Minnetonka Bench Shortening

[36Guy]

I traveled over to the cold and loud Pagel arena to witness the great game between EP and Tonka. It certainly lived up to it's billing and was a fun game to watch. It did not appear it was so much fun for the non-participating girls who rode the bench the entire second period and the entire third except one - two shifts. Is this the mentality of this Coach and a win at all cost attitude? Appears the move-in has taken a lot of valuable playing time from others. After seeing this game unfold, I do see the reason parents move to the privates if they can afford it and their girls wish to participate. If your not a top 6 forward or top 3 D in this system you should definitely look for other opportunities if you can afford it. All the arguments against Marshall seem unfounded when you watch what unfolds here with this Team. If you have a girl who wishes to play, let them play and participate in the big win and have the satisfaction and fun helping their teammates. It is funny how the AD every year stands infront of the parents and talks about participation and the value of sports. If this is the value you are teaching by playing two lines and a win at all costs attitude?

There seems to be lots of accolades towards this Coach and their Team. I saw EP doing the same thing, but not even close to what this Coach's bench shortening starting the second and into the third. I guess if you win State playing 10 girls you should be proud of the way you instilled the values of Teamwork and everyone counts. Has the Coach been successful, absolutely. But does he win the right way and is he respected by all the girls in the program on how he handles questions regarding their roles?

Bash me all you want from all the others on this board, I am sure it will happen with this post, but the attitude by individuals who are supposed to be mentors and leaders is disheartening. What is the message you are sending to the girl who rides the bench? What value and message are you sending that you are not good enough to be on the ice when it is an important game. If they are good enough to be on the Team, they are good enough to play. Will they win State, Probably if they continue to only play 10 girls in sections which I am sure they will do. Bash me all you want, but still disheartening to see girls working really hard not get a chance to shine.

Your next Hero may be the one sitting on the bench, but she never gets the chance to shine. Win as a Team and lose as Team, that is a valuable lesson.

First, I commend you for having so much passion for a group of kids you don't know and a game that you "happened to stop by for"

We are now back to the shortening the bench conversation. I often wonder..do these dismayed parents with kids on the 3rd line feel the same way when their kids are playing? What I mean is, when they do get in the game vs lets say an easier opponent, are these same parents fighting for the 4th line kids to play? Or maybe that last kid cut and put on JV? I am guessing once their kids get put on the ice there is no longer any need to go down the depth chart or pining for more playing time for the kid beneath theirs.

It is not fun having your kid have a limited role. However, is there not a listen to be learned in there about things not being easy and working through difficult situations? Sounds like life to me.

I just with people understood, their is always somebody behind somebody behind somebody behind somebody.

[old goalie85]

well said 36 !!! @ the start of the year I don't see parents telling their little superstars, "maybe you would enjoy being first line J.V" . Or "First line B1". No most of us [myself included] enjoy having our kids on that top team/Starting line up first chair in band/lead role in the play. Why does everyone feel their kids are more important than others. SELFISH !!!! No the best kids play the most !! That is a life lesson.

[allhoc11]

First, I commend you for having so much passion for a group of kids you don't know and a game that you "happened to stop by for"

36 that may be the best line I have read on this board all year! Bravo Sir!

[allhoc11]

Interesting comments by Doc Rivers on this subject:

devzone.positivecoach.org/resource/video/doc-rivers-sports-parents-seeking-more-playing-time

[zambonidriver]

I have coached a long time and used to be one of those people who believed in playing my best players all the time. I realized early in my career I was wearing them out and they had nothing left in the tank for playoffs. Once I started playing more kids and quit micromanaging them I started seeing them succeed a lot of times it is not ability but confidence. You have to really walk a fine line there you still want to compete. Remember high school sports has changed a lot over the last 40 years. The coaching jobs were for teachers that had a passion for the sport and needed extra money. I don't think Willard Ikola would even get an interview today for the Edina job. The pressure to win at the high school level is huge so coaches sometimes are forced to make those tough decisions about shortening the bench. Very seldom do you see a coach who has a long tenure anymore.

