State "A" Tournaments

[MoreCowBell]

Now is the time for all to voice their opinions and direct them to the proper channels. The addresses for the Mn Hockey board can be found on their web site. If you and your neighbors feel strongly about this subject voice your opinion to them.You need to get their attention and numbers is the only way to do it. I doubt they spend any time reading these sites.

Yes, revolt comrades your local economies depend upon these kids tournaments.

[greybeard58]

Morecowbell,
Please read carefully if you can. If people do not express opinions and go through the proper channels to express them,then our society will be finished.
Since you have accused me of being a communist, I actually am not registered with any party and try to vote who I feel is the best candidate, however I must conclude that your political party expired from power in 1945, they wanted those of different opinions to be silent, and from your posts you must feel the same way.

Those not voting and had no vote in the matter are Carol Carlson,Hal Tearse,Bruce Kruger.Lynn Olson. Mark Jorgenson is the executive Director of Mn Hockey and does not have a vote. Elmer Walls passed away a number of years ago.

[Can't Never Tried]

I don't see any need to change something that has been working well, and in place for years, just for an attempt to pocket the money in one spot.

These communities deserve to have the event in their areas just as much as anyone, and I also think it does their local economies more good then it will ever do for the metro.

I know that small communities care about these events, and as long as they can support the influx of participants and spectators with lodging and so forth.
Leave it be.

[puckeyone]

hey if outstate wants this so bad why did the District 15 director vote for this, questions for someones own backyard ,, that means no tournaments in Alexandria, Moorhead, Fergus Falls, Brainerd, WOW

[MoreCowBell]

Morecowbell,
Please read carefully if you can. If people do not express opinions and go through the proper channels to express them,then our society will be finished.
Since you have accused me of being a communist, I actually am not registered with any party and try to vote who I feel is the best candidate, however I must conclude that your political party expired from power in 1945, they wanted those of different opinions to be silent, and from your posts you must feel the same way.

Those not voting and had no vote in the matter are Carol Carlson,Hal Tearse,Bruce Kruger.Lynn Olson. Mark Jorgenson is the executive Director of Mn Hockey and does not have a vote. Elmer Walls passed away a number of years ago.

Greybeard, I don't think you are a communist, I only use that comparison to illustrate when people try to limit choices for families. Mn Hockey has done much good over the years, but I feel sometimes change is good. I really don't care where they play state tournaments, I just thought it would be great exposure for the kids, does anybody think to ask kids what they think, afterall it is for them.

[greybeard58]

The people of the players need to inform the Mn Hockey board, they have said many times the want to do what is be for their constituents. I personally feel this is a slap in the face to many fine associations that have put on past state tournaments. The people have to voice their opinions, but through the proper channels and unfortunately this forum is not one of them. The message has to be sent to the Board of Directors of Mn Hockey and quickly. This is not an issue to joke about.

[demongoed]

We were at the Peewee/Bantam B tournament in New Ulm this year, an out-of-town situtation given the driving distance from our association. Could we find a block of rooms for the team? No. Could we all stay in the same place? No. Did the banquet have a 5 star menu? No. Did it matter? Not a bit. They did a great job, assigning a rep for each team to make sure things were going well and to answer any questions. The venue was excellent--great rinks, convenient free parking. They sent us info about the town, where to go, what to see. We had to sit close to the fans from the other team because there were enough people to fill the arena. The cheers and ooo's and other reactions were loud. You could feel the eyes of the fans watching from teams we might play in the next round. It's all part of the charm and excitement of the tournament. I for one have no desire to sit in what would become an echo chamber at the X for the A tourney. These games should be played in venues designed for youth hockey. Played by youth, for youth. MN hockey should be ashamed.

