Machine Perspective on playing for 2012 Brick Team

[fivehole99]

My son currently plays for the 2002 Machine team. (Orange) Without a doubt, Bernie runs a good program. Unfortunately, last year's '02 Machine team had a lot of drama due to coaching changes because of the fact the coaches were only focusing on their own kids. It seems better now but you never know. Because of this and the fact I am interested in the Brick, I decided to look into the 2012 Brick team to see what the deal is.

I know several people who have had their sons play at The Brick and they all basically said the same thing. "The Brick is the single best hockey tournament I have ever attended and it isn't even close. The opportunity to play at The Brick is and will always be a life long memory for my son."

That got me thinking that Bernie should let his best kids play in the best tournament if he truly wants them to develop. Instead, he threatens (apparently) to cut the players who "cross the line." The last time I checked the game is about the kids, not the parents or Bernie. With this in mind, I reached out to (3) Blades' people about The Brick and they all said the same thing.

"We would love to see your son at tryouts." I asked if he had a chance to make the team and they said, "yes." I asked what happens when the bench gets shortened and they said, "we are going there to win and the players who are producing will play. It is too expensive and too much of a time commitment to do it any other way. We don't care what regular AAA team you play on." Seeing as how the head coach is a non parent coach, this is interesting.

I think the Machine/Blades rivalry is preventing Minnesota from taking the best 10 year olds to Edmonton to play in the best tournament. To not give our kids the opportunity to experience something like this because of Bernie or for fear of being cut seems ignorant.

Do college teams cut any of their players when leave their respective teams to go to the world jrs. My analogy is not to suggest the two are comparable in terms of importance, only the methodology.

I know my Machine cronies will hammer me for this but I really hope parents of the top Machine kids will let their son(s) participate in the tryout and see where it takes them. Ya never know. It may actually be fun.

[C-dad]

Have you asked Bernie if he will, in fact, cut kids who play in the Brick?

[trippedovertheblueline]

Good luck in the tryout, and if you go good luck in the tournament.

[old goalie85]

Team Mn. all the way!!!!!!

[fivehole99]

Bernie has not officially said he would cut my son if we attend the tryout. but I do know he has told past parents who have inquired that he would cut any player loose who attends the tryout. My son said he would rather experience The Brick (if he is fortunate enough to make the team) and not play for Bernie versus the other way around. My perception of the Blades guys were that they were arrogant, we hate Bernie guys. I didn't sense that at all. They want to roster the best team regardless of AAA affiliate. Wish me luck. I think I'll need it.

[JSR]

Bernie has not officially said he would cut my son if we attend the tryout. but I do know he has told past parents who have inquired that he would cut any player loose who attends the tryout. My son said he would rather experience The Brick (if he is fortunate enough to make the team) and not play for Bernie versus the other way around. My perception of the Blades guys were that they were arrogant, we hate Bernie guys. I didn't sense that at all. They want to roster the best team regardless of AAA affiliate. Wish me luck. I think I'll need it.

See here is what I don't get. What is the WORST thing that could happen if you go to that tryout. Well the WORST scenario is your son gets cut from the Machine and also does not make the Brick roster...... SO WHAT.... it's not like he can't play hockey ever again and it's not like he can't still play for a really good team in the spring and still develop etc... etc... The truth is LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of MN kids make it to high school varsity teams and even D1 colleges that NEVER played for either the Blades or the Machine.... just saying that sometimes parents don't often keep proper perspective of what's really important and they start doing things for "political" reasons instead of what is best for their kid or what their kid really wants. If your kid really wants to try out for the Brick then by gosh you should be making that happen and who cares about the rest...... JMHO... good luck at tryouts

[buttend]

"The Brick is the single best hockey tournament I have ever attended and it isn't even close."


Of course parents are going to say that, they just got done shelling out $3000+ for 2 plane tickets, 6-7 days hotel and 42+ meals + booze + car for the weeks stay in Edmonton. You have to justify it! There are many hockey tournaments that kids can play in some have a aura of mystique around them but at the end of the day the are just a hockey tournaments. In this case its a 10 team event for 10 year olds!