[sinbin]

One could argue retrospectively that the Tonka coach has been incredibly successful with 3 state championships to his credit. One could equally argue that each of those championships required some puck luck (OT games, opponents' very near misses, fortunate bounces, etc.). He could have won the year before, too, were it not for some puck unluck in the sectional finals vs. Hopkins. The year before that, his two-line system backfired against Edina in the sectional finals. So, it could have been anywhere from 0 - 5 (6, if you want to throw in last year) championships and he won 3 of them. That sounds pretty darn good to me. Every coach wishes he/she could have 3 championship medals.

It's all speculation at this point, unfortunately, so I don't know what can be gained. For example, could he have put in a speedy 3rd-liner who would have skated circles around the gassed Lakeville North opponents of the 6OT State game and ended it in the 3rd OT instead? Perhaps, but of course we'll never know. The safe route is to keep the top 2 lines in the game so if you lose, you lost with your best players, not because you foolishly gambled on sending in a 3rd-line player at the wrong time. Tonka won the historic game and the championship, so the coach obviously made the correct decision, right?

In the end, it depends on the ultimate goal, which admittedly is different for everyone. If the goal is to win at all costs, then, yes, a short bench has worked splendidly for Tonka for many years, so why change it? If the goal is something different, then that debate is much more difficult to resolve.

[speedskater]

I have nothing to do with Tonka hockey.

I have no problem with the coach playing 2 lines or whatever players he feels gives him the best chance to win. This is High School hockey and playing time is not equal.

What I do have a problem with is not playing other girls when a game is already in hand. Why not play your 3rd line every other shift to close a game? Why not have a swing line so that others can get some experience?

Example, Tonka had a couple of games in hand this year and was still playing their top line with less than 5 minutes to go. This was against an opposing teams 3rd line and swing line. Why would you have your top line out against an opposing teams swing line? When you are at home and have last change, put out your lowest line. Show some class and provide opportunities for others. This can be controlled by the coach if he wants to. If you only dress 13 skaters, it gives you less in game options.


This is just my opinion. Tonka has a great program and nobody can argue that, but they could easily provide more opportunity for more girls.

[36Guy]

I have nothing to do with Tonka hockey.

I have no problem with the coach playing 2 lines or whatever players he feels gives him the best chance to win. This is High School hockey and playing time is not equal.

What I do have a problem with is not playing other girls when a game is already in hand. Why not play your 3rd line every other shift to close a game? Why not have a swing line so that others can get some experience?

Example, Tonka had a couple of games in hand this year and was still playing their top line with less than 5 minutes to go. This was against an opposing teams 3rd line and swing line. Why would you have your top line out against an opposing teams swing line? When you are at home and have last change, put out your lowest line. Show some class and provide opportunities for others. This can be controlled by the coach if he wants to. If you only dress 13 skaters, it gives you less in game options.


This is just my opinion. Tonka has a great program and nobody can argue that, but they could easily provide more opportunity for more girls.

Listen speed skater the last thing I want to do is get in another long dragged out debate again about "shortening the bench" and being a Tonka Homer (yes feel free to jump in here Wolfman).

First if you look at Tonka's schedule they actually have had very few games "in hand" this year. And I know a couple that got out of he he specifically told the first line.."I can't play you any more it won't look good." No I am not claiming Tonka runs the deepest bench around but I watch as many games a year as anybody it happens everywhere. (except any team Tonka is playing, they all run 3-4lines)

Even more disappointing is the while everyone on the blog claims to be at "that game Tonka shortened the bench." I don't see anybody pointing out that in the Blake and Blaine games he went way, way, way out of his way to go real deep and hard with young kids, so hard he dressed and played 5 girls that did not wear a varsity jersey all year. What did that get him? This..."whats wrong with Tonka" not "good for Ej for giving girls a chance."

To be clear, us in blue are far from perfect including Ej, but this is a statewide thing. And quite frankly, getting through Sections right now scares the crap out me. Get out your pen and paper folks and starting charting line shifts, because I can think of quite a few schools that are going to be shortening it up really quick!!

[wolfman]

Geez 36Guy what did I do? I picked Tonka to win section 6 this year. Im a big fan bro.

[36Guy]

Geez 36Guy what did I do? I picked Tonka to win section 6 this year. Im a big fan bro.

No harm intended! Since when did you stop talking about the Wolfman in the 3rd person. As far as section 6, flip a coin.

