Freshman leaves Benilde mid-season for the WHL

[MNHockeyFan]

MNHOCKEYFAN- How can you say that you don't need the details but then draw a conclusion based on some details and not other details.

Because I believe it's the coach's decision to determine who is on his team and who isn't. I would only find fault if he made a commitment to the player beforehand that his status with the team would not be affected, i.e. he arbitrarily broke a promise that he had made. And I don't see any evidence of that being the case at all.

So while it's an interesting and unusual case, the details as to why Coach Pauly came to the decision that he did aren't important to me.

[Stick Save]

What he did was wrong. But should the consequences be expulsion from the team or something less? Compare the crime to what Maple Grove kids did and I think the consequences are messed up.

Do you have first hand knowledge of either the Maple Grove or the BSM situations or are you basing your statement on what you read on the hockey forums?

Did I drive the kid to Vancouver? NO
Do I own the Private home? NO
Am I basing my statement on just what I read on this forum? NO

Wow, tantalizing. I used to think you just didn't have the facts, now you are behaving like a shill spreading 100% dis-info...and, not biting. I may not know every detail, but you are being spoon fed some manure sir.

"Veiled" threats - never told he would be cut from the team...then cut from team. No 24-hour rule for an angry coach. No discussion with the parents. #10 is on the sidelines without a team. Fairly certain both sides would agree to this turn of events.

#10 was cut from the team for "Visiting a Major Junior Hockey Program." FYI, those are quote marks.

[MrBoDangles]

Some of you just dont get it. Make a commitment, see if thru and leave when its done if that is what you want. Its hard to believe there are people out there that think what Baer did is perfectly fine. I sure hope you're not the ones leading the next generation of kids. Hey there son/ daughter go ahead and miss practices while every other guy/girl is busting their tale. I am sure the players on the team feel the same way, if the kid does'nt want to be on board 100% around playoff time than he needs to be let go.

What he did was wrong. But should the consequences be expulsion from the team or something less? Compare the crime to what Maple Grove kids did and I think the consequences are messed up.

Do you have first hand knowledge of either the Maple Grove or the BSM situations or are you basing your statement on what you read on the hockey forums?

There were party tapes from BSM and a kid from Maple Grove went to watch a Hockey game.......?

I missed all this in the StarTrib article........

Common knowledge

[AMERICAN]

Hopefully for the kid this problem works itself out and has gotten as much attention at BSM as it has gotten on this board. If not, the kids sentence may be longer than a season since he'd have to sit out a year if he wants to transfer schools unless he were to enjoy one of the exceptions enjoyed by some. Or, he'll be forced to either go to Canada or another US tier 1 program. Or, he'll have to go back to same coach next year. Wow- good luck kid and coach. Hope your past mistakes don't cloud a reasonable solution causing future mistakes for the benefit of the parties involved. Good luck and keep the kids best interests a priority.

[Stick Save]

What he did was wrong. But should the consequences be expulsion from the team or something less? Compare the crime to what Maple Grove kids did and I think the consequences are messed up.

Do you have first hand knowledge of either the Maple Grove or the BSM situations or are you basing your statement on what you read on the hockey forums?

Did I drive the kid to Vancouver? NO
Do I own the Private home? NO
Am I basing my statement on just what I read on this forum? NO

My sincerest apology to Bodyshot. I read this wrong and thought he was insinuating that the family was staying in private homes, and received unmarked $100 dollar bills while in Vancouver. That kind of stuff.

Guessing the private home related to the MG story.

I was way off base with Bodyshot. Very sorry to all.

[oldpuck]

.interesting quote narks from Stick Save

Dont know his source but he:'s not the first to share those words - also word for word as Ive hear

Does it take the coach to verify it? I think he's more interested in the stonewall process which has served him well so far.

He's on the path for another title - still has 1st line intact - hopes this will blow over

It's just a kid - plenty more that want to play for the glory of BSM ........ and Coach Pauly

[Nuts&Bolts]

Was his going to Vancouver considered an excused absence by the school? If it's considered an excused absence by the school (hint, hint a requirement to play MSHSL hockey) it's interesting that Pauley can come out with his own arbitrary rules if not previously communicated. Was the BSM AD consulted or was that person focused on recruiting? Is the punishment the same or similar regardless of sport and students grade (or future intentions)? The MSHSL and many ADs are out of touch and let coaches make rules that fit for the coaches. Just looking for a lawsuit with the MSHSL for something to discuss on the bored.

Worst case scenario not knowing the details or if it's possible at this point, maybe Alec ends up at STA(A) for at least one more year of HS and development with many of his 97 Fire buddies.

