Youth Hockey

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Sep 11, 2016 - 10:44AM

Re: Good Players on Bad teams

Anon

At what point do you make the move to a better team? We have followed the same coach for years and the team is just bad. We have 5 core kids who produce but not enough to win games, for every goal they score, the rest of the team gives up 2.
I have been told to stay patient and things will work out, but no coach is going to come watch a team that consistantly looses by 3 goals. Is it time to go? (Bantam Minor E9)

At Bantam Minor your goal should be 1 thing- getting your player ready for high school hockey. If your kid is a core player other coaches will see it. Also realize he is about to go into high school and will most likely spend 2 years on jv to learn and prepare for varsity hockey at a high level. Many parents get offended when their kid is put on jv but you have to realize they will be playing against 17-18 year olds so jv is the place for 95% of freshmen. Unless your high school team is terrible, in that case, get the best gear you can and make sure your monthly insurance premiums are up to date, your gonna need it. Good luck either way!

As an FYI, high school/prep coach'es don't care where your kid played youth hockey

I think the point the OP is making is, is he developing enough on a "bad team." Which, if they are E9 (vs. BHL), they can't be that bad.

But, a limited amount of development at this age comes from team practices and league games. If he is a good teacher of the game - good enough that you followed him - then your kid's fundamentals should be strong. You might want to consider an outside skills org, like Dynamic's or Lovell's fall/winter stuff, and then next summer have him do a good skills program, including strength training.

If he's not a good teacher, then you shouldn't have followed him. Still do the same things, but he may have more ground to make up.

Anon

Sep 11, 2016 - 12:45PM

Re: Good Players on Bad teams

If he likes his teammates and enjoys playing on that team keep him there. A move now could actually ruined his career if he does not have a good time playing. I did this at the Bantam minor year with my oldest boy and he really did not have a fun experience playing with new kids while going through puberty. Should've kept him on his subpar team and just let him perform.

Anon

Sep 11, 2016 - 2:52PM

Re: Good Players on Bad teams

Anon

Quit beating yourself up. Worst case, you hastened what would have happened at some point in the not too distant future. Hockey is a sport that is filled with adversity, so if he was weak enough that he couldn't accept new teammates at 13, chances are the outcome would have been the same at 14, or 15, when he finally had to leave the comfort of the nest of Youth Hockey.

Anon

Sep 11, 2016 - 5:52PM

Re: Good Players on Bad teams

I think with the guy is saying is unless your kid is a total stand out and is being recruited by every prep school around leave it alone if the kid is happy. It's not gonna matter much.

Anon

Sep 11, 2016 - 6:57PM

Re: Good Players on Bad teams

Anon

I think with the guy is saying is unless your kid is a total stand out and is being recruited by every prep school around leave it alone if the kid is happy. It's not gonna matter much.

That's a cop out. Kids improve a lot from 13 to 16 by working hard and seeking out new opportunities. It's a critical time from a development standpoint. It isn't about "being recruited by every prep school around." It's about putting your kid in a position to make the most out of the years has left.

God, what a bunch of panty waists.

anon

Sep 12, 2016 - 10:32AM

Re: Good Players on Bad teams

Bantam Minor year is a critical year for skills, teamwork and most importantly for the players mindset. Vary rarely do you see a serious injury due to a hit during this year, but getting knocked down 4 or 5 times a game can destroy confidence and a kids mind.
Make sure to work on mental toughness just as much as the physical.

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