[PondHockeyChampion]

Mass - Depth is something that Reading believes gives them an advantage over most opponents. “In big games some coaches shorten their benches,” said Golden. “Not me. If anything I’m more likely to play even more people because it keeps us fresher and playing better. We want to get off to a good start but games aren’t won or lost in the first period. Sometimes teams might knock us down in the first round but we don’t let that affect us. We are going to keep playing our game and keep coming and eventually in the second or third period we’re going to take control.”



Frontier’s team struggled for much of the season, especially against Monsignor Martin, who beat them by a combined score of 17-3 in three regular season games. Forcucci and the rest of the coaching staff saw the regular season as more of a development period for their young players. They were not so concerned about the wins and losses.

“We could have shortened the bench to play our top two lines exclusively, but we wanted to develop all our players,” Forcucci said. “The approach paid off for us because we peaked at the right time.”

[36Guy]

Mass - Depth is something that Reading believes gives them an advantage over most opponents. “In big games some coaches shorten their benches,” said Golden. “Not me. If anything I’m more likely to play even more people because it keeps us fresher and playing better. We want to get off to a good start but games aren’t won or lost in the first period. Sometimes teams might knock us down in the first round but we don’t let that affect us. We are going to keep playing our game and keep coming and eventually in the second or third period we’re going to take control.”



Frontier’s team struggled for much of the season, especially against Monsignor Martin, who beat them by a combined score of 17-3 in three regular season games. Forcucci and the rest of the coaching staff saw the regular season as more of a development period for their young players. They were not so concerned about the wins and losses.

“We could have shortened the bench to play our top two lines exclusively, but we wanted to develop all our players,” Forcucci said. “The approach paid off for us because we peaked at the right time.”

Huh?

[speedskater]

That is my point 36 guy. Play the 3rd line and dress more than 13 skaters early in the season. Give opportunities to those kids in games that were easily in hand. Burnsville, Chaska, MV, Buffalo and maybe their were others. Those are meaningless non conference games before the Holidays. The players who got chances against Blake and Blaine were not even close to being ready for game action at the end of the season. What it does point out is a lack of depth. Those games also meant nothing as the conference title was already wrapped up, so really who care about the outcome.

No issues with shortening the bench done the stretch in conference games, sections and potentially State.

I think EJ is a great coach but don't see his logic on this at all.

Good Luck to your team. It should be fun stretch run.

[36Guy]

That is my point 36 guy. Play the 3rd line and dress more than 13 skaters early in the season. Give opportunities to those kids in games that were easily in hand. Burnsville, Chaska, MV, Buffalo and maybe their were others. Those are meaningless non conference games before the Holidays. The players who got chances against Blake and Blaine were not even close to being ready for game action at the end of the season. What it does point out is a lack of depth. Those games also meant nothing as the conference title was already wrapped up, so really who care about the outcome.

No issues with shortening the bench done the stretch in conference games, sections and potentially State.

I think EJ is a great coach but don't see his logic on this at all.

Good Luck to your team. It should be fun stretch run.

Speedskater, let me just say before I get going that these are all opinions and I respect yours. I would say that what you said is 100% percent correct at the youth levels. I already wrote a entire blog on shortening the bench and it does not happen in other high school sports. It happens in hockey do to investment, money and their girls. Please read it because it is true. I referenced many sports and nobody does it in high school for the most part. Just for fun, I will add another example even though it should be on the other blog. Wrestling, boys wrestle off for their weight and earn their spot..say at 170 pounds. The varsity coach does not sit this senior when he has an "easy" match to get the kid behind him "experience" even though that kid behind him is probably getting his ass kicked and face shoved in the mat everyday.

I will take a different approach, I CAN NOT speak for Ej, but let me try and interpret what I think his approach is. First, every year is different, I don't think he planned on rolling over Buffalo this year. And if you were at the game(8-4) it was very close until late in the third period, but you judged on a box score. Second, is our section. Scratching out every win, getting a higher ranking and impressing the important people is important. I believe he wants the #1 seed. Not only for sections but state. The #2 and #3 seeds or no pushover and neither is #4, avoiding the 2 and 3 is common sense. Third, last change. If you would have saw how close Tonka came to losing in Sections even while winning state championships it was by the slimmest of margin. And yes, last change mattered. Fourth, preparation! He tells his kids how it's going to be before the season, if you want a spot earn it in the off season.

