SWPrez in another thread stated they are combining with Washburn to form a Minneapolis association. Would it be the intent to include all in the Minneapolis area? I do not know if the Edison association is still around and maybe it might not be a bad idea to include the Richfield association or could they merge with Kennedy? The planned to ask to move to District 3 makes sense.
On the St Paul side the combining of associations also seems to be a viable option with a move to either District 2 or District 8. This would leave Irondale to either combine with a surrounding association or move to move to one of the 3 neighboring Districts.
It is sad that the area that once hosted so many High school hockey teams and was at one time 2 independent Mn Hockey districts is now in this position. Everybody can point to reasons why, but the important thing right now is to do what is best for this area's players both present and future. For now the mergers of the St Paul and Minneapolis associations might be the best way out and give all a chance to play at the levels where they can be competitive. Some have some strong rivalries and it could be tough, but Johnson and Harding have joined together and now with Southwest and Washburn it shows that people can do what is best for the players.
Minneapolis St Paul Hockey
Moderators: Mitch Hawker, east hockey, karl(east)
greybeard, you make a great point on the idea of St Paul and Minneapolis consolidating into 1 association each. HOWEVER, there is a major problem to that on the St Paul side. That being Highland has enough skaters to be a viable association by itself. As well as the fact that, Edgecombe and Langford run 'C' only programs. Como has been border line, and Johnson is seeing a decrease in their numbers. Como and Johnson are doing a Co-op at the 'A' level. Which could prove to be a good thing if everyone involved can check their egos at the door.
Another factor at play is that Minnesota Hockey is commited to hockey in District 1, which is outstanding because on the Minneapolis side there is also the Dino Mites, which is an outstanding program for kids that can't afford to pay to play.
I think a better solution is to have some smaller associations be redistricted into District 1. Kennedy, West St Paul, North St Paul, Inver Grove would be an example of associations that would raise the level of play in District 1, increase its size, decrease travel times for everyone involved, and allow the current structure of District 1 to stay in tact. Which includes community based 'C' level hockey.
For the future of hockey at it's most basic root, the 'C' level is the most important level to cultivate. These threads and the public eye are so focused on the top level of play that it ignores how important the game is to players that may never play in high school or higher. Creating the love and the passion for the game with these kids will spur them to put their children in skates 10-15 years from now. I think that Minnesota Hockey is spot on while commiting to District 1 hockey.
Another factor at play is that Minnesota Hockey is commited to hockey in District 1, which is outstanding because on the Minneapolis side there is also the Dino Mites, which is an outstanding program for kids that can't afford to pay to play.
I think a better solution is to have some smaller associations be redistricted into District 1. Kennedy, West St Paul, North St Paul, Inver Grove would be an example of associations that would raise the level of play in District 1, increase its size, decrease travel times for everyone involved, and allow the current structure of District 1 to stay in tact. Which includes community based 'C' level hockey.
For the future of hockey at it's most basic root, the 'C' level is the most important level to cultivate. These threads and the public eye are so focused on the top level of play that it ignores how important the game is to players that may never play in high school or higher. Creating the love and the passion for the game with these kids will spur them to put their children in skates 10-15 years from now. I think that Minnesota Hockey is spot on while commiting to District 1 hockey.
Greybeard,
There is a start-up association in the Edison area called "City of Lakes". They will be running mite and "C" level squirts this year.
Our program, the Storm (Washburn and Saint Louis Park included), does accept kids waivers from the Edison area for kids that want to play higher level hockey.
We have been receptive to Richfield and I have fielded numerous inquiries from parents. The participation rule has virtually shut them down....as their President took off to Highland and their Vice President took off to Kennedy. We will accomodate any Richfield kids that want to come our way.
WAHA and SWHA coming together is not because of weakness, but because of doing the right thing. Combined, Minneapolis Hockey will have over 600 kids (putting us on the size of a Minnetonka or Burnsville), and we can better leverage parental volunteer time. Our kids, whether attending public or private, all play other sports with each other and it was silly to continue boundaries that were set up 30 years ago when Washburn and Southwest had hockey teams (they are now combined). We have many, many kids that sit in desks next to each other but play hockey in different associations....time to bring them together.
