AAA hockey coming to Minnesota

[cyclones02]

Yeah but this is about playing for your town
If a kid was cut from a high school team why would he be able to play AAA
There is enough competion here you don't have to go to Chicago to play an all star team when you can play just as good teams from wayzata white bear and Eden Prairie[/quote]

[MoreCowBell]

Yeah but this is about playing for your town
If a kid was cut from a high school team why would he be able to play AAA
There is enough competion here you don't have to go to Chicago to play an all star team when you can play just as good teams from wayzata white bear and Eden Prairie

[/quote]


Playing for your own town!!!! You mean like Hill Murray, St. Thomas, Holy Angels, Benilde, Breck, Blake, Holy Family, Cretin, Totino, M'haha Academy, SPA, etc. Yeah playing for your home team is where it's at.

[youngblood08]

I have been saying it for years. Minnesota Hockey lead the way and start District AAA teams. Each District gets 1 AAA team as per USA hockey rules they would have an in state league and be able to travel to outstate tourneys as they want per team. Run it like the Elite 1 and 2 are with every other weekend games at Blaine or some where. Then they play for 1 team to represent Minnesota at Nationals. They could even include Shattuck in the Bantam maybe even the Private schools.

[Judgeandjury]

I don't think it would flourish because we have the successful community model in place. Some states where there's a lot of AAA don't have the opportunities we have so they flock to club teams as their only option. Another factor will be that a spot on a community based team costs around $1000 where a spot on a AAA team can usually cost closer to $10,000. Our situation is so different. The Fire got their start primarily with small association players and malcontents who are often looking for a change. There won't be a mass exodus as most players are in a good situation right now.

I don't believe kids are in a good situation right now. Kids are forced to play within their association. In each association you have a hand full of people making all the decisions that majority of the time benefits their kids.
I've heard many good things about Minnesota made and the Fire programs. Kids and parents go into both programs knowing exactly what their kids are going to get. No strings attached. I plan on sending my son to Minnesota made next year. Compared to my association Minnesota made is a better program. More ice time and better development.

[breakout]

you guys know that I advocate AAA hockey, while believing we don't need it, and believe Minnesota could easily field a league with 6-9 teams if allowed to flourish. I would think a team out of Minnesota Made (Machine)- one out of the superrinks (Easton)- one out of the eastside (Fire)- toss in Shattuck - Grand Forks may be on board, perhaps Duluth - invite in Thunder Bay, ONT - Madison WI- Green Bay - St Louis and suddenly you have a viable league that if structure with "supersite" weekends 2 x a month, travel becomes less of an issue and hosting tournaments and attracting teams in becomes more of a possibility.

Just a thought==happy holidays boys!

Jancze, it sounds so clean the way you present it. I don't think that's how it would play out at all.

My guess is that instead of the "Detroit" model with just a handful of programs you would see a "Massachusetts" land grab with more than a dozen teams popping up at each age.

Just a hunch.

And you would eliminate a lot of athletes from playing hockey because they couldn't afford to play our great game.

Ever hear your non-hockey friends say I am glad my kid doesn't play that sport? Cost is the number one reason given.

An expert, unlike most of us named Herb Brooks advocated broadening the pyramid of players. AAA hockey would shrink it (see cost).

Folks, Minnesota Hockey is a great thing. Hopefully, we can all take a step back and appreciate what we have. There is plenty of AAA hockey to be found after the winter season. Plus, you can find great quality supplemental training if you and your player chose.

[5thgraders]

Breakout it is clear to us all you have no clue.

Plenty of AAA in the summer GET REAL

A nyone

A nyplace

A nytime

That is not AAA however people like yourself want to think it is ?

Do you tell your boy he is a AAA player ? I bet you do

[DMom]

Everyone who advocates for winter AAA should be required to attend one of the metro area holiday bantam or peewee tournaments. Watch the games, after each one pick the dominant player from each team. Not the best skater or the best hands or the best anything, but the kid who dominates the play for his team, than go on a mission to find out 'what team he skates for' in the summer. 9 out of 10 times they either don't skate in the summer or they may even skate for "showcase AAA" (horror of horrors). Mixing the birth years is exactly what makes Minnesota hockey better and better for the kids.

