Minor Hockey 2010-2011

[Jamie]

Can you believe it is just about to start????
Willy has a training camp/ hockey school starting on Monday. With tryouts starting at the end of August.
Bought him some new equipment as he out grew the new stuff he had in October.. I really have to start that kid smoking and drinking coffee. I am sure it would be cheaper than buying new gear every 6 months. I am a firm believer in buying protective gear that fits today not next month or next year. However this attitude comes at a cost.

Some difficult decisions will need to made this year. He has the opportunity and a good-great chance to play ATom 1 or 2 this year. Unfortunately as being a GT that means he spends every 2nd game on the bench and never gets to play out. I think this is a highly unfair way of dealing with small kids. They will never learn a thing sitting on the bench.
His other option is to try out as a "Out" player and then be a kick azz GT on a level 4 or 5 team. I am sure he will have the chance to play in a good chunk of the games and still be given a opportunity to play out when the coach sees fit. The other advantage to this is that he will most probably be playing with some good friends as they are all around the same skill level. But who knows for sure about that. Some of those guys could have grown 12" over the summer.

So in speaking with some trusted old time hockey guys, we have come to the decision of letting Willy try out for the top GT spots and IF he makes it then start asking questions.
Will the GT'ers receive any specialized training? Will the team bring in a GT coach to help these kids? Is there extra ice for the top end teams?
If we don't get satisfactory answers, then we will have Willy try out as a player and hopefully get the chance to play with his friends.

Why they make these kids sit on the bench is beyond me....

But hockey is here again and like we say around this house...
There are 3 seasons in a year.
Hockey Season
Baseball Season
and waiting for hockey to start season.

New stick is taped up, skates are on their way to being sharpened and the gear is organized and repaired.
Lets play some hockey!!


Jamie

[gramps73]

I feel your pain Jamie
My boy started last night and goes every night this week.
Next the 5 year old will have to go and get some hockey equipment and get ready for Tim Bits..

[Shaggy]

Our oldest decided not to play this year. he is considering Cadets instead.
But hockey shall live on in our home. My 5 year old daughter is signed up and geared up ready for Timbits.

[pottymouth]

Jamie, I can understand your dilemma. The bottom line is you have to tell your son the options and then let him decide. Sitting on the bench for a game isn't the end of the world, especially if they will pull goalies. The con of playing on the top teams, in the position that he wants, might be the ice time and the frustration of th e2 goalie system. The pro, playing on the top team gives the player more exposure and keeps up in the talent pool. If he wants to try to go as far as hockey will take him, he needs to be on that top team. A coach, no matter the division will always have a #1 and 2 goalie ( human nature of competition). If he can land that #1 job, I'm sure he will see more ice time. Hockey now has become a job, as far down as batam and sometimes pee wee, the biggest decisions a player has to make is; are they playing for fun and the love, or are they playing to get as far as hockey can take them.

A good friend of mine once told me the best advice i've ever had for hockey, especially in the darker years.( applies more in his older years )

" Use hockey to get as far as you can, but when hockey starts using you, it's time to move on! " Murray Copot.

[Papershredder]

We just finished spring AAA in the middle of June, and hockey schools start again in 2 weeks. Second year Atom or up to Pee Wee is yet to be determined, but whatever division he ends up in doesn't matter; I love it. It takes up alot of time coaching but I wouldn't have it any other way.

[Twisted Canuck]

Jamie, as a parent you need to be intuitive about your son's skills and desires. My son really thought he wanted to play goal right through his first year of Atom, but I could see he had a real skating edge and played heads-up hockey when he was playing forward....he battled for the puck, wanted it with everything in him, and consistently dominated for puck control. I gently steered him in that direction, and he played wing as a second year AA Atom, PeeWee A, centered the first line on his AAA Selects spring hockey team the past few months (thankfully we have a 7 week break before tryouts!), and we anticipate he will be a dominant center on his PeeWee AA team this year based on his skill, and the fact that he eats 3x as much as I do currently.....he has shot up a couple inches and put on about 10 pounds in the last couple of months, pure young muscle as opposed to my 'girth'.

Like you, I opt for good equipment. I try and buy discontinued items form HockeyGiant/Monkey out of the US, get top of the line gear for 60-80% discounts. I have scored some serious deals on those sites, makes it slightly less painful.

