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So I have read some posts on Bernie. at least half of the people on this blog are haters. I just want to know why? You guys say he takes credit for the players drafted that were born in 1988. I ask why you rip on Bernie when the Blades do the same thing. The Blades take credit for players such as Jake Gardiner, Blake Wheeler, and Erik Johnson. Interesting that the Blades take credit for Johnson when they wanted to cut him. That was the reason for Bernie starting the 88's. He left the Blades and took most of the team with him. If you don't believe that then just pick up a Minnesota Blades book or go on their website.

And Jake Gardiner was on the Rockets which then became the Icemen. That's absolutely disgusting The Blades would lay claim to Jake.

pokerplaya wrote:You guys say he takes credit for the players drafted that were born in 1988. I ask why you rip on Bernie when the Blades do the same thing. The Blades take credit for players such as Jake Gardiner, Blake Wheeler, and Erik Johnson. Interesting that the Blades take credit for Johnson when they wanted to cut him. That was the reason for Bernie starting the 88's. He left the Blades and took most of the team with him. If you don't believe that then just pick up a Minnesota Blades book or go on their website.

He should be proud of the 88's that developed under him and got drafted by NHL teams. That was a special group of kids.

The difference between Bernie's program and the Blades is Development. Bernie worked on skill development with his 88's (and now subsequent Machine players) and played in limited events. The Blades put together a group of talented kids (and sometimes untalented kids that helped pay for the trips) for the exposure of the event they might be going to.

Bernie's program was brutal and tough. But if the kid did not want to get better, he got left behind. The Blades do not really develop the player but expose the player to a different level of scouts.

Both programs have their purpose. My kid was exposed to both programs and he benefited from both. Nothing wrong with that.

I loved the movie Weekend at Bernie's !!!

I didn't know the dead guy had a last name.

is soccer done already

I am not trying to rip on the blades. it is a recruiting tool. both use it. i think both programs are good for a player who wants to take their game to the next level.

Misdeal

$4 gas and the economy must have impacted the numbers for the mite and squirt choice leagues, so you might get some free advertising in on the wacko hockey message boards.

DMom wrote:is soccer done already

Club Season - yep #1 MN Boys U17 Premier League Champs
#27 in the country

- great squad of players.


4 weeks off from coaching until HS Girl's tryouts.

Still one week of being team manager for my son's team.
No parking spots in Blaine this week

Hey, I'll be there Sunday. Bring a cooler.

Congrats to your U17 team, that's quite an accomplishment.

I have said on another post that tha Blades are the benchmark for AAA hockey in Minnesota and this is the reason why. The Blades are always used when people want to compare AAA teams. Thats when you know your at the top. Observer85 wrote earlier "the Blades do not really develop players but expose the player to a different level of scouts" yeah sure, scouts love to come watch players who are not developed. Another quote " untalented kids help pay for the trip" this is silly now. There is a reason why the Blades are heavily scouted----a long tradition (almost two decades) of helping develop some of Minnesotas best hockey players. It's just that simple.

Not to get to far off subject but here's a link to the U17 Premier standings,

http://www.mnyouthsoccer.org/standsum/s ... sindex.cfm

Chaska? CDA? Eden Prairie appears to be the champ.

Anyways, back to Bernie.

observer wrote:Not to get to far off subject but here's a link to the U17 Premier standings,

http://www.mnyouthsoccer.org/standsum/s ... sindex.cfm

Chaska? CDA? Eden Prairie appears to be the champ.

Anyways, back to Bernie.

Yep that's my team EP Crew - do I need to give you the roster too ?

http://www.mnyouthsoccer.org/membership ... cfm?id=EDP

When asked and given an opportunity to coach one of the 6 premier teams in the state, it doesn't matter what community they are from.

It's in the 90's - must be time for the International Soccer Tournament in Blaine. Keep those kids hydrated and good luck to all the soccer teams in Blaine

Pokerplaya- Keep in mind that majority of the people ripping on the Machine or Blades have no clue about either program. As everyone states Minnesota made or the Blades aren't for everyone.
Both programs start developing kids at a younger age. This doesn't mean that other kids won't catch up. If your kid loves to play hockey and wants to learn at a higher level then these programs are a good fit. If your son wants to stay local and skate with buddies that is great too. My son skates for one of the AAA teams at Minnesota made. He really enjoys playing there and has made tons of new friends from all over the metro area. Just like everything in this world people have different wants and needs. Just do what's best for your kids. Who cares what others say.