[Judgeandjury]

Everyone who advocates for winter AAA should be required to attend one of the metro area holiday bantam or peewee tournaments. Watch the games, after each one pick the dominant player from each team. Not the best skater or the best hands or the best anything, but the kid who dominates the play for his team, than go on a mission to find out 'what team he skates for' in the summer. 9 out of 10 times they either don't skate in the summer or they may even skate for "showcase AAA" (horror of horrors). Mixing the birth years is exactly what makes Minnesota hockey better and better for the kids.

DMom- It appears that you are very happy with your association. Can I guess that you're association actually develops kids versus being a recreational program?

What association are you a part of? I'll guess a stronger association? And I'll guess you're either on the board or highly involved in the program?

Why do you suppose that the same programs continue to succeed over and over each year?

If a person is happy with their association they can choose to stay there when (not if) AAA winter hockey gets here. We all have our own takes on youth hockey which is fine. If my son skated in a strong association I doubt I'd put much thought into this blog. Fact is we come from a weaker program.

Happy New Year's!

[breakout]

Breakout it is clear to us all you have no clue.

Plenty of AAA in the summer GET REAL

A nyone

A nyplace

A nytime

That is not AAA however people like yourself want to think it is ?

Do you tell your boy he is a AAA player ? I bet you do

5thgraders as a moniker ............. seems like a dad living through his kid

FYI, I don't have to tell my boy he is AAA player. He has done quite well with Minnesota Hockey, been on some high level tournament teams and has (oh my god) played another traveling sport besides hockey. Appreciate you asking though.

Do you tell former Blades player Zach Budish (Gopher recruit and multi sport athlete) that he didn't play AAA hockey? By the way, Budish should be drafted in the first round of the upcoming NHL draft.

Do you tell Nick Mattson, former Blades player, UND recruit, currently playing for NTDP U18 Team that he didn't play AAA hockey?

How about Bernie's boys, Johnson, Okposo, Wheeler, McBain, etc.? Do you tell them that they didn't play AAA hockey on the Blades before Bernie formed a new team and grabbed them?

How about poor Nick Oliver from Roseau, MN? I am not sure if he ever played AAA hockey. He was a multi sport athlete, St. Cloud recruit. Oliver will likely be drafted in the upcoming NHL draft.

You got me, I don't know anything about hockey.

Maybe 5th grade hockey mind guy, you should chime back in when you have a clue.

[DMom]

Everyone who advocates for winter AAA should be required to attend one of the metro area holiday bantam or peewee tournaments. Watch the games, after each one pick the dominant player from each team. Not the best skater or the best hands or the best anything, but the kid who dominates the play for his team, than go on a mission to find out 'what team he skates for' in the summer. 9 out of 10 times they either don't skate in the summer or they may even skate for "showcase AAA" (horror of horrors). Mixing the birth years is exactly what makes Minnesota hockey better and better for the kids.

DMom- It appears that you are very happy with your association. Can I guess that you're association actually develops kids versus being a recreational program? We don't allow shortening of the bench, doesn't that make us recreational in nature?

What association are you a part of? I'll guess a stronger association? And I'll guess you're either on the board or highly involved in the program? A metro association that is competitive but never dominant. Highly involved, yes, that's what makes a good association, the volunteers. Instead of paying someone else to take care of the details.

Why do you suppose that the same programs continue to succeed over and over each year? Numbers and for the first time ever my association has more registered skaters than Blaine, so perhaps our time is coming.

If a person is happy with their association they can choose to stay there when (not if) AAA winter hockey gets here. We all have our own takes on youth hockey which is fine. If my son skated in a strong association I doubt I'd put much thought into this blog. Fact is we come from a weaker program. I didn't say the kids had to be from a strong association. If a kid is good, he will dominate play even in a lopsided loss. When he is on the ice things will happen differently. For people to say their kids need a better supporting cast, well they may need that to win, but they don't need that to develop They do need it to "look good" but they don't need it to stand out.

Happy New Year's!

Happy New Year to you too.

[elliott70]

Not as difficult as you may think. The Fire teams manage to find plenty of practice ice in the Metro area. I have been a team manager for my son's teams and if I needed to find extra ice, it was only a few phone calls away.

.

The difficult part may be getting registered.

Couldn't they all register out of Wisconsin? How is the Fire getting around it? One each from Somerset, River Falls, Hudson, and Baldwin. Each with 15 skaters, 14 of them from Minnesota.

If its MN kids, no they could not register in WI.
Fire teams are monitored for the proper % of kids and where they play.
It was rocky at first but the people that are there now are doing what they need to do

[jancze5]

5th Graders,

Since you seem to know more than anyone but like to make up your own version of stuff...