Seems like you have a pretty good head on your shoulders Jamie, I'm sure you'll foster a love of the game and a good competitive sportsmanship in your son. Best of Luck. TC

[Elkaholic6]

It's my last year of minor hockey this year...

I'm gonna go down swinging

[Jamie]

First try outs were last night.
Willy wrapped up his summer with 4 private GT lessons at the Goalie Shop as well.

Last night was interesting if not confusing. Bonavista has 16 GT's trying out for the top 4 spots. I did my best to watch all of them and I was having a tough time figuring out who the top 8 were.
Bonavista had 9 evaluators watching the kids and honestly, I don't envy them. VERY TOUGH JOB!!
All the GT's were getting tired by the end and one can only hope the evaluators had put away there pens by then.

Willy enjoyed himself but knows he is up against some stiff competition over the next 2 nights. He says he wants this, but lets see what happens.
From a parents point of view, I just want to see him have fun and compete.
Level 1 or 6. It doesn't matter. I just want all the fun we have had over the last few years to continue for him.
I get the pleasure of being involved with the Pee Wees starting on Thursday.
They even gave me a HUGE official title and the ability to charge at the food stand.
I am officially the "Lake Bonavista assistant Pee Wee evaluation coordinator"
I wonder if I should get Business cards???
Seriously, I get the chance to feed all these great volunteers and organize 3 shifts of jerseys and dry them out.
I took it upon myself to get a bit organised and have arranged for 3 restaurants to give us some great deals on food.

For those that remember last springs wind up game against Tree guys "Shrub".
It was mentioned last night by 4 different sets of parents last night. They all recall it as the best game they have ever seen played by the young guys. Words like, the most fun, how come every game can not be like that and can we do it again this year were brought up.
I know in speaking with Tree Guy last week he also brought it up.
It was the perfect storm of 2 very evenly matched teams who had unlimited ice time and culminated in a full team shoot out to decide the winner. The score was up and down and all around. The game tying goal was in the dying seconds of the 3rd period (Stop time). The kids were pumped about the whole thing. What a great way to end the year.
Go back and read that thread. I did and couldn't help but chuckle at some of the great comments made by both sides as the game drew near.
http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=54850

It was great to get back into the swing of seeing all the parents and old friends again. I loved seeing Willys old team mates and he was just jumping when a friendly face came around. I have a ton of fun with these kids, between seeing them succeed at something they struggled with to the teasing/joking that goes on in the locker room.
Being involved with the kids and the parents is the best thing a guy could ever have happen to him. To bad it couldn't be a paid position.
It's going to be a great year!!
Good luck to all that have kids playing and to those that are involved.

Jamie

[Jamie]

Willy is done 2 of the 3 tryouts.
Last nights drills made it easier to tell who was the top contenders.

In my mind I have the top 6 picked out. After seeing the progression of the drills, I am hoping that tonight will really bring the top GT's to the fore front.

I believe there are 2 who are just outstanding. It's amazing to see them sliding post to post while most of the others are still shuffling along on the pads. They can flash the leather as quick as a adult and have the ability to steer rebounds.

The level of training available for today's young GT is just incredible. In south Calgary alone , there is 3 private ice facilities that offer one on one GT training. It's unfortunate, but if you have a kid that wants to play goal at any sort of level, you will probably end up having to pay for that as well. ($50-$80 a shot)
Some parents are very vocal about the kid NOT playing goal. I had always thought it was due to the financial commitment. I believe that all these private lessons with further shrink the amount of GT's available. How ever. The GT's that still play, will be extremely well trained.

Unfortunately for Willy, he isn't in the the top 2. (he might be #5 or #6)He does some things the same, but the overall package isn't there yet. SO we spent last nights ride home talking about how great it might be to play with his friends this season. (Though that isn't any sort of guarantee)
His response was encouraging, he wants the chance to play out and still work on being a GT.

I wrapped up the conversation with the reminder that he was still in the hunt for a position and not to give up. The drills are changing and perhaps he will be able to show something to the evaluators on the final night. Once again his response and attitude was still very positive.

It's tough on a parent to see something not working out for your kid as was hoped. But to still see a very positive glimmer in his/her eye is a lesson we all can take something from.

