Hard for New Englanders to fathom that in other parts of the country like Minnesota a) almost every kid's first sport is hockey so it attracts the best athletes and b) kids who grow-up playing pond hockey, like the other posted stated, skate 5X what our kids skate often at an early age.

You are wrong. QB kids are not skating 4-5 hours per day all winter. Not even close as 3-4 practice hours per week is normal. Not as much specialized clinics either. Summer hockey is more just about parti****tion and fun. US Northeast families are just crazy and take hockey for more than just a youth sport. It's a lifestyle to them and they are proud of it. Almost as if they want to feel special or show other people how special they are.

The level of youth Hockey douchebaggery in the Northeast is unmatched and this environment is an absolute necessity to support the FED-4-Lifers.

Everyone needs to realize the following:

1. If your kid is good enough, they will find him / her.

2. Some kids are good from the youngest ages. Others take more time to develop. Regardless, think of it as a marathon.

3. Stop making excuses about MN, Quebec, etc. having more ponds and colder temps. If your kid loves the game enough, he / she will find a way to play, whether it’s street hockey, roller hockey, etc.

4. If your kid gets to whatever goal he / she has, it’s because your kid did it. You can’t make it happen, and you’re potentially getting in the way.