What team does your player/players play for? Hasting? Fire? What?



Why is my son at Shattuck? Because my wife and I want to provide him the best opportunity to attend the best college possible. I can tell you that being a Straight A student at Shattuck is alot more impressive to a Boston College or Duke application than having the same from Hastings. Oh, I'm sorry, you're kids heading to Century right, my bad.

Oh, and don't forget to answer the question..what team does your all star play for? I want to make sure to follow his progress to the NHL>

[5thgraders]

Jancze why don't put your money in the bank and save it for your kid's
college since he won't be getting a full ride scholarship scoring 8 goals
in 26 games. The shattuck schedule is not even very tough compared
to the schedules of the Detroit teams. Century college has expanded
and is right down 694 from Woodbury so your kid could play with his
buddies for the Royals and get his college prep there. They have one
of the best best pet grooming programs in the state and your boy can
then follow in your footsteps to a tee.

[Air Force 1]

Jancze why don't put your money in the bank and save it for your kid's
college since he won't be getting a full ride scholarship scoring 8 goals
in 26 games. The shattuck schedule is not even very tough compared
to the schedules of the Detroit teams. Century college has expanded
and is right down 694 from Woodbury so your kid could play with his
buddies for the Royals and get his college prep there. They have one
of the best best pet grooming programs in the state and your boy can
then follow in your footsteps to a tee.

Oh, the ref has his arm up on that one! Missed the first one but got the retaliation!

[breakout]

5th Graders,

Since you seem to know more than anyone but like to make up your own version of stuff...

What team does your player/players play for? Hasting? Fire? What?



Why is my son at Shattuck? Because my wife and I want to provide him the best opportunity to attend the best college possible. I can tell you that being a Straight A student at Shattuck is alot more impressive to a Boston College or Duke application than having the same from Hastings. Oh, I'm sorry, you're kids heading to Century right, my bad.

Oh, and don't forget to answer the question..what team does your all star play for? I want to make sure to follow his progress to the NHL>

Straight A student at Shattuck and playing hockey I presume? That is a great accomplishment.

[Judgeandjury]

One thing is for sure. What works for some people doesn't work for others. I for one would like to see AAA winter hockey in Minnesota some people disagree.

If a player has a good opportunity then more power to them. The best thing about AAA hockey the kids can play hockey with stronger skaters versus being stuck in a weaker program. The worst thing about association hockey the kids are forced to play depending on where they live.
Time to give families decisions on where their kids want to play not to mention I like the idea of kids playing hockey by birth year versus by grade.

Let me ask this question: What association would you place your skater if they could play for any association in the State of Minnesota?

[elliott70]

One thing is for sure. What works for some people doesn't work for others. I for one would like to see AAA winter hockey in Minnesota some people disagree.

If a player has a good opportunity then more power to them. The best thing about AAA hockey the kids can play hockey with stronger skaters versus being stuck in a weaker program. The worst thing about association hockey the kids are forced to play depending on where they live.
Time to give families decisions on where their kids want to play not to mention I like the idea of kids playing hockey by birth year versus by grade.

Let me ask this question: What association would you place your skater if they could play for any association in the State of Minnesota?

1 Roseau
2 Edina
3 Grand Rapids
4 Intl Falls
5 Moorhead

[elliott70]

One thing is for sure. What works for some people doesn't work for others. I for one would like to see AAA winter hockey in Minnesota some people disagree.

If a player has a good opportunity then more power to them. The best thing about AAA hockey the kids can play hockey with stronger skaters versus being stuck in a weaker program. The worst thing about association hockey the kids are forced to play depending on where they live.
Time to give families decisions on where their kids want to play not to mention I like the idea of kids playing hockey by birth year versus by grade.

Let me ask this question: What association would you place your skater if they could play for any association in the State of Minnesota?

AAA in winter - never.

[MoreCowBell]

One thing is for sure. What works for some people doesn't work for others. I for one would like to see AAA winter hockey in Minnesota some people disagree.

If a player has a good opportunity then more power to them. The best thing about AAA hockey the kids can play hockey with stronger skaters versus being stuck in a weaker program. The worst thing about association hockey the kids are forced to play depending on where they live.
Time to give families decisions on where their kids want to play not to mention I like the idea of kids playing hockey by birth year versus by grade.

Let me ask this question: What association would you place your skater if they could play for any association in the State of Minnesota?

