- I think it would work better to rotate the schedule than to have a single host.greybeard58 wrote:The idea is good but since you have used District 10 as an example a bit of history maybe should be stated. First the current and past District Director and the current and past District President have during their tenure encouraged associations to place their teams at the proper competitive level and if it took a cooperative to place teams at the highest level so be it not only at the monthly meetings but also during the summer meetings . All was required was a written agreement by the associations in the cooperative detailing who would host what level, ice time ,payments and length of agreement.
In the past at the youth level as far back as the 2005-06 season the coop’s have been St Francis/Cambridge/Isanti, St Francis/North Branch. Becker Big Lake and Princeton and the last 2 years Cambridge/Isanti and North Branch none are still in effect. The only successful coop’s have been on the girls side.
I would suggest that first your groupings be changed to include all of the smaller associations in District 10 and would also be at the Peewee and Bantam levels only. I would group North Branch, Chisago Lakes and Pine City in one group have Cambridge/Isanti, Princeton and Mora in the next group and then place Spring Lake Park, Irondale and St Francis in another. This would be to place teams at the A and B1 level for Peewee and Bantams. All the associations would have to be in agreement on a large number of items and the duration should be mandated for a 4 year period. With a 4 year mandated agreement this would give the next group a chance knowing it will still be in effect and can not be rescinded.
It is too late for this season but with hard work and cooperation could be in place for next season. Remember the District Director will also have to be aware of all things also as his approval is needed.
The biggest problem will be the egos of the parents and board members, if they can be kept in check the idea might work, however no one association should be guaranteed any spots on the top team. High school coaches might also spread negatives as you might be developing players his team will be going against, team colors have in the past also raised problems, coaches supposedly favoring one association over the other. The District does not need to be involved in the daily operation, that is the responsibility of the coop.
I hope that something would succeed and give more players a chance to compete, but this effort will need to include all levels on play at the bantam and peewee age groups.
Remember that the associations are the affiliates and they need to not only be involved but will have to approve. I would also get the larger associations on board with the idea that this will make their teams better. You want them on your side on this issue not against the idea.
- Most co-ops the parents have been the problem. They expect 50/50 etc. Too many inside politics. 100% outside evaluations.
- My team alignment was JUST an example. This should be just for A ONLY. It's never a good situation when a A level kid is playing on a B team. I see no need for combining at the B level. The competition level is also needed at Squirts.
- Next year
- No inside politics. The players that make the team earn it..... STRANGE CONCEPT IN HOCKEY
. High school coaches should be very happy that this might keep some of their top end talent around. No need to look for greener pastures in PeeWees or Bantams to get noticed. Most of the B-1 schools in D-10 play in different hs conferences. As for the colors...?? I guess mix them up, or go with a different color.- All levels would not be a good thing.
- I would hope the mega associations would like the added competition.
