Bantam AA and Highschool hockey! When is it time to go?

[EyeNdaSky]

So much has been talked about over the years about when to have your high school (HS) age Bantam player make the jump. Anyone of HS age has the right to try-out, but I think there should be some rational and logic behind it. This direction and leadership needs to start with the athletic directors & varsity coaches on down to the youth organizations. Many people that I have spoken with this year across a few choice communities feel as though there is a large disconnect between the HS and youth associations. A bit of common sense here seems to be going to the wayside. Shouldn't the Varsity coaches say Keep working hard, get stronger--you're looking good, we'll see ya next season? Not only does this hurt the future growth of the youth level teams/players, it also may be a developmental black hole for the young player trying to just SURVIVE as a freshman on a varsity ice rink instead of being able to Play the game, Grow and continue to Learn the game of hockey in Bantams. Are we just 'the few' who feel this way? Any and all comments would be welcomed!

[old goalie85]

I think one big factor would be $$. Highschool vs BantamAA in forest Lake is not even close. Highschool all you pay for is skates/sticks. They drive them to the games/feed them on game nights/feed them the night before games.[spaghetti dinners] That's four meals a week for a teenaged boy. The cost for the season is like 250.00. We all know how much BAA costs.

[observer]

I agree with OG. Money is the #1 stated reason.

But, I think the question is in regards to hockey. I think the old rule still stands. First two lines and specialty team opportunities and a 9th grader (second year bantam) considers the move. Since coaches generally don't make those kinds of promises a player and his family need to know that is where they stand. Hoping to earn a spot on the top two lines doesn't qualify. Stick with your current and future HS team mates. 60 games, 3-4 tourneys, end of the season playoffs all can add up to a great experience at bantam.

Each bantam and high school program has different needs so it's difficult to generalize. With sufficient numbers in both programs I'm a big fan of bantam hockey. Playing against players your age provides the best development except for just a few obvious high end players. Don't rush it as it's an opportunity that only comes once. Did all of the Mr. Hockey winners play bantam?

[old goalie85]

Yes hockey wise, playing BAA with your buddys/being on the power play/longer season I would say for us in FL enjoying your last year of youth hockey would be the way to go. If your Jake wahlin and your going to be the leading scorer at a hockey powerhouse like WBL in 9th grade thats a different story. I guess like Observer said one size does not fit all.

[EyeNdaSky]

I definitely can see the $$$ issue for sure.

We only had a couple get a look and one go, but a good friend of mine was at odds with their association as they took 4 freshman! Whether he was blowing off steam or not, he said 3 of the 4 didnt even try-out for bantam which tells him they had promises given to them before they even stepped on the ice! WOw! THat cant be sending the right message to anyone, upper classman or Bantams coming up next year.

I asked, well were they playing and making a difference...answer was yes they were and No not one bit.

[the_juiceman]

I definitely can see the $$$ issue for sure.

We only had a couple get a look and one go, but a good friend of mine was at odds with their association as they took 4 freshman! Whether he was blowing off steam or not, he said 3 of the 4 didnt even try-out for bantam which tells him they had promises given to them before they even stepped on the ice! WOw! THat cant be sending the right message to anyone, upper classman or Bantams coming up next year.

I asked, well were they playing and making a difference...answer was yes they were and No not one bit.

why at odds with the association? should be at odds with the HS coach

[EyeNdaSky]

@ juice, yeah I agree! I think his assoc comments were based on the boys that didnt try-out. Hypothetically, if they don't make Varsity and they skipped Bantam try-outs, they have no where to play, but he said promises are promises. And what does that mean for next year's crop? He said now there may be a parent coach taking over the varsity job. I told him that's just plain nutz. How could any AD in their right mind do that? I have to believe that if our HS did that, there would be complete pandemonium. We're having lunch soon. I'll find out more juicy details! haha

Here's something to chew on.

Parent coaching or Paid non-parent coaching. Where do you draw the line for both youth or HS athletics?

[SCBlueLiner]

H.S. - Paid coach. Maybe he has a kid roll through the system but this should be a salaried position.

Youth - Depends. I've seen good and bad of both. If a parent coach is knowledgeable of the game, is a good coach, and doesn't play favorites then it's a bonus to the association they don't have to pay him. If the parent coach is bad and the only reason he's there is for his kid/friend's kids than hire from the outside.

Accountability to the association is the key for each type.