Bernie Mcbain

[JoltDelivered]

If you dont know that then you shouldnt be blogging about AAA hockey.

So this is blogging? Where did that term come from anyways? I've always found that to be a disruptive term. 7-10 years ago we called this thing a message board.

Last summer my 12 year old worked for the family business, EARNED some money and is paying for his own hockey this winter.
Lets think of all of the money we spend on summer hockey...the best investment is to save that money for college because unfortunately, most youth hockey superstars dont get scholarships!

Anyone else catch this misdirection? If the best investment is saving for college, why is a 12 year old blowing his hard earned cash on hockey? Shouldn't he be saving that money?

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Back to Bernie Chatter...

[Can't Never Tried]

If you dont know that then you shouldnt be blogging about AAA hockey.

So this is blogging? Where did that term come from anyways? I've always found that to be a disruptive term. 7-10 years ago we called this thing a message board.

Last summer my 12 year old worked for the family business, EARNED some money and is paying for his own hockey this winter.
Lets think of all of the money we spend on summer hockey...the best investment is to save that money for college because unfortunately, most youth hockey superstars dont get scholarships!

Anyone else catch this misdirection? If the best investment is saving for college, why is a 12 year old blowing his hard earned cash on hockey? Shouldn't he be saving that money?

Very clever Jolt!

[mnhcp]

All this talk about McBain...I know him well enough to know that all the talk, good or bad, is great in his mind. I don't really agree with his views on hockey, cant say I even like the guy, but my kid goes to Lake Placid every year because Bernie is good to HIM, and he has fun.
We have been asked to play for the Machine, but my son chooses to play Football on the B team, baseball and golf.
We used to play summer hockey, and the Blades used to be the team to beat, but now summer hockey is about collecting money, getting 20 kids on a team and parents egos.
Last summer my 12 year old worked for the family business, EARNED some money and is paying for his own hockey this winter.
Lets think of all of the money we spend on summer hockey...the best investment is to save that money for college because unfortunately, most youth hockey superstars dont get scholarships!
I wish Bernie and his guys the best.
We are playing with our assoc.---no matter how backwards they may be!

I think you're generalizing a bit. Sure, there are SOME AAA programs that are setup to make money, but there are many more that aren't. Some teams just split the total cost of ice/tournaments evenly between the parents and nobody makes money off it.

Everybody is different. Some kids have more fun playing summer AAA hockey than they do playing winter association hockey (my son is one of those kids). Not everyone plays baseball or football, some kids like to play golf or go to the cabin. You just need to find a team that fits your needs and lifestyle.

I have also heard some scary things about McBain including making a player hop on one leg. Personally, that's not something I would want to be part of.

Oh my god, hop on one leg. That's terrible! Just aweful. Tell us more. You mean to tell us that Bernie singled out 1 kid for no apparent reason and made them hop on one leg?

[muckandgrind]

All this talk about McBain...I know him well enough to know that all the talk, good or bad, is great in his mind. I don't really agree with his views on hockey, cant say I even like the guy, but my kid goes to Lake Placid every year because Bernie is good to HIM, and he has fun.
We have been asked to play for the Machine, but my son chooses to play Football on the B team, baseball and golf.
We used to play summer hockey, and the Blades used to be the team to beat, but now summer hockey is about collecting money, getting 20 kids on a team and parents egos.
Last summer my 12 year old worked for the family business, EARNED some money and is paying for his own hockey this winter.
Lets think of all of the money we spend on summer hockey...the best investment is to save that money for college because unfortunately, most youth hockey superstars dont get scholarships!
I wish Bernie and his guys the best.
We are playing with our assoc.---no matter how backwards they may be!

I think you're generalizing a bit. Sure, there are SOME AAA programs that are setup to make money, but there are many more that aren't. Some teams just split the total cost of ice/tournaments evenly between the parents and nobody makes money off it.

Everybody is different. Some kids have more fun playing summer AAA hockey than they do playing winter association hockey (my son is one of those kids). Not everyone plays baseball or football, some kids like to play golf or go to the cabin. You just need to find a team that fits your needs and lifestyle.

I have also heard some scary things about McBain including making a player hop on one leg. Personally, that's not something I would want to be part of.

Oh my god, hop on one leg. That's terrible! Just aweful. Tell us more. You mean to tell us that Bernie singled out 1 kid for no apparent reason and made them hop on one leg?

I don't know the reason for it, but I do know he did it in the middle of a game....and for the life of me, I can think of ANY reason to humilate a child like that or to cut a player in the middle of a game (which as he done also)......can YOU???