Both boards are virtually 100% on board with moving together for 10-11 and this year we will be skating a co-oped mite and squirt program. Our Peewees and Bantams will still be co-oped with Saint Louis Park with Washburn kids joining at the A and B1 levels.
CTBrow....we requested redistricting and bringing in teams into District 1 a year and a half ago. MN Hockey met with the D1 presidents in August and told us to submit a plan - we told them we did it a year ago and it appears nothing got done. We told them we would take the effort again if they agreed to move on this issue. We provided them with a proposal at the fall meeting and it sounds liked there was very little time or consideration given.
I have reached the conclusion that redistricting will not work as you need someone to make these difficult decisions and it does not appear that anyone wants to rock the boat. As I have said, it isn't right that we have four solid districts completely surrounding District 1 and that the district has been allowed to die a slow death. Not fair to our kids and that is why I have reached the conclusion that Minneapolis hockey needs to petition out of District 1 - it is the only solution for providing our kids with the same opportunities available in the surrounding districts.
There is a start-up association in the Edison area called "City of Lakes". They will be running mite and "C" level squirts this year.
Our program, the Storm (Washburn and Saint Louis Park included), does accept kids waivers from the Edison area for kids that want to play higher level hockey.
We have been receptive to Richfield and I have fielded numerous inquiries from parents. The participation rule has virtually shut them down....as their President took off to Highland and their Vice President took off to Kennedy. We will accomodate any Richfield kids that want to come our way.
WAHA and SWHA coming together is not because of weakness, but because of doing the right thing. Combined, Minneapolis Hockey will have over 600 kids (putting us on the size of a Minnetonka or Burnsville), and we can better leverage parental volunteer time. Our kids, whether attending public or private, all play other sports with each other and it was silly to continue boundaries that were set up 30 years ago when Washburn and Southwest had hockey teams (they are now combined). We have many, many kids that sit in desks next to each other but play hockey in different associations....time to bring them together.
Both boards are virtually 100% on board with moving together for 10-11 and this year we will be skating a co-oped mite and squirt program. Our Peewees and Bantams will still be co-oped with Saint Louis Park with Washburn kids joining at the A and B1 levels.
CTBrow....we requested redistricting and bringing in teams into District 1 a year and a half ago. MN Hockey met with the D1 presidents in August and told us to submit a plan - we told them we did it a year ago and it appears nothing got done. We told them we would take the effort again if they agreed to move on this issue. We provided them with a proposal at the fall meeting and it sounds liked there was very little time or consideration given.
I have reached the conclusion that redistricting will not work as you need someone to make these difficult decisions and it does not appear that anyone wants to rock the boat. As I have said, it isn't right that we have four solid districts completely surrounding District 1 and that the district has been allowed to die a slow death. Not fair to our kids and that is why I have reached the conclusion that Minneapolis hockey needs to petition out of District 1 - it is the only solution for providing our kids with the same opportunities available in the surrounding districts.
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Tony Soprano
- Posts: 117
- Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2008 5:18 pm
The topic of other surrounding smaller associations joing forces with D1 has gone on for several years now, and I tend to agree that nobody wants to make the hard decisions to get this done. There was a meeting years ago at the Metro College Campus where a plan was drawn up and was to be looked at by MN Hockey, then it was done again, and maybe it is going to be done again? The sad thing is that this lack of decision making hurts the players and those that run D1 as well. Kind of like banging your head against the wall over and over.
St. Paul and Mpls are barely hanging on these days, except for Highland which is still thriving on its own pretty well. How long will they let the suffering go before they bite the bullet and either do something about it, or shut down the district? They say they want to keep it in place, but yet don't seem to want to really help the problem
SWprez, shame on you for saying you have reached the conclusion to try and pull out of D1. How will that help the problem? Take a look at your Mpls high school situation with only two teams in East and West. How many SW players actually stay and play for either of these teams? I am sure the number is pretty low based upon your overall numbers. Maybe putting heavier pressure on MN hockey to move other associations into D1 would be a better approach for SW to take.
