Upper Midwest High School Girls ELite League

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 5:36 pm

Have not seen an entire list published anywhere. I wonder if they will stick primarily with the East Metro, West Metro and Outstate format listed on the website or if they will spread girls and try to balance three teams? Keep hearing comments that the participation/response from up north was low but may not be true once the list comes out - were there many outstate girls at last weekend invitational tryouts or mostly metro players?

I guess it doesn't matter either way on how teams are set the League and the newly announced MGHCA League should be nice new options for girls to prepare for HS season.

MNHockeyFan · Post by **MNHockeyFan** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 10:01 pm

The Northern girls definitely have a disadvantage with both of these new fall leagues due to travel times, hotel expenses, etc. I would think these factors would discourage participation for anyone having to travel long distances.

SportsMa · Post by **SportsMa** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 10:40 am

MNHockeyFan wrote:The Northern girls definitely have a disadvantage with both of these new fall leagues due to travel times, hotel expenses, etc. I would think these factors would discourage participation for anyone having to travel long distances.

Agreed and have talked to a few that are not going to do this for the reasons listed above as well as the strain of trying to make it work with their Fall sports and the time spent traveling to the leagues can then be spent training locally.

wild77 · Post by **wild77** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:35 am

MNHockeyFan wrote:The Northern girls definitely have a disadvantage with both of these new fall leagues due to travel times, hotel expenses, etc. I would think these factors would discourage participation for anyone having to travel long distances.

As a northern resident, I disagree. I have had a son play on the Northern team in the HS Elite League and the travel time and costs did not deter us. The experience was very positive for my son and me and that is why I wanted to find out more about the Girl's Elite League. I have talked to parents as far away as Warroad and although the travel time and costs are an issue it is by no means a show stopper. I believe Dr Russo has a great model put together and eventually it will be a very good experience for ALL girls that get a chance to particiate in the league.

MNHockeyFan · Post by **MNHockeyFan** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 2:34 pm

wild77 wrote:As a northern resident, I disagree. I have had a son play on the Northern team in the HS Elite League and the travel time and costs did not deter us. The experience was very positive for my son and me and that is why I wanted to find out more about the Girl's Elite League. I have talked to parents as far away as Warroad and although the travel time and costs are an issue it is by no means a show stopper. I believe Dr Russo has a great model put together and eventually it will be a very good experience for ALL girls that get a chance to particiate in the league.

Sorry you must have misunderstood my intent. A comment had been made that apparently some of the Northern girls had elected not to play, and I was merely pointing out that travel and cost considerations may have been an issue for them. In no way did I mean to imply that outstate players shouldn't get the opportunity to participate, just based on where they live. I also recognize that many of the State's best players are NOT from the metro area.

wild77 · Post by **wild77** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 3:10 pm

MNHockeyFan wrote:
Sorry you must have misunderstood my intent. A comment had been made that apparently some of the Northern girls had elected not to play, and I was merely pointing out that travel and cost considerations may have been an issue for them. In no way did I mean to imply that outstate players shouldn't get the opportunity to participate, just based on where they live. I also recognize that many of the State's best players are NOT from the metro area.

I think I understood you, but probably my comment was more of an comment on my situation and reasons why the Elite league should be given consideration by anyone that may have the ability or chance to play in the league regardless of your proximity to games. I think, as the league progresses and parents find out the advantages (exposure, better games, making hockey connections) they will want their daughters in the league regardless of their proximity to the games. I realize travel is getting more expensive, but so is a college education. If you can invest now and have it payoff later, it's not a bad deal at all. Anyhow, I took no offense to any remarks you made. Thanks for the comments

hockeyrube7 · Post by **hockeyrube7** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 2:05 pm

Any new information here, is there a player list somewhere?