AAA in winter - never.

GOD HOW NICE OF IT OF YOU TO VISIT US THE DAY AFTER XMAS.

[breakout]

One thing is for sure. What works for some people doesn't work for others. I for one would like to see AAA winter hockey in Minnesota some people disagree.

If a player has a good opportunity then more power to them. The best thing about AAA hockey the kids can play hockey with stronger skaters versus being stuck in a weaker program. The worst thing about association hockey the kids are forced to play depending on where they live.
Time to give families decisions on where their kids want to play not to mention I like the idea of kids playing hockey by birth year versus by grade.

Let me ask this question: What association would you place your skater if they could play for any association in the State of Minnesota?

Move!

See if your kid can make Honey Baked, Compuware, Team Illinois, etc. What if he is good enough today, but gets cut in three years? Would you long for Minnesota hockey then?

Kids develop at different rates my friend. NHLr Jimmy Johnson was an A - B player all the way up. Walked on at UMD and played a decade plus in the NHL. He may have stopped playing if he couldn't make "the AAA team". Lots of examples like that.

I have seen plenty of little super stars fizzle out along the path.

Enjoy the ride, it will go quickly.

[breakout]

One thing is for sure. What works for some people doesn't work for others. I for one would like to see AAA winter hockey in Minnesota some people disagree.

If a player has a good opportunity then more power to them. The best thing about AAA hockey the kids can play hockey with stronger skaters versus being stuck in a weaker program. The worst thing about association hockey the kids are forced to play depending on where they live.
Time to give families decisions on where their kids want to play not to mention I like the idea of kids playing hockey by birth year versus by grade.

Let me ask this question: What association would you place your skater if they could play for any association in the State of Minnesota?

AAA in winter - never.

Nicely stated

[DMom]

One thing is for sure. What works for some people doesn't work for others. I for one would like to see AAA winter hockey in Minnesota some people disagree.

If a player has a good opportunity then more power to them. The best thing about AAA hockey the kids can play hockey with stronger skaters versus being stuck in a weaker program. The worst thing about association hockey the kids are forced to play depending on where they live.
Time to give families decisions on where their kids want to play not to mention I like the idea of kids playing hockey by birth year versus by grade.

Let me ask this question: What association would you place your skater if they could play for any association in the State of Minnesota?

AAA in winter - never.

GOD HOW NICE OF IT OF YOU TO VISIT US THE DAY AFTER XMAS.

I think Godlike is more likely, he isn't quite old enough to be God himself.

[keepyourheadup]

For those in favor of AAA hockey you have to understand that johnny the mega squirt all too often ends up Johnny middle of the road. As an observer of the 93 year class I can say this with absolute certainty. The best player 5 years ago is now playing J.V. He is not alone either, the landscape changes so quickly year to year its impossible to say which kids will develop and which won't. If your willing to take the chance your child will be cut from a AAA team then by all means go for it. It works both ways as well, I've witnessed a top 5 kid whose name we'd all recognise cut from his AAA team 6 years ago. Its my belief that in most cases the motivation for pursuing AAA is the belief a player is superior to his teammates in association hockey or his parents are attempting to accelerate his development. Parents should use a good deal of caution prior to heading down the AAA road, you never know when you'll be forced back to the place you started. Check the machine rosters in a few years and you'll see what I mean.

[jackstraw]

The Minnesota boys showed themselves very well today.

[greybeard58]

Lets look at the numbers of College players by the top 4 states.
2007:
Minn had 211 at Div I and 306 Div III = 517 total
Mich had 146 at Div I and 101 Div III = 247 TOTAL
Mass had 110 at Div I and 293 Div III= 403 total
N.Y. had 93 at Div I and 171 Div III = 264 total
Ill Had 63 at Div I and 57 at Div III = 120
All other states were under 100 total players.The total American players was 2562 playing Div I & III NCAA hockey in 2007 and does not include club hockey.

2008: Div.I
Minn has 203 down 8 and at least there were 4 injured and not on a roster.
Mich has 128 down 18
Mass has 125 up 15
N.Y. has 87 down 6
Ill. 58 down 5
Pa has 51 up 14
Cal has 39 up 4
Conn has 31 up 5
Wis has 39 up 10
NJ has 27 up 4
N H has 16 down 3
Colo has 28 up 9
Alaska has 22 down 9
Ohio has 28 up 7
Mo has 25 up 3
Every other is under 20 the difference is from 2007.