The St. Paul side is equally in trouble, but I have not heard they are thinking of trying to leave the district. Somehow something either needs to get done, or then MN hockey needs to pull the plug on D1 in my opinion.
St. Paul and Mpls are barely hanging on these days, except for Highland which is still thriving on its own pretty well. How long will they let the suffering go before they bite the bullet and either do something about it, or shut down the district? They say they want to keep it in place, but yet don't seem to want to really help the problem
SWprez, shame on you for saying you have reached the conclusion to try and pull out of D1. How will that help the problem? Take a look at your Mpls high school situation with only two teams in East and West. How many SW players actually stay and play for either of these teams? I am sure the number is pretty low based upon your overall numbers. Maybe putting heavier pressure on MN hockey to move other associations into D1 would be a better approach for SW to take.
The St. Paul side is equally in trouble, but I have not heard they are thinking of trying to leave the district. Somehow something either needs to get done, or then MN hockey needs to pull the plug on D1 in my opinion.
Either incoming Mite recruiting numbers are growing, and the future shows some promise, or recruiting Mite numbers are down which spells doom. with a strong recruiting effort the rest takes care of itself. More kids equals more teams, parent volunteers and revenue.
The St. Paul Associations have a long history of not getting along but I understand they now see the writing on the wall and are starting to hold hands. Their leadership stubbornness over the years has hurt a lot of kids and probably also hurt their recruiting. The post saying Como and Johnson will merge at PW and Bantam A is a start. Minneapolis Southwest started their co-op with St. Louis Park at the A level the first year and quickly decided to co-op at all levels and teams after a successful one year experiment. Minneapolis-Park now has success stories to tell which helps recruiting and organizational morale. Neither Como, or Johnson, had enough strong players to form a PWA team on their own last year so co-oping is a great move for their A level players.
The St. Paul Associations have a long history of not getting along but I understand they now see the writing on the wall and are starting to hold hands. Their leadership stubbornness over the years has hurt a lot of kids and probably also hurt their recruiting. The post saying Como and Johnson will merge at PW and Bantam A is a start. Minneapolis Southwest started their co-op with St. Louis Park at the A level the first year and quickly decided to co-op at all levels and teams after a successful one year experiment. Minneapolis-Park now has success stories to tell which helps recruiting and organizational morale. Neither Como, or Johnson, had enough strong players to form a PWA team on their own last year so co-oping is a great move for their A level players.
Tony,
Minneapolis hockey is doing very well. Where we failed to recruit in the past, we are doing a very good job. We will have 150-180 mighty mites and 120+ upper level mites (I, II , and III).
Regarding leaving D1, D1 association Presidents have requested....twice...that this matter receive urgent attention. Its a hot tamale and no one wants to touch it.
We need to move on. Our kids deserve opportunities at the same levels as those kids in the four healthy districts surrounding us. Keeping us in District 1 in order to "keep the district alive" does nothing for all of the kids in the district.
Here is a breakdown:
One association's board has already passed a resolution to move out of District 1 if redistricting didn't take place.
Another association imploded under the participation rule.
Another large association has stated that if we petition out....they are going to also.
This leaves two small associations that cannot field A teams due to low numbers, and three or four "C" level recreational hockey associations.
Our association is set up and run like any D2, D3, D6, or D10 association. We are no longer a fit for D1 unless redistricting takes place....which it won't. Things change....let's move forward.
Minneapolis hockey is doing very well. Where we failed to recruit in the past, we are doing a very good job. We will have 150-180 mighty mites and 120+ upper level mites (I, II , and III).
Regarding leaving D1, D1 association Presidents have requested....twice...that this matter receive urgent attention. Its a hot tamale and no one wants to touch it.