MNHockeyFan · Post by **MNHockeyFan** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 3:17 pm

As I recall they are supposed to notify each of the girls by the end of this week (Friday?) what team they are on, who their coaches will be and the dates of the team's practices. I would assume this notification will again be done by email(?). Not sure if they will provide the team rosters at this time or later on. Ideally all of the team rosters will be posted on the website fairly quickly - nothing so far:

http://www.girlselitehockey.com/

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 6:56 am

Rosters

TEAM 1-OUTSTATE

Laura Bellamy Duluth 91 G
Jessica Havel Grand Rapids 91 G
Erika Magnussen Fergus Falls 91 D
Alyssa Jackson Cambridge 91 D
Janessa Haller Anoka 91 D
Amanda Monkman Roseau 92 D
Rose Alleva Red Wing 92 D
Maddie Marcotte White Bear Lk 92 D
Kylie Lane Roseau 90 F
Mary Loken Roseau 90 F
Jessica Christofferson Bemidji 91 F
Sadie Lundquist Cloquet 91 F
Jenn Paul River Lakes 91 F
Alyssa Black Mankato West 91 F
Alex Nelson Andover 91 F
Megan Gilbert Andover 91 F
Ashley Stenerson Moorhead 92 F
Dana Gallop Grand Rapids 92 F
Rachel Bona Coon Rapids 92 F
Missy Mankey Coon Rapids 92 F

Maureen Hardwick Head Coach
Sanya Sandahl Asst Coach
Caesare Stimson Asst Coach

TEAM 2-METRO WEST

Kallie Billadeau Hopkins 92 G
Julie Friend Minnetonka 92 G
Ellie Gleason Edina 91 D
Lindsay Domaas BSM 91 D
Julie Baumgartner BSM 91 D
Hilary Hayssen Blake 92 D
Catie Ladner Chaska 92 D
Christina LaCombe Eden Prairie 92 D
Haylea Schmid St. Francis 90 F
Ellie Sitek Edina 91 F
Becky Kortum Hopkins 91 F
Alison Umland Wayzata 91 F
Sally Komarek Blake 91 F
Corrine Buie Edina 92 F
Amanda Colin Burnsville 92 F
Lauren Barnes Burnsville 92 F
Cara Johnson Hopkins 92 F
Brianna Stephens Hopkins 92 F
Gina McDonald Irondale 92 F
Meghan Lorence Irondale 92 F

Brooke White Head Coach
Allison Lehrke Asst Coach
Chris Peterson Asst Coach

TEAM 3-METRO EAST

Jessica Newstrom Cambridge 90 G
Tiana Press BSM 92 G
Kelsey Romatoski AHA 91 D
Lauryn Morris Park 91 D
Natalie Wedell Mounds View 91 D
Lisa Martinson SLP 91 D
Danielle Scholzen Blaine 92 D
Maggie Pendleton Hill Murray 92 D
Callie Dahl Stillwater 91 F
Lauren Zrust Blaine 91 F
Jess Harren Hil Murray 91 F
Nicole Stumpf Hill Murray 91 F
Lauren Charpentier Stillwater 91 F
Kait Mason Eagan 92 F
Bethany Brausen Roseville 92 F
Kayla Capistrant Roseville 92 F
Jocie Slattery Centennial 92 F
Lisa Tuuri Stillwater 92 F
Marissa Brandt Hill Murray 92 F
Hannah Brandt Hill Murray 93 F

Winny Brodt Head Coach
Jenny Potter Asst Coach
Allison Sanchez Asst Coach

talkhockey · Post by **talkhockey** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:22 am

If I am not mistaken, weren’t 9th graders ineligible for this league? What up with that!

chickendance · Post by **chickendance** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:52 am

Wow, that's too bad. They continue to see the kids through name only and which off season program they sign up for. Even the defense are forwards.

I am glad the league is there, it will be a good thing. But, they have got to get out and see more kids.

talkhockey · Post by **talkhockey** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 8:45 am

Not to mention a little integrity.

Silent But Deadly · Post by **Silent But Deadly** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 8:56 am

chickendance wrote:Wow, that's too bad. They continue to see the kids through name only and which off season program they sign up for. Even the defense are forwards.

