High School or Travel?

[ashtonhutch05 0]

Right now, I play on a high hockey team in my city, and it was our very first year as a team. The good thing is I am good friends with a lot of people on the team. The bad thing being, we pretty much suck. I know it's our first year as a team, etc.., but there is a large imbalance in talent. We ended up either last or second last in the league, I can't remember. Our coach is basically a dick though. I'm one of if not the strongest player on the team, yet I am singled out and criticized over and over again, I don't feel wanted, and to be blunt, I didn't really learn anything all year to really improve my game. I'm really just fed up. However, there are a few other players that are highly talented for our league joining the team this year, and I think with these additions we can be somewhere in the middle of the pack.

I have another option to play on a Midget AA travel team which won a state championship last year, and right now it is sounding good. I know the coaches are much better than our HS coaches, and it is a much more balanced team with a legitimate chance to succeed. Problem with that is, it is more expensive, and the travels are farther, so it will be very costly to my family. Also, I don't know anyone on the team really, and it is a 45 minute drive to the home ice arena from my city.

The plus side is, I can still play house with my friends just for fun whilst doing travel. I look to make my decision after spring league is over, which starts after spring break. Right now I really want to play AA, but my best friend suggested that I play one more year on the HS team and then if I still don't like it then to play AA, as he plans on doing that as well.

I am really confused on what to do right now, so I am asking anyones opinions of what you would do in my situation.

I will be a sophomore this upcoming season BTW.

[ljbaron 0]

Well if your as good as you say you are, why don't you try out for travel AAA? Or even Jr.A age pending.

[ashtonhutch05 0]

Where did I say I was so good? I am good on our team, but like I said, our team sucks, so that's not saying much at all, as well as the fact that I defiantly don't live in a hockey state. Jr's, no, I just turned 15. I don't even know that there is a AAA team around here anyway.

[Trudy14 0]

Don't let the coach criticizing you let you down. He is most likly setting an example for the other players, showing them that even the best player on the team isn't perfect. My old HS coach once kicked our captain off the ice during a practice because he didn't think he was giving it 100%, the rest of us stepped it up a notch after that. As for playing for another team, hit the gym hard and go try out for a Jr. team see where it takes you, it doesn't hurt to try. The worst that could happen is they cut you and tell you what you need to work on. Then the next season you come back with those flaws fixed. If you'd like to play college hockey in the future, juniors is a good route to take. That's just my advice. Goodluck.

EDIT: Just saw the post above. At least you can prepare to try out for a junior team for when you hit 16. Where are you located?

[15yearsofhistory 0]

I'd say stick it out. I've had a bad run of coaches before, and if you just stick it out and prove to them that their shit doesn't bother you then you develop character which most teams you'd try out for in the future look for.

[ashtonhutch05 0]

Thanks Trudy, that's very helpful. I'm located in Northwestern Kentucky, Close to Indiana, which is where I was planning on playing AA. I don't know of any Junior teams, if someone could point me to some close teams maybe? I'm not exactly informed on all of the different levels of hockey.

[Trudy14 0]

No problem. I'm from New England so I'm not to familar with that area, but I do know there is the Mid America Hockey League which the Indiana Jr. Ice play in. Indiana Jr. Ice. There are some contacts on there you can email to get more info and the locations of their home rinks, I'm not sure if they are close to you. It wouldn't hurt to email some coaches and let them know who you are and that your interested in playing for their organization.

[ashtonhutch05 0]

Thanks again. I'll defiantly be looking into Jr. hockey in the future.

You mentioned hitting the gym, so you suggest I bulk up before playing at this level? I am 6'1" 150 right now, I still need to fill in a lot.

[Trudy14 0]

You have the perfect height just work on getting some meat on your bones and you should be all set. Pick up some 100% Whey protein to take before and after a work out. You are still young so you should fill in fine, just don't make it the over weight fill in with fast food. Shoot for 30-50 more lbs. of muscle mass. Set goals, work hard and you will be rewarded. I wish I played juniors when I had the chance and I regret it. I would have played more competitive hockey and been looked at more and maybe been playing a little better college hockey. Take advantage of all the opportunities you have.

