Blades open up Brick tryout to all Minnesota 2001 players

[terrymoore1717]

The Minnesota Blades are, for the first time, providing all Minnesota players a chance to tryout for the 2011 Brick Tournament team. The Brick tournament is the most unique and competitive tournament for 10 year-old hockey players in North America. The tryout is open to all 2001-born players.



Because it only includes a single level (for 10 year-olds), The Brick truly is a once in a lifetime experience. Played entirely at the West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta, the Brick features teams representing 6 provinces and 5 states and leaves each team charged with gathering the best players in their region. 2011 will also include two European teams. This system creates a very strong level of competition.

The 2011 Brick team will be coached by Lance Pitlick and Greg Dornbach. The 2011 Brick team will gather for the first time after Memorial Day and practice through June, leading up to the tournament in Edmonton on June 26 through July 3, 2011. After the tournament, players will be expected to return to their own teams for the rest of the summer.

The first tryout will be held at the Schwan's Super Rink, in Blaine, on December 4, 2010. Any families interested in trying out should go to www.minnesotablades.com and click on "Online Registration" on the sidebar and follow the registration instructions.

[The Huge Hook]

Terry..........Considering the Blades already have an '01 team selected and have played together for more than a year, is this Brick team you are writing about comparable to a Blades 2 team????

Please expand upon what is going on!

[terrymoore1717]

This is the model thjat Alberta and some other teams user. It is not a Blades2 team. This team will gather after Mamorial Day and practice for one month. The trtyouts will include independabt evaluators. All players will be expected to return to their own team aytert the tournament.

[royalhockey999]

[quote="terrymoore1717"]This is the model thjat Alberta and some other teams user. It is not a Blades2 team. This team will gather after Mamorial Day and practice for one month. The trtyouts will include independabt evaluators. All players will be expected to return to their own team aytert the tournament.[/quote]

SPELL CHECK PLEASE!

[Wildcathcky]

I recall reading numerous posts over the years stating that the Brick team should be opened up to all Minnesota players. Assuming the Blades are up front and honest about picking the best players regardless of which AAA team they skate for during the summer, this apears to be a great development. It will be interesting to see what type of response they get to the open tryout.

[old goalie85]

Great job by the blades!!!

[GreatOne99]

I recall reading numerous posts over the years stating that the Brick team should be opened up to all Minnesota players. Assuming the Blades are up front and honest about picking the best players regardless of which AAA team they skate for during the summer, this apears to be a great development. It will be interesting to see what type of response they get to the open tryout.

I heard most teams are letting their 01's tryout for the Brick team with the exception of Machine teams. I thought the cry from MM parents was to open the tryouts and let the best MN kids go to the Brick, I guess the warden wouldn't open the door

[canadahockeyrules]

I recall reading numerous posts over the years stating that the Brick team should be opened up to all Minnesota players. Assuming the Blades are up front and honest about picking the best players regardless of which AAA team they skate for during the summer, this apears to be a great development. It will be interesting to see what type of response they get to the open tryout.

I heard most teams are letting their 01's tryout for the Brick team with the exception of Machine teams. I thought the cry from MM parents was to open the tryouts and let the best MN kids go to the Brick, I guess the warden wouldn't open the door

As I recall from this summer, didn't Bernie McBain sue MN Hockey because parents where not allowed to choose where their kids could play without being subject to penelties? It seems to me, Mr. McBain is taking the same stance as MN Hockey in regards to not allowing Machine players the opportunity to try-out for a team that will be playing in one of the best Squirt level tourneys in North America. I guess Mr. McBain plays by different rules, or makes them up as he goes along.

[old goalie85]

I know my reebok Nat will be trying out. I wouldn't care what any "person" said. Who does this guy think he is?

[HockeyDad41]

I heard the Wolfpack is going to allow their 01's to try out.

[terrymoore1717]

This is to clarify a question that has come up about the Brick Tryouts.

The tryout is open to all 2001-born players. It is not necessary to turn ten before the tournament.


Three Weeks until Tryouts! Go to www.minnesotablades.com to register.

[High Off The Glass]

This is to clarify a question that has come up about the Brick Tryouts.

The tryout is open to all 2001-born players. It is not necessary to turn ten before the tournament.


Three Weeks until Tryouts! Go to www.minnesotablades.com to register.

I haven't heard if MM and BM has lowered the "Iron Curtain" so little orange kids can try-out for the team yet, anyone have any scuttlebutt? I do know the other top AAA teams in the area have giving their blessings for their kids to try-out. It would be a shame for a kid to miss this opportunity just because of one guy's ego. I'd love to hear from Machine parents and how you defend BM position on this.

[GreatOne99]

This is to clarify a question that has come up about the Brick Tryouts.

The tryout is open to all 2001-born players. It is not necessary to turn ten before the tournament.


Three Weeks until Tryouts! Go to www.minnesotablades.com to register.

I haven't heard if MM and BM has lowered the "Iron Curtain" so little orange kids can try-out for the team yet, anyone have any scuttlebutt? I do know the other top AAA teams in the area have giving their blessings for their kids to try-out. It would be a shame for a kid to miss this opportunity just because of one guy's ego. I'd love to hear from Machine parents and how you defend BM position on this.

Remember it's all about Choice! Well in the end maybe it's not?

