duluth lakers bantams

[mnwild5]

What are your thoughts on the collapse on the Duluth lakers Bantams program? Is it DAHA? is it the too much money? Is it that the Lakers have players going to four different high schools? What do you think?

[rbkhockey4life]

I am starting to think that most kids would rather play for duluth east in youth levels so they are use to playing with the kids that they will be playing with in highschool because lets face it duluth east dominates the duluth area at highschool hockey

[dlhhockey]

one only needed to watch that organization the last few months, and the last few days to see what their problem is: p-a-r-e-n-t-s. DAHA definately has their issues, but the lakers are causing much of their own problems. Lots of their kids moved up to jv to simply get away from it. Now they have created a mess in that they don't have enough for a bantam A team. Easy to blame DAHA, but they need to look into the mirror for the chaos they've caused. Too bad for the kids. Some of them wanted to come over to DE to try out this year. Kudos to DAHA for putting the kabash on that. Kids are nice, but there is no way DE would want some of those parents getting involved in a great program. The high school programs have nothing to do with their problems other than the kids are going to them early for the reasons stated above.

[northwoods oldtimer]

dlhhockey,
I picked up on what you are describing last year watching a game between Laker Bantam A and Grand Rapids Bantam A. You are indeed correct there were a number of Laker dads calling out their coaching instructions from up top down to ice level. That would be a tough place to coach. It was embarrassing to witness and you had to feel for the kids on the ice having to listen to that tripe. I have seen many East teams come in and do not witness that behavior coming out of the parents. Cannot say I blame you folks at east for stating no, that was a smart move. You are correct on the fact that the kids in that Laker program are nice kids and just want to play the game.

[CreaseMonkey]

DAHA controls the A level teams at both Duluth East and Lakers. They make the decisions and run those teams. The Lakers and East only have full control of the B level programs.

The Lakers requested more control of the A programs this past summer, and cited specific areas of concern. DAHA assured the Laker board that they did in fact have say in the issues they felt were vital. One of those issues was the selection of coaches for the teams.

When the search went out for coaches at the PeeWee and Bantam A levels, the Lakers made it known which candidates they preferred and those who they were opposed to. They also warned DAHA of a potential mutiny within the bantam ranks if a specific coach who was in his early 20's and lacked experience was selected. Instead of taking that under consideration, they coaches committee hired the coaches who were being opposed.

The DAHA coaches committee knew what was going to happen with that decision and did it anyway. Interestingly, the majority of that committee is comprised of board members who represent the eastern part of Duluth.

As it stands, there will only be B level bantam teams for the Lakers this season. As for kids being blocked from trying out at Duluth East, my personal opinion is that it is another foolish decision by DAHA.

The reason they were blocked is because DAHA, again in their wisdom, told the Lakers that they could have a bantam A team in spite of the loss of so many players. Knowing they only had 1 or 2 players who would try out for an A team, the Lakers declined and stated they did not have enough A calibur players to field a team. As a result, the DAHA excuse for blocking Laker kids from tying out at East is that they had an opportunity for an A team and refused it.

Given all of that, which party is acting more responsible in trying to develop the Laker kids and look out for the best interest of the program, and which one appears to be making a concerted effort to blow it up completely?

I will sum it up with a quote from Clark Coole, the Executive Director of DAHA. When asked by a reporter from the Duluth News Tribune what the main reason was for the decline in hockey participation in Duluth, he stated "Selfish Parents". What he should have said was DAHA! Your attitude speaks volumes Clark.

[Duluth East Hockey Fan]

DAHA controls the A level teams at both Duluth East and Lakers. They make the decisions and run those teams. The Lakers and East only have full control of the B level programs.

The Lakers requested more control of the A programs this past summer, and cited specific areas of concern. DAHA assured the Laker board that they did in fact have say in the issues they felt were vital. One of those issues was the selection of coaches for the teams.

When the search went out for coaches at the PeeWee and Bantam A levels, the Lakers made it known which candidates they preferred and those who they were opposed to. They also warned DAHA of a potential mutiny within the bantam ranks if a specific coach who was in his early 20's and lacked experience was selected. Instead of taking that under consideration, they coaches committee hired the coaches who were being opposed.

