My son has been offered a Spot on the Machine and the Blades

Discussion of Minnesota Youth Hockey

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Hockey!LoveIt!
Posts: 66
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2007 5:44 pm

Re: It is about the skills development

Post by Hockey!LoveIt! »

tomASS wrote:
Hockey!LoveIt! wrote: These two summer teams stress skills development...games are a chance to put what they've learned into play. The 96 Machine 3rd line does not see much time...a little more for the 2nd line. They are out there to give Whalen, Nanne and Walker a rest. These kids are just happy to be learning some great skills and are thrilled to be on their respective teams. It is not about the games...it is about the skills development. Isn't that what all these threads talk about for kids this age?? If you play for teams at this AAA level, you must go into it knowing that games are played to be won. The real benefit will come from the 100 to 130 hours of practice.
so all the skill development they gain goes to waste since they don't see much action and are only there to provide a rest for the better players.

ahhh I see said the blind man who picked up the hammer and saw. NOT!

demongoed has it right - kids want to play games- games are the good stuff.

blueblood - these are probably the parent's firstborn, we will have to let them learn their own lessons and spend their money anyway they see fit.....so I have been told. They seem awful sensitive about it- like an exposed nerve has been struck

They can come see us in about 8 years and tell us if we were so wrong.
I am sure the skills development these kids have gained will be useful to them when they go back to their associations in the winter and will not go to waste. Perhaps some kids will even be the "stars" on their team because of it. And...guess what...some kids are just better than others at any given time. #-o The kids that are great today may not be as great in a couple years and vice versa. :shock: I would guess that when a family opens the checkbook for these two teams the organization does not say that every player will get equal time on the ice during games and get a participation trophy and pizza party at the end of the season.

These threads all talk about how skills development is so crucial at 8, 9, 10, 11 years old...not games. Pond hockey and 3 on 3 seems to be the "game" of choice at this age according to many of these threads. The Machine and The Blades do not play that many games compared to skills development hours.

tomASS, you say kids want to play the games, but coaches want skills development. Which is it going to be? Can these two meet somewhere in the middle?
Hockey!LoveIt!
Posts: 66
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2007 5:44 pm

Re: It is about the skills development

Post by Hockey!LoveIt! »

breakout wrote:
Hockey!LoveIt! wrote:
rock head wrote: Will the 99 Blades play the coaches kids like the 98 Blades?? Bellows, Skarda and Andersons kids pay all the time and the 3rd line players get little ice tine for the money. Coaches kids should pay more $$ if they are playing most of the time. This group of coaches are a real mess,Who is the head coach any ways !!! These guys only care about there own kids!!!
The 96 Machine 3rd line does not see much time...a little more for the 2nd line. They are out there to give Whalen, Nanne and Walker a rest. These kids are just happy to be learning some great skills and are thrilled to be on their respective teams. quote]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
It is pretty funny, isn't it. Are they happy to be on the team, or in fear that they won't be. Especially in the case of the Machine
breakout
Posts: 2485
Joined: Fri May 19, 2006 8:00 pm

Re: It is about the skills development

Post by breakout »

Hockey!LoveIt! wrote:
tomASS wrote:
Hockey!LoveIt! wrote: These two summer teams stress skills development...games are a chance to put what they've learned into play. The 96 Machine 3rd line does not see much time...a little more for the 2nd line. They are out there to give Whalen, Nanne and Walker a rest. These kids are just happy to be learning some great skills and are thrilled to be on their respective teams. It is not about the games...it is about the skills development. Isn't that what all these threads talk about for kids this age?? If you play for teams at this AAA level, you must go into it knowing that games are played to be won. The real benefit will come from the 100 to 130 hours of practice.
so all the skill development they gain goes to waste since they don't see much action and are only there to provide a rest for the better players.

ahhh I see said the blind man who picked up the hammer and saw. NOT!

demongoed has it right - kids want to play games- games are the good stuff.

blueblood - these are probably the parent's firstborn, we will have to let them learn their own lessons and spend their money anyway they see fit.....so I have been told. They seem awful sensitive about it- like an exposed nerve has been struck

They can come see us in about 8 years and tell us if we were so wrong.
I am sure the skills development these kids have gained will be useful to them when they go back to their associations in the winter and will not go to waste. Perhaps some kids will even be the "stars" on their team because of it. And...guess what...some kids are just better than others at any given time. #-o The kids that are great today may not be as great in a couple years and vice versa. :shock: I would guess that when a family opens the checkbook for these two teams the organization does not say that every player will get equal time on the ice during games and get a participation trophy and pizza party at the end of the season.

These threads all talk about how skills development is so crucial at 8, 9, 10, 11 years old...not games. Pond hockey and 3 on 3 seems to be the "game" of choice at this age according to many of these threads. The Machine and The Blades do not play that many games compared to skills development hours.

tomASS, you say kids want to play the games, but coaches want skills development. Which is it going to be? Can these two meet somewhere in the middle?
96 kids are ten right?

