Northern Educate Hockey Academy

[MrBoDangles]

While Clown's five day camp for a whole Summer is too little, I would think that 5-6 hours a day in a job/school environment would be too much. I think I would even lose my passion for fishing if I had to do it for the 5-6 hours a day, everyday, especially in a controlled environment.

I could see for motivated Bantam kids..... but it looks like they're offering it for all age levels.

Opinions?

[2112]

Nationals are made not born, thats what the add says in LPH. Pretty original, 5 to 6 hours a day of developing bad habits. You would be nuts not to do this for your kid, it would only take 2 to 3 hours to find his equipment every morning. [ that was a classic HD41]

[oldtimer64]

Is this a joke? Can anyone name one elite player that has been developed by this clown. It's time for the best skater I've ever seen to go back to Iowa.

[kopernicus]

I could see for motivated Bantam kids..... but it looks like they're offering it for all age levels.

Opinions?

As a parent of a Bantam who has struggled in school, at face value this is a very attractive option- plenty of icetime, immersed with peers who have the same class load (albiet online instruction)- while stepping away from the distracting high school drama while still being able to particpate in local association and HS sports- it seems close to ideal.

we can't quite cover the tuition though- I get the feeling that this is inteded to fill a gap like a less academic Shattuck without the Tier 1 status.

We would have no problem finding the gear- we would just follow our nose- it would never dry out!

[MrBoDangles]

Will a young kid keep a passion for the sport in this regimented setting?

[goaliewithfoggedglasses]

What about everything they miss out on; art, music, gym, socialization, theatre arts, clubs, other sports, proper science labs, field trips, etc. etc.

And seriously, K-6? Crazy.

[oldschoolpuckster]

Welcome to the beginning of the Tier 1 process. I would assume that things like this are going to start popping up all over this market. IMO I think it could be a great environment for the right kid. I have a Bantam that can't get enough hockey and he has been talking to me and asking questions about the school every day for about three weeks. I happen to think it might be a little much, but he thinks it sounds like a great way to spend a day. He has played for Yuro and likes him as a coach, really likes his practice plans and the intensity of the program.

I would like to see the program get through a few years and have a few testimonials (good and bad) to have more info. to make that kind of a choice.

Like everything else, it will be right for some and wrong for others. To bash it right out of the gate is probably not the thing to do (but that is not the way this forum works )

[old goalie85]

I was talking to some of the "powers" that be. I was told they have had two fathers of 4 yr olds, Yes 4YR olds call and inquire. Wow !!! A four yr old needs to be w/his mom not w/Steve ALL DAY ON THE ICE. " Some nutjobs can create a program for 18 hrs of ice a day for pregnet mothers and people would sign up. Knowing this would make un-born little johnny a superstar!!!!!

[O-townClown]

Welcome to the beginning of the Tier 1 process.

??

Explanation needed.

[Quasar]

While Clown's five day camp for a whole Summer is too little, I would think that 5-6 hours a day in a job/school environment would be too much. I think I would even lose my passion for fishing if I had to do it for the 5-6 hours a day, everyday, especially in a controlled environment.

I could see for motivated Bantam kids..... but it looks like they're offering it for all age levels.

Opinions?

Hi Bo.
Want to think outside the box?? Google Academy Hockey .. spend 30 or 40 minutes reading and thinking ... ?????

On the other subject:

Walser/ MN Made ... Reebok /Edge academy ... Schwan AAA /NSC ...

Skinner academy / NSC ?????

Decisions not yet made ????

[MrBoDangles]

While Clown's five day camp for a whole Summer is too little, I would think that 5-6 hours a day in a job/school environment would be too much. I think I would even lose my passion for fishing if I had to do it for the 5-6 hours a day, everyday, especially in a controlled environment.

I could see for motivated Bantam kids..... but it looks like they're offering it for all age levels.

Opinions?

Hi Bo.
Want to think outside the box?? Google Academy Hockey .. spend 30 or 40 minutes reading and thinking ... ?????

On the other subject:

Walser/ MN Made ... Reebok /Edge academy ... Schwan AAA /NSC ...

Skinner academy / NSC ?????

Decisions not yet made ????

Q, You know my box is bigger than 99% of the posters on here ...

Hockey should be about fun at the younger levels. I also think it should be a LOT of non structured Hockey with a lower mix of structured Hockey at the younger ages... The hard hat and lunch pail (All day) setting WILL burn a younger kid out. Young kids no, very motivated Bantams and possibly older PeeWees, yes.