Again, I don't have an issue with people wanting to send their kids to Bernie. It's a free world.....I'm just not one of those people.

[mnhcp]

I think you're generalizing a bit. Sure, there are SOME AAA programs that are setup to make money, but there are many more that aren't. Some teams just split the total cost of ice/tournaments evenly between the parents and nobody makes money off it.

Everybody is different. Some kids have more fun playing summer AAA hockey than they do playing winter association hockey (my son is one of those kids). Not everyone plays baseball or football, some kids like to play golf or go to the cabin. You just need to find a team that fits your needs and lifestyle.

I have also heard some scary things about McBain including making a player hop on one leg. Personally, that's not something I would want to be part of.

Oh my god, hop on one leg. That's terrible! Just aweful. Tell us more. You mean to tell us that Bernie singled out 1 kid for no apparent reason and made them hop on one leg?

I don't know the reason for it, but I do know he did it in the middle of a game....and for the life of me, I can think of ANY reason to humilate a child like that or to cut a player in the middle of a game (which as he done also)......can YOU???

Again, I don't have an issue with people wanting to send their kids to Bernie. It's a free world.....I'm just not one of those people.

But to force him to jump on 1 leg, WOW?

[High Flyer]

Oh my god, hop on one leg. That's terrible! Just aweful. Tell us more. You mean to tell us that Bernie singled out 1 kid for no apparent reason and made them hop on one leg?

I don't know the reason for it, but I do know he did it in the middle of a game....and for the life of me, I can think of ANY reason to humilate a child like that or to cut a player in the middle of a game (which as he done also)......can YOU???

Again, I don't have an issue with people wanting to send their kids to Bernie. It's a free world.....I'm just not one of those people.

But to force him to jump on 1 leg, WOW?

MNhscp, would you be ok with a player doing ten push ups?

[chillin]

Since I believe that the "AAA" classification has become a bit saturated over the past couple of years, I have a new idea for hockey next summer. I am going to organize "AAAA"!!!!!!!!!!!! We will be the best team ever! Then I will build the first year-round outdoor rink and parents with young superstars will trip over themselves to give me all of their money!! Local Hockey Associations will fear me!

[chillin]

Good point Jolt...you got me there! I cant wait to mention that to him!

[DuckDuckQuackQuack]

Since I believe that the "AAA" classification has become a bit saturated over the past couple of years, I have a new idea for hockey next summer. I am going to organize "AAAA"!!!!!!!!!!!! We will be the best team ever! Then I will build the first year-round outdoor rink and parents with young superstars will trip over themselves to give me all of their money!! Local Hockey Associations will fear me!

I have a great idea..................................

What if everyone just worried about their own kids?

Why do you care where kids play hockey? No one has ever been able to answer this question

[HockeyDadMN]

I Imagine the people that are so against him are tired of the hype and the people that defend him want to justify the extra money he charges over other programs. Get over it! MN Made is a way for kids to learn hockey, not the only way. Bernie finds talented kids, because they come to him, because of his reputation and the more people talk about him, the more people hype him up, the more talented young kids will come and the more he can charge. My son didn't like his style when he was a mite and it's saved me a bundle, he has gone to more camps and gets a lot more ice time for less money. There is nothing wrong with Bernie or MN Made, most kids like it and have fun. I'm sure it's good for the parents egos too.

[O-townClown]

Why do you care where kids play hockey? No one has ever been able to answer this question

The question has been answered many times. You just don't like the answer.

When someone purports to have superior developmental methods and makes the absurd claim that "great players aren't born...they're made!" in the face of tremendous evidence to the contrary it is only natural that people are curious.

Conventional thinking is that elite hockey players possess tremendous talent, a very strong work ethic (especially in your teens), and have ample access to ice time. Many people have the latter two. Time will tell, but I'm on record for claiming Minnesota Made will ultimately prove the opposite - great players aren't made - since most kids from their Mite Choice program will end up being average.

For the right player, the truly gifted, the intensive Minnesota Made approach will be ideal.

If McBain said what pitching guru Mike Marshall says - come train with me and I'll make you a better pitcher - I don't think anyone would care one bit. His marketing approach is beyond over the top.

[Can't Never Tried]

Why do you care where kids play hockey? No one has ever been able to answer this question

The question has been answered many times. You just don't like the answer.
When someone purports to have superior developmental methods and makes the absurd claim that "great players aren't born...they're made!" in the face of tremendous evidence to the contrary it is only natural that people are curious.