I am glad the league is there, it will be a good thing. But, they have got to get out and see more kids.

Chickendance...there are alot of nice players on the teams. Your point is well taken though...I can think of many players who are equal or better than some of those listed. What you (and I) don't know is whether some were asked and for many reasons, fall sports being a big one, sent their regrets.

chickendance · Post by **chickendance** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 9:04 am

Your right. However, I do know a list of players that did not get an invite at all. Like I said, I am glad the league is starting. I simply hope they grow this with the diversity of talent out there and not simply the way this year played out.

Development is needed on all levels.

OntheEdge · Post by **OntheEdge** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 9:12 am

talkhockey wrote:If I am not mistaken, weren’t 9th graders ineligible for this league? What up with that!

From their website:

Eligible Players:

High School Seniors, Juniors, or Sophomores in the 08/09 school year. 8th & 9th graders are not eligible.

It was my understanding that the league was primarily for Juniors and Seniors and that a few sophomores would be included but the bias would be for the upper classmen to give them exposure to scouts. I don't know why they decided to violate their own rule. It is my understanding that there were other freshman at the tryout too. Even though the freshman selected is very good I think violating your own rules for whatever reason to be troublesome. Makes you wonder what else happened in that back room. Are there any Chinese nationals on the team?

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 9:22 am

Looking at the list it looks like a great outstate group filled out with 4 players from the metro - had heard that there was limited outstate interest glad to see that was wrong - looks like a top group.

I understand that several sets of invitations went out trying to get 60 to the tryout - someone posted that less than 50 did tryout.

There was supposed to be a group of 8 designated subs I wonder if that was not filled? The letter says "As a reminder you are required to notify us immediately if you forsee any schedule conflicts..... Practices are mandatory for West Metro and East Metro teams. Practices are optional for Outstate team players due to travel distance. Outstate players are welcome to attend either the.....practice times."

I am sure a lot will be learned year one. This League and the other fall HS League should give a lot of girls a chance to play this fall and both should learn, evolve and be better year two.

hockeya1a · Post by **hockeya1a** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 9:28 am

OntheEdge wrote:
talkhockey wrote:If I am not mistaken, weren’t 9th graders ineligible for this league? What up with that!
From their website:

Eligible Players:

High School Seniors, Juniors, or Sophomores in the 08/09 school year. 8th & 9th graders are not eligible.

It was my understanding that the league was primarily for Juniors and Seniors and that a few sophomores would be included but the bias would be for the upper classmen to give them exposure to scouts. I don't know why they decided to violate their own rule. It is my understanding that there were other freshman at the tryout too. Even thought the freshman selected is very good I think violating your own rules for whatever reason to be troublesome.

Not to mention if this is for exposure reasons, then Senior and junior kids should get first bid. And 9th graders should wait there turn.
And yes there are some very good players on the list but many more were missed,
But overall I am happy that they are getting more opportunities for the girls.
I think sometimes kids are chosen because there is a comfort level with the girls.

hockeyrube7 · Post by **hockeyrube7** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 9:46 am

Not to beat an old drum, but this is very typical of MN hockey. And I have to agree with Chickendance, all the "Elite" players get passed through once again, forget the rules they stated. I have to believe that there are many Juniors and Seniors that are plenty qualified to play with this competition that were not invited to so much as try out, and probably should have been. I'd say integrity has already been comprimised. Too bad too, this is a good idea.

jumpstart · Post by **jumpstart** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:16 am

I guess I am going to have to get out my "life's not fair" speech again ...

I do have a couple of questions I hope someone can answer:
1) Does the boy's elite league have teams like Shadduck in it?
2) With all of the talent in MN girls hockey, why not just set up 4 teams of high school players -- wouldn't they get the same good competition and wouldn't that give 20 more MN HS girls a chance to play?

bghockey · Post by **bghockey** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:39 am

There shouldn't be any 9th graders on the teams if the information sent out said this was for 10th-12th graders only. No exceptions! Also, many girls did not try out because the tryout date was set on a Saturday that most of the high school soccer teams were scrimmaging other teams around the state. There wasn't an alternative tryout date. So a league that promoted itself as working with multi sport athletes didn't follow its own lead.

