New Hockey Parent needs help :)

[forward/goaliemom]

Hi!
I have a first year squirt that I'd like to get involved in some type of summer hockey program. We live in MN and I like to think we have several good programs here. Can anyone offer suggestions to which camps are good camps to attend. My son is fast, can get to the net & put the puck in. He needs help in his stick-handling abilities though... Any suggestions? I'd like to see him on some type of advanced level team. I've heard of selects and things like that, but don't know much about that. Any insight on that subject would be appreciated too.
Thank you!!!

[Cowboy]

The options are almost endless. It would help a lot to narrow some choices down if you gave a more precise location and the amount of time and money you are willing to spend.

If you are somewhat close to the Super Rink, go to Superrink.org and check out their summer activities, they have a lot to choose from. If you are south metro, Minnesota Made has alot of different camps. Otherwise the Let's Play Hockey website has a summer camp quide for the entire state but will take some time to sort through. Another option is most rinks have flyers out now for different programs offered at their rink and other area rinks.

[forward/goaliemom]

I will take my son anywhere in the state/country to help him - but Northern MN is closest. I wish I could say the same for the financial part of it though Hockey can be a very expensive sport and I've been looking at some camps online and have realized that one could spend thousands of dollars just in summer camps.
Thanks again for any suggestions - another question though, how would I get him involved in any of the "selects" programs? That is a big mystery to me!

[inthestands]

For the younger players, it's important to maintain the local surroundings and relationships made. Try to find something close to home, and camps that include team mates.

Your first year squirt has a lot of time to develope, and the best way for that to happen is to make sure what ever direction you follow the fun factor is always first and foremost in your vision.

One more thing, stay away from hockey message boards.

[HockeyMN1]

If you live in the cities, Velocity is very good. They do dryland conditioning and skating. I think they have two small sheets of ice and it is great for 3 on 3 or 4 on 4.

[nahc]

Very important that a friend or two is included and also that your skater has the INTEREST in the program. Boredom can occur very quickly if skaters are not challenged. Great suggestions concerning venues all over the state. Lets play hockey is a start and many "local" instructors have differant types of camps available and you don't have to be part of an association to participate. Usually lots of good info at the hockey arenas, ie flyers for differant programs........

[Cowboy]

In my experience, most "select" teams are based more on who you know than how good your kid is especially at the younger levels. When my kid was on a select team it was because the coach asked a friend of mine for the names of a few good players. If your looking for development, I don't think you get a good bang for your buck with these teams. But you may be talking about something totally different.

Talk to the parents of some of the older kids in your association, they will let you know what camps they thought were the best. Also maybe let the varsity coach know, he may have some good ideas.

The best camps my kids have been to are ones that weren't advertised very well, we found out about them from flyers we picked up at local arena's. Hopefully somebody from up north will share some good ideas.

[gongshow006]

Believe me, you do not want to get advice from a forum or from this bunch.

[tomASS]

I got your help right here!




but the other suggestions are much better

[tomASS]

Believe me, you do not want to get advice from a forum or from this bunch.

how on earth (or mars) did you surmise ??

[forward/goaliemom]

I'd like to thank those that gave an honest response to my question. And to the #1 fan of Dr Phil - you seriously need to consider a new hobby or find something to make better use of your time. Have a WONDERFUL day

[ironrangehockey55]

goaliemom ignore tomass, he was banned from the site according to boardmember fo things like this. it looks like he is back. one would have thought he would have learned

[DMom]

I would figure out which older kids/families you admire, and ask them. Even if you don't know them well, explain your situation and ask what they have done. High school parents even, if the programs they used are still around. They will be flattered and most will willingly help lead you to the help you are looking for. Too shy for that? check out the t-shirts and jerseys they "good" kids are wearing. Uusally there's a trend and that's where the good local training is.

Behave Tom.

[tomASS]

It is the lack of humor and people taking things way too serious that makes the bored and life mundane. If you look at my last sentence it tells you who to listen to and I even gave you a smilie face

my post was directed at gongshow006 - should have used the quote bar oh well timing and delivery is everything. Sorry

PS - I also believe the big Dr. P is a whack job...I hope that doesn't offend too many

[elliott70]

It is the lack of humor and people taking things way too serious that makes the bored and life mundane. If you look at my last sentence it tells you who to listen to and I even gave you a smilie face

my post was directed at gongshow006 - should have used the quote bar oh well timing and delivery is everything. Sorry

PS - I also believe the big Dr. P is a whack job...I hope that doesn't offend too many

Well, Tommy, nice to see you. (figuratively)

[elliott70]

Hi!
I have a first year squirt that I'd like to get involved in some type of summer hockey program. We live in MN and I like to think we have several good programs here. Can anyone offer suggestions to which camps are good camps to attend. My son is fast, can get to the net & put the puck in. He needs help in his stick-handling abilities though... Any suggestions? I'd like to see him on some type of advanced level team. I've heard of selects and things like that, but don't know much about that. Any insight on that subject would be appreciated too.
Thank you!!!

What I would do:

First, ask your kid what HE (or she for others) wants to do.
If fishing, baseball, swimming, hanging out with friends are on his list, then look for some hockey thing that can fit in. If you are going AAA then you and he will need to commit to that. They ask for it and your child needs to know that committment is important.

Two, Your kid is so good (I'll take your word for it.) so he should be on the ice.
If your local arena does not have summer ice, look around, some northern communities have summer ice or year around ice. Perhaps a short drive with a group of friends would work. (Ice time costs money but if you get a group for a once a week or every other week it can keep costs down and get teh kids on the ice for some shinny/pond non-structured hockey/skating.

Third, if you and he agree that some sort of elite thing is what you want, talk to your local peewee/bantam coach, or follow the advice given here about other, older hockey families in your community. Then talk with those people recommended and the write the check. Expect little, and you will come out very happy because you will get more than you expected (not being satirical, but results usually are measured by expectations going in).

Remember, keep smiling and get your kid to do the same.

[DMom]

I agree 100%. My middle one played up at C squirt his last year of mites. After that year he refused all offers for camps, teams, etc. and had a fun summer. Played traveling baseball, swam a lot, played a lot of video games and than made the B squirts as a first year. We were happy for him. He was devastated. Truly. We said all the right things and a week later when he found out he had a lot of buddies on his team, he was fine. Now he wants to skate as much as he can and has requested certain development opportunities that require a large commitment on his part. He is going to have a very busy summer because he is determined to make the A squirt team next fall. We'll support him but there is no way I would make him, and now he'll give it 125% effort because it's his choice.

We think you're funny, I just don't want to lose you again. It was a pretty boring sandbox for a while there. ridiculously boring.

[hockeymom1965]

There are many good programs out there, you just have to find the one that suits your son's needs, your schedule and your finances. If your main concern is stick handling, Turcotte has a good program. There are some good AAA teams that really focus on development and the kids are able to use what they have learned in tournaments. For my child, playing AAA has been good. Many kids will play at the level of their peers. He has been pushed to keep up with the stronger players and that has made him a better player. This may work for some but not all, you have to know your childs drive. Not all AAA teams are about the almighty dollar.

Good Luck with whatever you chose!