We need to move on. Our kids deserve opportunities at the same levels as those kids in the four healthy districts surrounding us. Keeping us in District 1 in order to "keep the district alive" does nothing for all of the kids in the district.
Here is a breakdown:
One association's board has already passed a resolution to move out of District 1 if redistricting didn't take place.
Another association imploded under the participation rule.
Another large association has stated that if we petition out....they are going to also.
This leaves two small associations that cannot field A teams due to low numbers, and three or four "C" level recreational hockey associations.
Our association is set up and run like any D2, D3, D6, or D10 association. We are no longer a fit for D1 unless redistricting takes place....which it won't. Things change....let's move forward.
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Tony Soprano
- Posts: 117
- Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2008 5:18 pm
SW prez, sounds like things are in a worse way than I thought in the district. Good to hear that you are getting numbers in the Mpls area, I still wonder if the majority of them head off to the private schools and do not stay for Mpls city hockey?
As I said earlier, the HS situation in the St. Paul and Mpls areas is heading into the same direction, sooner than some may think. As it has been said in the past, it is sad to see this happen and it really is probably just due to the changing times around these areas along with the money issue. It is easier to pick up the round ball than it is to lace up the skates with the costs involved.
Best of luck to the district, and I just hope something can be figured out instead of the slow death that is taking place right now.
As I said earlier, the HS situation in the St. Paul and Mpls areas is heading into the same direction, sooner than some may think. As it has been said in the past, it is sad to see this happen and it really is probably just due to the changing times around these areas along with the money issue. It is easier to pick up the round ball than it is to lace up the skates with the costs involved.
Best of luck to the district, and I just hope something can be figured out instead of the slow death that is taking place right now.
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hockeyboys
- Posts: 221
- Joined: Sat Jun 14, 2008 6:36 pm
Highland has better numbers than many associations in the suburbs. And just a year ago Highland High School brought back their hockey program. First year was played at the JV level. Not sure about this year.
Highland Central had several youth teams reach the state tournment last year. I realize the argument that they had an easy road - but they still had to beat a lot of teams to get there.
From what I can see - St. Paul Hockey - at least in Highland - is not suffering. The biggest problem Highland faces at the youth level is being in District 1 - where many teams are not able to play at the appropriate level, and therefor development suffers when not being able to consistenly play challenging competition.
Highland Central had several youth teams reach the state tournment last year. I realize the argument that they had an easy road - but they still had to beat a lot of teams to get there.
From what I can see - St. Paul Hockey - at least in Highland - is not suffering. The biggest problem Highland faces at the youth level is being in District 1 - where many teams are not able to play at the appropriate level, and therefor development suffers when not being able to consistenly play challenging competition.
All the real estate inside the 494/694 circle form the basis for two districts..
District 1 on the East side of the river.
District 2 on the west side of the river.
A cursory look indicates the basis for a dynamic, highly competitive situation that would be in everyones best interests..
Of course, sacred cows would have to be sacrificed ..............
District 1 on the East side of the river.
District 2 on the west side of the river.
A cursory look indicates the basis for a dynamic, highly competitive situation that would be in everyones best interests..
Of course, sacred cows would have to be sacrificed ..............
If I'm correct, I'm pretty sure that the Highland Park area is undergoing the same demographic changes that have occurred around the rest of St. Paul. It just isn't apparent yet. So while things seem peachy now, it may become more difficult to get players into hockey in the Highland/Central association in the future unless a proactive solution is drawn up.hockeyboys wrote:From what I can see - St. Paul Hockey - at least in Highland - is not suffering.
On another note, I think that Minneapolis should play to its strengths and work hard to make sure that the Southwest/Washburn associations move on the upswing. The demographics really favor hockey in those areas of MPLS and great hockey teams there can become something to really rally around for the rest of the city.
