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MWS coach wrote:It is the timing of when. If this happened at the beginning of the season, would fall into same category as many others that leave for greener pastures.

Exactly. It has to do with the TIMING and the REASONS why he quit his team when he did. And it's not like another month of playing high school is going to ruin his development and prevent him from ever playing in the NHL! I would even argue that playing in the Xcel in front of a packed building would do MORE for his development than one extra month in the USHL.

bubblehockey27 wrote:Lots and lots of hate for a kid leaving to develop in the Junior ranks. I know you guys aren't big on Junior hockey/departures, I've been around long enough to pick up on that, but from a hockey development standpoint, this is 100% the right move. The USHL will prepare anyone more adequately than MSHSL. It's tough to develop in a league that provides you a maximum of 31 games, and is far less physical. I'd advise anyone looking to make the jump to the collegiate level to leave early if possible.

He tried to leave before the season and played 1game with Waterloo but they did not want him. I have no problem with kids leaving early to give it a shot but this was clearly in the plans to leave after HDM and the fact they possibly hurt the kids he grew up with 10 games left is what hurts the feelings of community based followers.

It is definately the timing. I am all for kids who have the skills to play in the USHL to do so. But bailing midseason on your team?

And Bubblehockeyguy, I would blank you 10-0 in bubble

MNHockeyFan wrote:

MWS coach wrote:It is the timing of when. If this happened at the beginning of the season, would fall into same category as many others that leave for greener pastures.

Exactly. It has to do with the TIMING and the REASONS why he quit his team when he did. And it's not like another month of playing high school is going to ruin his development and prevent him from ever playing in the NHL! I would even argue that playing in the Xcel in front of a packed building would do MORE for his development than one extra month in the USHL.

I can somewhat buy the timing aspect, although you can't blame a kid for doing what's in his best interest. There's a hole to fill regardless of when he left. ER will just have to have someone step up and fill the void.

Interested in hearing how playing in front of 17k would help him develop though...I would imagine playing stiffer competition would be more beneficial, not possibly playing 3 games at the X.

hockeymachine wrote:And Bubblehockeyguy, I would blank you 10-0 in bubble

I've heard countless buddies and challengers say similar things.

I'd welcome a challenge!

bubblehockey27 wrote:

hockeymachine wrote:And Bubblehockeyguy, I would blank you 10-0 in bubble

I've heard countless buddies and challengers say similar things.

I'd welcome a challenge!

You both are rookies.... set up the match and I'll play the winner... I am the bubblehockeypro!

Where in the Twin Cities (and Duluth) are there bars/restaurants with Bubble Hockey?

TheHockeyDJ wrote:Where in the Twin Cities (and Duluth) are there bars/restaurants with Bubble Hockey?

Why pay when I have my own Super Chexx?

On a more serious note, let's keep this thread devoted to the Elks. If anyone sets up a Bubble Hockey toruney, feel free to count me in.

Minnhock bubble hockey tournament!

Nice Legacy
- Get Historic Coach Fired
- P-Off New Head Coach
- Bail on Team

Just hate to see ER is such PAIN

bubblehockey27 wrote:Lots and lots of hate for a kid leaving to develop in the Junior ranks. I know you guys aren't big on Junior hockey/departures, I've been around long enough to pick up on that, but from a hockey development standpoint, this is 100% the right move. The USHL will prepare anyone more adequately than MSHSL. It's tough to develop in a league that provides you a maximum of 31 games, and is far less physical. I'd advise anyone looking to make the jump to the collegiate level to leave early if possible.

Your making a big assumption Chief that this kid can stay at the level. Unless he has someone looking out for him he could be traded or waived few games in. That is the reality of the Junior life and that is why it is better served for the older player to deal with and adjust to without the parental drama. What does the (Zerban) dad do with Fargo if the kids goes from 2 line to 4 line, no PP time? You will never hurt your development by staying in high school. Both the USHL and the NAHL are great junior leagues to hone skills in to reach college after high school. Shame on Fargo for taking the kid at late season. They could have told the kid to come in to play 10 at end of season. That is called respect but maybe that does not exist any longer. If I am the brain trust of Fargo it would benefit my program long term to establish a relationship with Mr. Roberts at Elk River not burn that bridge. Hopefully some of these junior programs get what they deserve! At 5 wins sounds like it is working out for Fargo! HAHA!!