The DAHA coaches committee knew what was going to happen with that decision and did it anyway. Interestingly, the majority of that committee is comprised of board members who represent the eastern part of Duluth.

As it stands, there will only be B level bantam teams for the Lakers this season. As for kids being blocked from trying out at Duluth East, my personal opinion is that it is another foolish decision by DAHA.

The reason they were blocked is because DAHA, again in their wisdom, told the Lakers that they could have a bantam A team in spite of the loss of so many players. Knowing they only had 1 or 2 players who would try out for an A team, the Lakers declined and stated they did not have enough A calibur players to field a team. As a result, the DAHA excuse for blocking Laker kids from tying out at East is that they had an opportunity for an A team and refused it.

Given all of that, which party is acting more responsible in trying to develop the Laker kids and look out for the best interest of the program, and which one appears to be making a concerted effort to blow it up completely?

I will sum it up with a quote from Clark Coole, the Executive Director of DAHA. When asked by a reporter from the Duluth News Tribune what the main reason was for the decline in hockey participation in Duluth, he stated "Selfish Parents". What he should have said was DAHA! Your attitude speaks volumes Clark.

This contribution to the discussion is typical Laker hockey response. It is always "someone" else's fault that the Laker program is getting screwed. The coach chosen by DAHA to coach the A team was chosen because number one, he was not a parent of a kid who was a first year player that had not even made the team yet and number two, because he wasn't hand picked by ONE of the four high schools they feed. An earlier poster said it right. This group of Laker Bantam A parents have been a problem since they were in the squirts. I can tell you for a fact there wasn't one person in the East End that wants to deal with these people. They don't get their way and what happens they tear everyone down around them. It has been a common theme with this program since its beginning. The bottom line is you guys didn't get your way and now your pouting. You thought you could manipulate the system and the board did their job and didn't let you guys get away with it.
I understand that Clarke has his issues, but in this case you cannot find fault with him in any part of this. I applaud the DAHA board for what they did.

[CreaseMonkey]

This contribution to the discussion is typical Laker hockey response. It is always "someone" else's fault that the Laker program is getting screwed. The coach chosen by DAHA to coach the A team was chosen because number one, he was not a parent of a kid who was a first year player that had not even made the team yet and number two, because he wasn't hand picked by ONE of the four high schools they feed. An earlier poster said it right. This group of Laker Bantam A parents have been a problem since they were in the squirts. I can tell you for a fact there wasn't one person in the East End that wants to deal with these people. They don't get their way and what happens they tear everyone down around them. It has been a common theme with this program since its beginning. The bottom line is you guys didn't get your way and now your pouting. You thought you could manipulate the system and the board did their job and didn't let you guys get away with it.
I understand that Clarke has his issues, but in this case you cannot find fault with him in any part of this. I applaud the DAHA board for what they did.

I would consider your response typical for someone from East Duluth or the DAHA board as well, so who does that make right? Are you directly affected by those decisions from DAHA? It is easy to sit back and throw stones when it is not your players getting the short end of things year after year. Is it wrong for people to get involved and speak up when they feel something needs fixed, or should they just bow to the infinite wisdom of DAHA?

I do not deny that the Laker program has its problems, but they are not all caused by parents and the current board is actually trying to fix them.. East has their problem parents as well, so a blanket statement blaming the Laker parents and absolving DAHA completely comes off as arrogant and ignorant on your part.

If the only criteria for a bantam coach is that they not be a parent, then why not just hire some bum off of the street? Do those kids not deserve a qualified coach? I did not see East jumping in to steal away that " highly qualified" coach after he refused to join the coaching staff at the B level as an assistant.

In the end, I believe the best solution is to let both East Duluth and Lakers control their A level programs, make those decisions and if things remain screwed up, then we know for sure where the blame falls.