Bruins wrote:I have said on another post that tha Blades are the benchmark for AAA hockey in Minnesota and this is the reason why. The Blades are always used when people want to compare AAA teams.

There is a reason why the Blades are heavily scouted----a long tradition (almost two decades) of helping develop some of Minnesotas best hockey players. It's just that simple.

I do not disagree with this - many people know of the Blades program because of the work and effort John Arko put into the program for many years. His ability to gather good to great players to go to tournaments and do well is actually impressive.

Bruins wrote:Observer85 wrote earlier "the Blades do not really develop players but expose the player to a different level of scouts" yeah sure, scouts love to come watch players who are not developed.

In the years my son played in the Blade organization, development consisted of 2 weeks of practice time prior to boarding a plane to go to Canada. I can assure you the development of my son did not come during those 2 weeks but from other sources. Scouts love to come watch Blade players because in most cases someone else "developed" them and Arko just provided the opportunity to play with other talented kids in front of scouts.

Bruins wrote:Another quote " untalented kids help pay for the trip" this is silly now.

This statement is hardly silly because in my years of going to Canada with the Blades there were some kids who clearly did not belong at that level. Maybe I am the silly one and maybe my son was one of those. But since he is still playing D1 college hockey while a lot of the others who were on those teams are not, maybe not.

The important thing is both McBain's and Arko's programs have some merit and have credibility. And there is nothing wrong with either one of them.

pokerplaya wrote:So I have read some posts on Bernie. at least half of the people on this blog are haters. I just want to know why? You guys say he takes credit for the players drafted that were born in 1988. I ask why you rip on Bernie when the Blades do the same thing. The Blades take credit for players such as Jake Gardiner, Blake Wheeler, and Erik Johnson. Interesting that the Blades take credit for Johnson when they wanted to cut him. That was the reason for Bernie starting the 88's. He left the Blades and took most of the team with him. If you don't believe that then just pick up a Minnesota Blades book or go on their website.

I think hate is a rather strong word but some people don't think very much of a man who berates and humiliates children(I've personally witnessed this) Also, the fact that he has taken exclusive credit for the development of the outstanding 88's...a team which was originally was a Blades team does seem a bit disingenuous. That being said, McBain has raised the bar for the other AAA teams in this area not to mention association teams. He has provided an alternative and his programs will undoubtedly increase the number of quality of hockey players in Minnesota.

I would never have my son or daughter play in his program but this doesn't mean it is not good...just different. I applaud McBain for living the American dream. Here is a guy who was driving a cab seven years ago who is now in charge of of a very impressive hockey program...only in America I guess.

Hockeyguy_27 wrote:

pokerplaya wrote:So I have read some posts on Bernie. at least half of the people on this blog are haters. I just want to know why? You guys say he takes credit for the players drafted that were born in 1988. I ask why you rip on Bernie when the Blades do the same thing. The Blades take credit for players such as Jake Gardiner, Blake Wheeler, and Erik Johnson. Interesting that the Blades take credit for Johnson when they wanted to cut him. That was the reason for Bernie starting the 88's. He left the Blades and took most of the team with him. If you don't believe that then just pick up a Minnesota Blades book or go on their website.

I think hate is a rather strong word but some people don't think very much of a man who berates and humiliates children(I've personally witnessed this) Also, the fact that he has taken exclusive credit for the development of the outstanding 88's...a team which was originally was a Blades team does seem a bit disingenuous. That being said, McBain has raised the bar for the other AAA teams in this area not to mention association teams. He has provided an alternative and his programs will undoubtedly increase the number of quality of hockey players in Minnesota.

I would never have my son or daughter play in his program but this doesn't mean it is not good...just different. I applaud McBain for living the American dream. Here is a guy who was driving a cab seven years ago who is now in charge of of a very impressive hockey program...only in America I guess.

Hockeyguy- Can you tell me if Bernie was one of the Blades coaches for the 88's?
As for berates and humiliates children? If the kids do NOT listen then he singles them out. In 99.9% of the time the kids learn from their mistake and end up being a better listener and skater in the long run. Keep in mind that Bernie has nothing to do with the Choice Mite or Squirt leagues with the exception of coordinating the leagues and drawing up the practice plans. Last year he was never on the ice.

