May end up kicking myself later but having my son miss a week of school for WSI just didn't seem like the right thing to do. Why is still acceptable to put a tournament during the entire school week?

Exactly

In High School, it is unacceptable to take a week off for hockey. That is exactly why my son had to say no.

Will miss the exposure that an event of this scale provides, but if it needs to be a week long event it should be held over the summer.

Went a few years ago. Complete waste of time. My youngest was asked this year and we instantly said no thank you. Not worth missing a week of school.

At what point do you start asking yourself "What does my kid get out of it?" I saw no real benefit that he couldn't get at a better local summer tournament. Its May first and some of these guys are already down 2K for no reason and have a weeks worth of schoolwork to catch up on. Sounds fun! If I am wrong could someone educate me on the benefit of this tournament or is it just another tournament?

Many see this tournament as a stepping stone to USA NTDP or at least possibly getting an invite to U15 camp.

What an " EXPERIENCE" , we are fortunate to have done it

My son’s team went to nationals. Guess I made a mistake having him miss a week of school.

My son is attending WSI. I have been overseas in another sport with my older son. It was an amazing experience for all, and most of all an incedibile 10 days with my son. Is it expensive and does it interfere with school? Of course.

How much did that last tournament in Detroit or Toronto cost between airfare, luggage fees, rental car, hotel, tournament fee, coach’s fee, food, etc.? And that was at least 2 days of missed school. WSI certainly costs more, but from a value proposition I think you do get a lot for the money, plus the cultural experience. Others may disagree.

We all think school is important, and expect our children to regularly attend, but does missing a week really make that much difference in the long run? I actually think there can be benefits aside from the life experience gained on such a trip. I required my son to speak with each of his teachers, explain the trip, and get all of his work for the school he will miss. We are going to set aside several hours each day, including on the long plane rides, for him to do his work. I’ve made it clear that he does not get to participate in the trip activities unless he is meeting his school obligations. A couple of his teachers even said they would facetime to discuss any questions my son has, and all have been very supportive. He’s never had to do anything quite like this, so I think the executive functioning, organizational and accountability skills coming from this are a unique learning opportunity.

The icing is that the hockey, competition, food, cultural experiences, immersion in a foreign culture, spending 10 days bonding with teammates, the time with my son, hanging with the other parents, etc. should be fantastic. I’ll post my thoughts after the trip.

Great experience, not just for hockey but for life. Missing a week of school was not an issue... if my son was struggling in school, then it would be a concern. But he got so much out of it culturally, and educationally. He met and played hockey with kids from all over the world. They hung out, became friends, played some great teams, saw the world. Is it necessary for advancing his hockey goals.... no, but it will never he regretted or forgotten. I was able to show him the world while he got to do what he loves.

Keep in mind....Just because you go to WSI (or nationals since that was thrown in) doesn't mean your kid is going D1 or the NTDP or the NHL....go for your reason.......but there are plenty of other good players - yes even better than yours - that are not there.... for their reason

I really like Philly Cheesesteaks, wit, sharp (with grilled onions and sharp provolone).

The European events are for fun, the experience, great competition, etc. The Philly event is more heavily scouted, it's the oldest age group, etc. It's not any different than other good competition, well scouted tournaments, including nationals. Simply attending any of these events has no bearing on a future hockey path. That's all determined on the ice, or detracted by off ice conduct, including crazy parents.

If you're concerned about missing middle or high school your kid has no chance of hockey success. Funny thing is, the kids who skip school for tournaments are the ones who get the college deals! Straight A's by your otherwise unconnected white son in HS has a lower chance of getting him into a top college than being a star hockey player with C's. So feel justified in having him skip school and tell your wife you're doing it for his future!!

If your check cleared...and you are relatively good/connected...you could play...

While higher than most D1 sports, the percentage of US HS age hockey players that will go D1 is 3-3.5% at best. WSI parents and those running around to each and every event (I.e. the USHL combine) to the tune of thousands of hard earned dollars per event, need to realize that the percentages are not favorable. If you can do it and still live the lifestyle you want and you’re comfortable with your child sacrificing his/her education in the process - go for it. Organizers won’t tell you that fact though. Sure, some boys in Philly will play D1. Maybe even more than 3.5% given they are the best :- but most had better make **** sure they spend their down time between games and wolfing down cheese steaks catching up on their homework. There’s a far better chance of ending up in that take out window at Pat’s King of Steaks than at BU. Just facts. Now let’s hear it crazies.....”sorry your kid got cut” “my kid is an A student and is projecting D1, the coach with the clip board here told me so”. Do your your homework, make sure your kid does theirs and enjoy! BTW dont lose sight of the fact that an even greater percentage of kids that will end up on D1 rosters have no idea these can’t miss events are even taking place. They’re 2 miles north of Saskatoon right now bailing hay and helping out on mom and dads farm. Just facts.

Thank you for the best laugh of the day (Saskatoon :joy: ) but the unfortunate thing is you are 100% speaking the truth!

Guys, WSI U15 is in Philly...I wasn't talking about the complete money grab to Italy or Finland. Yes those can cultural, but to drive around Philly for a week, nah.

How about am the poor kids that went from USHL combine last week to WSI. Really hope Hockey works out or else your gonna end up in skate shop!
School first parents, cmon! Get a grip, they are 14 or 15.

Don't forget nationals a couple weeks ago....

I see the rosters and it looks like all the early commits are there this week. Do they dominate the ice? Is there a clear difference between them and everyone else?

My son plays on a team with a number of commits. At least on his team, committed players are clearly the best players on the team and typically the best players on the ice.

Early puberty.

All the committed players on my son‘s team are average to below average size. What makes them better is their skill. While there are definitely some commits to get that because of their early puberty, that is far from the case across the board. In fact, if you look at the players selected for the MDTPE this year, that is only partially a factor. Bottom line, you have to be able to play, regardless of size. The two skaters selected from New England this year are average and below average size.

Just because you are average or below average size doesn’t mean you haven’t hit puberty early

Sorry your kid is going to top out at 5’8”

How did the locals do?

HA HA

Yup that is it right there....if you didn't play for BJT or BJE...why bother going to Marlboro this weekend...