[dlow]

Even if the Coach said --no I don't want you to take that trip and you will be not be able to play the rest of the year if you do--

even if that conversation happened I would still argue the punishment does not fit the crime. Missing a practice or game, I can see a one week suspension at the most. This is a high school freshman for god sakes, not a paid professional. Whether you think WHL is a good choice or not, very few MN players get that opportunity and I don't blame the family for checking it out. You can argue the timing was bad all you want but team expulsion is ridiculous.

This is stupid and only supports the idea that hockey people in MN can and often do take themselves way too seriously. Now we have drama queen coaches?

[GatorLand]

If he was let go by BSM, can he play for HM or STA next year?

[AMERICAN]

No, he can't play at the varsity level at STA or HM or any other Minnesota high school next year unless he moves his residence. Now thats a a lot of power by a coach making the decision he did. Anybody out here beginning to think that the coach should have at least just said " hey kid, I will ruin your season and next season too if you go visit a WHL team"? Or have some of you been concussed too many times to get the picture? At least if you get fired from a job you can get another job without having to move. Hope the family has lots of $ to move because in the end the kid's freedom will be restricted if they don't. I doubt the purpose of high school sports is to put this type of power and control in the hands of the coach over letting kids Play EXTRA curricular (meaning in addition) to school activities. Does anyone with any power at BSM have a brain to figure this one out for the kid and the coach and move on without having the consequences that this is leading to?

[BlueLineSpecial]

No, he can't play at the varsity level at STA or HM or any other Minnesota high school next year unless he moves his residence. Now thats a a lot of power by a coach making the decision he did. Anybody out here beginning to think that the coach should have at least just said " hey kid, I will ruin your season and next season too if you go visit a WHL team"? Or have some of you been concussed too many times to get the picture? At least if you get fired from a job you can get another job without having to move. Hope the family has lots of $ to move because in the end the kid's freedom will be restricted if they don't. I doubt the purpose of high school sports is to put this type of power and control in the hands of the coach over letting kids Play EXTRA curricular (meaning in addition) to school activities. Does anyone with any power at BSM have a brain to figure this one out for the kid and the coach and move on without having the consequences that this is leading to?

Are you sure he would have to move residence? Not sure why they would need to do that in this situation.

[AMERICAN]

Yes, and that's why one kid who transferred from Edina to BSM after he started his 9th grade had to sit out a year of varsity while another kid who transferred from Blake to BSM didn't because the family moved residences. Therein lies the loophole my friends. The only way the kid who went to visit the WHL can play elsewhere in Minnesota at the varsity level next year is if the family moves or if the MSHL promulgates an exception for kids who get tossed off a team the previous year. Don't expect that to happen any time soon.

[MrBoDangles]

No, he can't play at the varsity level at STA or HM or any other Minnesota high school next year unless he moves his residence. Now thats a a lot of power by a coach making the decision he did. Anybody out here beginning to think that the coach should have at least just said " hey kid, I will ruin your season and next season too if you go visit a WHL team"? Or have some of you been concussed too many times to get the picture? At least if you get fired from a job you can get another job without having to move. Hope the family has lots of $ to move because in the end the kid's freedom will be restricted if they don't. I doubt the purpose of high school sports is to put this type of power and control in the hands of the coach over letting kids Play EXTRA curricular (meaning in addition) to school activities. Does anyone with any power at BSM have a brain to figure this one out for the kid and the coach and move on without having the consequences that this is leading to?

Are you sure he would have to move residence? Not sure why they would need to do that in this situation.

Agree. He'll be able to play where ever he wants.

[Tenoverpar]

Actually the transfer rule waiver is completely and utterly gray and totally up to the board that reviews the request and is only helped or hindered at the level of the AD and Coach that are processing it and the effort they put in.

For instance, 2 kids can transfer from one school to 2 seperate schools. Neither moving residences. 1 can claim the move was due to not being able to afford the previous private anymore and not have any effort from the new school in helping gain eligibility because they don't need him to play, he has to play JV and wait a year for Varsity. Kid 2 is really really needed at his new school to play Left Wing and the Coach and AD go all in to help his request get approved for the same reason and fight it until they get a yes. He play Varsity that year despite no moving of the family. True story.

This case would be a hardship case for the gaining AD and Coach to fight with the family if the player transferred. I would imagine that they could show a bias at BSM against the kid due to the made up "you're off the team" rule that the BSM coach appears to have used in this case to stroke his own "I'm ken pauly dammit" ego. The transfer people would definately take that into consideration as it is an unprecedented move at the current school.

The reality is this kid/family has bigger aspirations than BSM does, so the subject should just die out as the player goes to the WHL next year and we don't hear about him until 2 years from now when we get the "what if BSM has such and such this year" imaginary post...