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jollyroger
- Posts: 101
- Joined: Sat Nov 01, 2008 12:12 am
I think you're wrong about Highland--HC will be fine. The southwest quadrant of St. Paul is 150 years old and established and isn't changing for the worse--if anything, the few new condo and townhouse properties built in that area are going upscale. Have you priced a home in Highland Park, Mac-Groveland, Merriam Park, or Crocus Hill lately? Even the old Central/Selby-Dale/Cathedral neighborhood is high-priced after being re-made. Aside from Sibley Plaza, I can't think of any large subsidized housing properties like you see in Bloomington or Brooklyn Park or Burnsville.brandy38 wrote:If I'm correct, I'm pretty sure that the Highland Park area is undergoing the same demographic changes that have occurred around the rest of St. Paul. It just isn't apparent yet. So while things seem peachy now, it may become more difficult to get players into hockey in the Highland/Central association in the future unless a proactive solution is drawn up.hockeyboys wrote:From what I can see - St. Paul Hockey - at least in Highland - is not suffering.
On another note, I think that Minneapolis should play to its strengths and work hard to make sure that the Southwest/Washburn associations move on the upswing. The demographics really favor hockey in those areas of MPLS and great hockey teams there can become something to really rally around for the rest of the city.
Places like Richfield, WSP, and Bloomington in the south, Oakdale and Maplewood in the east, New Hope, SLP, Crystal, Robbinsdale in the west and Fridley, Brooklyn Park, C. Heights in the north have already undergone the change. The next demographic 'downward' change (income-wise) might be farther out, like Blaine, Eagan, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Osseo, etc.
Well then I'm pleasantly surprised! I had talked to a girls hockey coach from H/C about two years ago and he said that he was having trouble with numbers on his team. I have also been to Highland Park and it seemed like a diversifying area. Maybe numbers have improved since I talked to that coach.jollyroger wrote:I think you're wrong about Highland--HC will be fine. The southwest quadrant of St. Paul is 150 years old and established and isn't changing for the worse--if anything, the few new condo and townhouse properties built in that area are going upscale. Have you priced a home in Highland Park, Mac-Groveland, Merriam Park, or Crocus Hill lately? Even the old Central/Selby-Dale/Cathedral neighborhood is high-priced after being re-made. Aside from Sibley Plaza, I can't think of any large subsidized housing properties like you see in Bloomington or Brooklyn Park or Burnsville.brandy38 wrote:If I'm correct, I'm pretty sure that the Highland Park area is undergoing the same demographic changes that have occurred around the rest of St. Paul. It just isn't apparent yet. So while things seem peachy now, it may become more difficult to get players into hockey in the Highland/Central association in the future unless a proactive solution is drawn up.hockeyboys wrote:From what I can see - St. Paul Hockey - at least in Highland - is not suffering.
On another note, I think that Minneapolis should play to its strengths and work hard to make sure that the Southwest/Washburn associations move on the upswing. The demographics really favor hockey in those areas of MPLS and great hockey teams there can become something to really rally around for the rest of the city.
Places like Richfield, WSP, and Bloomington in the south, Oakdale and Maplewood in the east, New Hope, SLP, Crystal, Robbinsdale in the west and Fridley, Brooklyn Park, C. Heights in the north have already undergone the change. The next demographic 'downward' change (income-wise) might be farther out, like Blaine, Eagan, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Osseo, etc.
Thanks for the correction.
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hockeyboys
- Posts: 221
- Joined: Sat Jun 14, 2008 6:36 pm
yea - Highland Park is real diversifed - the increased number of catholics and lutherans has really changed the demographics 
Over the past 4 years - since the downturn in property values across the country, The Highland Park area in St. Paul is one of only areas in the entire country that has seen an increase in property values.
That's not to say hockey participation has increased. Baseball and Football are extremely popular in this area. But, it does not appear hockey will be suffering in the short term. Highland just needs to continue to recruit and attract young players - just like hockey has to do everywhere.
Over the past 4 years - since the downturn in property values across the country, The Highland Park area in St. Paul is one of only areas in the entire country that has seen an increase in property values.
That's not to say hockey participation has increased. Baseball and Football are extremely popular in this area. But, it does not appear hockey will be suffering in the short term. Highland just needs to continue to recruit and attract young players - just like hockey has to do everywhere.
