Squirts skating up to Pee Wee's
Moderators: Mitch Hawker, east hockey, karl(east)
Squirts skating up to Pee Wee's
I need some input from some knowledgeable folks. My son, and two others, were approached to skate up with the Pee wee B team this weeekend. Keep in mind we are in Wisconsin so Pee Wee B's in our area is probably at best like your "C" teams up in Minnesota skill wise. Anyway, my son and the two others are all three AAA Invite level in their skill set FOR THEIR AGE, not bragging just letting you know. All three are 9 years old and are all three in their first year of Squirts. The Pee Wee B team is in a tournament this weekend and because of illnesses are falling short of players but they don;t want the tournament fee to go to waste either. They approached my son and his two friends because they are the best three squirts on teh Squirt A team by a large margin. I believe the boys could handle the skill level, the speed and the emotional side jsut fine for the weekend. My fear/problem is that none of the three boys has ever been through a checking clinic and none has ever played in a game where checking is allowed. Knowing the level of play here, is there alot of checking at that level and is it as much cause for concern as I am making it out to be, or am I making too much out of it and worrying over nothing? Basically, if it were your kid would you let them do it?
No. In some single game situations maybe, but a tournament wouldn't be one of them.
PeeWees check and sometimes the Bs more than the As. As are busy playing the game and Bs like to bang. And, sometimes they're not as good at it which can lead to big, ugly checks. Frankly, there are mean kids too that pick out little ones (and girls). It wouldn't even be considered, or I think allowed, in Minnesota.
PeeWees check and sometimes the Bs more than the As. As are busy playing the game and Bs like to bang. And, sometimes they're not as good at it which can lead to big, ugly checks. Frankly, there are mean kids too that pick out little ones (and girls). It wouldn't even be considered, or I think allowed, in Minnesota.
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HeShootsHeScores
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2009 1:20 pm
I would not let them play! Tell your son, and those who recruited him that it's wonderful and thanks for noticing what a great player he is.
I have seen some games where the cheap shots and checking from behind are unbelievable. If he doesnt' know how to take a hit and if he's looking down trying to get his stick on the puck while he's up against the boards he is going to get leveled. The other kid will probably get called for a 10-minute major but your son could get injuired or scared to death and that could be the end of his hockey career.
If this were my son, tell him, your time will come and wait until he's older, smarter and trained in on the technique of taking a hit and being hit. Remember, those PeeWees are going to be two years older than him and some, but not all, have the testostorone flowing and are looking for a kid to crush.
I have seen some games where the cheap shots and checking from behind are unbelievable. If he doesnt' know how to take a hit and if he's looking down trying to get his stick on the puck while he's up against the boards he is going to get leveled. The other kid will probably get called for a 10-minute major but your son could get injuired or scared to death and that could be the end of his hockey career.
If this were my son, tell him, your time will come and wait until he's older, smarter and trained in on the technique of taking a hit and being hit. Remember, those PeeWees are going to be two years older than him and some, but not all, have the testostorone flowing and are looking for a kid to crush.
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InigoMontoya
- Posts: 1716
- Joined: Fri Feb 27, 2009 12:36 pm
It depends on the kid. We were short a couple kids for peewee MASH, so we pulled up a couple kids from the squirt team. If they skate with their heads up, and don't mind getting hit (do they stick their noses into the tackle football game in the backyard with older kids from the neighborhood?) they will probably be fine. If he spends a lot of time looking at the puck and doesn't really like to be touched at squirt games, then maybe not a good idea - there will be a 13 year old hitting puberty that will also have a lot of fun hitting your 9 year old; you don't want your boy's arms getting shorter at his age.
I wouldn't do it.
In Peewees they check.
Your son and his friends even if they are physical kids( games outside of hockey) have not had the training in playing hockey with their bodies.
Your son and his friends are as much as two years younger than some players they will see, 9 year olds vs 11 or 12 year olds in a physical confrontation????? NO.
The statement above about peewee b games maybe being more physical than peewee a, very true. You likely have players who do nothing more than try and hit...and they don't do it smart for themselves much less the opponent.
In the end: You have peewee b regulars, players who are old enough to play in their first or second season of checking. Enter first year squirt, one year removed from mites............... Don't do it. It is nice, but they will come to peewees in a few years when they will likely go to the A team.
In Peewees they check.
Your son and his friends even if they are physical kids( games outside of hockey) have not had the training in playing hockey with their bodies.
Your son and his friends are as much as two years younger than some players they will see, 9 year olds vs 11 or 12 year olds in a physical confrontation????? NO.
The statement above about peewee b games maybe being more physical than peewee a, very true. You likely have players who do nothing more than try and hit...and they don't do it smart for themselves much less the opponent.
In the end: You have peewee b regulars, players who are old enough to play in their first or second season of checking. Enter first year squirt, one year removed from mites............... Don't do it. It is nice, but they will come to peewees in a few years when they will likely go to the A team.