Important descision, opinions please!

[-brady2 0]

New England Prep falls somewhere in between Midget AAA and the USHL. Not sure where the Canadian prep teams fall though.

Well i know that one of the better amhl teams layed the smackdown on a few american midget aaa tourneys, and i know Edge, a prep school in calgary goes to tourneys in new england but i dont htink they did very good, and i think they didnt do very good in exhibitionagainst amhl teams either

[flyguy1697 0]

If I were you I would move his as quickly as you can. Coming from a similar situation I regret not moving and playing in the same league when I was a sophomore. I lead the Jr. B national tournament in points when I was 15, got all the offers in the world to leave and figured I could stick one more season out and hone my skills. Ended up getting hurt and have not had much to do since. Many of my friends left early on, Colby Cohen (NTDP/USHL/BU/Colorado Avalanche), James van Riemsdyk (NTDP/UNH/Flyers 1st Round Draft pick 2 Overall) both took the Junior/NTDP route, Eric Tangradi (Bellevue Bulls OHL/ Anaheim Ducks) Prep then Major Junior, and all of these kids came out of the Philadelphia area I respect his decision to want to play NCAA D1 hockey but I think he would be better off playing Major Junior. Maybe he gets hurt this season and never gets that chance to play Major Junior again maybe not. Might as well try and play to the best of his ability while he can. He will only learn from playing Major Junior it cannot possibly hurt him except if he truly wants to play NCAA. Plus the big name schools out there are great to play for whereas there are some D1 teams that don't even have their own rink or locker room like Bentley who try and consider themselves premiere programs. The spotlight only shines for so long.

Oh and U.S. Prep falls above the Midget AAA but below the USHL. Many graduates of the NE prep league that don't go directly D1 or D3 NCAA play a year in the USHL and then make the jump. Plenty of good players coming out of the Prep League, Ryan Shannon of Vancouver went to The Taft School, J.R. played at Thayer Academy, Chad Kolarik Deerfield and then Michigan who is property of Phoenix. There are a few examples and if you don't think there are solid kids coming out of Preps now, Cammy Atkinson from Avon property of BC will get throw in the draft and be called early in 2009 I believe, Mark Goggin from Choate Rosemary Hall will get his named called in the draft this year too.

[epstud74 24]

The USHL has emerged as the pre-eminent junior league in the United States. It has come a long way in the last 20 years and a LOT of the top prospects in past drafts and the upcoming draft have played in the USHL. Your son, being 15 probably isnt old enough, nor ready to leave the country unless he's in a boarding school situation..Just my 2 cents on the matter. I believe a couple USHL teams played a couple teams from the QMJHL this fall during a couple exhibitions.

http://www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=426

[indaslot 0]

I know that Major Junior is the best hockey available until the age of maybe 18,but the schooling is terrible,always on the bus, trades etc.If he wants to go at 18 it will be a more educated decision. If he goes now and is unhappy,his eligibility is gone.I am not worried about the Dl programs he has been offered as they are all very well known and respected universities.I know that the USHL is a notch below Major Junior,(the Q teams they played against were missing their top players), but is good enough for a 17 or 18 yr.old who will then move on to university.I have not been impressed with the prep hockey I have seen, but there are NHL drafted players on these teams and surely,playing against kids 2 yrs.older has got to be more challenging than playing in your age group and lower? There are academic considerations here too which I did not mention as the post would have been even longe, but basically, if he stays here, he will graduate this year and if he goes away, he will need 2 more years.

[shooter27 116]

I am a product of the prep system so obviously I am biased towards it. I believe it offers great development athletically as well as giving your son other opportunities from an academic and social standpoint that the other options can't match. That being said, the prep system is not for everyone and there is a lot of rigidity built into every day life at a prep school that your son may or may not enjoy.

[indaslot 0]

Well, he has been in a day prep his whole life so probably the rigidity won't phase him. Anyway,there are 2 choices and I can't see the rationale of playing with and against kids your own age in your second year if you were already dominant against older players in your first year. I mean, wouldn't you regress? I can understand if you need to grow or you didn't have a strong season but otherwise, I have trouble seeing the benefit, so I guess I am answering my own question.

[the_game 452]

I'm going to have to suggest the Prep School route. For one, he'll be playing really good hockey and two, more likely then not getting an amazing education.

[indaslot 0]

I am really overwhelmed by the responses to my post, including some PM's. My son read them all last night and remarked on how nice everyone was,(unlike so many other forums.)

[GretzisGod 0]

If he's getting good coaching and improving his skill set with the local midget team, one more season there isn't going to hurt him. Take advantage of having him home for one last season and spend some time together. It sounds like you won't have that opportunity again for a while.