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jollyroger
- Posts: 101
- Joined: Sat Nov 01, 2008 12:12 am
Yep, Joe Mauer has probably done more to keep the hockey numbers down in St. Paul than anybody (he played basketball). Every kid in the west half of St. Paul wants to be a left-handed batting catcher now, and anything else is just an after thought.hockeyboys wrote:yea - Highland Park is real diversifed - the increased number of catholics and lutherans has really changed the demographics
Over the past 4 years - since the downturn in property values across the country, The Highland Park area in St. Paul is one of only areas in the entire country that has seen an increase in property values.
That's not to say hockey participation has increased. Baseball and Football are extremely popular in this area. But, it does not appear hockey will be suffering in the short term. Highland just needs to continue to recruit and attract young players - just like hockey has to do everywhere.
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loveitorleaveit
- Posts: 107
- Joined: Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:52 pm
A whole new look
I like the idea about keeping any team inside the 494-694 into 2 districts. I also like the idea going outward as well. Look at teams like southstpaul playing in southwest mn. I wouldn't want to drive 3 hours on a weeknight to play games.
Re: A whole new look
Sometimes simple logic is the best way to solve seemingly impossible problems... However, logic seldom prevails..loveitorleaveit wrote:I like the idea about keeping any team inside the 494-694 into 2 districts. I also like the idea going outward as well. Look at teams like southstpaul playing in southwest mn. I wouldn't want to drive 3 hours on a weeknight to play games.
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greybeard58
- Posts: 2566
- Joined: Sat Aug 21, 2004 11:40 pm
Approximately 10 years ago and again 5 years ago District TC and now called District 1 was on the Mn Hockey agenda to be dissolved. A number of the District Directors (all the neighboring DD's)convinced the overall board to hold off after receiving assurances from the associations and District 1 leadership that there would be a substantial increase in recruiting and growing of the existing associations. That has not happened.
If you take the numbers from Richfield and Irondale from the remaining associations that leaves about 1750 youth and girls players from the 2 largest cities in Minnesota. Minneapolis last year including Richfield had 780 players and St Paul without Irondale had 1100+ with Highland Central at 523.
In reality the past years District 1 has been struggling to stay alive, will bringing more small associations in help, who knows? History needs to be looked at the once strong associations as Fridley, Columbia Heights,Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park now merged as North Metro that were once strong individual associations. The next ring suburbs are slowly dropping in numbers whether east,north, south or west, the only association in the 494-694 ring that has been able to not only stay even but grow is Edina and they are the largest association in the state.
It is my opinion that District 1 has had the opportunity to survive but unfortunately the idea of growing has been to ask for more associations rather than going out and getting more players from within the existing boundaries.
There are now good promotional PSA from Mn Hockey along with other ideas, I hope that these along with other promotions can grow the numbers within District 1, but if that does not happen where there were once 2 Districts,then merged to 1 might turn into none wjth the associations absorbed into the surrounding Districts.
How many High schools fielded hockey teams in the 70's and how many now?
If you take the numbers from Richfield and Irondale from the remaining associations that leaves about 1750 youth and girls players from the 2 largest cities in Minnesota. Minneapolis last year including Richfield had 780 players and St Paul without Irondale had 1100+ with Highland Central at 523.
In reality the past years District 1 has been struggling to stay alive, will bringing more small associations in help, who knows? History needs to be looked at the once strong associations as Fridley, Columbia Heights,Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park now merged as North Metro that were once strong individual associations. The next ring suburbs are slowly dropping in numbers whether east,north, south or west, the only association in the 494-694 ring that has been able to not only stay even but grow is Edina and they are the largest association in the state.
It is my opinion that District 1 has had the opportunity to survive but unfortunately the idea of growing has been to ask for more associations rather than going out and getting more players from within the existing boundaries.