You can find plenty of quality places to help your kid develop in the summer. You can find the games with AAA hockey in the summer. Or, maybe some baseball, Soccer or LaCrosse.

Have you ever listened to parents that had their kids short shifted? Or, their kids barely played in a game? Frankly, it upsets kids and parents. FYI, that has not happened to my kids. I am not a disgruntled parent.

Now, magnify that by going to Canada, pay a lot of money for a trip and see your kid sit on the bench. That's not a great way to help build a kids self esteem and love for the game. How can that kid feel like he/she is part of the team?

I have a friend that has a kid that went on a high level USA trip a few years ago. The kid was chosen through an extensive tryout. That same kid hardly touched the ice in one particular game. Do you think that kid was happy to just be on the team? Please people, don't kid yourselves.

Believe me, if your kids are talented enough they will see the business like approach in high school and if they are VERY fortunate somewhere beyond.

My advice, you need to find a place where your kid can PLAY.
HockeyRocks1
Posts: 142
Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2007 2:46 pm
Location: Not anywhere near Ram Country Unfortunately

MM or the Blades

Post by HockeyRocks1 »

Well chew on this..... The kid plays for either team and someday has to go back to a normal team that's not filled with workhard studs.....He won't be very happy.

Bottomline is until they're 14-16 and can develop muscle and their own drive, all the time, money and worry parents put in to development mean nothing.
Dazed&Confused
Posts: 191
Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2007 12:31 pm

New Guy

Post by Dazed&Confused »

I will not be able to tell you what team to play for. It doesnt matter. If he is an exceptional player it wont make any differance. I have said this before coaches and teams do not make great players. They supply an avenue. As far as AAA or other oppurtunties. Yes get him involved and go to everything you possibly can. If he has the drive and ability he will shine.
I will make this comment you and your wife should prepare yourself and your son for alot of stress and financial strain. The pressure to perform is intense and if he screws up or falls behind he will sit and or be cut. Spending 2 to 3 thousand on a trip to Calgary to watch him sit will be tough.
Yes have the kid play. I would lean towards the Blades there reputation gets the team into toureys and games the other clubs wont be invited too. Good Luck!
FREDFLINTSTONE
Posts: 630
Joined: Wed Jan 17, 2007 9:05 am

Post by FREDFLINTSTONE »

Turn both down and play 3 on 3. Or just play socc her.
GoldenBear
Posts: 746
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 7:38 am

Post by GoldenBear »

Blue Blood, I apologize for being too quick with the smartA## comment. Will try not to be too flippid in the future. GB.
FREDFLINTSTONE
Posts: 630
Joined: Wed Jan 17, 2007 9:05 am

Post by FREDFLINTSTONE »

I'm lookin for a AAA team for my '05 kid. What is better, the '05 Blades, or the '05 Machine. Please respond quickly as my kid is running out of time.
jancze5
Posts: 421
Joined: Sun Jan 07, 2007 3:11 pm

Flinstone

Post by jancze5 »

Flinstone...please, get a life!

The gentleman had a legit question and is looking for sound advice.
If you know nothing about either program then just shut your pie-hole and don't say anything at all...you're just making an a$$ of yourself with comments like this...
FREDFLINTSTONE
Posts: 630
Joined: Wed Jan 17, 2007 9:05 am

Post by FREDFLINTSTONE »

JAN,

Tough guy. You need to get a life. If you can't laugh at a little humor, you must be one of those over the top parents. I've been thru all of this before and you are one big dink.
tomASS
Posts: 2512
Joined: Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:18 pm
Location: Chaska

Post by tomASS »

FREDFLINTSTONE wrote:I'm lookin for a AAA team for my '05 kid. What is better, the '05 Blades, or the '05 Machine. Please respond quickly as my kid is running out of time.
do they allow the double runner blades? My kid is not the greatest skater with his edges yet :wink:

he still has some bathroom issues can he just drop a puddle on the ice without losing a shift. :wink:
fighting all who rob or plunder
skateguymn
Posts: 25
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2007 3:01 pm

Machine vs Blades

Post by skateguymn »