[gxc999 7]

You have the perfect height just work on getting some meat on your bones and you should be all set. Pick up some 100% Whey protein to take before and after a work out. You are still young so you should fill in fine, just don't make it the over weight fill in with fast food. Shoot for 30-50 more lbs. of muscle mass. Set goals, work hard and you will be rewarded. I wish I played juniors when I had the chance and I regret it. I would have played more competitive hockey and been looked at more and maybe been playing a little better college hockey. Take advantage of all the opportunities you have.

Sorry if at all off topic, but this is just bad advice. First off, you're only 15, you do NOT need to be taking any protein supplements until atleast 17. You're going to fill out a bit naturally in the next 2-3 years. Second, taking protein in excessively high doses, eg exceeding 3/4ths gram per lb may be harmful to your gall bladder. I have medical reports insisting as much (from my own experience), you'd be better off sticking to eating more lean meat such as chicken and turkey. Third, you really need to be asking "where do I need to gain strength?" and then start from there. Keep in mind you can significantly gain strength without gaining weight, and if you do find that you must gain weight, do so slowly as to avoid gaining much body fat alongside the muscle. Hi% body fat= the enemy of a good hockey player.

[Jordan 13]

Only you can decide what is best for you and your family in regards to time and financial committment. Also, consider the impact on school.

As far as the hockey goes, generally you will make more headway playing with and against better players. So as far as hockey goes, travel all the way; but remember, hockey isn't the only consideration.

[sonsplayhockey 0]

I say figure out what you are going to do after you graduate H.S.

Pick the team that will improve you the most.

However, if you don't have any aspirations to play after H.S. Pick the team that you think will have the most fun on.

[Trudy14 0]

You have the perfect height just work on getting some meat on your bones and you should be all set. Pick up some 100% Whey protein to take before and after a work out. You are still young so you should fill in fine, just don't make it the over weight fill in with fast food. Shoot for 30-50 more lbs. of muscle mass. Set goals, work hard and you will be rewarded. I wish I played juniors when I had the chance and I regret it. I would have played more competitive hockey and been looked at more and maybe been playing a little better college hockey. Take advantage of all the opportunities you have.

Sorry if at all off topic, but this is just bad advice. First off, you're only 15, you do NOT need to be taking any protein supplements until atleast 17. You're going to fill out a bit naturally in the next 2-3 years. Second, taking protein in excessively high doses, eg exceeding 3/4ths gram per lb may be harmful to your gall bladder. I have medical reports insisting as much (from my own experience), you'd be better off sticking to eating more lean meat such as chicken and turkey. Third, you really need to be asking "where do I need to gain strength?" and then start from there. Keep in mind you can significantly gain strength without gaining weight, and if you do find that you must gain weight, do so slowly as to avoid gaining much body fat alongside the muscle. Hi% body fat= the enemy of a good hockey player.

I started drinking protein shakes at about 15/16 and had no problems what so ever. I'm not sure why you took "excessively high doses" of protein and messed up your gall bladder, I'm not recomending he take it like that. One scoop in a glass of milk after a workout won't cause any harm. Sure you will fill out naturally, but going to the gym and toning muscles will help a lot. I'm not saying go out and get all roided up; just get good workouts in and you will notice a difference in the long run. Strengthen your legs for skating with some different plyo workouts. If you decide to stick it out on your school team, get some teamates together and do some dry land training after school. First or second year of high school is a great time to start, especially if you want to play more competitve hockey.

[JJStripes 1]

If you are serious about getting better than you need to play at the highest level possible. At the same time there are a lot of reasons to stay home and play with your friends. Since your parents will be the ones driving you and forking over the $$ find out how they feel.

It is pretty common in the hockey world for people to go to great lengths to play for the best coach and at the highest level. Driving 45 min is not unusual, and I think it's well worth it if you really want to get better.

