Freshman leaves Benilde mid-season for the WHL

[The Exiled One]

Alright, last post on this thread for me...

I really don't care if a kid wants to play in the CHL. I really don't. I'm assuming that they've seen through all of the CHL shills' lies and have then STILL decided to play CHL hockey. I'm giving them more credit than you do.

You want EVERY decent player to go to the CHL. I get it. You can't stand the NCAA. I get it. I just can't stand the lies. Don't pi$$ on me and tell me it's raining.

[D3Referee]

You want EVERY decent player to go to the CHL. I get it.

Glad ya get it, I think. Whattcha got?

Just a refresher, this is what I said;

Kids who should avoid the CHL, IMO, are late bloomers and small kids. They are better served playing high school / USHL / NCAA to give themselves a chance to keep growing without taking a pounding on a weekly basis.

But if you have pro size to go with your high end skill, then the CHL does offer the best path for both athletics and academics.

You can't stand the NCAA. I get it.

O ... K ... once again, this is my position ;

There is no one size fits all solution. NCAA definitely better for some. CHL definitely better for some.

I just can't stand the lies.

Then you are in the wrong camp brother. There are no bigger liars in this situation that the "sky-is-falling" crowd who chirp up everytime a kid decides on the CHL.

Can you give me even a single example of a CHL lie? I've never heard of one. Not one

Don't pi$$ on me and tell me it's raining.

I know you've been waiting to slip that one in, but just like Joey Tribiani's "finger quotes" ... you picked the wrong spot. It doesn't apply here

[Gopher Blog]

Nuthin fine print about that. Those are well known and near irrelevant facts.

Irrelevant facts? LOL. Yep, I'd say that sounds like the typical WHL spin. That's why the WHL are scum. They don't want the kids to know the real truth. "Hey kid... don't worry about the fine print. Just sign."

It is hardly irrelevant. It is basically saying you had better start college at 21 (hence, forget about playing more than one year on any level of pro hockey after the WHL) or kiss your education package good bye.

It is also saying that you can play AHL or European pro but your education package will be gone. Yes, it isn't a terrible living to do those European things... problem is, you can only do that for so long and those guys certainly won't make anything close to the kind of money that you can retire on by only playing AHL or European pro. They'll likely need that education some day but they'll have to do it on their dime at that point.

Even many guys that make the NHL have to work regular jobs after their career.

Let's just be honest... the WHL is pretty much only going to pay for your education if you flame out at that level. Then off to Canadian college hockey you go where you get trounced in exhibitions against the best NCAA teams.

If the WHL really wanted to "man up" on the education stuff, they just wouldn't put those kinds of strings attached. Particularly when they don't pay their current players big money anyway (at least... they are not supposed to. We know that isn't universally true).

[MrBoDangles]

Alex should ask Iverson how his experience has been so far before he signs. I know the two played together when they were younger. My guess is Iverson wishes he went the college route instead of the WHl. But, he is a bigger kid and is on the best team in the CHL. Vancouver is not that strong, so he should get some playing time. He should try to get bigger before he makes the jump.

Iverson is being projected by many as a first rounder in the 14' Draft
Bittner is starting to be projected as a first rounder in the 15' Draft

But both are large framed kids at Portland

*Just posted to say they're doing fine and haven't flopped. Hard to know were they would have been heralded more since MN has put out PLENTY of first round draft picks.

I'm positive they didn't do all their developing by playing a half of a WHL season.

The USHL is fantastic for development and the college route gives an earning potential when the NHL dream falls through. I think the college graduation rates were something like 85% to 15% in favor of the NCAA.

Side note: Are MN high school programs going to get requests from non Minnesotans to billet in after roughing up SSM?

[Hockey Fever]

[quote="HockeySLP"][quote="puck81"][quote="D3Referee"]Just to bring up to speed.