There's thinking outside the box both ways.

[MrBoDangles]

I was talking to some of the "powers" that be. I was told they have had two fathers of 4 yr olds, Yes 4YR olds call and inquire. Wow !!! A four yr old needs to be w/his mom not w/Steve ALL DAY ON THE ICE. " Some nutjobs can create a program for 18 hrs of ice a day for pregnet mothers and people would sign up. Knowing this would make un-born little johnny a superstar!!!!!

Q, Is a four to ? year old capable of having the desire for this? Seems like they're being fed to the wolves to me.

[Quasar]

I was talking to some of the "powers" that be. I was told they have had two fathers of 4 yr olds, Yes 4YR olds call and inquire. Wow !!! A four yr old needs to be w/his mom not w/Steve ALL DAY ON THE ICE. " Some nutjobs can create a program for 18 hrs of ice a day for pregnet mothers and people would sign up. Knowing this would make un-born little johnny a superstar!!!!!

Q, Is a four to ? year old capable of having the desire for this? Seems like they're being fed to the wolves to me.

No Academy grind until Bantam/Midget age..
I think Peewee is too young for regimented Academy hockey. I would like to see smaller sized teams where teaching the game is foremost. I also would like to see elite teams for the gifted.

The whole concept of the EDGE Academy is beyond where I would go.

And I know you are outside the box.. It's the only reason I posted ...

[Quasar]

Q, You know my box is bigger than 99% of the posters on here ...

Hockey should be about fun at the younger levels. I also think it should be a LOT of non structured Hockey with a lower mix of structured Hockey at the younger ages... The hard hat and lunch pail (All day) setting WILL burn a younger kid out. Young kids no, very motivated Bantams and possibly older PeeWees, yes.

There's thinking outside the box both ways.

Hockey should be fun at all levels. I agree with what you are saying.

The real heavy stuff shouldn't happen until Bantam, and then only for the elite players. The other 90 % should be balanced for even competition and fun!! Smaller teams = more teams, more coaches, more learning, more fun, Minnesota has the perfect model if they would just open it up at the top. High School hockey wont be harmed. Might be helped.

[old goalie85]

I agree. The Northern Edge owners/director are not from Mn. We have a nice set up.[Summer-vs-winter] I agree needs to be "tweaked" a bit. NOT totally rebuilt.

[oldtimer64]

WOW. People are seriously considering this program.

[oldschoolpuckster]

Welcome to the beginning of the Tier 1 process.

??

Explanation needed.

The explination is simple...Our market is beginning to see the formation of "lifestyle hockey". Like the above post points out, the fact there have been two families considering their four year old children enter this academy is craziness. I have had the opportunity to play in markets all around the country and HANDS DOWN Minnesota has the best of almost all hockey catagories covered, from novice to elite. If kids want to just play with their buddies for fun or try to play and compete at the highest level possible, it is all right here.

What I see happening now is that the "ultra elite" market is beginning to establish itself here and it is beginning to thrive. Am I in favor of it? Sure it is good for some kids, but for sure not all kids. What I am not in favor of is the false sense of superiority it is giving parents and players who participate. The numbers for kids that "make it" to the NHL will not change, it never has. I fear it will create such animosity between programs and families (like it already is doing) and it will take away from the great hockey environment that exists in MN right now.

Maybe I am just a MN hockey homer and I don't want to see it change from what it has always been. As a parent, it is tough to teach your kids what it is all about when most of their friends and teammates are AAA crazed. I will say that we spend a ton of time at the outdoor rinks in the winter just having fun, that seems to help (both of us).

[imlisteningtothefnsong]

My two boys have a combined 7 years in the Northern Edge program. My thoughts have always been development over tournament success. This program has exceeded all my expectations as well as my boys. Yuro has turned my oldest into a fantastic skater who finally is developing a passion for the game. If he gets the opportunity to play in H/S it will be because of Yuro's patience and endurance. Billy Bellmore coaches my younger boy and has done an equally outstanding job with him. I offered both the chance to go to Northern Educate. My oldest said no, mostly due to his interest in the ladies. My younger jumped at the chance. He has struggled in school and seems to have too much energy to make the most out of middle school. As I read the posts here, I think I should point out that for myself, I am not looking for the NHL to come knocking on my door. But rather that my son get a quality education in a structured environment. It is a chance for him to be successful in school, to get help when he needs it, even though he does not qualify for a tutor at a public school, if he needs it he will get it here. He will have gym three times each day and it happens to be his favorite subject and favorite teacher, Billy Bellmore. If he gets burned out, he can sit out the skating sessions until he feels like participating. I spent much more on Huntington's Learning Center with my oldest and he is still not up for the Valedictorian award. (if that is spelled wrong, neither was I) I have two boys that struggle in school and the individual attention that they will get in the classroom is worth the tuition for me. Kirk Olsen in the weight room, Billy and Yurok on the ice is a bonus for him. If he does not maintain a B average the classroom in the rink is as close to the ice as he will get. Our association will also not be short a player this winter as well.
There you go gents.....Lob your grenades