For one if Bernie knows you are waivering between Blades and Machine, you better not let him know. You will get hounded day and night to chose the Machine. If you chose the blades be prepared to be shunned by Bernie. The Machine is aggressive in its attempts to lure players to play for them. That is until the child is no longer needed. No I do not have a child that has been shunned. I do however knwo several that have had "experiences".
Ask yourself this, "Do I care how my child is treated by the coaching staff?" If the answer to the question is Yes. Then I suggest you strongly consider the Blades.
With the Machine there will come a day when your child, at 7 -8 years old will be challenged verbally in an aggressive manner by Bernie for a lack of commitment or in ability to focus at a given moment. If this is ok to you then fine, I know of several people that find this unaccpetable.
Your son obviously loves the game, if you wish that to remain the case, with out question, I suggest giving the Blades a good hard look.
By the way both make claim to the talent of the 1988 class. To use that group as an example would be wrong.
Regarding Machine Ice time and season duration. Be prepared for an all year commitment. Yes the initial program is sold as an off season program however, Bernie has to sell ice. Following sign up you will begin to receive notices of "Not required but Strongly suggested Skill development Sunday Night Programs" or any other night Bernie has an ice usage shortage. Be prepared to be leveraged into various $300-$400 dollar "voluntary" on ice Machine opportunities. These opportunities begin to put a strain on the reason that most kids play the game, sport and love of the game. Instead parents find themselves competing through their own kids in attempts to keep up with the Joneses.
Regarding comparisons between 99 and 96, Bernie said the same thing about the 98's and they are not as good as once thought. Probably a nice way to make parents feel like their kid has a chance at greatness, marketing ploy.
At the end of the day Machine is a great skill development program but be prepared to give your life to hockey. If Bernie says other sports are ok, well just wait until the day you tell them that johnnie has a beaseball tourney and duck (Commitment, dedication and priorities all in line at age 7?). Blades prefer multi spot athletes.
Just my 10 cents.
jancze5
Posts: 421
Joined: Sun Jan 07, 2007 3:11 pm

FLinFlam

Post by jancze5 »

It's just annoying at this point to listen to morons like you that MOCK and ridicule a guy who has a legit question he is just looking for help with.

Unlike YOU who has been there and done that, this guy is dealing with his first player and isn't cought up in any hype and doesn't know squat about these programs. He's just trying to figure it out from people who are in on the in...Are you that far gone and have been part of so much diversity in your life that you can't remember back to the days when your kids were just getting into the game and loved it and just wanted to play hockey?

Sorry you have had it so bad...others of us haven't!
breakout
Posts: 2485
Joined: Fri May 19, 2006 8:00 pm

Re: Machine vs Blades

Post by breakout »

skateguymn wrote:For one if Bernie knows you are waivering between Blades and Machine, you better not let him know. You will get hounded day and night to chose the Machine. If you chose the blades be prepared to be shunned by Bernie. The Machine is aggressive in its attempts to lure players to play for them. That is until the child is no longer needed. No I do not have a child that has been shunned. I do however knwo several that have had "experiences".
Ask yourself this, "Do I care how my child is treated by the coaching staff?" If the answer to the question is Yes. Then I suggest you strongly consider the Blades.
With the Machine there will come a day when your child, at 7 -8 years old will be challenged verbally in an aggressive manner by Bernie for a lack of commitment or in ability to focus at a given moment. If this is ok to you then fine, I know of several people that find this unaccpetable.
Your son obviously loves the game, if you wish that to remain the case, with out question, I suggest giving the Blades a good hard look.
By the way both make claim to the talent of the 1988 class. To use that group as an example would be wrong.
Regarding Machine Ice time and season duration. Be prepared for an all year commitment. Yes the initial program is sold as an off season program however, Bernie has to sell ice. Following sign up you will begin to receive notices of "Not required but Strongly suggested Skill development Sunday Night Programs" or any other night Bernie has an ice usage shortage. Be prepared to be leveraged into various $300-$400 dollar "voluntary" on ice Machine opportunities. These opportunities begin to put a strain on the reason that most kids play the game, sport and love of the game. Instead parents find themselves competing through their own kids in attempts to keep up with the Joneses.
Regarding comparisons between 99 and 96, Bernie said the same thing about the 98's and they are not as good as once thought. Probably a nice way to make parents feel like their kid has a chance at greatness, marketing ploy.
At the end of the day Machine is a great skill development program but be prepared to give your life to hockey. If Bernie says other sports are ok, well just wait until the day you tell them that johnnie has a beaseball tourney and duck (Commitment, dedication and priorities all in line at age 7?). Blades prefer multi spot athletes.
Just my 10 cents.

There seems to be experience here.

One of the key points, "Blades prefer multi sport athletes". Whether that is accurate or not, kid(s) will be better rounded and better hockey players in the long run if they increase their athleticism.

If I had a choice between the two, I know which I would make.
FREDFLINTSTONE
Posts: 630
Joined: Wed Jan 17, 2007 9:05 am

Post by FREDFLINTSTONE »

janz

tick....tick.....tick.....tick.....tick.... :lol:
jancze5
Posts: 421
Joined: Sun Jan 07, 2007 3:11 pm

flinstone

Post by jancze5 »

Didn't mean to rain on your post...actually if I wasn't already in a pisser mood today, I would have laughed after rereading it...

But it's still old when we use the living through the parents card or the AAA stinks card or the ridiculing young kids parents who just don't know what guys like you do..that's all...

Tock...tock...tock...tock...
east hockey
Site Admin
Posts: 7428
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2002 8:33 pm
Location: Proctor, MN

Post by east hockey »

Threads like these are the primary reason Mitch has considered deleting the Youth Forum in the past. Some people are in dire need of a clue and they're nearly always the same ones who think the cause is someone else.

Geez.

Lee
PageStat Guy on Bluesky
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