2010-2011 Preseason Bantam "A" forum

[muckandgrind]

Edina is one I mentioned as solid from top to bottom. Believe me Benilde, Breck and Apple Valley will have holes this coming season.

I'm also suggesting there are some interesting new forces at work here, that I can't figure out, as to why a coach would place a 9th grader, with Bantam eligibility, on varsity. 80% of them aren't effective players at the high school level and would have more fun, a better experience, more games and an opportunity to finish what they started with their buds as 1st graders. Hypothetically, maybe it's because a family is paying 15K for school so want their kid to play on the team. I'm honestly confused by some of it. Ride pine and get shoved around for 25 measly games and that helps development?

Kind of like the exceptional player move up policy. Top 5 player on varsity, make the jump. Not, play Bantam A.

That's true....but would Apple Valley even had made the tournament last season if they kept Fasching off varsity? Doubtful. And while Reno wasn't a top-pairing defenseman on Edina last season, he still got quality minutes and rarely looked overmatched.

IMO, it's a case by case basis. If the 9th grader can be a solid contributor at the varsity level, then he should be there. If he's gonna be a 4th liner and not see much ice, then he should probably be playing Bantam. I think that the two BSM freshmen who came from Edina should've probably played Bantam instead of jumping to HS, but that's just my opinion. Maybe the players, their parents, and the BSM coach think otherwise (and their opinion counts a hell of a lot more than mine does). Also, I'd say Guentzel made the right decision to play Bantam as he probably didn't have the size to compete at the varsity level for HM. It's pretty cut and dry if you ask me.

[district3ref]

I think if a 9th grader can get a regular shift as a 3rd liner on HS varsity, I don't see the downside of playing varsity. I know you get 50 games on Bantam A, but how many of those are quality games? 25-35?

With High School, you get get 100 hrs of practice time and 25 games which is just fine. Kids play year-round hockey these days so they can pick up another 25-40 high quality off season games to make up the difference if they want.

I think it all depends on where the 9th grader is physically and mentally.

[F14]

I was told they had 11 First Year players this year on Bantam A including Zach Hale and Keegan Iverson and Jake Lukasavage so they should be on this list in my opinion.

I saw them twice and they were pretty good for a young team. I know they beat Roseau at the Edina tourney and they might have even beaten Edina?

[muckandgrind]

I was told they had 11 First Year players this year on Bantam A including Zach Hale and Keegan Iverson and Jake Lukasavage so they should be on this list in my opinion.

I saw them twice and they were pretty good for a young team. I know they beat Roseau at the Edina tourney and they might have even beaten Edina?

Just to be clear, you're talking about Mpls Park...right?

[blueliner5]

Edina is one I mentioned as solid from top to bottom. Believe me Benilde, Breck and Apple Valley will have holes this coming season.

I'm also suggesting there are some interesting new forces at work here, that I can't figure out, as to why a coach would place a 9th grader, with Bantam eligibility, on varsity. 80% of them aren't effective players at the high school level and would have more fun, a better experience, more games and an opportunity to finish what they started with their buds as 1st graders. Hypothetically, maybe it's because a family is paying 15K for school so want their kid to play on the team. I'm honestly confused by some of it. Ride pine and get shoved around for 25 measly games and that helps development?

Kind of like the exceptional player move up policy. Top 5 player on varsity, make the jump. Not, play Bantam A.

That's true....but would Apple Valley even had made the tournament last season if they kept Fasching off varsity? Doubtful. And while Reno wasn't a top-pairing defenseman on Edina last season, he still got quality minutes and rarely looked overmatched.

IMO, it's a case by case basis. If the 9th grader can be a solid contributor at the varsity level, then he should be there. If he's gonna be a 4th liner and not see much ice, then he should probably be playing Bantam. I think that the two BSM freshmen who came from Edina should've probably played Bantam instead of jumping to HS, but that's just my opinion. Maybe the players, their parents, and the BSM coach think otherwise (and their opinion counts a hell of a lot more than mine does). Also, I'd say Guentzel made the right decision to play Bantam as he probably didn't have the size to compete at the varsity level for HM. It's pretty cut and dry if you ask me.

Another example of a 9th grader that should have played Bantams is from Blaine. Didn't see alot of ice time and collected splinters against the top teams in the conference. Didn't have any impact when he did see icetime. He would of been a perfect fit at there Bantam level.

[sinbin]

Throwing this out there to those who have more hockey knowledge than me, of which there are many. If it's still about development in 9th grade (obviously winning is becoming more important), what's the relative impact to development of HS practice vs. Bantam games? So, a HS 4th-line player will still develop some because he's competing against better players in practice than if he were playing Bantam. Or, maybe phrased another way, which is more important to development - practicing against stronger players and not much game time or practicing against weaker players with lots of game time against weaker players? Of course, I realize that the HS coach wants to bring up players who can help him win, but what about those Bantam-eligible HS players who don't quite get to that level that first year?

[Night Train]

Special players have special skills. Those skills are better developed playing in an environment where the player has time and space to try new and creative things. Getting pounded by your junior and senior team mates, that aren't all that excited to have you there anyways, will not benefit development. Basically a lost season that will provide no confidence.

Play bantam hockey. Finish your youth hockey career as you will never get the opportunity to go back. Go to tournaments, play 55 games, play against players your age, stick with your buds. There is no hurry. Most (90% in my opinion) will regret the choice to rush ahead to high school. A player can also damage his cred having a lot of difficulty with stronger players. All of a sudden they don't look real good while they coluld have looked real good as a bantam.

Careful listening to the coach too as some are having difficulty filling out JV rosters and could use another body.

[GreekChurch]

I agree a second year of Bantam A is the way that 90% plus should go, but not all teams are equal. playing for a top 10 team is a no brainer in my opinion. What about the kid that would return to a team that will be very weak - will that player develop playing in 50 - 55 games on a team that is getting pounded.