Conventional thinking is that elite hockey players possess tremendous talent, a very strong work ethic (especially in your teens), and have ample access to ice time. Many people have the latter two. Time will tell, but I'm on record for claiming Minnesota Made will ultimately prove the opposite - great players aren't made - since most kids from their Mite Choice program will end up being average.

For the right player, the truly gifted, the intensive Minnesota Made approach will be ideal.

If McBain said what pitching guru Mike Marshall says - come train with me and I'll make you a better pitcher - I don't think anyone would care one bit. His marketing approach is beyond over the top.

Exactly..I'm not sure what moniker he was under at the time...but posters have spoken, it's like anything, you only hear what you choose to hear.
Some people literally have to hit their head more then once before they'll hear what someone has said.
Nice job clown!

[mnhcp]

I don't know the reason for it, but I do know he did it in the middle of a game....and for the life of me, I can think of ANY reason to humilate a child like that or to cut a player in the middle of a game (which as he done also)......can YOU???

Again, I don't have an issue with people wanting to send their kids to Bernie. It's a free world.....I'm just not one of those people.

But to force him to jump on 1 leg, WOW?

MNhscp, would you be ok with a player doing ten push ups?

You don't get it do you?

[boardmember]

Why do you care where kids play hockey? No one has ever been able to answer this question

The question has been answered many times. You just don't like the answer.

When someone purports to have superior developmental methods and makes the absurd claim that "great players aren't born...they're made!" in the face of tremendous evidence to the contrary it is only natural that people are curious.

Conventional thinking is that elite hockey players possess tremendous talent, a very strong work ethic (especially in your teens), and have ample access to ice time. Many people have the latter two. Time will tell, but I'm on record for claiming Minnesota Made will ultimately prove the opposite - great players aren't made - since most kids from their Mite Choice program will end up being average.

For the right player, the truly gifted, the intensive Minnesota Made approach will be ideal.

If McBain said what pitching guru Mike Marshall says - come train with me and I'll make you a better pitcher - I don't think anyone would care one bit. His marketing approach is beyond over the top.

Clown you and I have been down this Marketing slogan debate before.

There are hundreds of Hockey camps and schools in Minnesota that make claims about their products.....Its called Marketing.....Example.. Peak Preformance Hockey camp "Take your game to the next level" slogan along with Phil Kessel's name on the Home page as an alumni!
Herb Brooks " Minnesota Miracle Elite Training Program" Slogan " Acheive your dreams" "Our training will take your skills to the next level" all those slogans lead me to believe that they will MAKE ( thus MADE) my skills better at their camps!

I'll add another...

Velocity Hockey "TAKE YOUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL…….AND REACH THE TOP."

[O-townClown]

Selling people on the idea that you can reach the next level - whatever that is - with a hockey school? Say it ain't so! Of course you go to hockey school to improve.

Not sexy, but you don't find people questioning why people send their kids to Plant City or Zephyr Hills or wherever.

http://drmikemarshall.com/

Lots of hyperbole here.

Our first AAA team was the called The Minnesota 88s, the team was made up of players born in 1988. Over the seven years that the team was together the focus was on high repetition skill training, very little systems and we only competed in tournaments. By the time the 88s reached draft age, 8 of them were drafted by NHL teams. After the 88s had run their course we started a '96 team called the Minnesota Machine. With the same development strategy and focus as with 88s,“The Machine” quickly became one of the top '96 teams in North America. They have made it to the championship game of every '96 tournament they have ever played in both in the US and Canada. They have won every tournament but one. It wasn’t long and we were approached by many families about getting that same kind of training for their players. Since then, we have added Machine teams at most all levels and in 2006 started a second AAA club called the Deuce using this same training model. Now in 2008 we have added two more AAA clubs; The Grinders and The Snipers.

Is it any wonder the guy's a lightning rod? I think the 1996 team just played a tournament where they didn't reach the final. Can't be!

[council member retired]

The Machine” quickly became one of the top '96 teams in North America. They have made it to the championship game of every '96 tournament they have ever played in both in the US and Canada. [size=18]EDIT AUGUST 2008.... [/size]They have won every tournament but one. [size=18]EDIT AUGUST 2008 .... BUT [/size][size=18]TWO[/size]. ................Machine teams at most all levels ( EDIT SEPT 2008[size=18].... 95' MACHINE TEAM LOSES ENTIRE ROSTER, COACH [/size][size=18]INCLUDED TO BREAKAWAY HOCKEY.... [/size]and in 2006 started a second AAA club called the Deuce using this same training model. Now in 2008 we have added two more AAA clubs; The Grinders and The Snipers. EDIT AT NEXT BANKERS MEETING...ADDING ANY OTHER TEAMS AND CLINICS TO INCREASE REVENUE

[muckandgrind]

Why do you care where kids play hockey? No one has ever been able to answer this question

The question has been answered many times. You just don't like the answer.

