Negative.. It's legitimate. If he played 1/2 season then he would do plenty of skills during the winter. If he plays full season that would be fine too if the team was a good fit. I haven't made up my mind and have no interest in telling anyone my kid plays up. I am simply looking for somethig a little different than him playing against the same kids he's been playing against. He is also very strong and loves the physical play. Like I said, this is my first go around with that age group and don't know the particulars. Also pretty quiet at the rink and don't ask around a lot.