What a great kid.
What a great job (Being a parent)

Jamie

[TreeGuy]

That time of year again for sure. Good luck to your little Willy in the tryouts.

(I NEVER get tired of that crack. lol)

Our evaluations do not start until the 11th. I'll as usual be missing them as there's a 6X6 with my name on it if the damn bears don't get me first!

PS Just re-read the thread, and yeah, it is hilarious. Hopefully there can be a round two grudge match!

[Shaggy]

Jamie......get out of bed already and post last night's thoughts.

I sure hope he makes it.

[Jamie]

Shaggy.. LoLOL

Been on the road since the crack of dawn!!

Any how, I am not sure how last night went. I am helping with the Pee Wees and they had the GT evel right after the Atom guys were done. So I busy running around fighting with the guys from Subway and getting everything set up.
Willy seems to think he did OK but he also told me he might have been able to try harder....
My gut feeling is that he didn't make it and the phone hasn't been ringing to tell me different.
I know he tried and I am sure he will be disappointed.
As it stands (from my POV) he was #5. He faced who I think is #4 in a recent hockey camp. And if the evaluators had seen them both in a game situation, perhaps Willy would have been bumped up. Undoubtedly #4 is better at the drill end of things, but put them on the ice together.. It's different.

Over all I am kinda of relieved that he will not have to make the choice. and this is only his first year in Atom. (Most Gt's were second year).

Now I hope that he gets the chance to play with his friends that he has made over the years.

If he wants, we will continue the lessons and see if he can improve.

Try outs start next week. Gotta go dig out the "Out" equipment.
I know its going to be a great year.

As for me.. I was just going to be the gopher last night and ended up having to be a evaluator for the Pee Wee GT's. I really don't mind helping, but when you show up at the rink with a T-shirt and shorts, you can not expect to be comfortable standing on the bench for a hour and freezing your buns off... MAN WAS I COLD. Even the other Evals were shivering and they had on jackets and pants.
Ahh the fun of minor hockey!!
Going to put a jacket in the truck so I don't get caught like that again.

No hockey this weekend. A little break will do some good I am sure and heal some hurt feelings.

Jamie

[Hornaholic]

Tell me about it!! wait until Bantam AAA, reg fees, equipment, and he starts breaking the $300/ sticks with slapshots!!!! uhhhhhhh????

[Gongshow]

My son is in the same boat as your son Willy, except my son is in novice. I don't believe a player should have to make the choice at such a young age on what position they want to play. They are still learning the game! This is his second year of novice and last year he was able to be a player and a goalie because there was another kid on his team who also wanted that. But this year, there are a couple of kids who want to be full time goalies (which is fine)but that kinda throws a monkey wrench into my sons game. If he tries out as a player and makes the same team as one of these goalies then he can't be a goalie and if he tries out as a gaolie and makes a team without a player that wants to play goal, then he is stuck at goal all year. I've spoken to the novice director about my concerns (he happens to be my neighbour) and he told me his hands are tied if the player registered as a goalie and wants to be a goalie then.......

Our novice evaluations start next week with three skates for players and an additional skate for the goalies. A player can come to all four skates as a goalie or three as a player and one as a goalie, which is what my son will do. Last year he played on team one and this year I am hoping for the same as he made some good friends on that team and they are all returning.

So in order to have a little bit of control over the goalie situation, i've volunteered to be a coach this year. I am also volunteering as an evaluator too and our tryouts start next weekend. the fun begins.

If i am chosen to be a coach, my philosophy is that it is nice to win but that is not why we are here. we are here to teach the kids the game and instill in them a love for the game so that they continuie to play the game long after their minor hockey league careers are over.

[Jamie]

Gong.
I am not sure what Organisation you are in.

How ever in Calgary Minor Hockey (Novice) there are no "Set" GT's
It should be rotated through the team. No one is forced to play, but it is highly encouraged.

Personally, unless you are on the number one team, I see no need for set GT's at any level below midget. Perhaps in Bantam you could go to the #1 and #2 teams having set GT's. But that's it. Not that you don't let the kid who has the most interest play the position as often as possible, but to have a back up GT is crazy stupid in my mind.
This thought process is just not allowing kids exposure to all that is available in hockey.