I disagree, if he is not challanged he will get lazy and not develop as fast as others. I coached Minor Midget AAA in Calgary, we had a kid that at 14/15 was in the top 15 D in Canada as he was attending all Hockey Canada camps, played team Pacific, etc. He ended up having to play an extra year of Midget and I honestly think it screwed his career. I (coach) would play against him in practice, but could not commit the time needed to him as I had 5 other D to coach as well. The biggest difference as you move up is the speed at which the game is played, getting 1 year behind is not an option if he wants to play hockey in the NHL. If he wants to use it to get through school and that is it then he will probably be fine at Midget.

My suggestion would be is he needs to get to a province where he can play Jr. Even if he does not get alot of ice skating everyday with the bigger guys will improve his game.

[-brady2 0]

If he's getting good coaching and improving his skill set with the local midget team, one more season there isn't going to hurt him. Take advantage of having him home for one last season and spend some time together. It sounds like you won't have that opportunity again for a while.

I disagree, if he is not challanged he will get lazy and not develop as fast as others. I coached Minor Midget AAA in Calgary, we had a kid that at 14/15 was in the top 15 D in Canada as he was attending all Hockey Canada camps, played team Pacific, etc. He ended up having to play an extra year of Midget and I honestly think it screwed his career. I (coach) would play against him in practice, but could not commit the time needed to him as I had 5 other D to coach as well. The biggest difference as you move up is the speed at which the game is played, getting 1 year behind is not an option if he wants to play hockey in the NHL. If he wants to use it to get through school and that is it then he will probably be fine at Midget.

My suggestion would be is he needs to get to a province where he can play Jr. Even if he does not get alot of ice skating everyday with the bigger guys will improve his game.

Are you the coach of the team who went to provincials?

[Chadd 916]

I am really overwhelmed by the responses to my post, including some PM's. My son read them all last night and remarked on how nice everyone was,(unlike so many other forums.)

It doesn't happen all that often here either. ;)

[GretzisGod 0]

Oh, something from the AJHL. Might be able to find something closer or just give him a call. http://ajhl.ca/education/student-athlete-advisor/

If he's getting good coaching and improving his skill set with the local midget team, one more season there isn't going to hurt him. Take advantage of having him home for one last season and spend some time together. It sounds like you won't have that opportunity again for a while.

I disagree, if he is not challanged he will get lazy and not develop as fast as others. I coached Minor Midget AAA in Calgary, we had a kid that at 14/15 was in the top 15 D in Canada as he was attending all Hockey Canada camps, played team Pacific, etc. He ended up having to play an extra year of Midget and I honestly think it screwed his career. I (coach) would play against him in practice, but could not commit the time needed to him as I had 5 other D to coach as well. The biggest difference as you move up is the speed at which the game is played, getting 1 year behind is not an option if he wants to play hockey in the NHL. If he wants to use it to get through school and that is it then he will probably be fine at Midget.

My suggestion would be is he needs to get to a province where he can play Jr. Even if he does not get alot of ice skating everyday with the bigger guys will improve his game.

Are you the coach of the team who went to provincials?

No, this was 3 years ago before the provincials were established.

[-brady2 0]

Oh, something from the AJHL. Might be able to find something closer or just give him a call. http://ajhl.ca/education/student-athlete-advisor/

If he's getting good coaching and improving his skill set with the local midget team, one more season there isn't going to hurt him. Take advantage of having him home for one last season and spend some time together. It sounds like you won't have that opportunity again for a while.

I disagree, if he is not challanged he will get lazy and not develop as fast as others. I coached Minor Midget AAA in Calgary, we had a kid that at 14/15 was in the top 15 D in Canada as he was attending all Hockey Canada camps, played team Pacific, etc. He ended up having to play an extra year of Midget and I honestly think it screwed his career. I (coach) would play against him in practice, but could not commit the time needed to him as I had 5 other D to coach as well. The biggest difference as you move up is the speed at which the game is played, getting 1 year behind is not an option if he wants to play hockey in the NHL. If he wants to use it to get through school and that is it then he will probably be fine at Midget.

My suggestion would be is he needs to get to a province where he can play Jr. Even if he does not get alot of ice skating everyday with the bigger guys will improve his game.

Are you the coach of the team who went to provincials?

No, this was 3 years ago before the provincials were established.

oh i see. i played minor midget AAA this year

[Pats 0]

I am not sure if the rules have changed or anything since, but did Sam Gagner not play in the USHL as a 16- year old in 2005-06 and seeing as he is from Ontario I assume the same rules would apply to your son? That's great that he has his mind made up, I have seen cases of both players leaving midget at 16 and staying and it has worked both positively and negatively for both. Th coach and the players level of dedication are both huge factors either way. All I can say on the matter is that if he wants to play NCAA and that is his dream route, then nothing should stop that from happening if he is good enough. He needs to follow his heart no matter what anyone says. As for all the so- called horror stories from major junior, yes the bus rides are long no doubt about that, but MOST team will do a great job ensuring the players get their schooling done and depending on the player he should be able to obtain fine marks if he so desires.

