Lets Hear It for Association Based Hockey!!!
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Lets Hear It for Association Based Hockey!!!
Lets get to the numbers on race to get to the NHL and thank all those who have provided the commuity, association based programs in this state.
"In 1985, a study was done in Ontario, Canada for all 10 year-old hockey players. At this time, there were 22,000 10 year-olds playing hockey in Ontario. Of these players only 110 made it to the OHL (Ontario Hockey League) and 22 more received scholarships to Division 1 schools.
This means that only 132 out of those 22,000 made it into the top feeder leagues for the NHL. Of those 132 players, only 7 played in the NHL. Those are astonishing numbers!!
Another quote: The 1994 rosters from that season in the OHL, WHL and QMJHL in junior and the CCHA, WCHA, Hockey East and ECAC had a total of 2,428 players on them, 113 of whom have been or become NHL regulars in the nine years since then."
That is why it is my opinion that Community based Association level has done a great service to youth in the State for a long time and will continue to do so long into the future. Bottom line the association community based programs instill some positive attributes and have churned out some great kids. Special thanks go out to every single parent who trudged their kids to the rink, to every coach who shared his or her time and for every kid who laced them up and gave this great sport a try. It is a great program to be able to have the great pleasure to take part in and to watch in a great nation.
"In 1985, a study was done in Ontario, Canada for all 10 year-old hockey players. At this time, there were 22,000 10 year-olds playing hockey in Ontario. Of these players only 110 made it to the OHL (Ontario Hockey League) and 22 more received scholarships to Division 1 schools.
This means that only 132 out of those 22,000 made it into the top feeder leagues for the NHL. Of those 132 players, only 7 played in the NHL. Those are astonishing numbers!!
Another quote: The 1994 rosters from that season in the OHL, WHL and QMJHL in junior and the CCHA, WCHA, Hockey East and ECAC had a total of 2,428 players on them, 113 of whom have been or become NHL regulars in the nine years since then."
That is why it is my opinion that Community based Association level has done a great service to youth in the State for a long time and will continue to do so long into the future. Bottom line the association community based programs instill some positive attributes and have churned out some great kids. Special thanks go out to every single parent who trudged their kids to the rink, to every coach who shared his or her time and for every kid who laced them up and gave this great sport a try. It is a great program to be able to have the great pleasure to take part in and to watch in a great nation.
Last edited by northwoods oldtimer on Thu Sep 11, 2008 4:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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staggering numbers
Northwoods, I too like the inclusiveness of Minnesota's community model.
Be kind. Rewind.
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My son is in his final year of local assication youth hockey. He moves on to the high school team next year. The experiences he has had in association hockey have been both positive and negative. He has experienced success and failure. He has played against some of the top players at his age level in Minnesota. He has witnessed politics in action. He has witnessed angry parents and calm parents. He has worked hard to become a better player and has learned about teamwork. He has learned how a few disgruntled people/players can ruin a team. He has learned that life's not always fair and that people in charge can and do make mistakes. He has learned to be responsible for his own actions on and off the ice. He has learned that it takes the best effort out of everyone to make something work. He has represented the town he lives in across the state the best he could have. He has made many friends, as have I. Most of all, he's had a blast through it all. Neither him nor I would trade his time in local association hockey for anything.
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I'm glad I grew up and live in small town Minnesota, but my 96 did play a few summers of AAA hockey. This summer he wanted to play more baseball and hang out with his buddies and chase girls. He says this was the funnest summer he has had in a while. I can't even begin to imagine the money we spent on hockey in the past few summers, trips to Manitoba, Ontario, and countless weekends in the Cities. This summer we joined a trap-shooting league (where my son's best score was 20 out of 25), made about a dozen day trips to the BWCA (where he caught and released a 29" walleye), put about 1000 miles on the four wheelers, and darn near wore the tires off the fifth wheel. Getting back on the topic, I am pretty happy with our small program, and my son didn't seem to miss all the hockey in the off season and I think he is alot more excited to play this winter, that's if he makes it through football without breaking any bones again like the past two years.
