Anything else but AAA Hockey

[oldtime_hockey_Dad]

Anyone know of any other teams and/or leagues for spring and summer hockey. I've been searching all over for somewhere for my son to sakte. he came to me and wanted to play AAA. He tried out and wasn't selected. I've tried other teams outside of Showcase and it appears all the teams are looking for the best and biggest kids. What about the kids who maybe haven't developed yet and 12 or 13 but are good skaters. Anywhere for them to skate and develop?

What about a AA or A league? Any ideas would be helpful.

[spin-o-rama]

What part of state/metro are you in?

In the SW metro, www.minnesotamadehockey.com and www.velocityhockeycenter.com have good programs.

There are "AAA" programs still looking for kids. Just check out some of the threads below.

Good luck.

[Yakunin]

Best development program out there these days in my opinion is the 3 on 3 league over at the Velocity Hockey Center. My kid played in it last year and his developemnt as a hockey player was incredable after last fall. I know it is tough to get into but if you can get on a team it is a well worth your money. The league is well run.

There site is www.velocityhockeycenter.com

[tomASS]

Best development program out there these days in my opinion is the 3 on 3 league over at the Velocity Hockey Center. My kid played in it last year and his developemnt as a hockey player was incredable after last fall. I know it is tough to get into but if you can get on a team it is a well worth your money. The league is well run.

There site is www.velocityhockeycenter.com

I like this training concept alot - takes away time and space, forces players to play quicker and is is a great cardio work-out. More of these type of rinks should be added when new arenas are built or when existing ones are added on to. You get the players experimenting and being creative just like pond hockey. Great Goalie training too. Lots and lots of shots!

[Lily Braden]

Some other options in the south west metro area....
The Cougars. This group is run by Pete Wagner and Robb Little...lots of Edina/St. Louis Park kids. They have some spring stuff going on (I think through Showcase, but I'm not sure) and a summer program. The kids are very strong B players, squirts and peewees.

I also think there is a spring team (maybe summer?) being put together by the Breakaway Hockey people. I believe they are out of Chanhassen and Minnetonka. Don't know if they are still looking, but you could try them as well.

And as has been discussed since 12-thousand BC, there are two new Minnesota Made programs, which sound more appropriate for kids who are good players, love hockey and who weren't drafted to the NHL while still in the womb.

[tomASS]

And as has been discussed since 12-thousand BC, there are two new Minnesota Made programs, which sound more appropriate for kids who are good players, love hockey and who weren't drafted to the NHL while still in the womb.

ARE YOU SURE?????

I haven't heard a thing about them

[Hockeyguy_27]

This is a tough one. You're right about their being limited options for kids who are late bloomers. I'd check out the Rockets. I've spoken with a few parents whose kids were practice players for this organization and they said it was a great experience for their kids. I don't know who you would call but I'm sure someone who posts here will have their information.

Otherwise Velocity Training Center and the Mash leagues often have at large teams where you can sign your son or daughter up and they will place him/her on a random team. Good luck.

[oldtime_hockey_Dad]

Thanks for the information.

We are up in the Northwest area of the city. My son has skated in MASH and Shwocase over the years. These are fun leagues for the kids if all they want to do is play games. These leagues do not promote skill development.

I will look into the recommendations-thanks.

I still find it hard to believe there isn't more development leagues available. Isn't this the State of Hockey. It appears the state of hockey is only concerned with developing the skilled players. The kids that haven't developed are left in the cold. I would suspect that alot of Pro, College and Jr. hockey players weren't the best players when they were young.

Again thanks for the info.

[netminder.net]

Oldtime,
Here is a program that may work. Still a tryout, but one tryout covers all teams, I have been told anyway. Based in SE metro, not sure where you are, but may be worth a shot. I have heard good things about this program, not the best in the state, but they do help the kids develop. And tryouts have not happened yet

http://stcroixhockey.pucksystems2.com/

[spin-o-rama]

This is a tough one. You're right about their being limited options for kids who are late bloomers. I'd check out the Rockets. I've spoken with a few parents whose kids were practice players for this organization and they said it was a great experience for their kids. I don't know who you would call but I'm sure someone who posts here will have their information.

Otherwise Velocity Training Center and the Mash leagues often have at large teams where you can sign your son or daughter up and they will place him/her on a random team. Good luck.

www.minnesotarockets.com