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Wondering what people like and dislike about either league. I'm referring to the regular 10-game league, not AAA.

I would recommend the Velocity 3 on 3 League over both of these leagues. My son and daughter have played in the 3 on 3 league the past 2 years and it has been outstanding for their development.

I fully agree in 3/3 as well in a small rink designed for it. I believe this is one of the most beneficial ways for kids to improve their game in the summer. There is also a new 3/3 facility opening in St Louis Park by one of the former Velocity founders. Their leagues start in April, called Hat Trick Sports, I believe they are also advertising in LPH now as well.

I can only speak to Showcase. Not much to like or dislike. It is what it is, 10 more hockey games plus playoffs. No development focus. Nothing very intense. I certainly wouldn't recommend it as the only off-season hockey when there are great camps, etc., available.

I have a 1st year Squirt who was asked to be on a MASH team with the intent being to play in the spring league, possibly a summer tournament, and then keep the same team together for the fall league as well. He played Showcase last year and thought it was a lot of fun (it also ends before baseball season). My biggest hang up with the MASH team is that it looks like he'll have to replace his usual fall skills clinic with another league (not sure if I want to do that).

I love the idea of the 3 on 3 league but Eden Prairie is a long drive (SLP is a little better, may have to check that out) and it also cuts into baseball season. Does anyone know are the games/ practices typically on the weekend or does it vary?

jBlaze3000 wrote:Wondering what people like and dislike about either league. I'm referring to the regular 10-game league, not AAA.

If your kid is a mite it is a great way to learn off sides and play full ice games.. Our association doesn't allow outside play and few if any full ice games during the winter. I tout it as a great way to get game experience for a mite since they don't get that during the year. We do so much development during the year it is nice to get the little guy a real game or two... at the older ages I would go for more development/ Price is the best part you most likely won't find cheaper ice with a jersey and refs etc...

jBlaze3000 wrote:Wondering what people like and dislike about either league. I'm referring to the regular 10-game league, not AAA.

Both leagues are almost identical (MASH 10 games no playoff, Showcase I think 8 games and a playoff).

For the money go with MASH well run, flexible in scheduling and substantially less money.

From what I've seen Showcase is a joke. It bastardizes real AAA hockey under the guise of being competitive. I like Velocity and the 3 on 3 setup but if I wanted my kid to actually develop as a player, I would involve him/her in a quality hockey day camp or STP program.

[quote="Hockeyguy_27"]From what I've seen Showcase is a joke. It bastardizes real AAA hockey under the guise of being competitive. I like Velocity and the 3 on 3 setup but if I wanted my kid to actually develop as a player, I would involve him/her in a quality hockey day camp or STP program.[/quote]

I would agree the Showcase program and its Easton program have lost their niche. There is much better programs out there for your $

iwearmysunglassesatnight wrote:

Hockeyguy_27 wrote:From what I've seen Showcase is a joke. It bastardizes real AAA hockey under the guise of being competitive. I like Velocity and the 3 on 3 setup but if I wanted my kid to actually develop as a player, I would involve him/her in a quality hockey day camp or STP program.

I would agree the Showcase program and its Easton program have lost their niche. There is much better programs out there for your $

IMO, it all comes down to who is coaching your team and what kind of team that coach has put together. There are some decent Showcase AAA teams and Easton is still fairly new and there are some competitive teams within that program also. Last summer the 94 Synergy and 95 Stealth both took 2nd place, and the 97 Stealth took 1st place in the Independent Classic. Give it some time.

But I agree there are lots of choices out there which is good and bad. It great that there are more options for your child, but you really need to do your homework before you commit.

iwearmysunglassesatnight wrote:

Hockeyguy_27 wrote:From what I've seen Showcase is a joke. It bastardizes real AAA hockey under the guise of being competitive. I like Velocity and the 3 on 3 setup but if I wanted my kid to actually develop as a player, I would involve him/her in a quality hockey day camp or STP program.

I would agree the Showcase program and its Easton program have lost their niche. There is much better programs out there for your $

Showcase and Easton have "lost their niche", another intelligent statement by "iwearmysunglassesatnight". Isn't the Showcase League one of the largest programs in the U.S.? And last I checked Easton was going into their second year and growing? What programs do you suggest? Let me guess something to do with Minnesota Made? News to "iwearmysunglassesatnight" not every parent aspires to dress their kid up like a cheap car salesman with polyester pants and clip on ties.