[oldtimer64]

My two boys have a combined 7 years in the Northern Edge program. My thoughts have always been development over tournament success. This program has exceeded all my expectations as well as my boys. Yuro has turned my oldest into a fantastic skater who finally is developing a passion for the game. If he gets the opportunity to play in H/S it will be because of Yuro's patience and endurance. Billy Bellmore coaches my younger boy and has done an equally outstanding job with him. I offered both the chance to go to Northern Educate. My oldest said no, mostly due to his interest in the ladies. My younger jumped at the chance. He has struggled in school and seems to have too much energy to make the most out of middle school. As I read the posts here, I think I should point out that for myself, I am not looking for the NHL to come knocking on my door. But rather that my son get a quality education in a structured environment. It is a chance for him to be successful in school, to get help when he needs it, even though he does not qualify for a tutor at a public school, if he needs it he will get it here. He will have gym three times each day and it happens to be his favorite subject and favorite teacher, Billy Bellmore. If he gets burned out, he can sit out the skating sessions until he feels like participating. I spent much more on Huntington's Learning Center with my oldest and he is still not up for the Valedictorian award. (if that is spelled wrong, neither was I) I have two boys that struggle in school and the individual attention that they will get in the classroom is worth the tuition for me. Kirk Olsen in the weight room, Billy and Yurok on the ice is a bonus for him. If he does not maintain a B average the classroom in the rink is as close to the ice as he will get. Our association will also not be short a player this winter as well.
There you go gents.....Lob your grenades

How will Kirk Olsen be in the weight room when he has to be at the X with the Wild? And be the GM of Total Hockey in Lakeville?

[O-townClown]

Old School Puckster:

Sorry, that explanation didn't help me. A school is opening and now Minnesota will have Tier I hockey? Parents are gung-ho and the affiliate is going to expand its model to include Tier I teams?

There were threads last summer and this about how Tier I is coming and everybody may as well just get on board lest they be run over by the train.

I've never said it isn't coming to Minnesota, but whenever I've asked someone to explain exactly what form it will take, the answers are inconclusive. Sift through the board and poster Quasar says with certainty Minnesota will have Tier I hockey by 2012-13.

I'm obviously wrong here, but I still would like to hear an explanation of how it happens. Maybe I should move there, start a program, and ask for Tier I status. Is it going to be that easy?

[Irish]

I've heard some great things about Northern Educate. Best thing about the school is the fact that kids can go home after school and play with their buddies in their local associations. Some of the kids attending Northern Educate even go home and play football, fall baseball, or Lacrosse. Do you agree with this?
If skating a lot every day doesn't fit in your schedule, I suggest you don't attend Northern Educate.
If you don't want your kids to skate more than 40 in the summer then join a team that offers less ice time.

I promise there's a summer team for every player in the state of Minnesota. If some people want their kids to skate more then more power to them. My son skates about 100 hours every summer, and he wants to skate more. When I come home from work he's in the garage stick handling and/or shooting on the net. My son wanted to attend Northern educate, but we do not live close enough to make it happen.

The only concern I have with Northern Educate is their location. Not sure why they wouldn't build it in EP, Edina, or Bloomington?

[old goalie85]

Why would they??? Steve lives in Hudsen!!!!

[TXinMyRearView]

WOW. People are seriously considering this program.

Hell, we are starting our second year. It was excellent hockey development for my boy.

[TXinMyRearView]

Just posted on the MSHSL web page:

http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/schoolpage2.asp?school=918

[Bleed Maroon and Gold]

Just posted on the MSHSL web page:

http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/schoolpage2.asp?school=918

Nice to see another Private school that will recruit kids to play in the single A state tournament. I guess we could just call the Single A state tournament the private school tournament and the AA the real school tournament.