We did receive a call tonight that Willy didn't make the top 4. He didn't even frown. I think he is glad to have the chance to play with his friends. On a positive note, he was given the opportunity to play full time with another organisation, however he turned it down. We talked and he wants to work on his game and take another run at it next year. I told him I was very proud of his attitude.

Gong, I hope you get the chance to coach. It's the best thing I have ever done.

Jamie

[Gongshow]

Originally Posted by Jamie

Gong.
I am not sure what Organisation you are in.

How ever in Calgary Minor Hockey (Novice) there are no "Set" GT's
It should be rotated through the team. No one is forced to play, but it is highly encouraged.

Personally, unless you are on the number one team, I see no need for set GT's at any level below midget. Perhaps in Bantam you could go to the #1 and #2 teams having set GT's. But that's it. Not that you don't let the kid who has the most interest play the position as often as possible, but to have a back up GT is crazy stupid in my mind.
This thought process is just not allowing kids exposure to all that is available in hockey.

We did receive a call tonight that Willy didn't make the top 4. He didn't even frown. I think he is glad to have the chance to play with his friends. On a positive note, he was given the opportunity to play full time with another organisation, however he turned it down. We talked and he wants to work on his game and take another run at it next year. I told him I was very proud of his attitude.

Gong, I hope you get the chance to coach. It's the best thing I have ever done.

Jamie

Jamie,

we're in Edmonton, NEZ Eagles. Last year he played on team one and even then i saw no need for set gt's. Like I said, it's not my philosophy that winning is everything but if a player expresses an interest in playing goal, no matter what team number they're on then they should have the opportunity to give it a try. Last year, we had one goaltender decide halfway through the season that he didn't want to play goal anymore and another player who never played goal before decide she wanted to give it a try, and now i heard she is going to play full time goal in atom. So at novice, you can't pigeon hole them into positions.

I coached in initiation and had put my name in to coach last year but was not chosen (too many others with more experience) so i'm hoping this year to get chosen.

[Tankman]

Minor hockey is totally out of control,it's supposed to be about FUN,too much 'try-out' pressure IMO.Let the kids just play...........
BTW spring -summer hockey is all about making somebody richer !!Let the kids play out and get some sun on there backs - Again IMO.
TM.

[Jamie]

Originally Posted by Tankman

Minor hockey is totally out of control,it's supposed to be about FUN,too much 'try-out' pressure IMO.Let the kids just play...........
BTW spring -summer hockey is all about making somebody richer !!Let the kids play out and get some sun on there backs - Again IMO.
TM.

Tank, though I cant speak for other places, here in Calgary we also have Rec league hockey for the kids.

I like Willy being in a competitive environment. And no not at "ANY" cost. but he needs to learn what it feels like to fail, and what it feels like to succeed. In the 4 years he has been doing this, there has been many highs and lows. Fortunate, he remembers the highs way more than the lows.

I think competition is great for the kids. (With in reason)
From our point of view (Heidi and I) we really like the way Minor hockey is run. I believe my kid is well taken care of in a great environment.

I am sure some will disagree as perhaps they believe their kid was treated unfairly or something like that. But over all, I am proud to support this group.

Jamie

[Tankman]

Hi there,
I live in a small town in S.Alberta where hoickey politics are crazy.Small groups form in about June to 'plot' teams and decide what's best for 'their' kids and not the team or town.
Numbers are down every year.....the cost of registration is lower than other cities but equipment and travel costs add up quickly......kid sport doesn't come close to helping....I would suggest it's become a rich kids sport.
Fun is a word not often used in our town hockey,the executive work hard,the volunteers do their best..........but a few fanaticals ruin it for the majority.
I believe hockey needs to go back to it's roots and FIND the word FUN,let the kids skate and play with no pressure from crazy 'out of control' parents ,we have all seen them and every team has a few..........sadly.
Regards
TM.