[barrett 0]

If the financial obbligations for travel are not a problem then i believe you should look into travel. You would without a doubt bennifet from playing with a better team and having better coaches. protein shakes are fine if you take them non excessively. For example i take them after my workouts or maybe sometimes after a hard practise or game. Good luckk with whatever you choose.

[QandA 0]

I played AAA ranks most of my life, first year bantam me and a few buds played comp. tho and it was fun, but that same year, our high school team was brutal, but I went out and skated with them. I was in grade 8 and didn't knwo what to think, but the guys had so much on the team. I played a few games, and the next year, my grade 9 year skipped bantam aaa to play for my high school team. We were the worst team in the league, or at least one of the bottom ones. I was havign so much fun, I got a good amount of ice time too. Grade 10 same thing, grade 11 I went to midget tryout and made it pretty far till' I decided to come back and return to high school for a fourth year. Well my fifth year, senior year, I had all intentions to play high school with my buds, end my hockey career on a high. We ran out of players, the team folded, midget tryouts were passed and I ended up moving to another school to play. THe other school was one of the best in the province, coaching was the best I ever had, free sticks, free sharpenings, ridiculous programme. We lost in high school final that year. I had never won a playoff game before my senior year.

I look back on it, and I regret not being able to finish my hockey career at my school with my buds. I had the opportunity to play higher calibre hockey and have no regrets on sticking with my weaker high school. Playing with your friends is the time of your life, something you'll never forget, and you'll always have your friends to look back on the great times, win or lose.

[gxc999 7]

You have the perfect height just work on getting some meat on your bones and you should be all set. Pick up some 100% Whey protein to take before and after a work out. You are still young so you should fill in fine, just don't make it the over weight fill in with fast food. Shoot for 30-50 more lbs. of muscle mass. Set goals, work hard and you will be rewarded. I wish I played juniors when I had the chance and I regret it. I would have played more competitive hockey and been looked at more and maybe been playing a little better college hockey. Take advantage of all the opportunities you have.

Sorry if at all off topic, but this is just bad advice. First off, you're only 15, you do NOT need to be taking any protein supplements until atleast 17. You're going to fill out a bit naturally in the next 2-3 years. Second, taking protein in excessively high doses, eg exceeding 3/4ths gram per lb may be harmful to your gall bladder. I have medical reports insisting as much (from my own experience), you'd be better off sticking to eating more lean meat such as chicken and turkey. Third, you really need to be asking "where do I need to gain strength?" and then start from there. Keep in mind you can significantly gain strength without gaining weight, and if you do find that you must gain weight, do so slowly as to avoid gaining much body fat alongside the muscle. Hi% body fat= the enemy of a good hockey player.

I started drinking protein shakes at about 15/16 and had no problems what so ever. I'm not sure why you took "excessively high doses" of protein and messed up your gall bladder, I'm not recomending he take it like that. One scoop in a glass of milk after a workout won't cause any harm. Sure you will fill out naturally, but going to the gym and toning muscles will help a lot. I'm not saying go out and get all roided up; just get good workouts in and you will notice a difference in the long run. Strengthen your legs for skating with some different plyo workouts. If you decide to stick it out on your school team, get some teamates together and do some dry land training after school. First or second year of high school is a great time to start, especially if you want to play more competitve hockey.

Okay, I can agree with you to an extent. One protein shake here or there won't be very harmful, just trying to caution the guy not to overdo it. Also, if you want an easy to digest top supplement, get 100% egg protein. You'll pay a little more but it's worth it, IMHO. Hockey is all legs, well, almost all, you know what I'm saying. Working the glutes, quads and hammies will help you the most.

[Trudy14 0]

You have the perfect height just work on getting some meat on your bones and you should be all set. Pick up some 100% Whey protein to take before and after a work out. You are still young so you should fill in fine, just don't make it the over weight fill in with fast food. Shoot for 30-50 more lbs. of muscle mass. Set goals, work hard and you will be rewarded. I wish I played juniors when I had the chance and I regret it. I would have played more competitive hockey and been looked at more and maybe been playing a little better college hockey. Take advantage of all the opportunities you have.