[minnscout]

Good luck to Baer evertything will work out, he has plenty of options for this year and next. He played for Russell Stover last year may as well join them again this year. Lesson learned for all but good to see coach bring some disipline/ easy to look the other way when you are dealing with Elite player. Sends a great message, not any player is above the team. People on this board should be singing the praises that a coach made this choice.

[Stick Save]

Yes, and that's why one kid who transferred from Edina to BSM after he started his 9th grade had to sit out a year of varsity while another kid who transferred from Blake to BSM didn't because the family moved residences. Therein lies the loophole my friends. The only way the kid who went to visit the WHL can play elsewhere in Minnesota at the varsity level next year is if the family moves or if the MSHL promulgates an exception for kids who get tossed off a team the previous year. Don't expect that to happen any time soon.

This family lives in St. Louis Park and has other children that attend SLP schools. I don't expect them to be talking to their realtor any time soon over this. People that support them have some frustration that they have not tried to do more in way of MSHSL appeals, etc. They are in a difficult spot as former #10 is still a student at BSM. They are concerned that if a BSM coach can dismiss a player for any reason they see fit, and the school administration backs it, could this same administration dismiss a student from their school, say if a family/student issue has become too big of a distraction. So for this reason primarily they have not sought any recourse beyond attempts to speak with the coach and administration.

As I have stated, the cause for Baer's dismissal from the team was for "Visiting a Major Junior Hockey Program."

It wasn't prefaced with, "Missing a practice...to Visit a Major Junior Hockey Program"

and it wasn't, "Visiting a Major Junior Hockey Program...at a critical time in the season."

There were no consequenes handed out for 90% of what people on this thread are agreeing or disagreeing with. In fact I would argue there were no consequences really...this is more of a punishment. There's a difference.

And as mentioned by someone else on here, this is less about Alec Baer, and more about a bigger war that has been looming. Baer was just the sacrifice to further it. IMO

[MrBoDangles]

Good luck to Baer evertything will work out, he has plenty of options for this year and next. He played for Russell Stover last year may as well join them again this year. Lesson learned for all but good to see coach bring some disipline/ easy to look the other way when you are dealing with Elite player. Sends a great message, not any player is above the team. People on this board should be singing the praises that a coach made this choice.

What? "This choice" was way overboard.

Should have just gone with a stoning for talking to the vulchers up north.

"This choice" will probably be the event that will pave the freeway to the CHL.
It's really too bad that Pauly wasn't able to put his big boy pants on.

Would a "community based" kid (k-12) be this easily discarded from a hometown team or is this a private school "business" thing?

[Quasar]

And as mentioned by someone else on here, this is less about Alec Baer, and more about a bigger war that has been looming. Baer was just the sacrifice to further it. IMO

No elite midget hockey in Minnesota. The better than average kids play AAA in the summer. The next level kids play tier 3 Junior split seasons. The elite players go to the Nahl. The exceptional few go to either the USHL or the WHL.

Right or wrong doesn't matter. The 97's are just the tip of the iceberg.

[Stick Save]

Yes, and that's why one kid who transferred from Edina to BSM after he started his 9th grade had to sit out a year of varsity while another kid who transferred from Blake to BSM didn't because the family moved residences. Therein lies the loophole my friends. The only way the kid who went to visit the WHL can play elsewhere in Minnesota at the varsity level next year is if the family moves or if the MSHL promulgates an exception for kids who get tossed off a team the previous year. Don't expect that to happen any time soon.

This family lives in St. Louis Park and has other children that attend SLP schools. I don't expect them to be talking to their realtor any time soon over this. People that support them have some frustration that they have not tried to do more in way of MSHSL appeals, etc. They are in a difficult spot as former #10 is still a student at BSM. They are concerned that if a BSM coach can dismiss a player for any reason they see fit, and the school administration backs it, could this same administration dismiss a student from their school, say if a family/student issue has become too big of a distraction. So for this reason primarily they have not sought any recourse beyond attempts to speak with the coach and administration.

As I have stated, the cause for Baer's dismissal from the team was for "Visiting a Major Junior Hockey Program."

It wasn't prefaced with, "Missing a practice...to Visit a Major Junior Hockey Program"

and it wasn't, "Visiting a Major Junior Hockey Program...at a critical time in the season."

There were no consequenes handed out for 90% of what people on this thread are agreeing or disagreeing with. In fact I would argue there were no consequences really...this is more of a punishment. There's a difference.

And as mentioned by someone else on here, this is less about Alec Baer, and more about a bigger war that has been looming. Baer was just the sacrifice to further it. IMO

Let me clarify my thoughts on the "greater war." People have been mainly discussing the latitude a coach should have with missing a practice at a critical time of season, etc.

