Delaware Ducks News

[Guest]

We have no plans to merge. We have an excellent relationship with the University of DE and truly believe our rinks are some of the best in the DVHL. Our announcement last night was independent of any conversations we've had with the Ducks.

Here are links to the recent announcements:
http://jrbluehens.pointstreaksites.com/files/uploaded_documents/2919/12.14.18_Letter_from_JBH_Board.pdf
http://jrbluehens.pointstreaksites.com/files/uploaded_documents/2919/JBH_2019-20_Goals_&_Strategy.pdf

We wish the Ducks and all teams well! We all work hard to create wonderful programs for kids who love to play hockey.

[Guest]

That isn't what some of us are talking about. The Pond wants us out and that doesn't mean we have to have a place to go like merging. The fear is that they cut the lease and there is no where to go except find a new team which means Blue Hens or if the Pond starts their own.

[Guest]

The Ducks say the Blue Hens must have learned something from them, but the Ducks should have learned something from the Blue Hens and not hired personnel that the Blue Hens fired for destroying their previous program.  Yes the Ducks will play out of the PIC next year.  But then their contract ends?  Expanding? It's chaos with the number of teams, number of locker rooms, and ice time as it is.  The huge number of people that came from the blue house was in essence a merging of the 2 programs last year anyway that was a cash grab that's lead to the chaos.  It's a shame for the children and families caught in the middle of this business restructuring.

[Guest]

I'm the President of the Ducks and I can assure you we have a contract with the PIC next year - feel free to reach out to me if you have concerns, since you mentioned you won't be back. My email address is delawareduckshockey@outlook.com and we released an email to all of our club members awhile back letting them know we will be the Ducks at the PIC for the 2019-2020 season. Also, check out our Facebook page that reiterates our commitment to the club and the rink!

[Guest]

Bottom line is the Ducks are open for business for the 2019-2020 season - hope to see you at evals!

How would you see anyone at evals? You still locking parents out of the rink and drawing the blinds?

[Guest]

Interesting read… Seems most of the comments are either from the powers to be, defending one of the clubs or uninformed speculators just looking to start unnecessary drama.

Let’s examine the facts (from an unbiased point of view), those reading with earnest can extract whatever rhetoric they need too and spin it however they must.
-->The merger should have happened as would have been the best thing for youth hockey in Delaware and the surrounding area(s).  Unfortunately, it was unable to come together and finally put to rest by JBH after citing some reasonable concerns.
-->The PIC has retreated from their quest to establish their own hockey club and has recently held constructive conversations with the Ducks and other programs at the rink to understand needs and how to best improve to meet expectations.  (i.e. ***New OLY Ice coming in April***)
-->JBH as seen from an outsider is a club which promotes an inviting atmosphere for the player who enjoys playing the game, wants to play with their friends and does not necessarily care if they win or lose.  If you are looking for more structure and development for your player, this may not be a club for everyone.
-->Ducks as seen from an outsider is a club which strives to place competitive teams at every level, has an emphasis on player development and team execution and places a stronger tone around winning.  Teams are traditionally selected based on merit each season and an evolving roster is typical.  If you want to play with your friends year after year, this may not be a club for everyone.

Now some facts from an insider…
-->The Ducks have a few coaches, instructors or staff that have affiliation with the university but choose to not be part of JBH.  Why?
-->Most players leaving the Ducks and heading elsewhere are lower level players who are looking for an opening or another option.  Many players coming to the Ducks from surrounding organizations are looking for a more competitive option and want to play on a developing/winning team. 
-->JBH has (6) DVHL travel teams and (3) Mite teams
   18A – Playoff Bound
   16A
   14UA
   14LA
   12LA – Playoff Bound
   10B
-->Ducks has (10) DVHL travel teams and (6) Mite teams
   18AA – Playoff Bound & National Bound
   16AA – National Bound
   14UA – Playoff Bound
   14B – Playoff Bound
   12AA – Playoff Bound
   12LA
   12B
   10AA
   10LA – Playoff Bound
   10B

[Guest]

Why don't you just put your brochure on here too? 

[Guest]

Not sure why this is that big of a deal.  I've been around youth hockey for forty years, simply just play where you find the best fit and are happy.  It all has become to business oriented and less focused on developing players and youth hockey. Many/most will only play youth hockey and why try to manage the careers of our kids.

*Parents stay out of the process, let the kids earn their spot and be content where they land.  Stop being lawnmower parents, let the kids navigate aversity on their own.  Build better quality young adults.

*AAA, AA, A, B???  The real difference is consistency in intensity.  I've seen many AAA that are miss placed just to grab the extra letter and struggle to beat quality AA teams and the same can be said all the way down the line.

*Don't lobby for or push your player to play over their head.  Playing to high to soon, will set them back much more than one year in confidence development.

*Not everyone can play at the highest level (AAA / AA). Rosters are capped for a reason, to keep it competitive. Far too many "elite" level teams these days, diluting the talent pool


Play, Have Fun, Improve, Compete, Smile... end of the day, your still playing hockey!

[Guest]

+1 for the merger.  It should have happened!

[Guest]

The Ducks had no interest in actually merging.  They used the threat of a merger with JBH to negotiate a better deal with PIC for ice though their ice cost is still astronomically high.  The whole process was disingenuous from day one.