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Plus he'll have found some things to do he enjoys, for the longer part of his life!rockcrusher wrote:I'm glad I grew up and live in small town Minnesota, but my 96 did play a few summers of AAA hockey. This summer he wanted to play more baseball and hang out with his buddies and chase girls. He says this was the funnest summer he has had in a while. I can't even begin to imagine the money we spent on hockey in the past few summers, trips to Manitoba, Ontario, and countless weekends in the Cities. This summer we joined a trap-shooting league (where my son's best score was 20 out of 25), made about a dozen day trips to the BWCA (where he caught and released a 29" walleye), put about 1000 miles on the four wheelers, and darn near wore the tires off the fifth wheel. Getting back on the topic, I am pretty happy with our small program, and my son didn't seem to miss all the hockey in the off season and I think he is alot more excited to play this winter, that's if he makes it through football without breaking any bones again like the past two years.

In my seven years of association hockey, my family has run the table of experiences. We especially like the ones that created life long memories for our sons. It has been a blast to watch them grow and enjoy many things only found in association hockey. We have met some amazing people, some amazing kids and found out things about ourselves that we didn't know. We also learned some very valuable life lessons that, with the right oversight, will help our sons in their adult life as well.
We learned to keep our heads, eyes, hearts and ears above the undercurrent of politics that is common in every association. We used to watch every practice. We now read, talk, walk and live our own lives while our sons do their thing. We watch at times, but have learned to identify why we are there. We are there because our sons are having fun and doing something they want to do. We like to watch, but you can only watch so much hockey without going brain dead, or worse, getting too caught up in it all. We have seen selfish decisions that weren't fair. We have seen out of control coaches, board members, parents and a few out of control kids. Through it all, we have had a greater view of life. Our kids are much better for the experience and they have seen, heard and had to deal with things that were at times, amazing, humorous, unfair and down right crazy. We talked about everything and not only did our kids learn hockey, they learned more about life, themselves and how to be better citizens. Hopefully they learned, by our examples, to sacrifice for their kids and to be good sporting parents.
We learned to keep our heads, eyes, hearts and ears above the undercurrent of politics that is common in every association. We used to watch every practice. We now read, talk, walk and live our own lives while our sons do their thing. We watch at times, but have learned to identify why we are there. We are there because our sons are having fun and doing something they want to do. We like to watch, but you can only watch so much hockey without going brain dead, or worse, getting too caught up in it all. We have seen selfish decisions that weren't fair. We have seen out of control coaches, board members, parents and a few out of control kids. Through it all, we have had a greater view of life. Our kids are much better for the experience and they have seen, heard and had to deal with things that were at times, amazing, humorous, unfair and down right crazy. We talked about everything and not only did our kids learn hockey, they learned more about life, themselves and how to be better citizens. Hopefully they learned, by our examples, to sacrifice for their kids and to be good sporting parents.
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It is that stressful time of year for association hockey--tryouts. Where all things seem political if you don't agree with them. In defense of hockey association board members, which I am not one of, the reason board members kids are mostly on the A teams is, IMO, because these people go the extra mile in everything they do. They are the first volunteers for everything. Our association has needed heavy volunteerism this offseason to build and open a new arena. I have to say that the people I see keep showing up are all of the "good" kid's parents. I don't think they are kissingup, i think they are willing to go the extra mile to help out, they are willing to go the extra mile and get their kids off season ice. I think a lot of politics can actually be attributed to the overachievers in life who are out there hustling to get things done. Obviously, not in every case. We've been "screwed" before and I am sure that we will be again before association hockey is over, but it's in the eye of the beholder, you can hang onto it, or you can move past it and embrace the experience of community hockey. I truly like getting to know the people and building community relationships. My kid's can't wait to get back to association hockey and skate with their school and neighborhood buddies. The very day their summer teams were done, my kids started putting mouthgards on their association helmets and digging out the other jerseys, etc, they can't wait for it to start.
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Great Post
Way to put it DMOM. I agree one hundred percent. I don't think the politics are as bad as people make them out to be. In our association (about 500 skater) only about 50 people do all the work. We'd, I'd love to give up some of my duties but there aren't people stepping up to the plate. Hockey's my game and I go the extra mile. I let others do the work at Baseball and Football.
