Update on hot-button topics

[O-townClown]

There are a few subjects that have been deeply discussed in the past year. For the most part, these threads have fallen to back pages. Anyone have new thoughts worth sharing?

1) Walser: Announcement of a sponsored program operating out of Minnesota made had several on the board declaring the arrival of a "big time" Tier I program like the fabled ones in Michigan. Does anyone know for sure if that's the case?

2) Choice Leagues: About 5 years old, reports are that these well-run leagues are thriving. Now offering play at Mite, Squirt, and Pee Wee (full check) levels, who are the kids that are playing in these? Are Twin City kids forgoing play on their community's PW A team? If so, are they from big or small programs - or both?

3) Double-dipping: Are families still having their kids participate in both community and Choice hockey simultaneously?

4) Tier I: It's coming, it's coming! We've been told that in-season Tier I play is soon inevitable and if you don't agree you just don't get it. How imminent is it? Will Minnesota Hockey be making a big announcement coming out of the USA Hockey Winter Meeting?

Any others I've left off? Feel free to add other contentious topics in youth hockey that have been discussed in the past. I'm curious to hear how some of these are playing out.

[spin-o-rama]

Here are some more:

Mandatory coaches helmets. Did top coaches hang 'em up because wearing a helmet was too expensive or beneath them? Anyone been fined for wearing a non HECC certified Gretzky Jofa helmet or not having it buckled up?

Lockerroom monitors. Dissenters thought it would be too burdensome on parents and that it wasn't needed. Is it being followed? Have there been fines?

Blue pucks, ADM, Red White and Blue. Are associations buying into any of this or is there still the thought that Minnesota is the exception and resents USAh directives?

Peewee checking. Has it ruined the game? Are checking techniques being taught in every practice? Still very early on this one.

CEP requirements. All day seminars, required weekend seminars if you coach long enough (can't renew level 3 more than twice), online modules. Is it worth the time and money to do it every year? What can be done to streamline the process and get the same results?

[silentbutdeadly3139]

Here are some more:

Mandatory coaches helmets. Did top coaches hang 'em up because wearing a helmet was too expensive or beneath them? Anyone been fined for wearing a non HECC certified Gretzky Jofa helmet or not having it buckled up?

Lockerroom monitors. Dissenters thought it would be too burdensome on parents and that it wasn't needed. Is it being followed? Have there been fines?

Blue pucks, ADM, Red White and Blue. Are associations buying into any of this or is there still the thought that Minnesota is the exception and resents USAh directives?

Peewee checking. Has it ruined the game? Are checking techniques being taught in every practice? Still very early on this one.

CEP requirements. All day seminars, required weekend seminars if you coach long enough (can't renew level 3 more than twice), online modules. Is it worth the time and money to do it every year? What can be done to streamline the process and get the same results?

Very doubtful they are taught. Too many other things to work on and teaching checkling becomes one of the "Next practice we'll work on that ..." until next practice comes and goes. Pray for first year peewees when they get to bantams. They are going to need it. lot of peewee kids skating with head down.

[old goalie85]

I agree, we were in B-ville this weekend, and pee-wees are skating while looking @ the puck in most cases. They won't stop untill they get hit. I hope they don't get hurt to bad @ Bantam try-outs.

[JSR]

Here are some more:

Mandatory coaches helmets. Did top coaches hang 'em up because wearing a helmet was too expensive or beneath them? Anyone been fined for wearing a non HECC certified Gretzky Jofa helmet or not having it buckled up?

Lockerroom monitors. Dissenters thought it would be too burdensome on parents and that it wasn't needed. Is it being followed? Have there been fines?

Blue pucks, ADM, Red White and Blue. Are associations buying into any of this or is there still the thought that Minnesota is the exception and resents USAh directives?

Peewee checking. Has it ruined the game? Are checking techniques being taught in every practice? Still very early on this one.

CEP requirements. All day seminars, required weekend seminars if you coach long enough (can't renew level 3 more than twice), online modules. Is it worth the time and money to do it every year? What can be done to streamline the process and get the same results?

Very doubtful they are taught. Too many other things to work on and teaching checkling becomes one of the "Next practice we'll work on that ..." until next practice comes and goes. Pray for first year peewees when they get to bantams. They are going to need it. lot of peewee kids skating with head down.

We are 6+ weeks into the season now at our association and our Pee Wee A team as of yet has not spent one single solitary minute on checking or body contact. Further, I brought it up to the head coach and his response was "there is alot of other stuff I want to egt accomplished with this team right now, the body contact stuff will have to wait til later in the season". I was under the impression that one of the "big selling points" of the new rules was that body contact would be taught at every practice throughout the season so as to "better prepare" the kids for body contact and prepare them to both give and receive it "properly"... well how can they do this if they NEVER work on it at all. I am especially sensitive to this since my oldest is a first year Pee Wee and is on his Pee Wee A team.....

[greybeard58]

Like anyone is really surprised most coaches have other priorities. It was the same when the same idea was tried before. In 2 years make sure you have a well stocked first aid kit and knowledge of all hospitals close to each rink you will play in. What will be interesting will be USA Hockey's response or rather their denial and watch the buck be passed faster than any politician has ever done.

[silentbutdeadly3139]

Like anyone is really surprised most coaches have other priorities. It was the same when the same idea was tried before. In 2 years make sure you have a well stocked first aid kit and knowledge of all hospitals close to each rink you will play in. What will be interesting will be USA Hockey's response or rather their denial and watch the buck be passed faster than any politician has ever done.

They wont pass the buck, they did this for the buck ($$). They will blame everyone else and the kids will be the ones who will pay the steep price for their ignorance. Hope these kids play summer hockey to get some training because I'm not seeing it done in practice.

[Tenoverpar]

so is there a Pee Wee Choice Checking league that will start or is that already going?

[Aimforthefivehole]

USA hockey just mailed us a box of Flag Football Belts for our forwards to wear. Apparently in games beginning in January all D 6 Pee Wee forwards are required to wear them during games. Whew... The defenseman finally get a break.

[C-dad]

so is there a Pee Wee Choice Checking league that will start or is that already going?

Already going.