[whockeyguy]

How about this, every one in out state BOYCOTT the MN hockey playoff system, all they have to do is tell The DD they they do not want to be in Playoffs, then each District hold their own informal playoff or take league champions, and send them to some assocaition that wants to host the invitational outstate tournment, It will be out of the Mileage restriction that MN Hockey establishes for other tournaments for this weekend,. then what would Mn Hockey think of only have the metros team for their state,
Its going to take an all out Revolt , and has to start somewhere, any thoughts on this, could it happen , only if thier is a groundswell and we got a good start on that

[goldy313]

Get over it, it might be the best thing that ever happened to MN Hockey. Do you know the International PeeWee Tournament held in Quebec sells out 18,000 seats to watch a Peewee tournament, I think it could be equally sucsessful here, I'm sure it could be worked out where out of town teams could be reimbursed for travel expenses. What great exposure for kids, why not allow our kids to showcase in front of a large crowd.

False, False, False. www.tournoipee-wee.qc.ca/Divers2.htm
Yep that's the 2007 championship game and there are 18,000 people there

[whockeyguy]

thanks Goldy for the photo shot and research, to bad Mn Hockey does not do the same research, . their research is a couple of old farts sitting a a bar brainstorming, ya that sounds good- lets go with Passed beacause we know everything , tto hell with everybody else, Whats next, oooopppps we forgot hhow we can handle the faur play points in this tournament, back to the bar

[elliott70]

How about this, every one in out state BOYCOTT the MN hockey playoff system, all they have to do is tell The DD they they do not want to be in Playoffs, then each District hold their own informal playoff or take league champions, and send them to some assocaition that wants to host the invitational outstate tournment, It will be out of the Mileage restriction that MN Hockey establishes for other tournaments for this weekend,. then what would Mn Hockey think of only have the metros team for their state,
Its going to take an all out Revolt , and has to start somewhere, any thoughts on this, could it happen , only if thier is a groundswell and we got a good start on that

A proposal has been presented to me for that vey thing.
But you need a hell of a groundswell.

[elliott70]

minnesotahockey web page has a response to the complaints they are receiving.

A method of protecting themselves by posting what was done and how it was done. Truths, half-truths and lies.

It appears to be demeo that authored teh response to the negative things they have been hearing. But again they lie.

At no time was I told that a vote would take place in April. The committee and meeting minutes do not mention that a vote would be asked for in April. demeo stated in the committee meeting that he would send, by email, everyone a copy. I never received it. The first time I saw it was 8pm Friday night. Brad Hewitt, D6 director, was absent from the meeting because of work, he never saw it until Wednesday or Thursday at the maroon directors' meeting.
He told everyone there he was against it and that his stand-in would be instructed to vote 'no'. His stand in never showed and at the last momnet they had a replacement for Brad that voted 'yes'.

Brad told me if we cannot change it at the June meeting, he will do what he can to make sure it is a one year deal. Unless they get him like they have been trying to get me. I was lied to, called a liar, insulted, and harrassed by a variety of people.

When I say it was a dark day for youth hockey, believe me it was. At a minimum, six people at their worst (or perhaps showing their true colors).

I told a friend that I was done with minnesotahockey.
And to be truthful I have been physically ill since Saturday.
I am not sure if I will or can continue, but I hope that everyone that feels this is wrong sends an email to the board members.

[tomASS]

Get over it, it might be the best thing that ever happened to MN Hockey. Do you know the International PeeWee Tournament held in Quebec sells out 18,000 seats to watch a Peewee tournament, I think it could be equally sucsessful here, I'm sure it could be worked out where out of town teams could be reimbursed for travel expenses. What great exposure for kids, why not allow our kids to showcase in front of a large crowd.

False, False, False. www.tournoipee-wee.qc.ca/Divers2.htm
Yep that's the 2007 championship game and there are 18,000 people there

but did you count and convert into the metric system?