[landowner]

Originally Posted by Tankman

Hi there,
I live in a small town in S.Alberta where hoickey politics are crazy.Small groups form in about June to 'plot' teams and decide what's best for 'their' kids and not the team or town.
Numbers are down every year.....the cost of registration is lower than other cities but equipment and travel costs add up quickly......kid sport doesn't come close to helping....I would suggest it's become a rich kids sport.
Fun is a word not often used in our town hockey,the executive work hard,the volunteers do their best..........but a few fanaticals ruin it for the majority.
I believe hockey needs to go back to it's roots and FIND the word FUN,let the kids skate and play with no pressure from crazy 'out of control' parents ,we have all seen them and every team has a few..........sadly.
Regards
TM.

Sad , but oh so true,

[Jamie]

Tank. that doesn't sound like a great situation.

I am not sure if you have any kids involved at this point, but perhaps step up and get involved. Even if you can add some extra fun for one specific set of kids, I am sure it would be worth wile.

As to the cost. Yes I agree, it's a expensive sport, but how do you reduce the cost down and still keep a decent experience?
I looked at this way.
Buy great used stuff when you can
No need for expensive composite sticks
Sell old equipment (Not that this happened for us, but it was the original idea)
Car pool to the arena and to out of town games, gas might still be cheaper than hotel rooms, so why stay the night if you don't have to. arrange a tourney in your own town rather than travel. This is also a great fund raiser. But the parents need to be very much involved.

Worst case scenario, instead of extra indoor ice, take advantage of outdoor ice if possible. If I get the opportunity this year to coach, I plan on using outdoor ice if possible. I would love to get the kids a out door game or 2.

Good luck
Jamie

[Tankman]

Hi again,
I am involved.I have 2 boys playing.
One man alone cannot make overnight changes,it's a way of life for the fanaticals.....
Costs no matter how one tries are ridiculous.....
Love it or hate it,it's here to stay.....just wish ADULTS would grow up and see the basic game for what it really is at town level......FUN.
It's about the kids but the system is flawed.
Imagine this.........if no one volunteered to help........nobody would learn and play etc,in 15 years there would be no NHL.
Strange eh,would that be a good thing,would we all rather that and the kids have fun without Mom yelling "my Jimmy is going to the NHL !!
Regards
TM.

[goober]

Originally Posted by Tankman

Minor hockey is totally out of control,it's supposed to be about FUN,too much 'try-out' pressure IMO.Let the kids just play...........

Try outs are there to make it fun for the kids. If there were no try outs kids would not be playing with kids of equal or similar skill level and this would not be fun for anyone. As Jamie said try outs are also a great way to teach kids some of the important skills in life. To much of society today sets our kids up to succeed at everything, this is not true in the real world! Some of the best organizations both north and south in our province share very similar try out plans. Try outs should consist of both practice time and game time. Lots of kids wind up playing at a level they should not be at simply because they are a good practice player. You must have intersquad games to give all kids a fair chance. This is at all levels. Evaluations should be done by people with no ties to the players, bring in outsiders! This way all kids have a clean slate and you minimize some of the politics.

[Tankman]

Good points Goober.
Try-outs produce peer pressure.......5-6-year olds don't need to experience this unpleasentness so young ! "you only made the B team - I'm in the A team" etc...........and try as you will it does happen,if not at the arena it'll happen at school......I don't have all the answers,tiering works well....but adults still find away to turn a 'fun' game into a NHL prospect game throughout the whole season and hence the nightmare for the normal parents !!
IMO.
Regards
TM.

[goober]

Originally Posted by Tankman

Good points Goober.
Try-outs produce peer pressure.......5-6-year olds don't need to experience this unpleasentness so young ! "you only made the B team - I'm in the A team" etc...........and try as you will it does happen,if not at the arena it'll happen at school......I don't have all the answers,tiering works well....but adults still find away to turn a 'fun' game into a NHL prospect game throughout the whole season and hence the nightmare for the normal parents !!
IMO.
Regards
TM.

And there in lies the truth. It actually hurts more "dream parents" then it does the kids themselves.

[Jamie]

Originally Posted by goober

And there in lies the truth. It actually hurts more "dream parents" then it does the kids themselves.

I don't know guys.. I have spent a TON of time at the rink and I have yet to see the "My kid is going to make it to the NHL" attitude. I find it the exact opposite. Most parents seem to think the kids will play for a few years and that's it.