[shooter803]

I think the exodus of quality Bantam players trying out for the H.S. teams is the biggest problem facing the Laker program. With lower numbers this has a huge impact on the program. Plus, when these players don't register for tryouts & don't make JV/Varsity spots they expect, how is B2's going to feel? I think this shows how many problems the Laker organization/Laker parents have in their program. This needs to be solved by the Laker organization & not DAHA (which still has 2 unfilled West/Laker spots from the past 4+ months I hear). Get involved & be part of the solution, not just the problem.

[Duluth East Hockey Fan]

This contribution to the discussion is typical Laker hockey response. It is always "someone" else's fault that the Laker program is getting screwed. The coach chosen by DAHA to coach the A team was chosen because number one, he was not a parent of a kid who was a first year player that had not even made the team yet and number two, because he wasn't hand picked by ONE of the four high schools they feed. An earlier poster said it right. This group of Laker Bantam A parents have been a problem since they were in the squirts. I can tell you for a fact there wasn't one person in the East End that wants to deal with these people. They don't get their way and what happens they tear everyone down around them. It has been a common theme with this program since its beginning. The bottom line is you guys didn't get your way and now your pouting. You thought you could manipulate the system and the board did their job and didn't let you guys get away with it.
I understand that Clarke has his issues, but in this case you cannot find fault with him in any part of this. I applaud the DAHA board for what they did.

I would consider your response typical for someone from East Duluth or the DAHA board as well, so who does that make right? Are you directly affected by those decisions from DAHA? It is easy to sit back and throw stones when it is not your players getting the short end of things year after year. Is it wrong for people to get involved and speak up when they feel something needs fixed, or should they just bow to the infinite wisdom of DAHA?

I do not deny that the Laker program has its problems, but they are not all caused by parents and the current board is actually trying to fix them.. East has their problem parents as well, so a blanket statement blaming the Laker parents and absolving DAHA completely comes off as arrogant and ignorant on your part.

If the only criteria for a bantam coach is that they not be a parent, then why not just hire some bum off of the street? Do those kids not deserve a qualified coach? I did not see East jumping in to steal away that " highly qualified" coach after he refused to join the coaching staff at the B level as an assistant.

In the end, I believe the best solution is to let both East Duluth and Lakers control their A level programs, make those decisions and if things remain screwed up, then we know for sure where the blame falls.

Unfortunately, you don't understand how the system works. In reality, there is no such thing as either East End Hockey or Laker Hockey. The affiliate agreement that Minnesota and USA Hockey hold is with Duluth Amateur Hockey. East End, Central, Denfeld, Laker, Portman, Duluth Heights, they are nothing more than a way to organize the city's areas to make hockey run more efficient for Duluth. The fact that all your rink boards exist is simply to give your voice a chance to be heard. However actions, are the sole responsibility of the DAHA board. The DAHA board listens to the individual boards as a courtousy. Therefore, there can be no such thing as "East End" or "Laker" hockey under the current structure of hockey in Duluth. Also, Minnesota Hockey would be hard pressed to change the system within Duluth simply because it adds to the efficiency of Hockey in Minnesota and so on.

I also want to way in on your accusations or suggestion that things are so much different on the East side of town. DAHA makes it a point that both associations have the exact same rules to play by. They are both given equal opportunity to fail or succeed based on what DAHA requires.

As far as the coach goes. Your statement above gives a pretty biased account of the person they chose for the job. I don't believe that the only criteria was not being a parent. If I am correct he was previously the head coach of the East bantam b-1's, so he had experience, and he had experience at the level. The bottom line is you had your coach that you wanted, who is a good man, will do a fine job with your B-1 team but the way it went down in my opinion was the exact reason why I stated above. That people didn't get their way on the coach they wanted so pouted until they could get their way. What I really think is typical, is all the kids that left to go play JV hockey, are going to be sent back to bantams and they are going to have to play b-2 hockey, when they could have played A level hockey and if they do get to play b-1 hockey, than they still got screwed (by their own parents) out of playing A hockey. If that is not selfish, I guess I don't know what is. All because they didn't get "their" coach. Could have had a young kid, with a lot to offer that program for years to come and you did it to put another dad in charge. That is not a knock on the dad, he just wanted to coach. Finally, you really asked why he didn't accept the position to be the asst. coach of the b-1 team working under the guy an independent panel from both programs voted he should be the coach over? Gosh, why didn't he take that offer! Seriously! Actually, I believe he was just hired on as an asst. with one of the high school teams. Good thing the only thing that qualifies him is he's not a parent. If I am incorrect about the circumstances, than by all means correct me. I don't believe I am. And by the way, I am not, that's right NOT a member of the DAHA board of directors. I just follow the program pretty closely, I have young kids coming up and I do know what is going on. But if you really want to make a difference...Than run for the DAHA board, they are always looking for someone who is willing to help. I think elections are in April. Than you can go clean up DAHA and make everything better for everyone.