Here is how critical one small thing can be! After the season(when seedings were released). Tonka was #1 in state, should they have one their section they would have gotten the #1 seed at state, putting the HM-EP/Edina on the other side of the bracket(in theory). Now after "lengthening his bench" after seedings I am guessing Ep will be the #1 if they make it. Yes...I get that this scenario is not guaranteed and I am not discounting ANYONE from any section(including puckdaddys team). But as a coach you try and put your team in the best position to win. Just like in the football playoffs, if you are the Lakeville coach you "plan" on playing EP and "hope" you end up playing Tonka.

I guess my point is their are many ways to "prepare" your team for success. And yes speedracer, good luck to your team as well!

[sinbin]

Scratching out every win, getting a higher ranking and impressing the important people is important. I believe he wants the #1 seed. Not only for sections but state. The #2 and #3 seeds or no pushover and neither is #4, avoiding the 2 and 3 is common sense. Third, last change. If you would have saw how close Tonka came to losing in Sections even while winning state championships it was by the slimmest of margin. And yes, last change mattered.

Here is how critical one small thing can be! After the season(when seedings were released). Tonka was #1 in state, should they have one their section they would have gotten the #1 seed at state, putting the HM-EP/Edina on the other side of the bracket(in theory). Now after "lengthening his bench" after seedings I am guessing Ep will be the #1 if they make it. Yes...I get that this scenario is not guaranteed and I am not discounting ANYONE from any section(including puckdaddys team). But as a coach you try and put your team in the best position to win.

Excellent points, 36. Or, to summarize . . . would you rather play two very strong teams at Sections or State or play only one very strong team? Which scenario gives you the best chance of winning the title? This is not meant to disrespect any of the #4, 5 ... teams.

[puckdaddy99]

I received the Bat signal and twitter posts that 36 referenced my team. (a big shoutout for Crimson) I appreciate the thought and we will have to win our first game to have the opportunity to play Wayzata which will present a very big challenge with Shaver and supporting cast of 3 lines. If we are to get by them and lucky enough to play either you or Hopkins/BSM. Hopefully it is Hopkins as they will play two lines like you and give you a run. We would much rather play Hopkins than you, but that is for selfish reasons and our last game with them could have gone either way. Bizal is the real deal.

If your going to go down this path on informing everyone blow by blow at least state the facts about the lengthened bench during the last game. You state EJ was so generous, but it was Senior night right? He gave girls who were seniors and played JV all year the opportunity to play a couple of shifts in a varsity game. (Maybe my cousin was not correct, but that should send you spinning now looking for a family tree and who may be the super sleuth.) Were any of these players ever brought up during the season and given the opportunity to play? What about the 3rd line as numerous posters have stated, did they get ample time all season? Is that what you call development and how he should be respected. At least have the courage to state the facts on why these players even had the opportunity to dress. He would earn more respect if he had the courage to play them in the games that Tonka would still win. Your logic clearly states the only way you win conference, sections, and state if you are so lucky is with ten players. Win as a Team lose as a Team, good luck in sections your ten players did a great job earning that #1 seed Roll Tide Roll

[Nevertoomuchhockey]

That is my point 36 guy. Play the 3rd line and dress more than 13 skaters early in the season. Give opportunities to those kids in games that were easily in hand. Burnsville, Chaska, MV, Buffalo and maybe their were others. Those are meaningless non conference games before the Holidays. The players who got chances against Blake and Blaine were not even close to being ready for game action at the end of the season. What it does point out is a lack of depth. Those games also meant nothing as the conference title was already wrapped up, so really who care about the outcome.

No issues with shortening the bench done the stretch in conference games, sections and potentially State.

I think EJ is a great coach but don't see his logic on this at all.

Good Luck to your team. It should be fun stretch run.

Speedskater, let me just say before I get going that these are all opinions and I respect yours. I would say that what you said is 100% percent correct at the youth levels. I already wrote a entire blog on shortening the bench and it does not happen in other high school sports. It happens in hockey do to investment, money and their girls. Please read it because it is true. I referenced many sports and nobody does it in high school for the most part. Just for fun, I will add another example even though it should be on the other blog. Wrestling, boys wrestle off for their weight and earn their spot..say at 170 pounds. The varsity coach does not sit this senior when he has an "easy" match to get the kid behind him "experience" even though that kid behind him is probably getting his ass kicked and face shoved in the mat everyday.

