Agreed. I think most of the teams in the EJ are in another league, the EJ is an opportunity to play "other" teams. Unfortunately for DVHL teams it seems most of the EJ regular season ends up being against DVHL teams. This past year my son's EJ schedule took us no further than central Jersey, we traveled less for EJ than we did for other games.
For teams playing in the NJYHL, DVHL, CBHL etc..... EJ participation is considered "supplemental" and exactly as you stated, to play other teams outside your league. But that isn't how it is presented to parents who are already playing in a structured league. The club presents it's case as, "scouts and recruiters" will be watching. Realistically no they won't be. The club tells them later, "BTW, since we entered our team into the EJ this season, on top of your tournament dues, you now also have EJ dues". Your base tuition of $2,300 just multiplied by 1/4. Add on uniform cost, $300 + tournament dues $400 + EJ dues $500-$600. You're now paying almost $4,000 to play tier ll hockey. That isn't including the approximately $800 - $1000 additional for travel and hotel accommodations for each of those tournament and showcase trips. Does it make sense to travel to Maryland for an EJ showcase to play the Lehigh Valley Phantoms or any other team in your respective league?
If you want to play teams outside your league, it's the managers responsibility to schedule reciprocal non-league games which cost the families nothing.
: Oktay Armagan ( 41235 )