But I would suggest that if Coach Pauly was free to talk, he would slap all of us, and say that those details have nothing to do with this, even his supporters.

The greater war is the NCAA vs. Major Junior Teams in Canada. Some could give a better history lesson than I. The cause for dismissal was "Visiting a Major Junior Hockey Program." Can't get much bolder than that. Let's keep in mind that BSM is a "College Preparatory School." College prep schools are aligned with NCAA schools.

I think if people could really see what is going on here, that there would be a lot more outrage and agreement from people. And I hope it will. Much bigger than what one family could fight, or ever hope to win against.

[O-townClown]

Okay, I guess I'll ask. How good is this player? Is he a sure-fire Division I player? At same age it was opinion of many on this thread that Gaarder was superior to Budish and Everson and some older players like Jake Gardner's younger brother were a disappointment in the WCHA.

Anyone dare take a stab at it?

[MrBoDangles]

Okay, I guess I'll ask. How good is this player? Is he a sure-fire Division I player? At same age it was opinion of many on this thread that Gaarder was superior to Budish and Everson and some older players like Jake Gardner's younger brother were a disappointment in the WCHA.

Anyone dare take a stab at it?

Probably a top 10 Freshman.

Too early to say D-1, but probably a safe bet with the number of D-1 players Minnesota puts out a year.

[Quasar]

Okay, I guess I'll ask. How good is this player? Is he a sure-fire Division I player? At same age it was opinion of many on this thread that Gaarder was superior to Budish and Everson and some older players like Jake Gardner's younger brother were a disappointment in the WCHA.

Anyone dare take a stab at it?

He is very good .. and ..very young. Like all these players, time will tell

For what it's worth, as an 8th grader he was # 330 out of 4,064 in the Minnesota State High School league..

[AMERICAN]

Good luck with twisting arms to get the kid into some other program in Minnesota next year. Not sure I'd want to take that chance after seeing what discretion has been handed out by the powers at be already. Sure seems like one of the unintended consequences of BSM's decision is for someone to use this senario as an argument for Tier 1 hockey to come into Minnesota. If the kid gets fired from his current team shoudn't he be allowed to play on a team that wants him like the new Minnesota Honeybakes your honor? Or does the family have to send him to Canada or out of state to play because Minnesota won't let him play at a level of his ability here. I hardly think a judge would agree with Minnscouts argument that it's a great lesson for the kid and everyone else who misses a practice.

[Quasar]

Okay, I guess I'll ask. How good is this player? Is he a sure-fire Division I player? At same age it was opinion of many on this thread that Gaarder was superior to Budish and Everson and some older players like Jake Gardner's younger brother were a disappointment in the WCHA.

Anyone dare take a stab at it?

Probably a top 10 Freshman.

Too early to say D-1, but probably a safe bet with the number of D-1 players Minnesota puts out a year.

It's really tough to tell with these kids. It's all about who they put on a line with them. Points shouldn't be the whole criteria. IE: If he was between Besse and Labosky he would have had an altogether better season.

As long as there are no alternatives for these kids here they will continue to make choices to go elsewhere..

Think about this. Two 97's were drafted in the WHL bantam draft last year. One is looking at a State tournament appearance this year, The other left the State after he was put on the JV team at his high school.

Doesn't make a lot of sense to me.....

[D3Referee]

Think about this. Two 97's were drafted in the WHL bantam draft last year. One is looking at a State tournament appearance this year, The other left the State after he was put on the JV team at his high school.

There were actually FIVE '97s drafted in the WHL and a few others listed, including Baer.

From SB Nation
http://www.westerncollegehockeyblog.com ... storylines
-The first Minnesotan to be selected was Osseo/Maple Grove forward Jesse Gabrielle. Benilde-Margaret's forward Chase Jungels was selected 133rd by Vancouver. He was overshadowed a bit as a very young kid on a very good Benilde team, but he definitely showed some talent, especially later in the year. Other Minnesotans to be drafted: Stillwater's Luke Osterman, Shattuck's Jordan Klehr and Rem Pitlick

Pitlick & Klehr are thriving on the SSM U16 team. The SSM goalie, Evan Robert, also listed, is having a monster season as well

Jungles is having a great season playing on BSM's second line (ironically with Baer)

Osterman is doing well on the Omaha U16 team

Gabrielle is the highest scoring freshman in Class AA this season, and the 3rd leading scorer in the SSC

I'd say the Minnesota crop drafted by the WHL is doing just fine, regardless of the path they chose (Tier 1, SSM, MSHSL)

Someone asked earlier "how good is Baer"? Easily the most potential of all current BSM players, IMO - even more than the current Mr. Hockey frontrunner