[tomASS]

I told a friend that I was done with minnesotahockey.
And to be truthful I have been physically ill since Saturday.
I am not sure if I will or can continue, but I hope that everyone that feels this is wrong sends an email to the board members.

will do and the dark day in mn hockey is the day you decide not to continue, but I fully understand your feelings

[DMom]

How about this, every one in out state BOYCOTT the MN hockey playoff system, all they have to do is tell The DD they they do not want to be in Playoffs, then each District hold their own informal playoff or take league champions, and send them to some assocaition that wants to host the invitational outstate tournment, It will be out of the Mileage restriction that MN Hockey establishes for other tournaments for this weekend,. then what would Mn Hockey think of only have the metros team for their state,
Its going to take an all out Revolt , and has to start somewhere, any thoughts on this, could it happen , only if thier is a groundswell and we got a good start on that

A proposal has been presented to me for that vey thing.
But you need a hell of a groundswell.

I don't know if it would take much. Most people would be very willing to change the system, because of the same grass is greener mentality that we bemoan on this site. The fact is as a volunteer organization, "we" do most of the work. In a new organization, we still would. People in Minnesota see little or no use for USA Hockey. We haven't had the national tournament as a goal for years.

The success of Mr. McBain's program would just be accelerated. The hockey arena's will sell their ice, they won't let them sit empty. Instead of registering for the association in the fall, we'll all continue with our summer teams, by birth year. I am sure we can play the MM teams for games.

Up until the money grab, the locals have done most of the work for tournaments. Maybe the first year it would just be scrimmages and tournaments, but after that I am sure league play would continue, just with different people in charge.

Didn't really think I would ever agree with some of the people on this "bored" but I respect everything I have ever read from Mr. Elliott. I have heard things via the District that were very positive about him and his dedication. I have had that physically ill feeling before in a volunteer situation and know how badly that feels.

I have always said that my kids would probably enjoy a move away from association hockey. They'd still play with a few neighborhood kids, maybe they'd get to spend more time on the pond. (longer practices, less nights a week). My husband and I are dedicated to association hockey, and we would still be dedicated to the health and viability of hockey in our community.

Suddenly the idea of an East, West, North and South MM doesn't sound so far fetched (frankly it didn't when I first read it here).

I'm sure we'd still have tournaments in Grand Rapids and Duluth, someone else would supply the insurance, but "we'd" still supply the volunteers. The refs would have some decisions to make.

[whockeyguy]

Elliot , if needed for that start of the revolt please feel free to get me on board, I am experienced in revolutions. can help in many factions,, That Demeao is something else , have had some dealings with him a few years ago, your right he is not good and the truth is not what he goes for, ITs his way and only that. theonly problem I see in the revolt is the higher caliber of teams outstate that wouldnt go along,
but its worth a try,,,,,,,,,,,,,, let the REVOLUTION begin,

[pucks are funny]

The part about research on what the kids want is b.s.

His research was getting a response from one member of MH board whom had two junior gold teams practice at the X.

" the kids didn't care if nobody was watching them, nor did they care that it was at 9:30 pm at night "

NO RESEARCH WAS DONE.

Does MH run into a issue where they are only catering to the A teams with their elite event ? I understand that they are the teams that will get the non family member fan to attend, but isn't this equal access?
MH stated that swapping the B's out rural locations is a $ FOR $ exchange, or is it ?

[CB00]

Air Force 1



Joined: 27 Nov 2007
Posts: 124
Location: East Grand Forks
Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 11:16 am Post subject:
This year's Pee Wee A didn't even fill up the Willmar Civic Center, a nice crowd for a Pee Wee A game with everybody that would filter in as the next teams were preparing, but hardly full.


The reason it was half full is because it was in WILLMAR. I think it's a great idea to had a super sunday with all the finals at the X. Congrats to MN Hockey for doing one thing right!!!

[elliott70]

The part about research on what the kids want is b.s.

His research was getting a response from one member of MH board whom had two junior gold teams practice at the X.

" the kids didn't care if nobody was watching them, nor did they care that it was at 9:30 pm at night "

NO RESEARCH WAS DONE.

Does MH run into a issue where they are only catering to the A teams with their elite event ? I understand that they are the teams that will get the non family member fan to attend, but isn't this equal access?
MH stated that swapping the B's out rural locations is a $ FOR $ exchange, or is it ?

Many of the same people have spoke to the point of doing away with the B level state tournament.
$ for $, I do not know.