Brick
Subway AAA
Quebec World PeeWee Tournament
Prospects
Nike Bauer


Good luck with Bernie fivehole99 guy

[Outoftowner]

Bernie has not officially said he would cut my son if we attend the tryout. but I do know he has told past parents who have inquired that he would cut any player loose who attends the tryout. My son said he would rather experience The Brick (if he is fortunate enough to make the team) and not play for Bernie versus the other way around. My perception of the Blades guys were that they were arrogant, we hate Bernie guys. I didn't sense that at all. They want to roster the best team regardless of AAA affiliate. Wish me luck. I think I'll need it.

If your kid gets cut from the machine, let us know. Maybe my kid can take your kid's spot.








Good luck on the tryout.

[Mo Wanchuk]

Unfortunately, last year's '02 Machine team had a lot of drama due to coaching changes because of the fact the coaches were only focusing on their own kids.

The one coach who was replaced focused solely on his kid.

[fivehole99]

Regarding my comments about the parents saying it was the best tourney, their point of view was it was not just a hockey tourney. The interaction with kids from all across Canada was a great experience in addition to the way The Brick runs the tourney. If the parents thought it was not worth the money I think they would said, "save your money as it isn't worth it." The only thing I find a little strange on the board is the Machine Heads (and remember I am one of them) who offer negative commentary on The Brick have never attended the tourney. They are merely repeating what Bernie has told them. A little ignorant in my opinion. I did the research myself and was surprised what I found. My wife thinks I am nuts for crossing Bernie but my kid wants to go for it so that is what we are doing. I should probably change my username to Guinea Pig instead of fivehole99. Ha!

[OBOY]

Regarding my comments about the parents saying it was the best tourney, their point of view was it was not just a hockey tourney. The interaction with kids from all across Canada was a great experience in addition to the way The Brick runs the tourney. If the parents thought it was not worth the money I think they would said, "save your money as it isn't worth it." The only thing I find a little strange on the board is the Machine Heads (and remember I am one of them) who offer negative commentary on The Brick have never attended the tourney. They are merely repeating what Bernie has told them. A little ignorant in my opinion. I did the research myself and was surprised what I found. My wife thinks I am nuts for crossing Bernie but my kid wants to go for it so that is what we are doing. I should probably change my username to Guinea Pig instead of fivehole99. Ha!

Good for you!!! You and your son should make the best decisions for what he want's to do with hockey. Not Bernie..

[hockeydad11]

Fivehole99 you are such a

Fake
Poser
Imposter

This clown is not a Machine Guy. It is most likely John Byers or maybe even Terry Moore himself! Oh My! What a Fake!

One thing you can be sure of is that Bernie would cut a kid a in a second. His thought is if you want to be a Blade then go be a Blade.

[HockeyDad41]

Looks like there will be an opening on the Orange team.

[scrapiron]

This is what I was sent when I ask a 2000 Blades Parent about the tournament.

The Brick tournament at the Novice major level (as they call it Canada) The Brick is a unique tournament and brings together Pick-Up teams from around the country with little on participation or even cross border participation. US players on Canadian regional teams or Canadian players on US teams are not uncommon.

This tournament could end up being a burden for parents playing on AAA teams who find themselves going to Edmonton. I say this because this tournament is spread over 10 days and costs for a Parent/Player combo for the week is probably in the $5,000 range. You need to arrive on the first Friday maybe Saturday and stay till the next Monday (10 days). You could end up playing 5 games in the round robin and be done by Friday AM since only 4 of the 12 teams advancing to playoffs. Since closing ceremonies occur Sunday PM, the earliest you can travel home is the next Monday.

The set up for the Tournament is in a Mall (MOA like) and the Mall is convenient in that the Hotel and Rink are enclosed within the Mall. However it is a long stay within the Mall with lots of Down Time. The Rink although in a very interesting setting within the Mall, has some major problem. On a Sunny Day, the Sun is magnified through a glass roof so that on a warm July and Sunny day the ice is soft that often water covered. Not unusual to see a Zamb trying to scrape the ice dry. This is less than ideal for a high skilled passing team with high expectations.

