Puberty is the great equalizer! Most kids on PWQ team will not play after 16 years old. 98% won't play in college now since Canadian Junior players are now eligible. Less than .8% of youth kids play professionally. Not NHL, but all professional leagues. All these teams are BS! If your kid is between 8-12, that is the prime time to develop their overall athleticism. Yes they need to be on the ice to learn to skate, but they need as much time off the ice to become an athlete. Being on the ice and not playing other sports is damaging your kids chances to play at a higher level. My 12 year old son has played 3 organized sports since he was 4 years old. He also plays basketball, tennis and swim team. He is the 5th best player on his hockey team, but is by far the best athlete. His coach told me out of all the kids on the team, he has the most potential, even though he is not the best skater or scorer right now. His coach played D1 hockey and professionally in Europe, so he has knowledge. Parents need to wake up and realize the better the athlete the better chance to succeed once puberty hits! Get off the ice, stop joining these ridiculous tournament teams and develop your child the right way. All other sports help with hockey and make your child a better player, but more importantly, a better athlete.