I don't care if you respond to this or not, we obviously aren't going to agree on this issue. I respect you want your program to succeed. There is no doubt that is what it needs, more people need to get that passion and give back to that program. From what I've heard, many of the hockey guys from out there don't want to get involved for two reasons, time and parents. So, if you think I'm just blowing smoke and trying to blanket all the parents as "bad apples", I'm not, and if I gave the impression that I was, then I am sorry. Not all are but there are plenty to be a problem at least thats the perception many people have looking from the outside in.

[downwithcloquet]

This contribution to the discussion is typical Laker hockey response. It is always "someone" else's fault that the Laker program is getting screwed. The coach chosen by DAHA to coach the A team was chosen because number one, he was not a parent of a kid who was a first year player that had not even made the team yet and number two, because he wasn't hand picked by ONE of the four high schools they feed. An earlier poster said it right. This group of Laker Bantam A parents have been a problem since they were in the squirts. I can tell you for a fact there wasn't one person in the East End that wants to deal with these people. They don't get their way and what happens they tear everyone down around them. It has been a common theme with this program since its beginning. The bottom line is you guys didn't get your way and now your pouting. You thought you could manipulate the system and the board did their job and didn't let you guys get away with it.
I understand that Clarke has his issues, but in this case you cannot find fault with him in any part of this. I applaud the DAHA board for what they did.

I would consider your response typical for someone from East Duluth or the DAHA board as well, so who does that make right? Are you directly affected by those decisions from DAHA? It is easy to sit back and throw stones when it is not your players getting the short end of things year after year. Is it wrong for people to get involved and speak up when they feel something needs fixed, or should they just bow to the infinite wisdom of DAHA?

I do not deny that the Laker program has its problems, but they are not all caused by parents and the current board is actually trying to fix them.. East has their problem parents as well, so a blanket statement blaming the Laker parents and absolving DAHA completely comes off as arrogant and ignorant on your part.

If the only criteria for a bantam coach is that they not be a parent, then why not just hire some bum off of the street? Do those kids not deserve a qualified coach? I did not see East jumping in to steal away that " highly qualified" coach after he refused to join the coaching staff at the B level as an assistant.
In the end, I believe the best solution is to let both East Duluth and Lakers control their A level programs, make those decisions and if things remain screwed up, then we know for sure where the blame falls.

this inexperineced coach led an east bantam team to the regional finals and recently coached a summer team with some of the best players in the state. its not his fault the parents jumped to conclusions and being an assistant isn't going to get him experience

[downwithcloquet]

This contribution to the discussion is typical Laker hockey response. It is always "someone" else's fault that the Laker program is getting screwed. The coach chosen by DAHA to coach the A team was chosen because number one, he was not a parent of a kid who was a first year player that had not even made the team yet and number two, because he wasn't hand picked by ONE of the four high schools they feed. An earlier poster said it right. This group of Laker Bantam A parents have been a problem since they were in the squirts. I can tell you for a fact there wasn't one person in the East End that wants to deal with these people. They don't get their way and what happens they tear everyone down around them. It has been a common theme with this program since its beginning. The bottom line is you guys didn't get your way and now your pouting. You thought you could manipulate the system and the board did their job and didn't let you guys get away with it.
I understand that Clarke has his issues, but in this case you cannot find fault with him in any part of this. I applaud the DAHA board for what they did.

