but in reality I know I won’t make it that far. So what do I want to do. I can’t simply give up hockey, so I hope to share my love for hockey by coaching after college and playing in adult leagues for fun. Which is what I believe the summer programs should be about. I’m not saying no one should participate in sports because few actually become athletes as a profession. I’m just trying to say…how far do we take it? I joined sports as a kid because I wanted to have fun. And for many years, that’s what it was about—fun. Now people may not think of me as the most talented athlete or anything, and I don’t expect them to. I’m still in it for the fun, and I wish others still saw it the same way.

[ghshockeyfan]

ipuck - I think you have this in the right perspective. I wish that more females would return to coach if their career/life permits after college. I think that each player needs to decide how much is too much as far as off-season or even in-season relative to everything going on in their life. We send mixed messages sometimes to kids with the emphasis we place on athletics I think.

[Hux]

What I have found to be a difficult situation is when my kid wanted to play 'just for fun'. I think it's great they want to keep playing, but there are very few opportunities to play sports now on a 'casual', just for fun basis. I have one kid who has decided to give up playing a sport at the HS level (not hockey) but wanted to keep playing in the summer, for the fun and exercise, etc. Sorry to say, there are virtually no teams around that don't expect a serious commitment and outlay of money. And obviously that's not a product of kids' wishes, that's an environment created by adults.

In the Boston area we have the North East Women's Hockey League which is for development, and most importantly fun. They have skills sessions for 90 minutes on Tuesday nights, with the usual skating and stick drills for 20-30 minutes. Then they play small area games at an amazing pace.

On Sunday nights they have "games" that are essentially pick-up. The coaches open doors, and give pointers on the bench, but you hear nary a peep out of them while play is going on. Girls show up, and new teams are picked each week so that there is always balance. Some girls show up every week, others now and again.

The pace is amazing, the refs rarely call penalties as there seems to be little stick work, and no score is kept. The girls have a blast just playing and socializing. It is hilarious to hear some of the good natured trash talking that goes on. At the end of the season they have a huge BBQ on the lawns next to the rink and players and parents just hang out and socialize.

The thing that really is striking, is the girls work their tails off during the skill sessions, and play hard during the games, but they always seem to be laughing, and the parents are almost never to be seen in the rink, which may have a lot to do with the girls laughing.

[rookie1980]

I hope I did this right. I'm just a reader at best but I have been following some of the threads sense the season ended.
I like the STICK IT TO CANCER tourney the best. I just pulled info up this weekend and read what it was all about.

Then I started to look at the rosters as much as I could. As an outsider on this one for a change it seems like the Icecats teams are loaded for bear. Can any other teams skate with them? Again some teams have no rosters.

Next year I hope to get my daughter involved in AAA but for now I would like to catch some of these games.

Thanks to all that write on this forum.

[ghshockeyfan]

FWIW the IceCats have long been stacked. They are supposed to win. Like the Team MN Elite before them, and a few years of Walser inbetween, and then a year of the Lightning... It's tough to compete with these teams. It will be fun to see what the ever changing AAA landscape brings this season with an influx of young talent with some teams, etc.