There's alot of buzz about the two schools merging their HS programs. The main reasons talked about were traveling costs, and that North Branch doesn't have their own ice. Without their own ice North Branch had to schedule their practices for 5:00 am at Chisago Lakes arena and 10:30pm up in Pine City.
Another big reason is with the youth programs merging this year and with friendships made the kids and parents want to stay together. Obviously, it took a while for the kids to get used to playing together, like the A-Bantam team that lost quite a few close games in the beginning of the season, but in the last two weeks beat Elk River, Anoka and lost to Blaine in overtime. Recently the Jefferson A-Bantams barely beat CINB in the VFW Regionals 3-2 and the same Jefferson team went on to beat Bantam powerhouse Centennial and a much heralded Rogers team.
The schools and AD's are discussing it, and it might be a very good team to watch out for in the future.
Cambridge Isanti and North Branch combining?
Moderators: Mitch Hawker, east hockey, karl(east)
-
MrBoDangles
- Posts: 4090
- Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:32 pm
The name
I still think they should call themselves the Cambridge-Isanti- North Branch- BLUE VIKINGS!!! That Viking Logo is better than the Blue Jackets considering they actually don't have a logo of their own. Maybe an anchor but a Blue Viking would be better!!!
I thought NB was going to break ground on a new arena this summer? But I also heard NB was in jeopardy of losing their hs team because of budget cuts.
I can see the benefit of a merge for NB but I don't see how it make sense for C-I. They may gain a few more good players, but numbers aren't and issue in Cambridge. Aren't they already cutting players at the h.s. level and leving kids with no place to play?
I heard that the youth programs didn't get enough ice time this year with the merger taking place and only one sheet of ice. By combining at the high school level and probably adding a jr. gold team it will only make the situation worse.
I also wonder how parents of kids that have played in the program since they were 5 years old and now get cut at the high school level because of a merge with another school will like it.
I would assume like everything else, it will come down to money.
I can see the benefit of a merge for NB but I don't see how it make sense for C-I. They may gain a few more good players, but numbers aren't and issue in Cambridge. Aren't they already cutting players at the h.s. level and leving kids with no place to play?
I heard that the youth programs didn't get enough ice time this year with the merger taking place and only one sheet of ice. By combining at the high school level and probably adding a jr. gold team it will only make the situation worse.
I also wonder how parents of kids that have played in the program since they were 5 years old and now get cut at the high school level because of a merge with another school will like it.
I would assume like everything else, it will come down to money.
-
MrBoDangles
- Posts: 4090
- Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:32 pm
Re: The name
Blue VikingsMr Hockey wrote:I still think they should call themselves the Cambridge-Isanti- North Branch- BLUE VIKINGS!!! That Viking Logo is better than the Blue Jackets considering they actually don't have a logo of their own. Maybe an anchor but a Blue Viking would be better!!!
-
MrBoDangles
- Posts: 4090
- Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:32 pm
.Cowboy wrote:I thought NB was going to break ground on a new arena this summer? But I also heard NB was in jeopardy of losing their hs team because of budget cuts.
I can see the benefit of a merge for NB but I don't see how it make sense for C-I. They may gain a few more good players, but numbers aren't and issue in Cambridge. Aren't they already cutting players at the h.s. level and leving kids with no place to play?
I heard that the youth programs didn't get enough ice time this year with the merger taking place and only one sheet of ice. By combining at the high school level and probably adding a jr. gold team it will only make the situation worse.
I also wonder how parents of kids that have played in the program since they were 5 years old and now get cut at the high school level because of a merge with another school will like it.
I would assume like everything else, it will come down to money.
1. They might break ground on building a large entryway building to a future arena with locker rooms, zamboni room, concessions and two outdoor sheets of ice.
2. The merging idea has mostly come from the C-I side wanting a stronger AA program with the current and retiring North Branch AD being the hurdle.
- With a JR Gold team those C-I kids that were cut would of had a team to play on this year.
3. JR Gold is only one more team.
- East Bethel Arena just to the south is hurting to sell ice.
- Sounds like North Branch will have a nice outdoor facility.
4. Next years freshmen and sophomores already played together this year.
-Getting cut - You get out what you put in, if you want to make a team you practice hard. Competition for spots improves a team.
