'AAA' Hockey

[CB1 8]

The one or two parents I briefly chatted with at the game seemed pretty nice. I believe a couple of the kids in our area were evaluated for the team and were flown out when they were trying to build the team.

Most of the buzz around the rinks was that this person was very, very wealthy and has a super "model" wife, so most of the hockey dads were hoping she would be in attendance! ha ha ha! Again, the kids were good, can't take anything away from them. They are just being flown around like mini-NHLer's. It's all good, just on a different funding level than we normally see around here!

[zebra_steve 11]

There is no level playing field anymore. If you have the funds, you can afford the private coaches, the extra ice sessions, and can pay your way onto just about any team. But money can only take you as far as your potential. I imagine it has become increasingly more difficult on the coaches/scouts of junior/college/pro teams as they really have to be able to see past the kids that have maxed out due to deep pockets and those that still haven't hit their ceiling.

And then you kids with talent that NEVER have a chance to realize their potential because their parents have shallow pockets and it's all they can do to afford to put the kid on the ice.... Forget private lessons and stuff.....even if they could make the team, they are still S.O.L. when you start talking about needing plane tickets to go to weekend tournaments coming out of the parents pockets.... for many that just ain't gonna happen. There are definitely kids sitting on the outside looking in because of this. Some teams have sponsors, and others just hand you bill for the season which might seem reasonable until you add on travel costs and tournament fees that come out of pocket!

Another thought, has anyone ever wonder if someone is making money from all of the players fees paid for the privilege of being rostered on the teams? Especially for those teams that practice maybe once a month and go play tournaments but charge thousands in dues and add fees for each tournament?

[thejackal 46]

The money concern is real, but theres another side of the story - the fact that kids today are actually spending less time on the ice even if theyre playing everyday.

Was chatting with an ex-NHLer this morning about this, and we both reminisced about learning the game on outdoor rinks. He said one of the best things about that is that you can be 10 yrs old and play against much better 17 yr olds or adults. That forces you to play harder to go get the puck, and also you learn to stand up for yourself. Its also not too hard to get 3-4 hours of skating in per day, rather than drive to a travel game 2 hrs away and only play 15 minutes.

For the money and time, maybe a nice off-ice shooting setup or a backyard rink would be a better bang for the buck for 'fringe' AAA players who would get more icetime in lower leagues

[215BroadStBullies610 435]

I wish there were more outdoor rinks where anyone could just come play shinny. The Mid-Atlantic just isn't ideal, weather-wise, to have outdoor rinks as common as baseball fields. Either way, AAA hockey isn't what it used to be and seems to be more money-driven these days.

[Chadd 916]

I wish there were more outdoor rinks where anyone could just come play shinny. The Mid-Atlantic just isn't ideal, weather-wise, to have outdoor rinks as common as baseball fields. Either way, AAA hockey isn't what it used to be and seems to be more money-driven these days.

Kids in most of the US should be playing roller hockey in the summer instead of doing tournaments and "select" teams. Just get out and play all day long, you will get better. Unfortunately, most ice hockey players look down their nose at roller hockey, instead of using it as a training tool.

[MThockeydad 469]

Spot-on, Chadd. Kids need to have fun to learn the most, so they need to see it as "play", not "training".

[215BroadStBullies610 435]

I agree. Roller hockey is cheaper and much more relaxed. It gives you a chance to work on your game (especially your hands) and you can do it for a fraction of the cost/time commitment.

[thejackal 46]

Or even lacross. Box lacross is a heck of a workout and develops your vision and eye hand coordination in ways that hockey doesnt hone.

I like tennis quite a bit so growing up it was always easy to get 3-4 hrs of practice in per day and regional tournaments a few times during the summer. Not as ideal of a cross training sport but it kept me mentally fresh for when hockey started in september

[215BroadStBullies610 435]

Box lacrosse isn't as big in the States but field lacrosse has become more popular over the last 10 years or so. I know in my area, it was common to play against guys who played lacrosse after the hockey season was over.