I will take a different approach, I CAN NOT speak for Ej, but let me try and interpret what I think his approach is. First, every year is different, I don't think he planned on rolling over Buffalo this year. And if you were at the game(8-4) it was very close until late in the third period, but you judged on a box score. Second, is our section. Scratching out every win, getting a higher ranking and impressing the important people is important. I believe he wants the #1 seed. Not only for sections but state. The #2 and #3 seeds or no pushover and neither is #4, avoiding the 2 and 3 is common sense. Third, last change. If you would have saw how close Tonka came to losing in Sections even while winning state championships it was by the slimmest of margin. And yes, last change mattered. Fourth, preparation! He tells his kids how it's going to be before the season, if you want a spot earn it in the off season.

Here is how critical one small thing can be! After the season(when seedings were released). Tonka was #1 in state, should they have one their section they would have gotten the #1 seed at state, putting the HM-EP/Edina on the other side of the bracket(in theory). Now after "lengthening his bench" after seedings I am guessing Ep will be the #1 if they make it. Yes...I get that this scenario is not guaranteed and I am not discounting ANYONE from any section(including puckdaddys team). But as a coach you try and put your team in the best position to win. Just like in the football playoffs, if you are the Lakeville coach you "plan" on playing EP and "hope" you end up playing Tonka.

I guess my point is their are many ways to "prepare" your team for success. And yes speedracer, good luck to your team as well!

I have to disagree with one point here 36... Other high school sports ABSOLUTELY "shorten the bench." Playing time is often not even close - basketball, volleyball, football... We've all got a few stories.

As you were....

[36Guy]

I received the Bat signal and twitter posts that 36 referenced my team. (a big shoutout for Crimson) I appreciate the thought and we will have to win our first game to have the opportunity to play Wayzata which will present a very big challenge with Shaver and supporting cast of 3 lines. If we are to get by them and lucky enough to play either you or Hopkins/BSM. Hopefully it is Hopkins as they will play two lines like you and give you a run. We would much rather play Hopkins than you, but that is for selfish reasons and our last game with them could have gone either way. Bizal is the real deal.

If your going to go down this path on informing everyone blow by blow at least state the facts about the lengthened bench during the last game. You state EJ was so generous, but it was Senior night right? He gave girls who were seniors and played JV all year the opportunity to play a couple of shifts in a varsity game. (Maybe my cousin was not correct, but that should send you spinning now looking for a family tree and who may be the super sleuth.) Were any of these players ever brought up during the season and given the opportunity to play? What about the 3rd line as numerous posters have stated, did they get ample time all season? Is that what you call development and how he should be respected. At least have the courage to state the facts on why these players even had the opportunity to dress. He would earn more respect if he had the courage to play them in the games that Tonka would still win. Your logic clearly states the only way you win conference, sections, and state if you are so lucky is with ten players. Win as a Team lose as a Team, good luck in sections your ten players did a great job earning that #1 seed Roll Tide Roll

Here we are: another rambling blog where points get lost and it turns into my team does it the right way and me vs you. As section games get closer mouths get frothier, blogs get longer and we all make an sure we have a "built in" excuse when we lose and an" I told you so" if we win.

On shortening the bench, write until your purple. I don't care! I don't believe such a thing at the high school level and never will. In high school I had coaches in sports that played me a lot and one that never let me play at all, I learned great lessons from both and have not yet felt the need to see a psychiatrist to remove any old scar tissue. Nor will my ego ever be big enough to "evaluate" Potters, Grossmans, Wackers or any others coaches line rotations or strategies from watching a single game and hockey hub.

I will ask this? Now that we are in the playoffs and all of the games will be on Hudl....What team will win sections AND roll 15 skaters?

You have provided great feedback, I will use it for some fun!! My buddy is a high school varsity golf coach. I am going to tell him if he had any class and wanted make his team better, he should sit his top three golfers in easier meets and play the JV kids so they are used to tougher competition. Then I will duck before he throws his beer at me!