[b]This posted by HockeySLP PostPosted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 4:26 pm [/b]

Being an SLP guy, I am not a fan of Baer leaving our program for BSM, but Pauly is an ass on this one. Alec went to Vancouver to visit the WHL, and called Pauly to let him know he was going to miss a practice. Pauly said there will be repercussions. When Alec got back, Pauley pulled him out of class on Monday and told him that he is off the team. Then Pauly would not take or return the parents call. Very Classy. The parents spoke with BSM's AD, and asked what if he was visiting a college? That would have been OK, but it is not OK to visit the WHL because they are a bunch of leaches.

When I heard that I was thinking pot meet kettle.[/quote]

There is ALWAYS two sides to every story so I'd hold off on the name calling. I know Ken Pauly and he IS NOT an ass as you claim. Being an SLP guy you might be biased and a little upset about the kid leaving your program so relax on the name calling. In addition, I've watched BSM plenty this year and Baer was getting plenty of ice time. Perhaps you should call Pauly an ass to his face and see how that goes.[/quote]

One more thing, this thread is not correct, he was only visiting the WHL, he did not plan on leaving anytime soon.[/quote]

Did the family pay for the trip to Vancouver or did the Vancouver team pay for it? If the Vancouver team paid for it, would it violate his HS elgibility? If so, how might that affect the BSM team if Pauly were to let him remain on the team? There is a big difference between having a "pro" team pay your expenses and visiting a college. I'll stand behind coach Pauly on this for putting the team first.

[GatorLand]

Hey slyer in Anoka...it's not about me...it's about my kid...all of these kids have parents pushing them in certain directions...Looks like the BSM kid's parents are unhappy at BSM and think Vancouver will be better than Edina, SL Park, and BSM....I doubt any child would want to go through this much uncertainty and change. These kids may play hockey like adults, but look at their faces when the helmets come off...babies

Not placing blame....just a common observation I have seen in hockey and other sports.

[Bruins]

For a player of his age this is a great accomplishment. If he can play in the WHL next season its a no brainer. His development is linked to his years with the Machine and Wisconsin Fire. Both strong programs with competitive schedules. The the CHL (WHL) would be a natural progression for this player. If this player truly has it (and I think he does) it will really push him and get him to the next level. You are starting to see this move more and more with elite Minnesota players.

[coach95]

If you were to ask Bittner, Iverson and Wolf, I would beat they all have regrets about going to the WHl and wished they would have waited until they were older. ALex should be very careful before making that choice. MN kids have better opinions and should stay in high school or go to the ushl. The whl is to risky....Buyer beware....

[Bruins]

There will always be risks. Transfering to a private school is one of them. It works for some but not for all. To be successful takes risks. Some kids like to stay in their comfort zone and stay home, others seem to excell when being pushed to the limit. This kid probably heard the same crap when he went to play for the Fire and playing with the Machine in the summer. I think it made him better and now the WHL is looking at him. His hard work and determination is paying off.

[spectatorfun]

Where is Alex playing now that he is kicked off of Benilde? Is he out in Vancouver.

[coach95]

Yes, there are always risks. But, the Whl is not always honest with kids and Alex and anyone else going to the WHl should be very careful. It is a business and there is a reason everyone says they are slimy. There are a lot of kids that go there and get nothing in return. The education package is good but that's not why they go there. If they want an education they would play college hockey and have fun playing in front of a student body. No, the Whl is not something to mess around with. If you are a guy that is going to go 1-10 in the first round of the draft, go. If not, go to college and give yourself some time.

[dumbpuck]

Don't pi$$ on me and tell me it's raining.

I think this is the first time I have senn Josey Whales quoted on this forum! I am pleasantly surprised!!

[Bruins]

Yes, there are always risks. But, the Whl is not always honest with kids and Alex and anyone else going to the WHl should be very careful. It is a business and there is a reason everyone says they are slimy. There are a lot of kids that go there and get nothing in return. The education package is good but that's not why they go there. If they want an education they would play college hockey and have fun playing in front of a student body. No, the Whl is not something to mess around with. If you are a guy that is going to go 1-10 in the first round of the draft, go. If not, go to college and give yourself some time.