The tournament is used by the Blades as a local MN recruiting tool and therefore there is pressure to have positive results in Edmonton which in turn influences the team. This event is such a big deal for the Blades that it become a win at all cost situation.

The the biggest problems was the fact that the coaches shorten the bench so often that some of the players rarely saw the ice. This causes many problems on the team. The team had almost became to camps. Camp #1 was the parents whose kids were playing and camp #2 were those whose kids were not playing. By the end of the tournament families from the two sides did not even speak with each other. It was a very strange situation.

So in considering the Brick, I strongly suggest that you weigh the pros/cons as a team and as parent I would carefully measure my expectations for my player and summer development requirements before embarking on. Those can buy a lot of development in Minnesota. Also in our case the parents expectations were so high because of the hype of the tournament that anything short of winning the whole thing was considered a failure and the reality is that the chance of winning it are low. As you know our showing was nowhere near what we had hoped for.

[Sunsetcliffs98]

This is what I was sent when I ask a 2000 Blades Parent about the tournament.

The Brick tournament at the Novice major level (as they call it Canada) The Brick is a unique tournament and brings together Pick-Up teams from around the country with little on participation or even cross border participation. US players on Canadian regional teams or Canadian players on US teams are not uncommon.

This tournament could end up being a burden for parents playing on AAA teams who find themselves going to Edmonton. I say this because this tournament is spread over 10 days and costs for a Parent/Player combo for the week is probably in the $5,000 range. You need to arrive on the first Friday maybe Saturday and stay till the next Monday (10 days). You could end up playing 5 games in the round robin and be done by Friday AM since only 4 of the 12 teams advancing to playoffs. Since closing ceremonies occur Sunday PM, the earliest you can travel home is the next Monday.

The set up for the Tournament is in a Mall (MOA like) and the Mall is convenient in that the Hotel and Rink are enclosed within the Mall. However it is a long stay within the Mall with lots of Down Time. The Rink although in a very interesting setting within the Mall, has some major problem. On a Sunny Day, the Sun is magnified through a glass roof so that on a warm July and Sunny day the ice is soft that often water covered. Not unusual to see a Zamb trying to scrape the ice dry. This is less than ideal for a high skilled passing team with high expectations.

The tournament is used by the Blades as a local MN recruiting tool and therefore there is pressure to have positive results in Edmonton which in turn influences the team. This event is such a big deal for the Blades that it become a win at all cost situation.

The the biggest problems was the fact that the coaches shorten the bench so often that some of the players rarely saw the ice. This causes many problems on the team. The team had almost became to camps. Camp #1 was the parents whose kids were playing and camp #2 were those whose kids were not playing. By the end of the tournament families from the two sides did not even speak with each other. It was a very strange situation.

So in considering the Brick, I strongly suggest that you weigh the pros/cons as a team and as parent I would carefully measure my expectations for my player and summer development requirements before embarking on. Those can buy a lot of development in Minnesota. Also in our case the parents expectations were so high because of the hype of the tournament that anything short of winning the whole thing was considered a failure and the reality is that the chance of winning it are low. As you know our showing was nowhere near what we had hoped for.

Wow! That's really sad.

[Mo Wanchuk]

This is what I was sent when I ask a 2000 Blades Parent about the tournament.

The Brick tournament at the Novice major level (as they call it Canada) The Brick is a unique tournament and brings together Pick-Up teams from around the country with little on participation or even cross border participation. US players on Canadian regional teams or Canadian players on US teams are not uncommon.

This tournament could end up being a burden for parents playing on AAA teams who find themselves going to Edmonton. I say this because this tournament is spread over 10 days and costs for a Parent/Player combo for the week is probably in the $5,000 range. You need to arrive on the first Friday maybe Saturday and stay till the next Monday (10 days). You could end up playing 5 games in the round robin and be done by Friday AM since only 4 of the 12 teams advancing to playoffs. Since closing ceremonies occur Sunday PM, the earliest you can travel home is the next Monday.