When someone purports to have superior developmental methods and makes the absurd claim that "great players aren't born...they're made!" in the face of tremendous evidence to the contrary it is only natural that people are curious.

Conventional thinking is that elite hockey players possess tremendous talent, a very strong work ethic (especially in your teens), and have ample access to ice time. Many people have the latter two. Time will tell, but I'm on record for claiming Minnesota Made will ultimately prove the opposite - great players aren't made - since most kids from their Mite Choice program will end up being average.

For the right player, the truly gifted, the intensive Minnesota Made approach will be ideal.

If McBain said what pitching guru Mike Marshall says - come train with me and I'll make you a better pitcher - I don't think anyone would care one bit. His marketing approach is beyond over the top.

It depends on how you define "great". There is no denying that the players who put in extra time and effort to work on their game will get better than players who don't. So, for the player who's goal it is to make their high school varsity team some day, there is a big benefit to them skating in the summer in an environment where they can be challenged.

Playing a sport can be comparing to playing an instrument. The more you practice, the better you get. Sure, some kids are born to be better athletes, but even THEY need to work hard to get to whatever level they are shooting for.

[O-townClown]

It depends on how you define "great". There is no denying that the players who put in extra time and effort to work on their game will get better than players who don't. So, for the player who's goal it is to make their high school varsity team some day, there is a big benefit to them skating in the summer in an environment where they can be challenged.

Playing a sport can be comparing to playing an instrument. The more you practice, the better you get. Sure, some kids are born to be better athletes, but even THEY need to work hard to get to whatever level they are shooting for.

There's no question, muck. The notion that hard work is a substitute for being blessed with talent is absurd, and there's no denying that either.

Most of your musicians don't play Carnegie Hall. This isn't to say it isn't a worthy goal to try to get there, but the reason to play an instrument is because you like it. Enjoyment. Fun.

Many people have seen McBain's operation and don't think it looks like a lot of fun for the young players. Just a shared observation. For those that love it there - great.

[blondegirlsdad]

>I am going to organize "AAAA"!!!!!!!!!!!! We will be the best team ever!


Can you send me a brochure? I need to be a part of this. I hope you are charging MORE than Bernie, because I'd like to sort out the kids who aren't committed.

My kid likes the number 19, she can have that, right? I'll pay extra.

[muckandgrind]

It depends on how you define "great". There is no denying that the players who put in extra time and effort to work on their game will get better than players who don't. So, for the player who's goal it is to make their high school varsity team some day, there is a big benefit to them skating in the summer in an environment where they can be challenged.

Playing a sport can be comparing to playing an instrument. The more you practice, the better you get. Sure, some kids are born to be better athletes, but even THEY need to work hard to get to whatever level they are shooting for.

There's no question, muck. The notion that hard work is a substitute for being blessed with talent is absurd, and there's no denying that either.

Most of your musicians don't play Carnegie Hall. This isn't to say it isn't a worthy goal to try to get there, but the reason to play an instrument is because you like it. Enjoyment. Fun.

Many people have seen McBain's operation and don't think it looks like a lot of fun for the young players. Just a shared observation. For those that love it there - great.

Agreed. But with practice and hard work, they can make their high school band (don't know if that's totally analogous, but I think you get my drift). I think most people, not all, look at summer AAA hockey for two reasons:

1) Their kids have fun playing it, and
2) Their kids CAN improve.

Will that improvement turn them into a NHL player? Probably not. But if their goal is to make their varsity hockey team, than playing hockey in the summer can help them reach that goal.

Of course, there are some kids who simply aren't athletic enough to take the next step no matter how much they are on the ice. I've seen many examples of that and you probably have as well. But you don't have to be born with all the tools to see improvement, either.

I'll take my older son as an example. He is fairly athletic...strong, fast, etc. When he started playing hockey there were other kids who were obviously better players. Some of those players never skated in the summer, while my son did. As the years went by, my son's skills surpassed theirs. Was this due to genetics or the extra work? My guess is the hard work, because those kids are still very athletic and are better than he is at baseball and football. But because he spends more time working to develop his hockey skills, he is the better hockey player.

[boardmember]

Selling people on the idea that you can reach the next level - whatever that is - with a hockey school? Say it ain't so! Of course you go to hockey school to improve.