-The plus in this situation is if you don"t make the team, a JR Gold team would keep a kid on the ice.
5. Money is always a factor
- Two schools funding one program would ease funding.
- Very large crowds for the games. -North Branch home games way up in Pine City currently.
GO BLUE VIKINGS!
It definitely couldnt hurt either program. Cambridge does not typically cut players. They have probably cut about 3 kids the last 5 years. And as for the talk about the A bantams being good and winning some games...it doesnt matter cause I heard that Their 2 best players at the A bantam level will not be playing there ater this year.
-
MrBoDangles
- Posts: 4090
- Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:32 pm
Curious, where are the two best players going?nipe 6 wrote:It definitely couldnt hurt either program. Cambridge does not typically cut players. They have probably cut about 3 kids the last 5 years. And as for the talk about the A bantams being good and winning some games...it doesnt matter cause I heard that Their 2 best players at the A bantam level will not be playing there ater this year.
-
MrBoDangles
- Posts: 4090
- Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:32 pm
There better not be any talk coming from C-I regarding a coop as I believe that is against MSHSL rules. I think the smaller school needs to approach the larger school.
I'm sure any coop talk is just coming from some a few parents from the A bantam team trying to keep everyone from dispersing to other teams. It might be good idea though at least for the next 10-15 years until numbers for both programs are large enough to compete in D10.
In talking with one of the Cambridge parents; I heard one kid was going to BSM, 1-2 moving to GR, 1 to Brainerd, and I think 1 to Duluth. Then there was someone going to the Fire but I'm not sure if that was at the bantam level or not.
If they are going to do a full merge, the N.B. money would go a lot further by having it go toward a second rink in Isanti. If North Branch is trying to get an arena built I doubt that the majority of their membership would approve of a full merge.
I'm sure any coop talk is just coming from some a few parents from the A bantam team trying to keep everyone from dispersing to other teams. It might be good idea though at least for the next 10-15 years until numbers for both programs are large enough to compete in D10.
In talking with one of the Cambridge parents; I heard one kid was going to BSM, 1-2 moving to GR, 1 to Brainerd, and I think 1 to Duluth. Then there was someone going to the Fire but I'm not sure if that was at the bantam level or not.
If they are going to do a full merge, the N.B. money would go a lot further by having it go toward a second rink in Isanti. If North Branch is trying to get an arena built I doubt that the majority of their membership would approve of a full merge.
-
steelheader
- Posts: 163
- Joined: Wed Nov 29, 2006 2:33 pm
All this will accomplish is to help those other schools jv programs. If the one kid goes to Rapids, and that's an IF, he may get some playing time especially because Rapids is down.
I'll bet there be 1 kid who actually makes the move. The same parents have been threatening all through youth and only 1 left and went to the Fire.
As a group they are decent but no standouts. A couple of them are old Bantams (93) so we'll see how they do at 16's and the others at 15's will tell you what you need to know.
If they had a goalie this year they could have done something with D10 A Bantam being a little weak this year (2 or so in Top 20). Nice showing in VFW though (3-2 loss to Jefferson)
I'll bet there be 1 kid who actually makes the move. The same parents have been threatening all through youth and only 1 left and went to the Fire.
As a group they are decent but no standouts. A couple of them are old Bantams (93) so we'll see how they do at 16's and the others at 15's will tell you what you need to know.
If they had a goalie this year they could have done something with D10 A Bantam being a little weak this year (2 or so in Top 20). Nice showing in VFW though (3-2 loss to Jefferson)
-
MrBoDangles
- Posts: 4090
- Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:32 pm
-I know that the C-I coaches want it to happenCowboy wrote:There better not be any talk coming from C-I regarding a coop as I believe that is against MSHSL rules. I think the smaller school needs to approach the larger school.
I'm sure any coop talk is just coming from some a few parents from the A bantam team trying to keep everyone from dispersing to other teams. It might be good idea though at least for the next 10-15 years until numbers for both programs are large enough to compete in D10.
In talking with one of the Cambridge parents; I heard one kid was going to BSM, 1-2 moving to GR, 1 to Brainerd, and I think 1 to Duluth. Then there was someone going to the Fire but I'm not sure if that was at the bantam level or not.
