Rink Jumping Season is Upon Us!

[Guest]

The calendar has turned to a new year and parents/coaches are making their moves to new rinks. Rumors flying at every rink for ages 2011 thru 2015: PHC/Hurricanes/Hollydell, Mercer/Ice Land, Igloo/Jaguars, Blazer/NE Skate Zone, Flyers Elite/Pennsauken, Flyers Youth/Voorhees, Jr Flyers/Ice Line, Little Flyers/Ice Works, Revolution, Grundy, Snyder. Did I miss any rinks?

Have parents finally gotten fed up due to high prices, too much travel and limited ice time at Tier II? Are some Tier I teams forcing out the problem parents/players? Are parents/players at all levels tired of rinks not listening to their complaints? Are parents realizing Tier I/AAA is a better bargain when comparing it to high prices for Tier II, power skates and private added teams in NY, CT, Pitt, Harrisburg, & Maryland?

Every year there are rumors of people changing rinks, but this year the rumors are off the charts! Give me your thoughts on what you are hearing, who is losing/gaining at AAA/AA and what your opinions are about the rinks mentioned above?

[Guest]

sounds like flyers elite is going to try again for more birth year only teams. will they get enough new kids?

[Guest]

sounds like flyers elite is going to try again for more birth year only teams. will they get enough new kids?

That is the question. 2011, 2013 & 2013 Spring team skate was heavy on Saturday. Flyers Youth, Igloo, Snyder, Grundy, Revolution, Little Flyers, Atlantic City, Mercer and Hollydell players were there. Lots of PHC kids showed up too, but no way they are leaving PHC. I think they just wanted a cheap $15 skate. I guess we shall see how many kids actually show up for tryouts. I know my 2013 will be there!

[Guest]

“Will they get enough kids” is exactly what is wrong with AAA hockey in this area. FE and others will field teams no matter how bad they are and parents will chase the letters even if the team isn’t AAA level. The slogan “development over wins and losses” is fantastic if it were actually true. The losses are coming regardless of the coaches philosophy because the roster is filled with tier 2 kids. To each is own, spend your money as you wish but let’s be honest about the product they put on the ice.

[Guest]

“Will they get enough kids” is exactly what is wrong with AAA hockey in this area. FE and others will field teams no matter how bad they are and parents will chase the letters even if the team isn’t AAA level. The slogan “development over wins and losses” is fantastic if it were actually true. The losses are coming regardless of the coaches philosophy because the roster is filled with tier 2 kids. To each is own, spend your money as you wish but let’s be honest about the product they put on the ice.

For full disclosure, my son is moving over next year. FE has legit Tier I players at 2014, 2013, 2012 & 2011, just not enough.  Over half the 2013 team is playing up and 4 on the 2011 team are playing up.  Put all the 2014 & 2015 kids and 2 of the 2012 kids on their birth year teams and they are legitimate Tier I players with a few being good to great Tier I players.   My family is not chasing letters, We looked at our Tier II fees, compared them to FE fees and realized you get way more at Tier I than Tier II for about the same price when factoring in Spring costs, summer camp, private sessions and power skates.  We can debate the level of play, but I am about my kid having fun, being with coaches where development comes 1st, winning 2nd, being with parents that will not cause issues and ultimately getting what I pay for. I think most AAA parents want the same. Some will chase the letters, but most could care less. They want what is best for their child. Also not having teams at 2013, 2012 & 2011 for 22-23 season really hurt FE. They are now rebuilding the program and from what I see will be very competitive next season. My family is excited for Flyers Elite in 24-25!

[Guest]

“Will they get enough kids” is exactly what is wrong with AAA hockey in this area. FE and others will field teams no matter how bad they are and parents will chase the letters even if the team isn’t AAA level. The slogan “development over wins and losses” is fantastic if it were actually true. The losses are coming regardless of the coaches philosophy because the roster is filled with tier 2 kids. To each is own, spend your money as you wish but let’s be honest about the product they put on the ice.

Flyers Elite is still digging out from PHC poaching most of their 2012 & younger kids back in 2021. Venom left and took best kids to PHC.  Not having teams below 2010 last season really hurt the program. BB updating facilities and bringing in quality coaches is a start. The only thing that will make FE better is to get better players. That may finally happen next season but it will take 203 years of playing together before these teams are good. I hope FE returns to their former glory when I played!

[Guest]

When Venom left, the coaches brought a lot of kids with them. To get players, they need to do the same thing (get a coach to come over with players who are following them). Otherwise, how are they going to get a large # of kids to jump?

[Guest]

I think 2009/2010 is the most entertaining, there are rumors circling around what kids are leaving for hockey academies and prep schools.  Tier 1 at 2009/2010 may be even more of a joke next year once all talent leaves!!!

[Guest]

I used to look down on all of the "rink jumpers" and "club hoppers".

But after being thoroughly mis-treated by our long time club, I have come to change my mind.  Mistreated in the loyalty sense. We were loyaly to them, they were not loyal to us. Full disclosure: my son is still with this team for the current year.

Loyalty is a one way street in youth hockey.

Do what is best for your player and your family for next year.   Do not have blind loyalty to a club.

[Guest]

South Jersey youth hockey is a very entertaining situation to watch from afar!  Sorry to those who going through it.....