If the kid wants to leave then he should. It will be better for the team to not have sour grape on the team. This might even give the team motivation to make it to state. And, everyone says he left on his own. Maybe he was asked to leave...

northwoods oldtimer wrote:

bubblehockey27 wrote:Lots and lots of hate for a kid leaving to develop in the Junior ranks. I know you guys aren't big on Junior hockey/departures, I've been around long enough to pick up on that, but from a hockey development standpoint, this is 100% the right move. The USHL will prepare anyone more adequately than MSHSL. It's tough to develop in a league that provides you a maximum of 31 games, and is far less physical. I'd advise anyone looking to make the jump to the collegiate level to leave early if possible.

Your making a big assumption Chief that this kid can stay at the level. Unless he has someone looking out for him he could be traded or waived few games in. That is the reality of the Junior life and that is why it is better served for the older player to deal with and adjust to without the parental drama. What does the (Zerban) dad do with Fargo if the kids goes from 2 line to 4 line, no PP time? You will never hurt your development by staying in high school. Both the USHL and the NAHL are great junior leagues to hone skills in to reach college after high school. Shame on Fargo for taking the kid at late season. They could have told the kid to come in to play 10 at end of season. That is called respect but maybe that does not exist any longer. If I am the brain trust of Fargo it would benefit my program long term to establish a relationship with Mr. Roberts at Elk River not burn that bridge. Hopefully some of these junior programs get what they deserve! At 5 wins sounds like it is working out for Fargo! HAHA!!

So many forces at play. Father Zerban is so passionate about his son and only wants the best for him. Who are we to second guess. I think its a tragedy he's leaving and maybe skating at the next level will trip the maturity switch which will make him realize what's needed to be a total player. Lord knows he has the tools. Maybe getting his ass kicked a few times will ignite his fire to get even by out playing the opponent versus throwing a cheap shot. Andrews strength is the break away but his poaching at the blue line pissed his line mates off and frustrated the coach. That's why Zerban skated on the second line. If he used his speed to back check and hit the corners he'd rival any player in the state. If that ever comes alive we'll be watching him play for many more years. The loneliness at the next level will maybe show him that no one gives a rip about who you are or what you can do or how good you were when you were 12 ITS ALL ABOUT WHAT YOU ACTUALLY DO NOW that matters. Good luck I hope the best for Zerban.

After the raw emotion of the whole thing this says it quite well.

sticksave wrote:So many forces at play. Father Zerban is so passionate about his son and only wants the best for him. Who are we to second guess. I think its a tragedy he's leaving and maybe skating at the next level will trip the maturity switch which will make him realize what's needed to be a total player. Lord knows he has the tools. Maybe getting his ass kicked a few times will ignite his fire to get even by out playing the opponent versus throwing a cheap shot. Andrews strength is the break away but his poaching at the blue line pissed his line mates off and frustrated the coach. That's why Zerban skated on the second line. If he used his speed to back check and hit the corners he'd rival any player in the state. If that ever comes alive we'll be watching him play for many more years. The loneliness at the next level will maybe show him that no one gives a rip about who you are or what you can do or how good you were when you were 12 ITS ALL ABOUT WHAT YOU ACTUALLY DO NOW that matters. Good luck I hope the best for Zerban.

I think everyone agrees with what you just said. However, it still doesn't change or even explain the fact that he bailed out early. There is no reason for it with so little time left in the season other than to purposely snub Roberts and in turn, his team.

If this talk was on the girls HS hockey forum it would have been shut down half way through the first page. Don't get me wrong I love reading about this but at the end of the day this is the difference between girls and boys hockey.

What? Girls don't have junior hockey.

Feeling like the parent Zerban was not a hockey player himself. Can you say NAHL.

northwoods oldtimer wrote:

bubblehockey27 wrote:Lots and lots of hate for a kid leaving to develop in the Junior ranks. I know you guys aren't big on Junior hockey/departures, I've been around long enough to pick up on that, but from a hockey development standpoint, this is 100% the right move. The USHL will prepare anyone more adequately than MSHSL. It's tough to develop in a league that provides you a maximum of 31 games, and is far less physical. I'd advise anyone looking to make the jump to the collegiate level to leave early if possible.

Your making a big assumption Chief that this kid can stay at the level. Unless he has someone looking out for him he could be traded or waived few games in. That is the reality of the Junior life and that is why it is better served for the older player to deal with and adjust to without the parental drama. What does the (Zerban) dad do with Fargo if the kids goes from 2 line to 4 line, no PP time? You will never hurt your development by staying in high school. Both the USHL and the NAHL are great junior leagues to hone skills in to reach college after high school. Shame on Fargo for taking the kid at late season. They could have told the kid to come in to play 10 at end of season. That is called respect but maybe that does not exist any longer. If I am the brain trust of Fargo it would benefit my program long term to establish a relationship with Mr. Roberts at Elk River not burn that bridge. Hopefully some of these junior programs get what they deserve! At 5 wins sounds like it is working out for Fargo! HAHA!!