If they are going to do a full merge, the N.B. money would go a lot further by having it go toward a second rink in Isanti. If North Branch is trying to get an arena built I doubt that the majority of their membership would approve of a full merge.
-I know a higher up
in C-I has talked about wanting the merge with C-I and North Branch parents- The North Branch AD just canned the HS coach
Almost all parents I have talked to, both C-I and North Branch are for it A Bantams down to Mites
- Numbers help to compete
-Some kids and parents will leave and some will talk about leaving. The main reason for this is HS opportunities, the chance to make it to the state tournament or at least having a outside chance in sections
- With the programs combined - at the minimum - they would be a contender for the section title from time to time.
-I see C-I AAA hockey players in the summer, and know that NB has quite a few that play for the Fire and Machine at different ages and many others that play for the Cyclones etc-
-C-I and NB have been feeder programs to other HS's
-How much better would Pine City have been if Christian Isakson would not have left for St Thomas Academy, or Anders Lee from St Francis as a squirt to Edina for hockey opportunities. Many White Bear, Blaine and other teams would not have been anywhere near as good without former CI or NB players.
- Combine to make a strong program and the kids will stay
-Either place would be good for more ice
-
MrBoDangles
- Posts: 4090
- Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:32 pm
The main thing is obviously this years Junior class is not leaving.steelheader wrote:All this will accomplish is to help those other schools jv programs. If the one kid goes to Rapids, and that's an IF, he may get some playing time especially because Rapids is down.
I'll bet there be 1 kid who actually makes the move. The same parents have been threatening all through youth and only 1 left and went to the Fire.
As a group they are decent but no standouts. A couple of them are old Bantams (93) so we'll see how they do at 16's and the others at 15's will tell you what you need to know.
If they had a goalie this year they could have done something with D10 A Bantam being a little weak this year (2 or so in Top 20). Nice showing in VFW though (3-2 loss to Jefferson)
North Branch- 90% of the scoring- almost all from their junior first line.
Cambridge Isanti- 75% of the scoring from Juniors and under.
The possibilities
It would be a much more competative team that's for sure.
If it is going to happen, NB should really scrap any plans on building their own rink. I would think if they lose their h.s. program and end up cooping with Cambridge the enthusiasm for a home rink is going to drop off in the NB community especially since the proposed arena is going to be built in Stacy. It will never get past phase 1 of the project, and all they will have is a nice outdoor facility that gets used 6 weeks a year. With no cooling system, outdoor rinks are lucky to be going by Christmas vacation, so it get's used in January, then the season is over for a lot of teams in early February. Add in all the days that are either too cold or too warm to practice outside and I don't see how they can justify spending $350,000 on 2 outdoor rinks. If they keep their own program going there will be a greater sense of urgency in progressing to the next phases.
Also if NB loses it's h.s. team it will be very hard to get it back in the future. With tight budgets being the norm, schools aren't real excited about spending more money on extra-curriculars as it is, much less on an expensive sport like hockey. I think both the C-I and NB programs would be better served in the long run to do a better job of developing their own players and programs instead of just combining to become competative. Both those areas should continue seeing a big population increase into the future which will lead to more numbers in youth hockey on their own.
If the sole purpose of high school sports is to make it to state once in a while, maybe they should also have Mora, Pine City, Princeton, and St.Francis join the coop. Then at least there are some options for ice in other facilities, and they could contend for the section title nearly every year.
If it is going to happen, NB should really scrap any plans on building their own rink. I would think if they lose their h.s. program and end up cooping with Cambridge the enthusiasm for a home rink is going to drop off in the NB community especially since the proposed arena is going to be built in Stacy. It will never get past phase 1 of the project, and all they will have is a nice outdoor facility that gets used 6 weeks a year. With no cooling system, outdoor rinks are lucky to be going by Christmas vacation, so it get's used in January, then the season is over for a lot of teams in early February. Add in all the days that are either too cold or too warm to practice outside and I don't see how they can justify spending $350,000 on 2 outdoor rinks. If they keep their own program going there will be a greater sense of urgency in progressing to the next phases.
Also if NB loses it's h.s. team it will be very hard to get it back in the future. With tight budgets being the norm, schools aren't real excited about spending more money on extra-curriculars as it is, much less on an expensive sport like hockey. I think both the C-I and NB programs would be better served in the long run to do a better job of developing their own players and programs instead of just combining to become competative. Both those areas should continue seeing a big population increase into the future which will lead to more numbers in youth hockey on their own.