I have fallen for the odd day dream that had Willy playing in the NHL or SYD being a Movie star.. But then I have also dreamed about what I would do if I won the 6/49. (Buying a ranch, getting my pilot's license, hunting all over the world. ECT ECT.. Depends on how much I win. $1,000,000 will not cut it. $10,000,000 will do it though.)

But I have never let it get in the way of Willy having fun or Syd doing a play. Just like I have never let the 6/49 get in the way of financial planning.

From a parents point of view, I find enjoyment in watching his teams play, in watching my daughter up on a stage, I enjoy hearing how well they have done, I enjoy seeing them and the teams they play on succeeded, I enjoy the camaraderie of the other parents, I enjoy going to the rink and seeing people I know. It's a huge part of our social life. Just this week coming up has me spending each and every night at the rink and all day Sat and Sun.

In my little area of Calgary, I don't see Minor hockey out of control, I don't see kids upset, I just hear the sounds of laughter and some disappointment coming from the dressing rooms. I hear tons of cheering in the stands and no overly negative sounds coming from the crowd. Sure I hear some muttering about a bad call or a no call. I hear some minor complaining about someones own kid not trying there hardest. But overall I hear CHEERING!!!
I am getting tired of feeling bad for being some what emotionally involved with how the kids are doing. No it doesn't wreck my day if the kids stink out the joint. But when I get involved with something, I get emotionally involved. BUT I am also enough of a adult to know when to say enough is enough.

However, the Day Willy is not having fun, we will be moving on in sports. So, if I wish to keep enjoying our time at the rink and the talks that happen later about the great save or the call the Ref missed, the shot he took or the penalty that he took or the ability to show him little life lessons that can come through by playing on a team, I guess I had better make sure he is having a great and memorable time.

Life with the kids is short and both Heidi and I are striving to enjoy each and every moment as if it was our last with these 2 great kids.

Jamie

[Tankman]

Hi there,
Ok,understood,points noted.
I guess small towns are more 'gung-ho' than some city teams.I've seen this out on the ice too,in the Slyvan Lake tourney 2 years ago our team (novice)and a team from Cremona beat the Calgary and Edmonton teams quite convinvingly,our tier 4 was much stronger than the cities tier 3 teams and hence we beat Cremona in the final.
Untimately in my opinion the game is taken too seriously by some parents and ruin the experience for the others.
Different towns and cities run hockey in their own way to either play and win at all costs or play and have FUN .....win or lose.
Regards
TM.

[Espo]

Originally Posted by Jamie

Some difficult decisions will need to made this year. He has the opportunity and a good-great chance to play ATom 1 or 2 this year. Unfortunately as being a GT that means he spends every 2nd game on the bench and never gets to play out. I think this is a highly unfair way of dealing with small kids. They will never learn a thing sitting on the bench.




Jamie

i always wondered why parents of goaltenders thought this was unfair. A goalie who plays every second game gets way more icetime then an "out" player. a goalie gets 60 minutes per game and an out player gets about 20 minutes of ice time. you will be surprized how much is learned by watching the game. sometimes making the choice to be a goaltender is not the best decision. inevitably by the time bantam age comes around most of the time they are the worst skaters on the team.

[Jamie]

Originally Posted by Espo

i always wondered why parents of goaltenders thought this was unfair. A goalie who plays every second game gets way more icetime then an "out" player. a goalie gets 60 minutes per game and an out player gets about 20 minutes of ice time. you will be surprized how much is learned by watching the game. sometimes making the choice to be a goaltender is not the best decision. inevitably by the time bantam age comes around most of the time they are the worst skaters on the team.

Espo, I don't think comparing "Ice" time for GT as compared to a forward is fair.
And yes I agree that spending time on the bench at the older levels is a great way to learn the game. But at this age, they would learn nothing.
As for the bad skater part, I agree as well and that's a pity, they should be the best skater on the team as far as balance and burst of speed go.
If you want to be a GT, you have to be a great skater. So, why not have them on the ice?

Anyhow, I doubt this is a problem that I will be able to solve on my own.

Forward and Defence tryouts start tonight for the Atoms. Willy has dug up his "Out" gear and cant wait to see the guys from last year. He is one pumped little fellow.

Good luck all on your tryouts.

Jamie

[Shaggy]

Best of luck to him Jamie. I'm sure if he plays with all his heart, he will be top pick for sure.