You said it yourself, they have 5 wins, they probably need all the help they can get. Hence asking Zerban to come play. I've seen the kid play, he'll fit in just fine. And if he can't, he'll probably go play in the NA or somewhere else. Worst case scenario is he burned his last 10 HS games of his career. And burn bridges? This isn't a D-I coach we're talking about, it's 2 teams pulling from the same talent pool. Why would Fargo owe any respect to Elk River? Fargo has 27 games left, already more than the MSHSL regular season...and he'll play at a higher level. My point is, I'm not sure how that wouldn't sound appealing to any kid.

Does he have a D1 scholarship?

bubblehockey27 wrote: Fargo has 27 games left, already more than the MSHSL regular season...and he'll play at a higher level. My point is, I'm not sure how that wouldn't sound appealing to any kid.

You can't be serious. Which one of these statements is more likely to be uttered by any NHLer or college player from MN?

1. "My greatest memory is playing in front of 800 people in Waterloo."

2. "My greatest memory is playing in tfront of 16,000 at the state hockey tournament."

If it truly was so appealing, then why didn't he leave at the start of the USHL season?

rainier wrote:

bubblehockey27 wrote: Fargo has 27 games left, already more than the MSHSL regular season...and he'll play at a higher level. My point is, I'm not sure how that wouldn't sound appealing to any kid.

You can't be serious. Which one of these statements is more likely to be uttered by any NHLer or college player from MN?

1. "My greatest memory is playing in front of 800 people in Waterloo."

2. "My greatest memory is playing in tfront of 16,000 at the state hockey tournament."

If it truly was so appealing, then why didn't he leave at the start of the USHL season?

Because apparently he wasn't good enough and Waterloo did not want him. But now that he was traded to Fargo and their 5 wins, come aboard!!

Tigers33 wrote:Does he have a D1 scholarship?

No. And I doubt any D-1 program will ever want a player that would bail on a team in the position they were in.

WHL type material..

rainier wrote:

bubblehockey27 wrote: Fargo has 27 games left, already more than the MSHSL regular season...and he'll play at a higher level. My point is, I'm not sure how that wouldn't sound appealing to any kid.

You can't be serious. Which one of these statements is more likely to be uttered by any NHLer or college player from MN?

1. "My greatest memory is playing in front of 800 people in Waterloo."

2. "My greatest memory is playing in tfront of 16,000 at the state hockey tournament."

If it truly was so appealing, then why didn't he leave at the start of the USHL season?

You're assuming ER is making the state tournament. Well what if ER doesn't make it to the X? You can't argue with hypothetical situations, it just doesn't work.

Sure playing in the Tourney is an honor in itself, but how many kids get to do that? On top of that, how many of those kids go play college hockey? And furthermore, how many move on the play professional hockey? A handful, at best. It's all about trying to get to the next level for these kids. They want to move on, challenge themselves, and play at the highest of their abilities.

And obviously it was appealing to him, considering he did play a game in Waterloo. Waterloo was a tough line-up to crack, he'll see more ice time in Fargo anyway. It's a pretty logical move on his behalf.

bubblehockey27 wrote:

rainier wrote:

bubblehockey27 wrote: Fargo has 27 games left, already more than the MSHSL regular season...and he'll play at a higher level. My point is, I'm not sure how that wouldn't sound appealing to any kid.

You can't be serious. Which one of these statements is more likely to be uttered by any NHLer or college player from MN?

1. "My greatest memory is playing in front of 800 people in Waterloo."

2. "My greatest memory is playing in tfront of 16,000 at the state hockey tournament."

If it truly was so appealing, then why didn't he leave at the start of the USHL season?

You're assuming ER is making the state tournament. Well what if ER doesn't make it to the X? You can't argue with hypothetical situations, it just doesn't work.

Sure playing in the Tourney is an honor in itself, but how many kids get to do that? On top of that, how many of those kids go play college hockey? And furthermore, how many move on the play professional hockey? A handful, at best. It's all about trying to get to the next level for these kids. They want to move on, challenge themselves, and play at the highest of their abilities.

And obviously it was appealing to him, considering he did play a game in Waterloo. Waterloo was a tough line-up to crack, he'll see more ice time in Fargo anyway. It's a pretty logical move on his behalf.

If you consider leaving your friends, girlfriend, family, teammates, community, school, etc. behind 2/3 into a season where your team has an excellent chance of going to play in what most players who played in the tourney describe as the greatest hockey experience of their lives as being logical, then yes, I guess you're right.

For the other 99.999% of humanity, it is the very definition of illogical.

If you aren't good enough to get into the lineup of a decent USHL team, then you probably should still be playing HS.