There are now good promotional PSA from Mn Hockey along with other ideas, I hope that these along with other promotions can grow the numbers within District 1, but if that does not happen where there were once 2 Districts,then merged to 1 might turn into none wjth the associations absorbed into the surrounding Districts.
How many High schools fielded hockey teams in the 70's and how many now?
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5thgraders
- Posts: 165
- Joined: Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:47 am
North Metro -- Get a RINK in Fridley!
I for one can tell you that where 10 years ago when BC, Fridley, and Columbia Heights had their own programs and HS teams, the CO-OP with Brooklyn Park provides almost ZERO players from those 3 suburbs. NONE! Granted those 3 HS teams were among the worst every year, they even tried the TRI-CITY brand for a couple years before giving up on that.
No Columbia Arena = Drive to 85th and Zane to play traveling hockey as Spring Lake Park can't take these kids to play at Schwan.
Is this progress for kids in these communities? If you live on 37th and Central do you really want to drive to 85th and Zane in Brooklyn Park for all those practices (No Columbia Arena anymore).
This CO-OP hasn't helped Brooklyn Park at all as the kids in the other 3 cities just choose other sports. Now with the attendance rule, all the kids on the northern part of BP play Champlin Park = EVEN fewer numbers!
That is NOT progress toward growing the game of hockey.
1983 brought the miracle of Columbia Heigts state tourney run.
1980 brought the bigger miracle. A total of 30 bantam players played and the Bantam A's won the state title!
I'm living in the past and I freely admit the DEMOGRAPHICS are totally different. I just feel with NO Columbia Ice Arena, these communities are railroaded!
No Columbia Arena = Drive to 85th and Zane to play traveling hockey as Spring Lake Park can't take these kids to play at Schwan.
Is this progress for kids in these communities? If you live on 37th and Central do you really want to drive to 85th and Zane in Brooklyn Park for all those practices (No Columbia Arena anymore).
This CO-OP hasn't helped Brooklyn Park at all as the kids in the other 3 cities just choose other sports. Now with the attendance rule, all the kids on the northern part of BP play Champlin Park = EVEN fewer numbers!
That is NOT progress toward growing the game of hockey.
1983 brought the miracle of Columbia Heigts state tourney run.
1980 brought the bigger miracle. A total of 30 bantam players played and the Bantam A's won the state title!
I'm living in the past and I freely admit the DEMOGRAPHICS are totally different. I just feel with NO Columbia Ice Arena, these communities are railroaded!
5thgraders wrote:Maybe if you offered a higher tier 1 brand of hockey the interest would not be falling off.Quit comparing things to the 70s that is 39 years ago.
Ok lets not compare it to the 70s lets compare it to to 1990 and on. I know for a fact Irondale which is one of the teams in district 1 had no trouble filling 2 maybe 3 teams at each level until recent years. Numbers are dropping all over the state yes. But it also has to do with the economy. Hockey has gotten more expensive and with kids dropping out the price doesnt decrease it increases. We need to look at the cost of hockey and helping the smaller associations to make them survive and compete against the bigger ones.
Re: North Metro -- Get a RINK in Fridley!
Why Can't they go to Spring Park Lake?No Columbia Arena = Drive to 85th and Zane to play traveling hockey as Spring Lake Park can't take these kids to play at Schwan.
Is this progress for kids in these communities? If you live on 37th and Central do you really want to drive to 85th and Zane in Brooklyn Park for all those practices (No Columbia Arena anymore).
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muckandgrind
- Posts: 1566
- Joined: Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:48 am
Re: North Metro -- Get a RINK in Fridley!
Hockey was already dying an agonizing and slow death in Fridley and Columbia Heights even before Columbia Arena shut it's doors....What I'm curious to know is why Tri-City (Fridley, Columbia and Brooklyn Center) didn't merge with Irondale or Mounds View -- both of home are closer, geographically, and play at arenas that are also closer geographically (Schwan and Shoreview).F14 wrote:I
I'm living in the past and I freely admit the DEMOGRAPHICS are totally different. I just feel with NO Columbia Ice Arena, these communities are railroaded!