It takes a village and we all volunteer our time where we think we can be the most useful and supportive. Three cheers for Association hockey and for all the association board members who do it for all the kids. It's a huge commitment and we appreciate your time and efforts. This model has worked well for MN hockey. Love AAA in the spring/summer but come winter, the kids love playing for their school (private school kids) or community! Let the games begin.
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our board cycles. we'll have a decent group for a while and than a group of "self servers" takes over and in time gets better again.
many of the "issues" that cause the most hearatche are addressed in the coaches committee. our coaches committee does everything behind closed doors.
do any associations publish minutes of coaches committee meetings. our thought is that if everything was more public we'd have less problems.
many of the "issues" that cause the most hearatche are addressed in the coaches committee. our coaches committee does everything behind closed doors.
do any associations publish minutes of coaches committee meetings. our thought is that if everything was more public we'd have less problems.
I thought you were talking about the "bored" there for a minute.keepmeoutofit wrote:our board cycles. we'll have a decent group for a while and than a group of "self servers" takes over and in time gets better again.
many of the "issues" that cause the most hearatche are addressed in the coaches committee. our coaches committee does everything behind closed doors.
do any associations publish minutes of coaches committee meetings. our thought ist if everything was more public we'd have less problems.
DogloverDoglover wrote:It takes a village and we all volunteer our time where we think we can be the most useful and supportive. Three cheers for Association hockey and for all the association board members who do it for all the kids. It's a huge commitment and we appreciate your time and efforts. This model has worked well for MN hockey. Love AAA in the spring/summer but come winter, the kids love playing for their school (private school kids) or community! Let the games begin.
Three cheers (one for each board who does it for all the kids) might be a couple too many for Lakeville.
One board structure for both North and South and seven board members who want to punish members for making a choice.
I hear over and over how x percent of the sq A players will not play high school hockey.
Lets discriminate against a pre puberty 10 yr old.
The city of Lakeville is producing some high end players dispite the association board. Why? Partly numbers? Partly some very good coaching? Partly because some kids are more committed to getting better.
Just think what could be done with a good board?
Association hockey has been as close to a monopoly as you can get for a long time. Times they are a changing. Some associations are taking one foot forward as Lakeville takes 2 steps back.
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Lets keep everything in perspective. All associations are not equal and it's not even close. Very important point for this topic.
I think it's also important to note that I also appreciate that people devote endless hour of their time for hockey. Lets get real here. People wouldn't volunteer unless they have love for the game. Fact! Keep in mind that some people simply don't have time to volunteer.
I think it's also important to note that I also appreciate that people devote endless hour of their time for hockey. Lets get real here. People wouldn't volunteer unless they have love for the game. Fact! Keep in mind that some people simply don't have time to volunteer.

Read my lips I've devoted blood, sweat and tears.
These days everyone is truly busy. Some just use it as an excuse and others find a way to accomplish a lot in 24 hours. There are definitely parents on all association boards that go into it with agendas and for the wrong reasons. News flash though - if that is your intention, you'd be better off spending all that volunteer time taking your kid to high caliber skating clinics and working with them to improve and get stronger. In the long run, that will yield better results, if advancing your player is your primary goal. Volunteering your time and working from within your local association system can produce more satisfying results than abandoning your local association in hopes of advancing little johnny's hockey career (and people will like you more)!
I spent the weekend with about 50 volunteers working on opening a new ice arena/athletic complex. It was hard work putting in the rebar and tubing for a permanent ice sheet and priming and painting the youth lockerrooms (eight of them). Everywhere I looked people were chatting and getting to know one another and smiling. Quite a few people commented to me about how much fun they were having and they were pleasantly surprised by that. What a great feeling to build something for the community. The caveat is that, although it is a beautiful complex, it will not be entirely completed for a while. There may not be all of the perks you are used to having at an arena, because this one was built with all private funds. It will be owned by Forest Lake Area Athletic Association a group of dedicated multi-sport VOLUNTEERS. It will be owned by an all volunteer organization, imagine that. The sense of community pride that filled that building this weekend was amazing. We may have periods of embarassment this winter, but please envision what the complex will be. We had to get the building up and running in under seven months. Money is short, but money couldn't buy the sense of satisfaction many in the community are feeling.