Sorry if at all off topic, but this is just bad advice. First off, you're only 15, you do NOT need to be taking any protein supplements until atleast 17. You're going to fill out a bit naturally in the next 2-3 years. Second, taking protein in excessively high doses, eg exceeding 3/4ths gram per lb may be harmful to your gall bladder. I have medical reports insisting as much (from my own experience), you'd be better off sticking to eating more lean meat such as chicken and turkey. Third, you really need to be asking "where do I need to gain strength?" and then start from there. Keep in mind you can significantly gain strength without gaining weight, and if you do find that you must gain weight, do so slowly as to avoid gaining much body fat alongside the muscle. Hi% body fat= the enemy of a good hockey player.

I started drinking protein shakes at about 15/16 and had no problems what so ever. I'm not sure why you took "excessively high doses" of protein and messed up your gall bladder, I'm not recomending he take it like that. One scoop in a glass of milk after a workout won't cause any harm. Sure you will fill out naturally, but going to the gym and toning muscles will help a lot. I'm not saying go out and get all roided up; just get good workouts in and you will notice a difference in the long run. Strengthen your legs for skating with some different plyo workouts. If you decide to stick it out on your school team, get some teamates together and do some dry land training after school. First or second year of high school is a great time to start, especially if you want to play more competitve hockey.

Okay, I can agree with you to an extent. One protein shake here or there won't be very harmful, just trying to caution the guy not to overdo it. Also, if you want an easy to digest top supplement, get 100% egg protein. You'll pay a little more but it's worth it, IMHO. Hockey is all legs, well, almost all, you know what I'm saying. Working the glutes, quads and hammies will help you the most.

agreed.

[chippa13 1844]

How many cry baby "coach doesn't like me" threads do we really need?

[ashtonhutch05 0]

How many "I think I'm cool because I'm a dick on the internet" posts of yours do we need?

Thanks to everyone else. I'm pretty much set on playing on the travel team then, since I really want to go as far as I can in hockey, however much of a long shot that may be.

As for money and travel, that's not really an issue, I was just stating that was a plus for playing on my high school team, cheap and only like 10 minutes away.

[ljbaron 0]

You should maybe consider moving away and billeting on a AAA team. I know around here AAA is a big step from AA. Alot more talent/scouts, better couches. And if you want to get better it never hurts looking into that kind of thing.

[ashtonhutch05 0]

While I would love to do that, I think that would be too much of a step up at first for me, going from crappy HS to AAA, but we'll see how AA goes first.

[biff44 0]

Hockey is a sport that all types can appreciate! Duffers can still putter around and pop a few brews after the game. 3 year olds can take pride in abandoning their milk crates and finally getting a hockey stick! And everything in between.

To be happy with your hockey, you have to determine what is important to you! You are right to realize that you have to sacrifice to play good quality travel hockey. You give up the following:

1) you are not playing with your buds from school

2) you give up being "big man" at h.s. for playing big at last nights game

3) you give up a lot of your time!--3 or 4 afternoons a week at practice, every other weekend, and completely kiss off partying nights before games

4) most girlfriends do not like the lack of attention

5) with the extra ice time, it gets harder to get good grades in school

6) you are not going to look as good out there, because you are playing against players that are very good, and goalies that have some moves.

What you get in return with good level travel hockey is

a) you are playing 2 or more levels higher than you buds at h.s.

B) scouts will actually be at games (unless you are in a select few of the midwestern states where h.s. hockey is king)

c) you will have the chance to show off your skills IF you are good. You will be actively recruited by colleges and major junior teams

d) you will have superior coaching

e) there will tend to be a lot less favoritism, as a player that can make an impact will earn ice time. Doesn't matter if your dad and the coach are golfing buddies.

I think if you are in it for the recreation, stay in H.S. and enjoy! If you are serious about your hockey, and have a burn in your gut to try to make it to the show, there is no question--play travel hockey and really work at it.