And colleges are always honest? It's the same story just two to three years later. College hockey is a business also. These kids you are talking about don't pick a college for the education and then say, oh, by the way, I'll play hockey while I'm here. And you are right, the education package is good. If he doesnt make it he has something to fall back on.

[oldpuck]

Whether Baer should ultimately play in the WHL is not the issue here.
He contacted his coach on Thur to say he would miss Fri practice. I believe he also told him that he was visiting Vancouver to watch a Giants game. The coach then told him that going could affect his continuing relationship with the team
I believe that sometime over the weekend his name was removed from the Benilde website roster.
Apparently, a number of emails went back and forth between the coach and Alec (maybe also his father). At no time was there any verbal contact, although his father requested it.
On Sunday nite the coach contacted the father to sayom clas he would be talking to Baer at school on Mon. His father requested that he also be present. The request was ignored and the coach removed Baer from class and spoke to him without his parent being present.
Baer, a Freshman, has been cut from the team with only a short time before playoffs begin.
As far as have heard and seen, he has always been a model player, at Benilde, SLP, Wisconsin Fire, and Machine.
The coach took this extreme action against a kid that he had probably recruitted from SLP
Baer's sin? He visited a WHL team that the coach sees as vultures.
Baer is now moving on.
The issue? The arrogance and apparent power of this coach to be accuser, judge, and jury over a young persons life and career.
If unchecked, it sends a powerful message to anyone that wishes to visit a WHL team.
This is wrong and I believe Coach Pauley must be called to explain.

[Wside]

Whether Baer should ultimately play in the WHL is not the issue here.
He contacted his coach on Thur to say he would miss Fri practice. I believe he also told him that he was visiting Vancouver to watch a Giants game. The coach then told him that going could affect his continuing relationship with the team
I believe that sometime over the weekend his name was removed from the Benilde website roster.
Apparently, a number of emails went back and forth between the coach and Alec (maybe also his father). At no time was there any verbal contact, although his father requested it.
On Sunday nite the coach contacted the father to sayom clas he would be talking to Baer at school on Mon. His father requested that he also be present. The request was ignored and the coach removed Baer from class and spoke to him without his parent being present.
Baer, a Freshman, has been cut from the team with only a short time before playoffs begin.
As far as have heard and seen, he has always been a model player, at Benilde, SLP, Wisconsin Fire, and Machine.
The coach took this extreme action against a kid that he had probably recruitted from SLP
Baer's sin? He visited a WHL team that the coach sees as vultures.
Baer is now moving on.
The issue? The arrogance and apparent power of this coach to be accuser, judge, and jury over a young persons life and career.
If unchecked, it sends a powerful message to anyone that wishes to visit a WHL team.
This is wrong and I believe Coach Pauley must be called to explain.

Are you cracked? The coach told him if he goes there would be consequences. So he goes and gets the boot. That is the way life works and it should send a message. Why didn't he wait a few weeks until after the season. This was bad planning/advice or pressure from the WHL.

[MNHockeyFan]

Whether Baer should ultimately play in the WHL is not the issue here.
He contacted his coach on Thur to say he would miss Fri practice. I believe he also told him that he was visiting Vancouver to watch a Giants game. The coach then told him that going could affect his continuing relationship with the team
I believe that sometime over the weekend his name was removed from the Benilde website roster.
Apparently, a number of emails went back and forth between the coach and Alec (maybe also his father). At no time was there any verbal contact, although his father requested it.
On Sunday nite the coach contacted the father to sayom clas he would be talking to Baer at school on Mon. His father requested that he also be present. The request was ignored and the coach removed Baer from class and spoke to him without his parent being present.
Baer, a Freshman, has been cut from the team with only a short time before playoffs begin.
As far as have heard and seen, he has always been a model player, at Benilde, SLP, Wisconsin Fire, and Machine.
The coach took this extreme action against a kid that he had probably recruitted from SLP
Baer's sin? He visited a WHL team that the coach sees as vultures.
Baer is now moving on.
The issue? The arrogance and apparent power of this coach to be accuser, judge, and jury over a young persons life and career.
If unchecked, it sends a powerful message to anyone that wishes to visit a WHL team.
This is wrong and I believe Coach Pauley must be called to explain.