The city donated the property upgrades and infrastructure and gave a partial deal on the permit costs, the land was donated by a local family, the money was raised by a small group of dedicated individuals who have turned this dream into a reality. We are very proud of them and thankful for their efforts. Quite a few on the steering committee do not even have kids who skate, or ever skated. This is a group of baseball, fastpitch, soccer, basketball and hockey parents who built something for their community. It doesn't get any better than that. So, if you have to walk a little further to the bathroom or if there aren't any bleacher seats, please know that volunteers are working on it
. thanks to all of them.
The city donated the property upgrades and infrastructure and gave a partial deal on the permit costs, the land was donated by a local family, the money was raised by a small group of dedicated individuals who have turned this dream into a reality. We are very proud of them and thankful for their efforts. Quite a few on the steering committee do not even have kids who skate, or ever skated. This is a group of baseball, fastpitch, soccer, basketball and hockey parents who built something for their community. It doesn't get any better than that. So, if you have to walk a little further to the bathroom or if there aren't any bleacher seats, please know that volunteers are working on it

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And we call them Flakes..DMom wrote:I spent the weekend with about 50 volunteers working on opening a new ice arena/athletic complex. It was hard work putting in the rebar and tubing for a permanent ice sheet and priming and painting the youth lockerrooms (eight of them). Everywhere I looked people were chatting and getting to know one another and smiling. Quite a few people commented to me about how much fun they were having and they were pleasantly surprised by that. What a great feeling to build something for the community. The caveat is that, although it is a beautiful complex, it will not be entirely completed for a while. There may not be all of the perks you are used to having at an arena, because this one was built with all private funds. It will be owned by Forest Lake Area Athletic Association a group of dedicated multi-sport VOLUNTEERS. It will be owned by an all volunteer organization, imagine that. The sense of community pride that filled that building this weekend was amazing. We may have periods of embarassment this winter, but please envision what the complex will be. We had to get the building up and running in under seven months. Money is short, but money couldn't buy the sense of satisfaction many in the community are feeling.
The city donated the property upgrades and infrastructure and gave a partial deal on the permit costs, the land was donated by a local family, the money was raised by a small group of dedicated individuals who have turned this dream into a reality. We are very proud of them and thankful for their efforts. Quite a few on the steering committee do not even have kids who skate, or ever skated. This is a group of baseball, fastpitch, soccer, basketball and hockey parents who built something for their community. It doesn't get any better than that. So, if you have to walk a little further to the bathroom or if there aren't any bleacher seats, please know that volunteers are working on it. thanks to all of them.


Congratulations to DMom, Kirby, and all the volunteers in Forest Lake. Well done!
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Volunteers
Volunteers from the local association took the time to build 3 very nice small outdoor rinks adjacent to the North End of IRA Civic Center in Grand Rapids this past summer. So the next time your in Grand Rapids for a tournment make certain to bring the siblings helmet, skates, stick and puck along as well. Should make for some great pick up hockey for the kids this upcoming winter. Got to love the volunteer spirit found in the local programs!! Keep up the great work folks.
Re: Volunteers
northwoods oldtimer wrote:Volunteers from the local association took the time to build 3 very nice small outdoor rinks adjacent to the North End of IRA Civic Center in Grand Rapids this past summer. So the next time your in Grand Rapids for a tournment make certain to bring the siblings helmet, skates, stick and puck along as well. Should make for some great pick up hockey for the kids this upcoming winter. Got to love the volunteer spirit found in the local programs!! Keep up the great work folks.
Great idea for the kids. Do they bring out the zamboni to condition the ice? A little community on the St. Croix river called St. Mary's point uses their zamboni to re-surface their outdoor rink that adjoins the indoor facility. Always great ice on the outdoor rink in St. Mary's Point thanks to Mr. Stanley Hubbard.