As for taking credit for the 88's. Here's the kicker. This article was in the Star and Tribune:
Bernie McBain's 15-year-old Minnesota Made program in Edina is another training option. Many of the high-end NHL draftees have worked through his summer program.
McBain has a picture that was taken seven years ago on a frozen pond in his back yard. All the boys in the picture are 12 years old, and all had spent countless hours every summer in his program. In the picture are Johnson, Okposo and Mueller. All three were first-round picks in 2006.
On the ice that winter day long ago were six players who were drafted by the NHL and eight who got Division I scholarships. But it was the warm-weather months when those players honed their skills.
"During the summer, when you get into independent hockey, there are really no rules," McBain said. "No board saying you can't practice or only play this many games."

Johnson said he honed his skills during those sessions in McBain's program. "The first time we all got together we were 9," he said. "Nobody worked harder than we did. In the summers, three hours a day, five days a week."

Hmmm! Three hours a day - five days a week? What will the traditionalist say now? Has Erik Johnson shown any signs of burnout? Where does he play hockey again?

Eric Johnson plays in the NHL for the Blues. Certainly what's good for him is good for every kid.

When is the McBain Made ceremonial burning of Bylsma's books? I'll fly up for that memorable occasion. Kool Aid served, for sure.

Hockeyguy- Can you tell me if Bernie was one of the Blades coaches for the 88's?

If memory serves Irv Singer was the coach and hand picked the majority of the roster... McBain who had a son on the team became an assistant coach. He subsequently hijacked this Blades Team and created the 88's.

As for berates and humiliates children? If the kids do NOT listen then he singles them out. In 99.9% of the time the kids learn from their mistake and end up being a better listener and skater in the long run. Keep in mind that Bernie has nothing to do with the Choice Mite or Squirt leagues with the exception of coordinating the leagues and drawing up the practice plans. Last year he was never on the ice.

Does this mean making a kid hop on one foot on the bench, screaming at him for the entire time his shift is on the ice is good? Discipline is needed but this is over the top in my opinion and YES I WITNESSED THIS.

As for taking credit for the 88's. Here's the kicker. This article was in the Star and Tribune:
Bernie McBain's 15-year-old Minnesota Made program in Edina is another training option. Many of the high-end NHL draftees have worked through his summer program.
McBain has a picture that was taken seven years ago on a frozen pond in his back yard. All the boys in the picture are 12 years old, and all had spent countless hours every summer in his program. In the picture are Johnson, Okposo and Mueller. All three were first-round picks in 2006.
On the ice that winter day long ago were six players who were drafted by the NHL and eight who got Division I scholarships. But it was the warm-weather months when those players honed their skills.
"During the summer, when you get into independent hockey, there are really no rules," McBain said. "No board saying you can't practice or only play this many games."

Of course, because it was in the Star and Trib, it is gospel You're missing my point, I never implied kids like Eric Johnson didn't benefit from their association with McBain, I'm saying that for him to take full credit for developing these players in obnoxious and inaccurate.

Johnson said he honed his skills during those sessions in McBain's program. "The first time we all got together we were 9," he said. "Nobody worked harder than we did. In the summers, three hours a day, five days a week."

Hmmm! Three hours a day - five days a week? What will the traditionalist say now? Has Erik Johnson shown any signs of burnout? Where does he play hockey again?

[/quote]

Of course they worked hard and just like the players from the Czech republic, if all you do is eat, drink and sleep hockey, you will get better. I don't dispute this. However, all of these kids were studs before Minnesota made--these were the best kids at this birth year and were accurately identified by Singer. It is difficult for me to swallow the concept that without Minnesota Made, Eric Johnson or any of the other successful players from the 88's would be working at a Denny's restaurant right now instead of being professional hockey players.

Quote from Hockeyguy 27
"If memory serves Irv Singer was the coach and hand picked the majority of the roster... McBain who had a son on the team became an assistant coach. He subsequently hijacked this Blades Team and created the 88's."