[canadahockeyrules]

I recall reading numerous posts over the years stating that the Brick team should be opened up to all Minnesota players. Assuming the Blades are up front and honest about picking the best players regardless of which AAA team they skate for during the summer, this apears to be a great development. It will be interesting to see what type of response they get to the open tryout.

All right here's my point about this Brick tourney to MM, I have no kid in the fight, just my opinion: The Blades are taking a huge risk opening this team up to anyone who try out. Mr McBain, they (the Blades), take your best 1-3 kids and play up at the Brick and lets say they light it up and carry the team deep into the tournament or maybe win the thing. You now have a huge chip to bargain future skaters into MM. Who develops better skaters? You just had a tournament where Machine and Blades played together and Machine kids outscored their Blade teammates, great promotional tool to be used later. Why then wouldn't you allow Machine kids to play on this team? It's time to think outside the box, so to speak, and open your eyes to this opportunity. Maybe, on the other hand, the top Machine kids don't contribute much in the tourney, and it can be used against MM. I don't think that would happen. Give your Machine families the opportunity they deserve and at least let them try out.

[upnorth32]

[quote="terrymoore1717"]The Minnesota Blades are, for the first time, providing all Minnesota players a chance to tryout for the 2011 Brick Tournament team. The Brick tournament is the most unique and competitive tournament for 10 year-old hockey players in North America. The tryout is open to all 2001-born players.



Because it only includes a single level (for 10 year-olds), The Brick truly is a once in a lifetime experience. Played entirely at the West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta, the Brick features teams representing 6 provinces and 5 states and leaves each team charged with gathering the best players in their region. 2011 will also include two European teams. This system creates a very strong level of competition.

The 2011 Brick team will be coached by Lance Pitlick and Greg Dornbach. The 2011 Brick team will gather for the first time after Memorial Day and practice through June, leading up to the tournament in Edmonton on June 26 through July 3, 2011. After the tournament, players will be expected to return to their own teams for the rest of the summer.

The first tryout will be held at the Schwan's Super Rink, in Blaine, on December 4, 2010. Any families interested in trying out should go to www.minnesotablades.com and click on "Online Registration" on the sidebar and follow the registration instructions.[/quote]
Terry can you describe what the tryout will consist of whether it is all scrimmage or will there be skills as a small part of the process of selection? We are looking forward to particpating and think that the process of opening up the team to all MN skaters is great and good for MN hockey!

[terrymoore1717]

The Brick tryout will be a combination of skills testing, small area games and scrimmaging. The players will be evaluated by Coach Pitlick and a group of independent evaluators.

[phil mccracken]

If the top 5 kids on a 01' MN Made team go and play in this tournament I don't think they would be kicked off their MM team. Together they have the hammer.

[SuperStar]

I think its a great idea....It would be nice to see our Minnesota kids go up there and win the whole thing...No matter what summer program they are from.

Go Minnesota

[High Off The Glass]

If the top 5 kids on a 01' MN Made team go and play in this tournament I don't think they would be kicked off their MM team. Together they have the hammer.

I would love to hear from 01 Machine families, but I heard the letter and a parent meeting has already taken place regarding this issue with BM stating they can go ahead and tryout, but will not be invited back to their respective Machine teams. Love to hear if I got the facts wrong!

[observer]

I keep wondering how much more successful MM could be without such an adversarial culture. Is that the nature of the leadership or a planned marketing strategy? Seems like they could use a little getting along counseling.

[wayupnorth]

1.No teams from Europe will be there. That is false information.


2. Does a child at 10 years old get better from December to July? It seems a little early for a try-out.

3. Do kids have to miss there own organizations games for that weekend?

Just some thoughts,

[nhl'er]

1.No teams from Europe will be there. That is false information.


2. Does a child at 10 years old get better from December to July? It seems a little early for a try-out.

3. Do kids have to miss there own organizations games for that weekend?

Just some thoughts,

http://www.edmontonsun.com/sports/hocke ... 96341.html

[wayupnorth]

Probably and 95%? Leaves some room for error.

I guess we will see.

Thanks

[Toomuchtoosoon]

I would love to hear from 01 Machine families, but I heard the letter and a parent meeting has already taken place regarding this issue with BM stating they can go ahead and tryout, but will not be invited back to their respective Machine teams. Love to hear if I got the facts wrong!

That would be brilliant! Consider this- top 5 MMers tryout and get picked. BM kicks them off. Where would they go? Blades I suspect. Now the blades are much stronger and the machine much weaker. I assume that would not go over well with MM marketing message. Maybe hockey players are recruited, not made.

MM should just suck it up and wish their players well in tryouts. Sooner or later, they will all be playing elsewhere any way.

[Toomuchtoosoon]

I would love to hear from 01 Machine families, but I heard the letter and a parent meeting has already taken place regarding this issue with BM stating they can go ahead and tryout, but will not be invited back to their respective Machine teams. Love to hear if I got the facts wrong!

That would be brilliant! Consider this- top 5 MMers tryout and get picked. BM kicks them off. Where would they go? Blades I suspect. Now the blades are much stronger and the machine much weaker. I assume that would not go over well with MM marketing message. Maybe hockey players are recruited, not made.

MM should just suck it up and wish their players well in tryouts. Sooner or later, they will all be playing elsewhere any way.