The model leagues are the HPHL and T1EHL. The teams in these leagues are turning out consistently better player right now, while MA Hockey is stuck on labeling AAA teams as Elite and AA teams at Tier 1. MA Hockey is a joke outside the region. I've talked with the parents.
Take, for example, the St. Louis AAA Blues. They brought a group of kids together when they were very young, got former NHL players that chose to make their homes in the area to coach them, and last year produced five first round NHL draft picks. And the goalie was the first pick in the 3rd round. Six players. On one team.
That's the model.
So forget leagues, find a coach / program / parents when your kid is a squirt that is committed to staying together to developing a group of young men, and go along for the ride.
Take, for example, the St. Louis AAA Blues. They brought a group of kids together when they were very young, got former NHL players that chose to make their homes in the area to coach them, and last year produced five first round NHL draft picks. And the goalie was the first pick in the 3rd round. Six players. On one team.
I wouldn't say they decided to bring in ex-NHL players to coach. Those ex-NHL players were there to coach their kids in the game they love and that program was the top one in the area.
To think ex-NHLers will come in and coach kids is ridiculous. They are just like any other dad coach, they only do it for their kid, but they have much more knowledge than most average dads and being around them will benefit anyone on that team.
Same thing happend in Long Island with the kids who were lucky enough to have Pat Lafontaine coach them.
Take, for example, the St. Louis AAA Blues. They brought a group of kids together when they were very young, got former NHL players that chose to make their homes in the area to coach them, and last year produced five first round NHL draft picks. And the goalie was the first pick in the 3rd round. Six players. On one team.
I wouldn't say they decided to bring in ex-NHL players to coach. Those ex-NHL players were there to coach their kids in the game they love and that program was the top one in the area.
To think ex-NHLers will come in and coach kids is ridiculous. They are just like any other dad coach, they only do it for their kid, but they
have much more knowledge than most average dads and being around them will benefit anyone on that team.
Same thing happend in Long Island with the kids who were lucky enough to have Pat Lafontaine coach them.
guy just stop with these posts already. your talking about something that doesnt exist.
Both leagues are fine. Maybe 1-2 kids total playing right now might actually make themselves a pro hockey career. Find a program or 2 close to you. check out the teams and the coaches and make your choice. E9/EHF doesn't really matter. Your kids will still play against good competition and have good coaching.[/quote]
Agree!! Where do you live and where does he play currently? Leauge doesn't matter coaching is top priority when searching for a team!
the best league in the area is the one your kid enjoys playing in, at the right level of competition where he/she gets to impact the game. The most important thing at the younger ages is to teach the fundamentals of hockey and keep the passion for the kid. Weave in the right way to play the game and you may, with any luck, have a kid that sticks with it and enjoys the game.