The blades wanted to cut kids from that team so bernie decided to make his own team. The 2 that the blades wanted to cut were Erik Johnson and Trent Palm. so yeah bernie decided to hijack a team that the blades wanted to disasemble. If memory serves me correctly Palm is playing division 1 hockey and Johnson was drafted number 1 overall and is playing for the Blues. as for Bernie taking credit for the players he set up a program that if you work hard you can become a better hockey player. The point of my post was to prove that everyone does it. If you owned MM than you would do the same thing. If you think that Bernie is the only guy who takes credit for kids that have trained using his program you are wrong. If you dont know that then you shouldnt be blogging about AAA hockey.

All this talk about McBain...I know him well enough to know that all the talk, good or bad, is great in his mind. I don't really agree with his views on hockey, cant say I even like the guy, but my kid goes to Lake Placid every year because Bernie is good to HIM, and he has fun.
We have been asked to play for the Machine, but my son chooses to play Football on the B team, baseball and golf.
We used to play summer hockey, and the Blades used to be the team to beat, but now summer hockey is about collecting money, getting 20 kids on a team and parents egos.
Last summer my 12 year old worked for the family business, EARNED some money and is paying for his own hockey this winter.
Lets think of all of the money we spend on summer hockey...the best investment is to save that money for college because unfortunately, most youth hockey superstars dont get scholarships!
I wish Bernie and his guys the best.
We are playing with our assoc.---no matter how backwards they may be!

chillin wrote:All this talk about McBain...I know him well enough to know that all the talk, good or bad, is great in his mind. I don't really agree with his views on hockey, cant say I even like the guy, but my kid goes to Lake Placid every year because Bernie is good to HIM, and he has fun.
We have been asked to play for the Machine, but my son chooses to play Football on the B team, baseball and golf.
We used to play summer hockey, and the Blades used to be the team to beat, but now summer hockey is about collecting money, getting 20 kids on a team and parents egos.
Last summer my 12 year old worked for the family business, EARNED some money and is paying for his own hockey this winter.
Lets think of all of the money we spend on summer hockey...the best investment is to save that money for college because unfortunately, most youth hockey superstars dont get scholarships!
I wish Bernie and his guys the best.
We are playing with our assoc.---no matter how backwards they may be!

Trend setter !

Can't Never Tried wrote:

chillin wrote:All this talk about McBain...I know him well enough to know that all the talk, good or bad, is great in his mind. I don't really agree with his views on hockey, cant say I even like the guy, but my kid goes to Lake Placid every year because Bernie is good to HIM, and he has fun.
We have been asked to play for the Machine, but my son chooses to play Football on the B team, baseball and golf.
We used to play summer hockey, and the Blades used to be the team to beat, but now summer hockey is about collecting money, getting 20 kids on a team and parents egos.
Last summer my 12 year old worked for the family business, EARNED some money and is paying for his own hockey this winter.
Lets think of all of the money we spend on summer hockey...the best investment is to save that money for college because unfortunately, most youth hockey superstars dont get scholarships!
I wish Bernie and his guys the best.
We are playing with our assoc.---no matter how backwards they may be!

Trend setter !

It Could HAPPEN!

chillin wrote:All this talk about McBain...I know him well enough to know that all the talk, good or bad, is great in his mind. I don't really agree with his views on hockey, cant say I even like the guy, but my kid goes to Lake Placid every year because Bernie is good to HIM, and he has fun.
We have been asked to play for the Machine, but my son chooses to play Football on the B team, baseball and golf.
We used to play summer hockey, and the Blades used to be the team to beat, but now summer hockey is about collecting money, getting 20 kids on a team and parents egos.
Last summer my 12 year old worked for the family business, EARNED some money and is paying for his own hockey this winter.
Lets think of all of the money we spend on summer hockey...the best investment is to save that money for college because unfortunately, most youth hockey superstars dont get scholarships!
I wish Bernie and his guys the best.
We are playing with our assoc.---no matter how backwards they may be!

I think you're generalizing a bit. Sure, there are SOME AAA programs that are setup to make money, but there are many more that aren't. Some teams just split the total cost of ice/tournaments evenly between the parents and nobody makes money off it.

Everybody is different. Some kids have more fun playing summer AAA hockey than they do playing winter association hockey (my son is one of those kids). Not everyone plays baseball or football, some kids like to play golf or go to the cabin. You just need to find a team that fits your needs and lifestyle.

I have also heard some scary things about McBain including making a player hop on one leg. Personally, that's not something I would want to be part of.