If the sole purpose of high school sports is to make it to state once in a while, maybe they should also have Mora, Pine City, Princeton, and St.Francis join the coop. Then at least there are some options for ice in other facilities, and they could contend for the section title nearly every year.
-
MrBoDangles
- Posts: 4090
- Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:32 pm
Cowboy wrote:It would be a much more competative team that's for sure.
If it is going to happen, NB should really scrap any plans on building their own rink. I would think if they lose their h.s. program and end up cooping with Cambridge the enthusiasm for a home rink is going to drop off in the NB community especially since the proposed arena is going to be built in Stacy. It will never get past phase 1 of the project, and all they will have is a nice outdoor facility that gets used 6 weeks a year. With no cooling system, outdoor rinks are lucky to be going by Christmas vacation, so it get's used in January, then the season is over for a lot of teams in early February. Add in all the days that are either too cold or too warm to practice outside and I don't see how they can justify spending $350,000 on 2 outdoor rinks. If they keep their own program going there will be a greater sense of urgency in progressing to the next phases.
-
Also if NB loses it's h.s. team it will be very hard to get it back in the future. With tight budgets being the norm, schools aren't real excited about spending more money on extra-curriculars as it is, much less on an expensive sport like hockey. I think both the C-I and NB programs would be better served in the long run to do a better job of developing their own players and programs instead of just combining to become competative. Both those areas should continue seeing a big population increase into the future which will lead to more numbers in youth hockey on their own.
If the sole purpose of high school sports is to make it to state once in a while, maybe they should also have Mora, Pine City, Princeton, and St.Francis join the coop. Then at least there are some options for ice in other facilities, and they could contend for the section title nearly every year.
- Could not agree more
- Phase one is probable - Beyond that could be years out
- NB needs practice ice - Mite numbers have passed C-I's
- Combining would be for the reason of funding, the North Branch team not having to practice at odd hours, and being able to form 1 stronger team.(possible trial period?) The kids playing together in youth wanting to stay together, keep kids from leaving for greener pastures, among many other reasons
- 6 weeks? Welcome to Minnesota- Home of Ice Hockey, Hot Dishes, and winter
-North Branch had 10-11 weeks of great outdoor ice. The A Bantam team used the outdoor ice in NB late in the season, must have been a El Nino year in C-I
- My youngest sons team missed 1 outdoor practice because of cold weather
- I think the Blue Line Club was able help keep the program afloat this year
- You better get the C-I kids on roller blades right now if you want to compete in AA. C-I has 5 mite teams and Wayzata has 50
- The population increases we were seeing up until a couple years ago have halted. Both schools student numbers are decreasing -economy-
- All those programs combined would still have less at the youth levels compared to a Wayzata among others
- C-I and NB would seem to be the merge with reason
- Competitive is better than cellar dwellar- In most peoples minds that is!
Where to start???
North Branch is not a community that as a whole supports youth hockey. They've been trying to get public/city help to build an arena for years (quite literally, decades). There's no reason to think the Vikings will compete within D10 any time in the near future without merging. Their school enrollment numbers are flat or declining, so there shouldn't be any expectation that their hockey numbers will increase any time soon either. An outdoor rink in Stacy won't change any of that.
Cambridge is struggling to field youth teams at an "A" level, and so drawing kids from NB to round out teams makes a lot of sense for both associations to provide appropriate levels of play that will promote an easier step to competitive HS hockey. Cambridge has tried merging with St. Francis and North Branch in the past couple of years to address this issue. North Branch seems to be the better fit of the two, right now, as their association seems to be focusing on the kids rather than parent egos and what school colors kids may wear down the road.
I think it's a bit of a stretch to prop up either association as having a bunch of summer AAA talent. That's just not the case, as most do not play summer hockey. A few, yes, but not enough to create a powerhouse program at either the association or HS level. I do agree that a merged program would be more competitive though -- no doubt.