The set up for the Tournament is in a Mall (MOA like) and the Mall is convenient in that the Hotel and Rink are enclosed within the Mall. However it is a long stay within the Mall with lots of Down Time. The Rink although in a very interesting setting within the Mall, has some major problem. On a Sunny Day, the Sun is magnified through a glass roof so that on a warm July and Sunny day the ice is soft that often water covered. Not unusual to see a Zamb trying to scrape the ice dry. This is less than ideal for a high skilled passing team with high expectations.

The tournament is used by the Blades as a local MN recruiting tool and therefore there is pressure to have positive results in Edmonton which in turn influences the team. This event is such a big deal for the Blades that it become a win at all cost situation.

The the biggest problems was the fact that the coaches shorten the bench so often that some of the players rarely saw the ice. This causes many problems on the team. The team had almost became to camps. Camp #1 was the parents whose kids were playing and camp #2 were those whose kids were not playing. By the end of the tournament families from the two sides did not even speak with each other. It was a very strange situation.

So in considering the Brick, I strongly suggest that you weigh the pros/cons as a team and as parent I would carefully measure my expectations for my player and summer development requirements before embarking on. Those can buy a lot of development in Minnesota. Also in our case the parents expectations were so high because of the hype of the tournament that anything short of winning the whole thing was considered a failure and the reality is that the chance of winning it are low. As you know our showing was nowhere near what we had hoped for.

Hi Bernie!

[council member retired]

I wouldn't think the Bernie fellow would not cut his top 1,2, or 3 players if they were gone from practice a few days. If he did wouldn't that weaken his team below his rivals? On the other hand it sounds like a lot of money. Not a typical trip to Grand Rapids for a 3 game winter tournament.

[This is nuts!]

If its true that the brick team shortens the bench at the brick, I would be furious as a parent. Both cuz I spent thousands of dollars only to watch my kid be pissed cuz he's benched after thinking he was going to part of something special.

One would think if they are bringing a Mn allstar team, there would be no reason to shorten the bench.

Hmmmmmmmmmm!

[hockeyjeanious]

Quebec Is a great tourney with kids from all over the world. Packed stands at games and Great overall experience.

[57special]

Quebec Is a great tourney with kids from all over the world. Packed stands at games and Great overall experience.

agreed. I participated played way back -71- and it was a great time. The people in Quebec were fantastic, and playing in the old Colisee was fun. It was big even then, but it has grown since,with participants from all over the world.

[youngatheart]

This entire thread was started by someone (my guess by the language a mother) not associated with the Machine attempting to start things up again. Don't bite on it folks!!

"My son said he would rather experience The Brick (if he is fortunate enough to make the team) and not play for Bernie versus the other way around"

I'm sure the kid said this because 9 year olds know how important playing in the Brick is. Whatever.....

Bottom Line. I would be very surprised if any Machine players show up for the Brick tryouts. Although, at least half of the Orange would make the Brick team if a tryout occurred. I'm sure all the Machine families have put money down for this coming season. I also know that Bernie outlines his team commitments, and missing June and July not an option. Right or wrong, this is how things are done and the families know this.

[MrBoDangles]

This entire thread was started by someone (my guess by the language a mother) not associated with the Machine attempting to start things up again. Don't bite on it folks!!

"My son said he would rather experience The Brick (if he is fortunate enough to make the team) and not play for Bernie versus the other way around"

I'm sure the kid said this because 9 year olds know how important playing in the Brick is. Whatever.....

Bottom Line. I would be very surprised if any Machine players show up for the Brick tryouts. Although, at least half of the Orange would make the Brick team if a tryout occurred. I'm sure all the Machine families have put money down for this coming season. I also know that Bernie outlines his team commitments, and missing June and July not an option. Right or wrong, this is how things are done and the families know this.

Kids are well aware of the Brick. How cool must a kid think it is?

You're way off thinking that half would make it.

and wrong

[MrBoDangles]

Could you imagine how the Machine parents would talk up the Brick if their team was going..

It's all jealousy...

[old goalie85]

So far we have one kid from the orange trying out. Can we get two??? Maybe three? Come on folks they are your kids, not his.

[old goalie85]

I find it hard to fathom, Bern cutting six kids.[if 6 were to make it]