oldpuck, your post is full of guesses, like "I believe", "apparently", "maybe", "probably", etc.

Where are you getting your information? "I believe" that "maybe" it's not accurate and you "probably" told only part of the story.

[oldpuck]

A few additional comments regarding posts that have appeared here

Alec Baer did not "leave" his team and was in fact very happy at Benilde, with both his scholastic and athletic participation.

Coach Pauley overstepped his position by dealing a severe decision over a young man's life whose only mistake was to visit a team that had drafted him in the Fall. I believe that Benilde was aware of that fact and was told that therecwere no plans at the time to pursue the opportunity via contract or anything else of a similar nature.

That position did not deter BSM from continuing to recruit him.

Would the coach have taken the same action if Alec had visited an NCAA campus? I dont believe so. His personal vendetta regarding the WHL clouded his judgment, and to this time has only partnered with other BSM administration people to refuse to do anything but stonewall any investigation of what happened and why.

So if your HS player has an interest in talking to a WHL team, remember that telling the truth about their travels may be a costly option, for sure when dealing with BSM, and ultimately with other organizations that will see the precedent this action has caused.

[Hockey Fever]

OldPuck, From what I have heard, Pauly never recruited him (I know some of you won't believe this). As I asked in an earlier post, who paid for this trip? If the Vancouver team paid for it, would that affect his elgibility? If it did, and Pauly kept him on the team, wouldn't that mean that the team would be DQ'd? I did look at the rules and it really isn't very clear. I would assume that Pauly consulted other people and most likely the league.

[minnscout]

Why is this so hard for people? You dont miss practice time 2 weeks before playoffs to go see a game. Why not wait until the season was over, or even earlier in the year. The kid made a costly and selfish mistake, if you're the coach you have to draw the line and if you dont want to follow the rules you are'nt on the team. Pauly would love to have Baer on his team for the next couple years but you send the wrong message to the other players without dismissing him from the team.

[coach95]

Wait, I might have missed this, but was Glover sat for missing to visit the National Development team last year? Its a visit and he should be able to make a visit to a place at the next level whether its college or not. Don't get me wrong. The WHl is not the place any kid wants to go to and he should focus on college.

[oldpuck]

A couple comments b4 bedtime:

Someone here suggested that somehow Baer violated the "rules". Just what rules are that? I have no knowledge of any MSHSL rules or Benilde rules on the subject. Perhaps the Coach has his own.

I went and read the MSHSL page on eligibility. The only mention they make anywhere this topic restricts an individual from earning more than $100 participating in a sport.

I doubt if Baer PARTICIPATED in any sport.

I'm not here to argue the WHL vs NCAA vs Alabama-Birmingham hockey programs. I don't know enough about any of them. I do know when I see an injustice.

[oldpuck]

I havent seen anything that suggests that he was cut for missing practice - and as far as I've seen over the years, that usually costs the player a game on the bench.

[minnscout]

Correct me if I am wrong but didnt Glover visit early in the season when he was out with a broken finger?

[minnscout]

Coach i know we have playoffs starting but i am going to be gone and miss practice for the next few days but dont worry I will be back before the next game. Come on, what is wrong with you people? You make a commitment to the team and honor it, this is a microcosm of what is wrong with players and parents in today's society.

[Teak]

Teak only wants to know if a player loses his full-ride BSM scholarship if cut from the squad?