MNHockeyFan · Post by **MNHockeyFan** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:42 am

jumpstart wrote:I guess I am going to have to get out my "life's not fair" speech again ...

I do have a couple of questions I hope someone can answer:
1) Does the boy's elite league have teams like Shadduck in it?
2) With all of the talent in MN girls hockey, why not just set up 4 teams of high school players -- wouldn't they get the same good competition and wouldn't that give 20 more MN HS girls a chance to play?

1. The boys elite league has 6 teams with all MN high school players - no separate teams like SSM.
2. I was wondering the same thing, why not have it just for high school players. I suppose they figured having a high level U19 team like SSM would elevate the overall quality of the league and would provide better competition (a real tough test) for the high school players who do get selected.

hockeyrube7 · Post by **hockeyrube7** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:46 am

jumpstart wrote:I guess I am going to have to get out my "life's not fair" speech again ...

I do have a couple of questions I hope someone can answer:
1) Does the boy's elite league have teams like Shadduck in it?
2) With all of the talent in MN girls hockey, why not just set up 4 teams of high school players -- wouldn't they get the same good competition and wouldn't that give 20 more MN HS girls a chance to play?

Don't get me wrong the concept is great. Just stick to your rules and bounderies, High School Seniors, Juniors, or Sophomores in the 08/09 school year. 8th & 9th graders are not eligible.. Don't make special exceptions for kids that are special to you. Nothing not fair about it at all. Your #2 sounds great can you start one up? Just teasing, but that sounds like what the MGHCA is doing just that, doesn't it? Beyond that there is Showcase, and isn't Os forming a league also? All kinds of opportunity to skate I'd say.

MNHockeyFan · Post by **MNHockeyFan** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:49 am

bghockey wrote:There shouldn't be any 9th graders on the teams if the information sent out said this was for 10th-12th graders only. No exceptions! Also, many girls did not try out because the tryout date was set on a Saturday that most of the high school soccer teams were scrimmaging other teams around the state. There wasn't an alternative tryout date. So a league that promoted itself as working with multi sport athletes didn't follow its own lead.

Don't most high school soccer coaches prohibit their players from participating in other sports (especially hockey) during their season anyway? And even if they gave their players permission, wouldn't there be conflicts with Saturday soccer matches and the elite games that are scheduled on Saturdays? This may help explain why some excellent hockey players could not participate in this league.

unbelievable · Post by **unbelievable** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 11:12 am

MNHockeyFan wrote:
jumpstart wrote:I guess I am going to have to get out my "life's not fair" speech again ...

I do have a couple of questions I hope someone can answer:
1) Does the boy's elite league have teams like Shadduck in it?
2) With all of the talent in MN girls hockey, why not just set up 4 teams of high school players -- wouldn't they get the same good competition and wouldn't that give 20 more MN HS girls a chance to play?
1. The boys elite league has 6 teams with all MN high school players - no separate teams like SSM.
2. I was wondering the same thing, why not have it just for high school players. I suppose they figured having a high level U19 team like SSM would elevate the overall quality of the league and would provide better competition (a real tough test) for the high school players who do get selected.

Actually the SSM Boys U18 (aka Prep) plays in this league each year. The roster for this team is set after tryouts mid-September.

Silent But Deadly · Post by **Silent But Deadly** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 11:18 am

MNHockeyFan wrote: Don't most high school soccer coaches prohibit their players from participating in other sports (especially hockey) during their season anyway? And even if they gave their players permission, wouldn't there be conflicts with Saturday soccer matches and the elite games that are scheduled on Saturdays? This may help explain why some excellent hockey players could not participate in this league.

Some prohibit extra-curricular activities...some don't know!

For many of us the issue has alot more to do with our daughters getting a chance to tryout...I think that's the real issue!