They are also looking at 4 permanent sites for region play. The game is still on.
We need them ousted. We need people to respond to them.

They have taken something simple and made it more complex every year.

[Can't Never Tried]

I think a B state tourney is important to the players that play B hockey.

[trippedovertheblueline]

Well we already have the American Legion State Tournament. They have been able to do it. Perhaps they are ready to expand from just bantams?

If not, form a MN Amatuer Hockey state trny. rotate the locations.

For expample ( all levels of play together per group, rotate site each year, south / central / north )

2008 Squirts A / B / C in Rochester ( Can you imagine the shakeup if a squirt trny was created, heck that could be very profitable if one wanted it to be )

2008 Peewees A/ B/ C all in St Cloud

2008 Bantams A/ B/ C all in Grand Rapids

You could go to the local associations that are hosting the top trny's for their level. Besides getting a shiny trophy the teams could qualify for the TRUE STATE TRNY.

This could be put together rather quickly with good volunteers forming one committee. Simple phone calls to find the top trnys etc.. If you can't get sanctioned by USA Hockey then get insurance for the trny, which is very inexpensive. Many things could be put in place to ensure good hockey. Such as 3 penalties per player per game, adios.

This could be done the week after the MH state trnys the 1st year.

[Pucknutz69]

-------------Bantams ----------------------Peewees---------
2007 - EP vs Centennial ----------- Wayzata vs Apple Valley
2006 - Centennial vs Edina -------- Eden Prairie vs Wayzata
2005 - Edina vs Centennial ----- Centennial vs Chaska
2004 - Moorhead vs DE ------- Edina vs WBL
2003 - WBL vs Centennial ----- WBL vs St Cloud
2002 - Wayzata vs Roseville ------ DE vs Bloomington Jefferson
2001 - Centennial vs WBL ------ Bloom Jeff vs Bloom Kenn
2000 - EP vs Alexandria ------- Edina vs Roseville

These are the past 8 years of bantam and peewee championship games. After looking at the list it looks like Mn hockey hasn't done thier homework very well. They should state that "most of the teams playing in the youth state tournaments WILL see the X at the high school level." Someone take a look and give us the high school teams, at least the playoff system for high school is some what right. The garbage system they have at the youth level is a bigger problem. Take a look at seperating the big associations from the mid level and small ones if you want to make this a "Premier Event" It is the same towns and they are all the super-sized associations.

AA - big associations and mid sized that want to step up with a good group, like if Hastings or CG have a good group and want to take a run at WBL or Edina. Right now the tournament is DOMINATED by large associations, create a group for them then.

A - mid size 60(come up with some number) and under at tryouts and smaller associations that want to step up (northern teams that have a good group)

B - like it is or force big assocaitions to go with 2 A teams if you don't like the AA route.

If you want to make it SPECIAL FOR THE KIDS then make it ACCESSIBLE for KIDS OF MORE ASSOCIATIONS. Don't try and sell us on something you want MN Hockey. So you can have your little cult meetings and stroke your ..........egos in ST Paul.

[h20]

hey CBOO or whatever, they didnt fill Bremar in Edina for the premier A Bantam which is in the heart of metro hockey D-6, and i bet all of the other A levels didnt fill the arena also, I like the idea of the Revolution andbody on board. If anything Mn Hockey could of put this on to do in 2-3 years , but to pull the plug on communties that were awarded this is just plain Crap,, keep writng to Mn Hockey, it seems if they had to put up on thier website why they did this , then they must be taking some heat. turn on the burners and lets fry them out

[whockeyguy]

Got to remember these are the same people, that said the stop patches will stop checking from behind, the blue puck, fair play points, and now moving the state to one location,, What do they all have in common,,,,,, Somebody got in the pockets of Mn Hockey and got paid, think they have a name for that dont they,,,,,, ooops forgot helments for coaches but USA hockey has a hand in that

[greybeard58]

Mn Hockey would not put something out there unless they are getting some flack. Get everyone you can get in contact with to send letters or e-mail on their thoughts. Keep the pressure on.