Not sexy, but you don't find people questioning why people send their kids to Plant City or Zephyr Hills or wherever.

http://drmikemarshall.com/

Lots of hyperbole here.

Our first AAA team was the called The Minnesota 88s, the team was made up of players born in 1988. Over the seven years that the team was together the focus was on high repetition skill training, very little systems and we only competed in tournaments. By the time the 88s reached draft age, 8 of them were drafted by NHL teams. After the 88s had run their course we started a '96 team called the Minnesota Machine. With the same development strategy and focus as with 88s,“The Machine” quickly became one of the top '96 teams in North America. They have made it to the championship game of every '96 tournament they have ever played in both in the US and Canada. They have won every tournament but one. It wasn’t long and we were approached by many families about getting that same kind of training for their players. Since then, we have added Machine teams at most all levels and in 2006 started a second AAA club called the Deuce using this same training model. Now in 2008 we have added two more AAA clubs; The Grinders and The Snipers.

Is it any wonder the guy's a lightning rod? I think the 1996 team just played a tournament where they didn't reach the final. Can't be!

Clown, You are very detail orientated, you dont miss a thing, Nice catch.
Hyperbole?
hy·per·bo·le-1. obvious and intentional exaggeration

Since the Snipers and Grinders were formed last Fall I have to believe that the paragraph you pulled on the MM site was written last year as well. I agree, the paragraph is not totally accurate when you read it today. This past Summer there was another season 5-6 more tournaments for the 96 Machine.

We both know via this site that the 96 Machine did not fair well at the season ending event, thus the sites paragraph must change to reflect this years events! One should never be subject to Hyperbole!

I did some research this is what I found

Showdown in Motown , Detroit 1st place
Independant AAA Classic , Minneapolis 1st Place
Subway North American Classic, Winnipeg 1st Place
Stars and Strips Tournament, Minneapolis 1st place
Easton Cup, Blaine 1st Place
Original Six, St Louis 4th place

6 Tourney's 5 First place finishes, 5 of 6 events they made it to the Finals.

With these facts I propose that the paragraph be re-written, corrected to the following...
OLD
"They have made it to the championship game of every '96 tournament they have ever played in both in the US and Canada."

NEW
"They have made it to the championship game of every '96 tournament they have ever played in both in the US and Canada except one"

OLD
"They have won every tournament but one"

NEW
"They have won every tournament but two"

This should correct the inaccuracies protrayed in the paragraph above that is listed on the MM the Website.

[DuckDuckQuackQuack]

Why do you care where kids play hockey? No one has ever been able to answer this question

The question has been answered many times. You just don't like the answer.

When someone purports to have superior developmental methods and makes the absurd claim that "great players aren't born...they're made!" in the face of tremendous evidence to the contrary it is only natural that people are curious.

Conventional thinking is that elite hockey players possess tremendous talent, a very strong work ethic (especially in your teens), and have ample access to ice time. Many people have the latter two. Time will tell, but I'm on record for claiming Minnesota Made will ultimately prove the opposite - great players aren't made - since most kids from their Mite Choice program will end up being average.

For the right player, the truly gifted, the intensive Minnesota Made approach will be ideal.

If McBain said what pitching guru Mike Marshall says - come train with me and I'll make you a better pitcher - I don't think anyone would care one bit. His marketing approach is beyond over the top.

Developing kids in hockey all comes down to ice time, ice time and ice time. The kids will benefit from tons of ice time.
Sure some kids can do association hockey and skate outside to get experience. Does it really matter in the end where the kids develop their skills?
Why can't people just go down their own path and see what works for their situation?
I can tell you that all 12 kids that left our program for Minnesota made last winter are better skaters now. No doubt the kids benefitted from the additional ice time. Since the association didn't offer the same amount of ice time why are other parents worried about it? To each his own.

Like I said in the past I could careless where parents send their kids to play hockey. Play in Canada, play in Russia or play on the Moon. Why do you care?

What works for some might not work for others.

[dingle]

council,

The 95 Machine left? Any idea on what happened there?

[council member retired]

Perhaps it was a result of the coach not "drinking the kool-aid" and seeing that there maybe a better way to teach this great team of players the game of hockey. It will be interesting to see how many of the players go to the new club. On the other hand, if 15 skating spots are available on the 95' Machine, that will allow many parents a chance to reach their own dream. :roll:

[mr.mouth]

Hasn't the 95 machine team simply run its course and the kids are older now? Does the other AAA summer teams have a 95 level?