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We just spent the last 5 days up at the Subway in the Peg and experienced first hand one of the new hockey buzz-words..PHYSICALLITY.

The learning experience our young group of 97's received included slew foots and elbows after the whistles. Face washes during scrums and trash talking at faceoffs that would make an East Coast Minor leaguer cringe.

I am not actually whining. The experience was invaluable. They got homered by bigger, stronger and older girls but found they could compete at that level. My observation is that our MN teams had better puck-pocession skills and an overall a higher hockey IQ for team play.

The Candian teams were still in the dump n' chase mode and relying on the one super-skilled girl to carry them. I think we are ahead of our Peewee playing Counterparts from north of the border. The majority of their girls are still quick to get rid of the puck and are in the "don't make a mistake mode."

I think the contigent of MN teams that particpated in the tourney made a good showing.

I agree as I've seen the same. I always wonder, "who coaches that style of play." And, "what a way to spend time at practice instead of working on skill and possession play." This is how you trip in these situations, this is how you speak with your opponent, a punch to the face always sends a strong message. These coaches must be real winners.

I have pondered this over the past few days and tried to account for why, when these teams travel to MSP they are not as dominant or as physical. Is it because they sleep in their own beds, with home cooking and a normal routine. Perhaps, but I think the difference may be as simple as the referees. They tolerate the physical where our own MN refs. will not.
Unfortunately we also witnessed how tolerance can lead to loss of control. When U12's are ejected from a game for fighting. I am not sure that is the coaching as much as the referees loss of control earlier in the game.
I only once heard the familiar "Let them play" call all weekend. In contrast we hear it way more often at our own tournaments.
The europeans had to adjust when they travelled so I guess so must we.
I do agree that we did look to be deeper in skill and team play and I think it will serve us all better in the long run.

Why did you use the word Minnesota Loons. I didn't think that they were in the tournament?

This past year I have watched my daughter get her arse handed to her by several Canadian Teams. Twice by the Thunder Bay Queens. I have nothing but respect for the teams she played from Canada. Bumpin and grinding are a part of hockey. I bet theses teams you saw were superior skill wise as well as more physical. If the ref doesn't call it then it is not a penalty. Stop complaining. Most parents were very cordial and I thought the girls on the ice were very respectful, even when the game was out of hand.