[36Guy]

That is my point 36 guy. Play the 3rd line and dress more than 13 skaters early in the season. Give opportunities to those kids in games that were easily in hand. Burnsville, Chaska, MV, Buffalo and maybe their were others. Those are meaningless non conference games before the Holidays. The players who got chances against Blake and Blaine were not even close to being ready for game action at the end of the season. What it does point out is a lack of depth. Those games also meant nothing as the conference title was already wrapped up, so really who care about the outcome.

No issues with shortening the bench done the stretch in conference games, sections and potentially State.

I think EJ is a great coach but don't see his logic on this at all.

Good Luck to your team. It should be fun stretch run.

Speedskater, let me just say before I get going that these are all opinions and I respect yours. I would say that what you said is 100% percent correct at the youth levels. I already wrote a entire blog on shortening the bench and it does not happen in other high school sports. It happens in hockey do to investment, money and their girls. Please read it because it is true. I referenced many sports and nobody does it in high school for the most part. Just for fun, I will add another example even though it should be on the other blog. Wrestling, boys wrestle off for their weight and earn their spot..say at 170 pounds. The varsity coach does not sit this senior when he has an "easy" match to get the kid behind him "experience" even though that kid behind him is probably getting his ass kicked and face shoved in the mat everyday.

I will take a different approach, I CAN NOT speak for Ej, but let me try and interpret what I think his approach is. First, every year is different, I don't think he planned on rolling over Buffalo this year. And if you were at the game(8-4) it was very close until late in the third period, but you judged on a box score. Second, is our section. Scratching out every win, getting a higher ranking and impressing the important people is important. I believe he wants the #1 seed. Not only for sections but state. The #2 and #3 seeds or no pushover and neither is #4, avoiding the 2 and 3 is common sense. Third, last change. If you would have saw how close Tonka came to losing in Sections even while winning state championships it was by the slimmest of margin. And yes, last change mattered. Fourth, preparation! He tells his kids how it's going to be before the season, if you want a spot earn it in the off season.

Here is how critical one small thing can be! After the season(when seedings were released). Tonka was #1 in state, should they have one their section they would have gotten the #1 seed at state, putting the HM-EP/Edina on the other side of the bracket(in theory). Now after "lengthening his bench" after seedings I am guessing Ep will be the #1 if they make it. Yes...I get that this scenario is not guaranteed and I am not discounting ANYONE from any section(including puckdaddys team). But as a coach you try and put your team in the best position to win. Just like in the football playoffs, if you are the Lakeville coach you "plan" on playing EP and "hope" you end up playing Tonka.

I guess my point is their are many ways to "prepare" your team for success. And yes speedracer, good luck to your team as well!

I have to disagree with one point here 36... Other high school sports ABSOLUTELY "shorten the bench." Playing time is often not even close - basketball, volleyball, football... We've all got a few stories.

As you were....

NTMH..My entire other blog was that all other sports shorten the bench much worse than hockey. What I meant above was that no other sports run a long bench.

The reason nobody has told Mike Grant at EP football to play the other 85 kids in his blowouts? Simple, his answer would be "Go ---- your----!

[InigoMontoya]

I don't think 'self' is a bad word. Unless it's supposed to be something kinky like 'goat', or weird like 'fish', or lonely like 'hand', or monogamous like 'wife'...

[massalsa]

I will ask this? Now that we are in the playoffs and all of the games will be on Hudl....What team will win sections AND roll 15 skaters?

Cant imagine anyone will roll 15. But am guessing that the teams that might play the most kids would be Edina and Blake in each class? Maybe Maple Grove with only a couple of Sr's and clearly on the upswing?

The difference between F4-6 and F7-9 is VERY significant for teams at programs that do not have big youth #s. Even at AA. I would argue that Wayzata, EP, Edina, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, etc all have a smaller distance skill wise between lines 2 & 3 than a Burnsville (1 U12, 2 U10, & 0 U14), Hopkins (co-op with SLP with 2 U10, 2 U12 & 0 U14), Roseau (1 U14, 2 U12, & 1 U10), etc. Might be the reason for the "shorter bench" at some of those or programs similar.

