What do you do with an above average bender that loves the game, works really hard, and can’t get enough of the rink? Would skate every day if we let him.
No visions of grandeur here for the boy. Played FED AAA and E9, alternate for FED Elite team 1 year. He truly wants to get better.
Seems like more and more FS options now but that scares me. His public HS coaching and apparent lack of hockey culture scares me.
FS offers a huge advantage over MOST MIAA programs. There are exceptions both ways. But, simply based on his receiving continuous instruction and consistent practice time for six months instead of three will lead to greater development.
YMMV, but most half season programs rarely practice, and most HS teams are focused on beating the teams from the three surrounding towns for bragging rights, not player development.
And, the exodus of talent from the HS teams in just the past few years means he will be playing against lower overall levels of competition. He may be fine with that, in exchange for the experience of playing in front of a crowd and the notoriety among his classmates. Most FS kids are playing for development (with some being a bit unrealistic about what their hockey future is after HS).
Now, there are bad FS programs out there, too, so these are not universal truths.
Here is a different way to assess this because you seem like an honest down to earth parent. If you think his hockey career will end at high school, then where will he have the most fun and the best experience? FS u18 and u16 teams usually play in front of a few parents during weekends when his HS buddies are at school events. HS plays in front of a student body and is usually covered by local media. There are other benefits of playing sports for your high school that most of us remember. The FS is likely to be the better hockey and instruction but maybe HS is the best way to finish the career? You will also save a few bucks for college
There are plenty of benefits to either choice. I think if you look at the thread called "A good coach", you will find most of the pros & cons discussed ad nauseum with respect for FS vs HS.