I would consider your response typical for someone from East Duluth or the DAHA board as well, so who does that make right? Are you directly affected by those decisions from DAHA? It is easy to sit back and throw stones when it is not your players getting the short end of things year after year. Is it wrong for people to get involved and speak up when they feel something needs fixed, or should they just bow to the infinite wisdom of DAHA?

I do not deny that the Laker program has its problems, but they are not all caused by parents and the current board is actually trying to fix them.. East has their problem parents as well, so a blanket statement blaming the Laker parents and absolving DAHA completely comes off as arrogant and ignorant on your part.

If the only criteria for a bantam coach is that they not be a parent, then why not just hire some bum off of the street? Do those kids not deserve a qualified coach? I did not see East jumping in to steal away that " highly qualified" coach after he refused to join the coaching staff at the B level as an assistant.

In the end, I believe the best solution is to let both East Duluth and Lakers control their A level programs, make those decisions and if things remain screwed up, then we know for sure where the blame falls.

Unfortunately, you don't understand how the system works. In reality, there is no such thing as either East End Hockey or Laker Hockey. The affiliate agreement that Minnesota and USA Hockey hold is with Duluth Amateur Hockey. East End, Central, Denfeld, Laker, Portman, Duluth Heights, they are nothing more than a way to organize the city's areas to make hockey run more efficient for Duluth. The fact that all your rink boards exist is simply to give your voice a chance to be heard. However actions, are the sole responsibility of the DAHA board. The DAHA board listens to the individual boards as a courtousy. Therefore, there can be no such thing as "East End" or "Laker" hockey under the current structure of hockey in Duluth. Also, Minnesota Hockey would be hard pressed to change the system within Duluth simply because it adds to the efficiency of Hockey in Minnesota and so on.

I also want to way in on your accusations or suggestion that things are so much different on the East side of town. DAHA makes it a point that both associations have the exact same rules to play by. They are both given equal opportunity to fail or succeed based on what DAHA requires.

As far as the coach goes. Your statement above gives a pretty biased account of the person they chose for the job. I don't believe that the only criteria was not being a parent. If I am correct he was previously the head coach of the East bantam b-1's, so he had experience, and he had experience at the level. The bottom line is you had your coach that you wanted, who is a good man, will do a fine job with your B-1 team but the way it went down in my opinion was the exact reason why I stated above. That people didn't get their way on the coach they wanted so pouted until they could get their way. What I really think is typical, is all the kids that left to go play JV hockey, are going to be sent back to bantams and they are going to have to play b-2 hockey, when they could have played A level hockey and if they do get to play b-1 hockey, than they still got screwed (by their own parents) out of playing A hockey. If that is not selfish, I guess I don't know what is. All because they didn't get "their" coach. Could have had a young kid, with a lot to offer that program for years to come and you did it to put another dad in charge. That is not a knock on the dad, he just wanted to coach. Finally, you really asked why he didn't accept the position to be the asst. coach of the b-1 team working under the guy an independent panel from both programs voted he should be the coach over? Gosh, why didn't he take that offer! Seriously! Actually, I believe he was just hired on as an asst. with one of the high school teams. Good thing the only thing that qualifies him is he's not a parent. If I am incorrect about the circumstances, than by all means correct me. I don't believe I am. And by the way, I am not, that's right NOT a member of the DAHA board of directors. I just follow the program pretty closely, I have young kids coming up and I do know what is going on. But if you really want to make a difference...Than run for the DAHA board, they are always looking for someone who is willing to help. I think elections are in April. Than you can go clean up DAHA and make everything better for everyone.

I don't care if you respond to this or not, we obviously aren't going to agree on this issue. I respect you want your program to succeed. There is no doubt that is what it needs, more people need to get that passion and give back to that program. From what I've heard, many of the hockey guys from out there don't want to get involved for two reasons, time and parents. So, if you think I'm just blowing smoke and trying to blanket all the parents as "bad apples", I'm not, and if I gave the impression that I was, then I am sorry. Not all are but there are plenty to be a problem at least thats the perception many people have looking from the outside in.

thank you