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I've got a 2004 son and we're trying to figure out the best options for next summer. Starting to see all the 2014 tryouts happening in September. Looking for a little advice on the best programs/options.

We're looking for a decent program in the North or Northwest Metro. Having a hard time figuring out the level of the teams out there. My son is a decent player, but by no means would he be in the elite group. Trying not to waste my time going to unneccesary tryouts or waste the time of the higher level teams.

Thanks for any advice you guys may have.

Not an expert, and some may not agree with me, but I've always viewed tryouts as a cheap clinic. 10-20 bucks gets your kid on the ice with a bunch of kids he doesn't know, with a coach he probably doesn't know, and gets him exposure to drills he may not know. He may tank a tryout or two now, but later on when there's more "at stake" to him, he won't be as nervous. At least that's been the experience with mine. I've also taken him to an "elite" tryout just to give his ego a check. Sometimes he gets it in his head that he's gonna play D1 and then go into the NHL, so he needs that tryout to knock some sense into him, so he sees that he's just not putting in the work required. Worth the hour or so of my time. I'm not going to stand in the way of his dream, but he's the one that has to do the work to get there. Not me.

Anyway, I have experience with NHG and with Ice Edge out of Eden Prairie. Feel free to PM me if you are considering one of those teams.