To grow either association, or the merged programs, the basic premise of local mite hockey probably should continue. No need to merge 5, 6, 7 and 8 year olds unless there's a compelling reason to do so, since local outdoor ice and minimizing travel can help reduce barriers for more families to participate (ie., cost, time, travel, etc.). Merged programs from traveling squirts on up and through HS makes sense. Only time will tell if the parents can get along, with strong "this is our community's team" proponents on both sides.
From what I hear anyways...
North Branch is not a community that as a whole supports youth hockey. They've been trying to get public/city help to build an arena for years (quite literally, decades). There's no reason to think the Vikings will compete within D10 any time in the near future without merging. Their school enrollment numbers are flat or declining, so there shouldn't be any expectation that their hockey numbers will increase any time soon either. An outdoor rink in Stacy won't change any of that.
Cambridge is struggling to field youth teams at an "A" level, and so drawing kids from NB to round out teams makes a lot of sense for both associations to provide appropriate levels of play that will promote an easier step to competitive HS hockey. Cambridge has tried merging with St. Francis and North Branch in the past couple of years to address this issue. North Branch seems to be the better fit of the two, right now, as their association seems to be focusing on the kids rather than parent egos and what school colors kids may wear down the road.
I think it's a bit of a stretch to prop up either association as having a bunch of summer AAA talent. That's just not the case, as most do not play summer hockey. A few, yes, but not enough to create a powerhouse program at either the association or HS level. I do agree that a merged program would be more competitive though -- no doubt.
To grow either association, or the merged programs, the basic premise of local mite hockey probably should continue. No need to merge 5, 6, 7 and 8 year olds unless there's a compelling reason to do so, since local outdoor ice and minimizing travel can help reduce barriers for more families to participate (ie., cost, time, travel, etc.). Merged programs from traveling squirts on up and through HS makes sense. Only time will tell if the parents can get along, with strong "this is our community's team" proponents on both sides.
From what I hear anyways...
-
MrBoDangles
- Posts: 4090
- Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:32 pm
Well said! No not a huge group of AAA players but a good group of about 14 2000's to 1997's from both associations that I know of. Not including any older kids I don't know of, or year round AAA kidsplay4fun wrote:Where to start???
North Branch is not a community that as a whole supports youth hockey. They've been trying to get public/city help to build an arena for years (quite literally, decades). There's no reason to think the Vikings will compete within D10 any time in the near future without merging. Their school enrollment numbers are flat or declining, so there shouldn't be any expectation that their hockey numbers will increase any time soon either. An outdoor rink in Stacy won't change any of that.
Cambridge is struggling to field youth teams at an "A" level, and so drawing kids from NB to round out teams makes a lot of sense for both associations to provide appropriate levels of play that will promote an easier step to competitive HS hockey. Cambridge has tried merging with St. Francis and North Branch in the past couple of years to address this issue. North Branch seems to be the better fit of the two, right now, as their association seems to be focusing on the kids rather than parent egos and what school colors kids may wear down the road.
I think it's a bit of a stretch to prop up either association as having a bunch of summer AAA talent. That's just not the case, as most do not play summer hockey. A few, yes, but not enough to create a powerhouse program at either the association or HS level. I do agree that a merged program would be more competitive though -- no doubt.
To grow either association, or the merged programs, the basic premise of local mite hockey probably should continue. No need to merge 5, 6, 7 and 8 year olds unless there's a compelling reason to do so, since local outdoor ice and minimizing travel can help reduce barriers for more families to participate (ie., cost, time, travel, etc.). Merged programs from traveling squirts on up and through HS makes sense. Only time will tell if the parents can get along, with strong "this is our community's team" proponents on both sides.
From what I hear anyways...
I'm really not disagreeing with what your saying. But...
As for outdoor ice - this was one of the coldest winters on record. I would say only 50% of the time is ice ready before Christmas. This was the first year in probably the last 4-5 that there was good outdoor ice for an extended period of time. What the weather will be like in the future, who knows. And the bantam team ended up playing much later in the year than other teams. Hopefully that is always the case.
And I think the slow in the economy is a temporary thing. A coop at h.s. may make sense right now, but when those mites you talk about are in h.s. and N.B. has solid numbers and maybe an arena by then, how easy will it be to get a h.s. program going again? Maybe it won't be a problem, and maybe nobody would even want N.B. to have their own team again, but I would hate to take that chance.