[GretzisGod 0]

Oh, something from the AJHL. Might be able to find something closer or just give him a call. http://ajhl.ca/education/student-athlete-advisor/

If he's getting good coaching and improving his skill set with the local midget team, one more season there isn't going to hurt him. Take advantage of having him home for one last season and spend some time together. It sounds like you won't have that opportunity again for a while.

I disagree, if he is not challanged he will get lazy and not develop as fast as others. I coached Minor Midget AAA in Calgary, we had a kid that at 14/15 was in the top 15 D in Canada as he was attending all Hockey Canada camps, played team Pacific, etc. He ended up having to play an extra year of Midget and I honestly think it screwed his career. I (coach) would play against him in practice, but could not commit the time needed to him as I had 5 other D to coach as well. The biggest difference as you move up is the speed at which the game is played, getting 1 year behind is not an option if he wants to play hockey in the NHL. If he wants to use it to get through school and that is it then he will probably be fine at Midget.

My suggestion would be is he needs to get to a province where he can play Jr. Even if he does not get alot of ice skating everyday with the bigger guys will improve his game.

Are you the coach of the team who went to provincials?

No, this was 3 years ago before the provincials were established.

oh i see. i played minor midget AAA this year

For who?

[tomz 0]

I'd take the prep option.

Although not a brilliant player myself, i'd always put into consideration that your son doesn't make it (I really hope he does though, then at least I'd know a future NHL'er read one of my posts!) the prep school option would offer him the chance to play a high level of hockey whilst being given two key benefactors; a quality education AND the ability to make long-term friendships - the three combined can develop someone to play an amazing level of hockey, whilst having a good education and new friends.

Hope this helps! - Tom

[-brady2 0]

Oh, something from the AJHL. Might be able to find something closer or just give him a call. http://ajhl.ca/education/student-athlete-advisor/

If he's getting good coaching and improving his skill set with the local midget team, one more season there isn't going to hurt him. Take advantage of having him home for one last season and spend some time together. It sounds like you won't have that opportunity again for a while.

I disagree, if he is not challanged he will get lazy and not develop as fast as others. I coached Minor Midget AAA in Calgary, we had a kid that at 14/15 was in the top 15 D in Canada as he was attending all Hockey Canada camps, played team Pacific, etc. He ended up having to play an extra year of Midget and I honestly think it screwed his career. I (coach) would play against him in practice, but could not commit the time needed to him as I had 5 other D to coach as well. The biggest difference as you move up is the speed at which the game is played, getting 1 year behind is not an option if he wants to play hockey in the NHL. If he wants to use it to get through school and that is it then he will probably be fine at Midget.

My suggestion would be is he needs to get to a province where he can play Jr. Even if he does not get alot of ice skating everyday with the bigger guys will improve his game.

Are you the coach of the team who went to provincials?

No, this was 3 years ago before the provincials were established.

oh i see. i played minor midget AAA this year

For who?

cold lake in the ramhl, before we were northeast panthers but i dont know what happened with that.

[hockeystud04443 0]

Three years ago I attended a training camp for a team in the Q. Before doing so,my dad called the NCAA to see what all the rules were regarding eligibility and all of that fun stuff. And I believe that one of the rules was, that if a player played major junior while he was still in high school he would only lose one year of NCAA eligibility plus every game he played in the Q that season was one more game that he could not play NCAA. I hope that makes sense to you. But if your son wanted to, that would mean he could give the Q a shot and if it ends up its not for him he could jump ship to the USHL the next year. He would still have three years or so of NCAA that he could play. Also, depending on how well your son develops he may only be at an NCAA school for a year and some change, and move on to a pro level, and would have ample eligibility remaining. Again, this was three years ago so the rules may have changed. But good luck to you and your son in which ever path you may chose.

[oggy_3 0]

I have two guys on my team who have already commited to D1. One in grade 9 and one in grade 10. I think for the grade 9 who next year will be in grade 10 it is best he plays Prep school but he is going to play midget AAA and will problably be drafted but will not report. But the other one who is in grade 10 who played prep school is still going to stay the prep school route. I would tell your son to go play prep school for a year and then go to junior A unless the prep school is far superior. I know for my self prep school is the best option because you are on the ice every day practicing and you have a rink at your school unlike Midget AAA, Also education will be forever hockey eventually does end. Remember this is a player who is finisihing his prep school hockey career and plans to play Junior A next year and hopefully D1 or D3 once his junior career is over.

[Abbieshockey20 1]

Hey Oggy, where's Darcy Ashley playing at next year?

[heatley015 0]

Hey Oggy, where's Darcy Ashley playing at next year?

He played for the Cornwall thunder in the major midget playoffs this year, and I've heard rumors that he will be with the thunder next year. But I don't know for sure.

[oggy_3 0]

Hey Oggy, where's Darcy Ashley playing at next year?

He played for the Cornwall thunder in the major midget playoffs this year, and I've heard rumors that he will be with the thunder next year. But I don't know for sure.

He did play for cornwall in the playoffs and i know where he is playing but can not say right now, i imagine you will here soon enough.