Hockey Canada = bullies?

[Cove 38]

Gretzky said to have kids play inline until 8 or 9 and then if they still like it, put em on the ice. seems logical.

Thats weird, Gretzky started far younger, as do most. Maybe its because I grew up in Toronto with a rink in the park behind my house to play at since I was 4 or so.

[biff44 0]

Not to sound Xenophobic, but Canada does all sorts of stuff like that. I was driving to a game up there, picked up a hitcher, and she asked me "why aren't you wearing your seat belt?". I brushed here off unitl she said "it is a $250 fine here". She went on to explain their pretty extensive socialistic way of thinking up there, with numerous examples. Some of it is good, like cheap college education and medical. Some of it is bad, like a $16 sixpack of beer due to 100% tax. But the general thinking is that the government is good, it is going to do what is good for you, and if there are rogue hockey leagues that are not under control of the government, they are bad and have to be shut down! Just be thankful for your American freedoms!

[QandA 0]

Not to sound Xenophobic, but Canada does all sorts of stuff like that. I was driving to a game up there, picked up a hitcher, and she asked me "why aren't you wearing your seat belt?". I brushed here off unitl she said "it is a $250 fine here". She went on to explain their pretty extensive socialistic way of thinking up there, with numerous examples. Some of it is good, like cheap college education and medical. Some of it is bad, like a $16 sixpack of beer due to 100% tax. But the general thinking is that the government is good, it is going to do what is good for you, and if there are rogue hockey leagues that are not under control of the government, they are bad and have to be shut down! Just be thankful for your American freedoms!

Wtf? There's plenty of beer leagues and pick up leagues, intramural leagues, and others not under Hockey Canada...You're basing your opinions on a hitchhiker? That's a real good basis. So what, we have expensive smokes and beer, we just cross the border if we want that cheap anyways. As is with any governments, some people think it's good, some don't...I'm just amazed at your source...a hitchhiker.

[biff44 0]

Best source of info I got on the 4 day trip. But, of course, this was not my first trip to the great white north! BTW, why don't you fess up and tell the folks just how little beer Canada will let you bring in from the US by car!!!

The only way I found around the rules were the moonshiners making screetch up north, but that is a different story!

[SidCaeser 0]

I have a hard time saying that HC is completely to blame here. Yes, they could have done things differently, but why do these leagues not want to be a part of HC? Is it a terrible organization to be a part of, or is it a pissing match between HC and other leagues? If that's the case then, the outlaw leagues are just as guilty. Now, I will say that I have spent no time playing hockey or living in Canada, so I have no facts. But to sit here and throws stones at HC is not the best answer.

The players suffer the most, but if HC is trying to tighten up it registration, then this is something that needed to happen. This is something that is going to get people's attention.

On another note, why is it USA Hockey & HC's responsibility to promote the game completely. It is my belief that local rinks could do so much more than the governing bodies. Instead of fighting for players, leagues, and self promotion, couldn't they get together to have clinics and information days. If they would work together and stop dividing their resources, more people could come to the game. We have 8 pads of ice within a short distance, and it is like the gang lines are drawn. How is USA Hockey and HC going to help that? They can't. It is a local issue.

[msander 0]

Best source of info I got on the 4 day trip. But, of course, this was not my first trip to the great white north! BTW, why don't you fess up and tell the folks just how little beer Canada will let you bring in from the US by car!!!

The only way I found around the rules were the moonshiners making screetch up north, but that is a different story!

Why not just leave your terrible, piss water beer at home and drink Canadian beer? 100% tax? Get real, try 12-15%.

[biff44 0]

Molson Ice in the US $13.98 for 12 pack

Molson Ice at the beer store (a big discounter) in Canada: $19.95

The difference, the HUGE tax charged for sin products in the great white north. Get a clue, eh!

http://www.thebeerstore.ca/Beers/pricelist...me=CANADIAN+ICE

http://www.andoverliquors.com/sku51101.html

[Chadd 916]

This is heading a bit off topic here guys.....

[sdcopp 1]

On another note, why is it USA Hockey & HC's responsibility to promote the game completely. It is my belief that local rinks could do so much more than the governing bodies. Instead of fighting for players, leagues, and self promotion, couldn't they get together to have clinics and information days. If they would work together and stop dividing their resources, more people could come to the game. We have 8 pads of ice within a short distance, and it is like the gang lines are drawn. How is USA Hockey and HC going to help that? They can't. It is a local issue.

From USAH's own annual guide:

USA Hockey, Inc. is the National Governing Body for the sport of ice hockey in the

United States. Its mission is to promote the growth of hockey in America and provide

the best possible experience for all participants by encouraging, developing, advancing

and administering the sport.

USA Hockey’s primary emphasis is on the support and development of grassroots

hockey programs. USA Hockey is divided into 12 geographical districts throughout the

United States.

The mission of USA Hockey InLine parallels that of USA Hockey – to promote the

growth of inline hockey in America and provide the best possible experience for all

participants by encouraging, developing, advancing and administering the sport. USA

Hockey InLine offers the same level of knowledge, experience and commitment to

service that has made USA Hockey a respected national and international sports

leader for more than 70 years.

The goals of USA Hockey InLine are to:

• Broaden the base of players, coaches and officials who participate in the

sport of hockey.

• Facilitate and enhance further education and skill development for players,

coaches and officials.

• Provide league directors with the resources and information necessary to

offer quality programs for participants.

• Increase the awareness of hockey throughout the United States, particularly

in areas of the country where ice hockey programs are less prevalent.

[SidCaeser 0]

I understand what their mission, goals, etc. are, but my point is we can do more my influencing our communities. USA Hockey is a great resource, but I am not expecting the responsibility of promoting hockey in central Indiana to be placed on their shoulders. The onus should be ours to go out and sell our game.