Everyone Happy at New Rinks?

[Guest]

This is what AAA is suppose to be. Now, there are way too many teams. Most programs can’t cut anyone. They aren’t making the decision based on loyalty or development. It is out of necessity. In fact they’re pilfering tier 2 teams for kids that shouldn’t be at the tier 1 level.

THF is the main issue as they have created a safe landing for fake AAA teams. So the real issue is a culture of parents who feel their child is entitled to AAA and never be cut. Snowflake generation.

[Guest]

I find it interesting that anyone would criticize a program for trying to be successful and not field subpar AAA teams that don’t belong at that level. With so many clubs stealing money now isn’t it better to be in a organization that values quality over tuition?

[Guest]

I find it interesting that anyone would criticize a program for trying to be successful and not field subpar AAA teams that don’t belong at that level. With so many clubs stealing money now isn’t it better to be in a organization that values quality over tuition?

My comments came from experience at PHC. No one has the same experiences so I guess we can agree to disagree. Also I was commenting on how the person leaving their current rink and going to PHC will not be happy there. I know this person very well and I know his kid will last 1 year at PHC before he pulls him. We both played D1 and have been coaching for many years. I know his definition of quality program is the same as mine. Winning does not = program quality.

[Guest]

This is what AAA is suppose to be. Now, there are way too many teams. Most programs can’t cut anyone. They aren’t making the decision based on loyalty or development. It is out of necessity. In fact they’re pilfering tier 2 teams for kids that shouldn’t be at the tier 1 level.

THF is the main issue as they have created a safe landing for fake AAA teams. So the real issue is a culture of parents who feel their child is entitled to AAA and never be cut. Snowflake generation.

My kid plays for a THF "Tier 1" team. We are at this program because you get way more for your money playing Tier 1 than you do playing AA or lower. You don't need to pay extra money for skills or skating. You get that with your 4 hrs on ice, 1 hr off ice, unlimited off-season ice and 4 day-6hr per day training camp. I priced all this out and it would cost $3k more than my AAA tuition if I paid a-la-carte. The teams coach even says the team is not really a AAA but a high AA team. The team has about 5 out of 13 kids that are truly AAA. It has nothing to do with snowflake kids not wanting to get cut. My kid was offered a spot on an upper AYHL team and we turned it down because he had friends on his current team. Also about half the teams in the AYHL are not very good. Top teams in THF and AYHL are about the same, so both leagues have issues. The only reason THF is ranked lower in MHR ranking is because they have 2-2.5x more teams than the AYHL. The top 4 teams in each league age group are about the same.

[Guest]

Yes but the 2011's "promoted" 7 kids from Hurricane's so they kept it in house which is great. They struggle with wins, but they have been in almost every game this season.  They have a some players that are decent and developing with 2 really good coaches that is all that matters at 13. Wins mean nothing.

100% agree! That is the attitude all PHC teams should have. Recruiting 4-5 kids from other rinks to have top 10 teams is not what I call development.

Also no one knows if a 11 year old who is the best player on the team will be good at 16. Puberty balances things out. I also worry about burnout at all levels but especially at AAA. 8-10 hotel stays and 70+ game schedules can wear a kid out. Look at college hockey and what state produces the most D1 players. Minnesota does not have AAA, AA or A. They have a community hockey program that works and produces some of the best players in the country. Every state should take notice and try to model their programs after Minnesota.

[Guest]

I find it interesting that anyone would criticize a program for trying to be successful and not field subpar AAA teams that don’t belong at that level. With so many clubs stealing money now isn’t it better to be in a organization that values quality over tuition?

My comments came from experience at PHC. No one has the same experiences so I guess we can agree to disagree. Also I was commenting on how the person leaving their current rink and going to PHC will not be happy there. I know this person very well and I know his kid will last 1 year at PHC before he pulls him. We both played D1 and have been coaching for many years. I know his definition of quality program is the same as mine. Winning does not = program quality.

This is funny.

So you’re the parent or a former PHC player, you’re a former D1 player and you weren’t on the bench at PHC to help your son’s team? This is a completely made up story.

[Guest]

I taught all my kids how to skate and still rent ice to help youngest. I learned with my oldest son I am not cut out to coach other peoples kids. Questioning from parents like you is one of main reasons I stopped coaching!

[Guest]

More crap talk about PHC. No one cares! If this guy goes their with his kid they will either like it or not. PHC/Hollydell is not a great fit for some and a great fit for others. People that stay their rave about it and people that left are so happy at other rinks they can't believe they stay their so long. None of this matters until the kids hit 15-16 yrs old. That is the age you find out if your kid has a shot to play at a higher level. If they do have a shot, the kid (not the parent) must want to sacrifice as a teenager to make it. Not a lot of kids want to make that sacrifice. It means skipping parties, dances and other social events with your friends to travel to tournaments/showcases/tryouts and being at a hockey rink 6 days a week. It is a tough choice for  a 15-18 year old to make. I made that choice in another sport and I played D1 in college. I had dreams of playing pro, but once in college my passion for that sport started to wane and other passions took over. There are a ton of talented kids out there, but passion and drive is what separates the kids that make it from the kids that don't. Stop complaining/bashing other rinks/programs and enjoy the ride. Even if your kid never plays in college or pros, you can look back at the friendships your kid and you as a parent have made over the years. The journey is the fun part, so enjoy it!

[Guest]

Yes but the 2011's "promoted" 7 kids from Hurricane's so they kept it in house which is great. They struggle with wins, but they have been in almost every game this season.  They have a some players that are decent and developing with 2 really good coaches that is all that matters at 13. Wins mean nothing.

Wasn't this team (phc 2011) like top 10 the previous few seasons? Quite a change between getting all the best players in the area, than watching everyone leave. Now the "wins mean nothing" and "lets develop" approach takes over? huh?

[Guest]

Yes but the 2011's "promoted" 7 kids from Hurricane's so they kept it in house which is great. They struggle with wins, but they have been in almost every game this season.  They have a some players that are decent and developing with 2 really good coaches that is all that matters at 13. Wins mean nothing.

Wasn't this team (phc 2011) like top 10 the previous few seasons? Quite a change between getting all the best players in the area, than watching everyone leave. Now the "wins mean nothing" and "lets develop" approach takes over? huh?

Yes, the hypocrisy of Hollydell/PHC. Of course they promoted from in-house for 2011 team. None of the top 2011 kids wanted to play at PHC so they have no choice but to bring up Hurricanes. Now being ranked 90th in the US at 13U (82nd Tier 1) PHC says it is about development. This is why kids leave. It is never about development until the teams suck. National rankings for 2011 PHC teams:

2024-24= 82nd (all the ringers left!)
2023-24= 37th (some ringers left)
2022-23= 9th (brought in multiple ringers)
2021-22= 17th (added some Hollydell kids)
2020-21= 22 (as Flyers Elite- all Venom kids)

Just wait! Same thing will happen to all PHC teams below Bantam. Hollydell/PHC is very over rated and only cares about the almighty $. Hurricanes program pays the bills and they entice parents with the dream of playing for a top nationally ranked PHC team. Hurricanes are passed over for "ringers but once the "ringers" leave and the PHC team stinks, then it is time to bring up the Hurricanes. Parents are very dumb!