Also there is a big difference between being competative with the top teams in the state and being a cellar dweller. If going to the state tournament is the only measure of success, then yest they should definitely coop and maybe every 10-15 years the stars will align and they can make it.
I see positives and negatives for both programs with a coop. And from what I hear the merge at the youth level went very well this year and I'm sure it will continue. But when people on the other side of Cambridge have to start traveling to Stacy to use outdoor ice, there will get to be some complaining and people will start to question why they need a merge in the first place. My main point is if everything is combining, why build another arena so far away? Why not get a second sheet in the same building and have it happen in a year or two instead of waiting another 10 years at least to get one in Stacy?
As for outdoor ice - this was one of the coldest winters on record. I would say only 50% of the time is ice ready before Christmas. This was the first year in probably the last 4-5 that there was good outdoor ice for an extended period of time. What the weather will be like in the future, who knows. And the bantam team ended up playing much later in the year than other teams. Hopefully that is always the case.
And I think the slow in the economy is a temporary thing. A coop at h.s. may make sense right now, but when those mites you talk about are in h.s. and N.B. has solid numbers and maybe an arena by then, how easy will it be to get a h.s. program going again? Maybe it won't be a problem, and maybe nobody would even want N.B. to have their own team again, but I would hate to take that chance.
Also there is a big difference between being competative with the top teams in the state and being a cellar dweller. If going to the state tournament is the only measure of success, then yest they should definitely coop and maybe every 10-15 years the stars will align and they can make it.
I see positives and negatives for both programs with a coop. And from what I hear the merge at the youth level went very well this year and I'm sure it will continue. But when people on the other side of Cambridge have to start traveling to Stacy to use outdoor ice, there will get to be some complaining and people will start to question why they need a merge in the first place. My main point is if everything is combining, why build another arena so far away? Why not get a second sheet in the same building and have it happen in a year or two instead of waiting another 10 years at least to get one in Stacy?
Cowboy,
I agree with questioning whether NB should be building an outdoor rink in Stacy. You're obviously well versed on dollar figures and phases, so can I assume you're part of that association?
Regardless, your points are well taken. Building an outdoor rink in Stacy seems to me to be an attempt to satisfy a group that has been trying to get any progress on a rink for a long time. Unfortunately, that's probably not the best long-term solution, IMHO. Other options for whatever funds the NB association has would be better spent either keeping annual fees down for participants (a problem for participation in most associations), or as you indicate, helping with better facilities in Cambridge, which is no farther away from NB than Stacy is. If it's going to be a long-term merger, invest the dollars there, rather than in a stand-alone program that hasn't seen much success on its own.
Since this is a highschool thread, I'll come back to the main topic, which is the likelihood of the HS teams merging. That probably isn't likely for the upcoming season, even with coaching and possible changes in administration.
Another thread mentioned the creation of a new conference that will include NB, correct? My guess is that NB administrators wouldn't go through the legwork to join a new conference without giving that a try for a year or two. If the HS programs are going to merge, the drive will come from the association level and parents of current PeeWees and first year Bantams in another year or two.
Just a guess at this point. Association politics are fickle at best, and change every few years based on changing membership and board members.
I do disagree with the idea that NB hockey numbers are going to increase to the point where they can field a competitive HS program any time soon. You'd have to start this next fall with larger numbers of mites, more ice hours, and a coordinated training program to see results at the highschool level in about another 10 to 12 years. So, worrying about getting a HS program "back" for any kids currently in either association is a non-issue. Do what you can to develop your kids and teams, build numbers, and then the community support (and hopefully a rink) will follow. The "build it and they will come" mentality works in the movies and Edina, but probably not in NB. Great community, but again, it will take time to create a strong stand-alone, community supported program.
I wish you the best. Lots of hard work ahead.
I agree with questioning whether NB should be building an outdoor rink in Stacy. You're obviously well versed on dollar figures and phases, so can I assume you're part of that association?
Regardless, your points are well taken. Building an outdoor rink in Stacy seems to me to be an attempt to satisfy a group that has been trying to get any progress on a rink for a long time. Unfortunately, that's probably not the best long-term solution, IMHO. Other options for whatever funds the NB association has would be better spent either keeping annual fees down for participants (a problem for participation in most associations), or as you indicate, helping with better facilities in Cambridge, which is no farther away from NB than Stacy is. If it's going to be a long-term merger, invest the dollars there, rather than in a stand-alone program that hasn't seen much success on its own.