[alcloseshaver]

Speedskater, let me just say before I get going that these are all opinions and I respect yours. I would say that what you said is 100% percent correct at the youth levels. I already wrote a entire blog on shortening the bench and it does not happen in other high school sports. It happens in hockey do to investment, money and their girls. Please read it because it is true. I referenced many sports and nobody does it in high school for the most part. Just for fun, I will add another example even though it should be on the other blog. Wrestling, boys wrestle off for their weight and earn their spot..say at 170 pounds. The varsity coach does not sit this senior when he has an "easy" match to get the kid behind him "experience" even though that kid behind him is probably getting his ass kicked and face shoved in the mat everyday.

I will take a different approach, I CAN NOT speak for Ej, but let me try and interpret what I think his approach is. First, every year is different, I don't think he planned on rolling over Buffalo this year. And if you were at the game(8-4) it was very close until late in the third period, but you judged on a box score. Second, is our section. Scratching out every win, getting a higher ranking and impressing the important people is important. I believe he wants the #1 seed. Not only for sections but state. The #2 and #3 seeds or no pushover and neither is #4, avoiding the 2 and 3 is common sense. Third, last change. If you would have saw how close Tonka came to losing in Sections even while winning state championships it was by the slimmest of margin. And yes, last change mattered. Fourth, preparation! He tells his kids how it's going to be before the season, if you want a spot earn it in the off season.

Here is how critical one small thing can be! After the season(when seedings were released). Tonka was #1 in state, should they have one their section they would have gotten the #1 seed at state, putting the HM-EP/Edina on the other side of the bracket(in theory). Now after "lengthening his bench" after seedings I am guessing Ep will be the #1 if they make it. Yes...I get that this scenario is not guaranteed and I am not discounting ANYONE from any section(including puckdaddys team). But as a coach you try and put your team in the best position to win. Just like in the football playoffs, if you are the Lakeville coach you "plan" on playing EP and "hope" you end up playing Tonka.

I guess my point is their are many ways to "prepare" your team for success. And yes speedracer, good luck to your team as well!

I have to disagree with one point here 36... Other high school sports ABSOLUTELY "shorten the bench." Playing time is often not even close - basketball, volleyball, football... We've all got a few stories.

As you were....

NTMH..My entire other blog was that all other sports shorten the bench much worse than hockey. What I meant above was that no other sports run a long bench.

The reason nobody has told Mike Grant at EP football to play the other 85 kids in his blowouts? Simple, his answer would be "Go ---- your----!

36, for the record Mike Grant plays a ton of kids in blowouts and in my experience shows much respect for his opponents. He may not be beloved by everyone but in my experience he is classy. His players even showed up to the funeral for the Mpls. South kid that died prior to their game with them last year and he held the score down by playing everyone in this mismatch. I get your point but careful lumping the EP FB coach in on this thread.

[puckdaddy99]

Spot on with the numbers at youth. Doesn't Tonka have two 12A teams this year? With 36 and Ej's mentality good luck to the girls who land on the bottom four lines from these teams in HS, they will never play since they will not be a top ten skater and that is ok with 36. Is this the norm at Tonka, win at all costs? The other 5 players are there to be the scout team in practice to makes sure the top ten are ready for sections and state.

If I am that vested parent that 36 claims everyone is, they should choose to play elsewhere and run from Tonka's HS program. Tonka can just reload with move-ins chasing titles since the promise must be we only play ten. Funny how in youth you try to recruit numbers so you can what, whittled it down to ten skaters in HS? To chase the title?

For the record, we won the U14 state last year against the Evil Empire - Edina. They came into the Championship game only having lost two games all year. These girls had no idea how to play from behind and gripped their sticks harder and become frustrated when crunch time hit. Just like an under-developed 3rd line in HS who never experiences the big game situations. We rolled three lines all year no matter what, and took home the title which everyone had all but given to Edina. All our girls had participated in big game situations which will make them only better in HS. An experience non of them will forget.

Tonka could easily win rolling three lines and be a top three team in state. Yes 36 I will give you that, you are a top tier talent, your coach needs some b_lls and play all three lines Roll Tide Roll

[inthestands]

Is there a high school team, hockey or not, that would treat a game like the one referenced here, different than Coach Johnson did?

Are the players on this team complaining, or giving negative feedback?

From my experience, most of the teams "players" I've been involved with enjoy winning quite a lot. Especially coming into the end of the regular season.

[Tigers33]

Remember keep in mind that game was for the conference championship. Also, did EP just roll 3 lines and 4 defenseman. I am going to guess no.