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You didn't mention what kind of player you are or what you consider your strengths and weaknesses. But, assuming you're like most players who excel at one or two aspects of the game but need to work on one or two other aspects, I think the decision should always be about which of the two choices gives you the best opportunity to work on those weaknesses. Let's assume you're a skilled forward but haven't really put up point totals to get your noticed as an OHL prospect yet. If moving up to Jr. B means you can play top 6 and get some time on a first or second PP unit, that sounds like a great opportunity. However, if you're going to be a 3rd or 4th liner and see limited minutes and maybe some PK time - you're not going to advance your game that way. If a year in MAA means you get those top six minutes playing with other skilled players, and are put out there on the PP and in the final minutes when your team is pressing for the tying goal... that's going to be huge for your development. You'll get to experience that game in and game out and learn to carry that responsibility and expectation from your coaches and teammates. But if you've already done that at the MAA level and have nothing left to prove or to learn there, then look to move up against older/faster kids to keep challenging yourself. Again, I don't know what type of player you are, but these are the kinds of questions you may want to consider when you make this decision. Hockey development is a marathon not a sprint - continue to play at the level that best advances your skillset and game, don't get caught up in jumping up a level too early just because you can - it can result in a lost year of development and slow you down from reaching your goal. Development is not just about practicing skills during practice time - it's about using those skills with confidence in game scenarios consistently. That's what makes a good player into a great player that teams want to draft. You have to build that reputation one step at a time. It's impossible to build confidence from the bench. You need to be getting ice time during important moments of big games. colins

I'll speak as a Dad and an educator and not a hockey guy... Unless you REALLY and HONESTLY think you have a shot at professional hockey, you should play in the most age appropriate place and ensure that you have the best educational enviornment available. In my opinion home schooling and billeting are not best for a child's development.

Last Sunday was the first time I participated in goal since my UC problems and resultant Illeostomy. Whilst gassed after a couple of hours, I can’t wait to hit it again this Sunday. Don’t let something like wearing an ostomy bag stop you from living life.

Ray Emery