Since this is a highschool thread, I'll come back to the main topic, which is the likelihood of the HS teams merging. That probably isn't likely for the upcoming season, even with coaching and possible changes in administration.
Another thread mentioned the creation of a new conference that will include NB, correct? My guess is that NB administrators wouldn't go through the legwork to join a new conference without giving that a try for a year or two. If the HS programs are going to merge, the drive will come from the association level and parents of current PeeWees and first year Bantams in another year or two.
Just a guess at this point. Association politics are fickle at best, and change every few years based on changing membership and board members.
I do disagree with the idea that NB hockey numbers are going to increase to the point where they can field a competitive HS program any time soon. You'd have to start this next fall with larger numbers of mites, more ice hours, and a coordinated training program to see results at the highschool level in about another 10 to 12 years. So, worrying about getting a HS program "back" for any kids currently in either association is a non-issue. Do what you can to develop your kids and teams, build numbers, and then the community support (and hopefully a rink) will follow. The "build it and they will come" mentality works in the movies and Edina, but probably not in NB. Great community, but again, it will take time to create a strong stand-alone, community supported program.
I wish you the best. Lots of hard work ahead.
-
MrBoDangles
- Posts: 4090
- Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:32 pm
Cowboy wrote:I'm really not disagreeing with what your saying. But...
As for outdoor ice - this was one of the coldest winters on record. I would say only 50% of the time is ice ready before Christmas. This was the first year in probably the last 4-5 that there was good outdoor ice for an extended period of time. What the weather will be like in the future, who knows. And the bantam team ended up playing much later in the year than other teams. Hopefully that is always the case.
And I think the slow in the economy is a temporary thing. A coop at h.s. may make sense right now, but when those mites you talk about are in h.s. and N.B. has solid numbers and maybe an arena by then, how easy will it be to get a h.s. program going again? Maybe it won't be a problem, and maybe nobody would even want N.B. to have their own team again, but I would hate to take that chance.
Also there is a big difference between being competative with the top teams in the state and being a cellar dweller. If going to the state tournament is the only measure of success, then yest they should definitely coop and maybe every 10-15 years the stars will align and they can make it.
I see positives and negatives for both programs with a coop. And from what I hear the merge at the youth level went very well this year and I'm sure it will continue. But when people on the other side of Cambridge have to start traveling to Stacy to use outdoor ice, there will get to be some complaining and people will start to question why they need a merge in the first place. My main point is if everything is combining, why build another arena so far away? Why not get a second sheet in the same building and have it happen in a year or two instead of waiting another 10 years at least to get one in Stacy?
All good points Cowboy, Do the postives override the negatives?
-6 weeks of ice is what I commented on
- The CINB kids are not going to want to go their seperate ways after playing together for years
- The NB association figured a phased approach, 4 phases costing between $200,000 and $850,000? would help get grants and fundraising with donors seeing that something is actually moving forward
- Yes, there is a big difference between the top teams and the cellar dwellars . It would be nice to have a team on the more favorable side of the two
- A good HS program gets a hockey community excited and you also see your youth numbers go up
- Never said that going to state was the ONLY measure of success. The better chance year to year and keeping the the better players because of a stronger program, would make a contender more often then you would think
-There is a far side of NB also
- I would think the only way possible for NB to help fund a second rink in Isanti would be in the case of a forever binding merge (legal)
- The best would be to have a meeting with HS and association parents, coaches, and school AD's to figure out what would be best for the kids
A "CINB NATION" meeting
-
MrBoDangles
- Posts: 4090
- Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:32 pm
-
northwoods oldtimer
- Posts: 2679
- Joined: Thu Dec 21, 2006 1:01 pm
CI - NB
Interesting discussion, what kids are moving to Grand Rapids?
-
MrBoDangles
- Posts: 4090
- Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:32 pm
Re: CI - NB
They were talking about making their cabins/lakehomes their permanent residence. Probably won't happen.....northwoods oldtimer wrote:Interesting discussion, what kids are moving to Grand Rapids?
-
MrBoDangles
- Posts: 4090
- Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 9:32 pm