Article on High School Elite League

[BIAFP]

Step outside? Pick ME! <p></p><i></i>

[Ibleedgreen]

my money is on you BIAFP <p></p><i></i>

[Sioux Fan]

Elliot70,<br><br>Do you have my phone #?<br><br>John Notermann,<br><br>email a number that I can reach u at thanks<br><br>jnotermann@charter.net <p>Hockey Nut in So. MN</p><i></i>

[defencewinsgames]

moorloss could have played all 3 elite goalies<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p></p><i></i>

[P1D2]

I do think the Elite League has fulfilled a roll in keeping our high school players at home. I would look upon this league as the same as high level AAA hockey for older players. The functional difference is that the coaching and officiating have greater capabilities and control. Older boys AAA games tend to turn into something other than hockey. Due to travel and time considerations I don't believe there is a great amount of emphasis on practice to game ratios. The key is that 115 players are selected to play against much tougher competition during the fall season than they normally would during their normal high school schedule. I suppose it's kind of like overspeed training. In order to compete at this level you must develop the ability to function at a speed and skill level above your normal comfort zone. <br>I do wish the Elite League would make an effort to embrace and endorse the Elite 2 league. There are many more than 115 high potential players in the state. This league fills the gap for the high level UNDERCLASSMEN that have the desire to participate. The Elite Two league does not compete for the same players as Elite 1. In fact they make accommodations for the players that do not make Elite 1 teams. It may be the limited sponsorship monies available but I think we should go back to what this concept is all about. Providing a highly competitive environment for high potential players, not sponsorship money or egos. <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p074.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUserP ... hs>P1D2</A> at: 3/7/05 1:30 pm<br></i>

[Ibleedgreen]

P1D2<br><br>sounds good but it will never happen.......politics, favors, influence, connections, exceptions, conflicts of interest, personal agendas, snubs, etc. will ALWAYS be a part of the process and league. <p></p><i></i>

[packerboy]

What strikes me is that there seems to be a lot of people in favor of the Elite league only if it could be more fair and inclusive. <br><br>Thats not what elitism is all about. If you think we need elitism, then you better be ready for all that goes along with it. <br><br>My personal beliefs are that anyone who makes a high school team is an elite player. They are the best in their community and/ or school. I dont think the cheese needs to be cut any thinner than that at this age. <br><br>Now, I know that isnt the prevailing view.<br><br>But dont be in favor of an Elite league and then complain because all the guys you think ought to be included arent. <br><br> <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p074.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUserP ... ckerboy</A> at: 3/7/05 5:58 pm<br></i>

[pokecheck]

Hartzell, hey was that Kevin's kid (Eric, sophomore) in net against Century?<br>He sure did ok.<br><br>If the ELITE league could figure out a way to have Hartzell coach every team in the state nobody would be complaining........<br> <p></p><i></i>

[Ibleedgreen]

pokecheck<br><br>nice post kevin but don't you think you are a little obvious........c'mon nobody but you saw your kid play and face all of those 6 shots on goal <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :\ --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... ohwell.gif ALT=":\"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p></p><i></i>

[Knowlze]

Packerboy, great insight once again. The Elite League is great for those who get chosen. If not chosen, you have to find other ways to improve yourself (not the end of the world).<br><br>Fans, parents, and especially scouts love it because they get to see the top players play against each other at one venue, just like a tryout. Players not chosen are at a distinct disadvantage (Elitism).<br><br>As far as the claim of keeping players in High School, I agree, it is generally false. The top players still choose (or are influenced by their future college coaches) to play Junior Hockey. The claim is mostly the marketing tool. <p></p><i></i>

[juniorhockey]

Every time the Elite League comes up, I write about how they promote development. Then I come on here and write about how they rarely practice and when they do, some kids can't make it. <br><br>My arguement has never been disputed by anyone who writes on here involved with the league. Make me wonder.<br><br>The league is the best way to get noticed by scouts, impossible to argue that. As far as exposure, this league is the best there has been. I think that the selection process is fine. Many who bicker on here now people who have been 'overlooked'. I'm not buyin' it. <br><br>But this league promotes development, and that's not the case. Promote exposure, because you are the best at it. Don't tell us you develop these players, it's an insult to the coaches who run practice with these kids for ten years prior. <p></p><i></i>

[neutralzonetrapper]

Yes, I would agree the Elite league does not develop players.<br><br>But, I watched games every weekend but two this past fall and the Elite League, without a doubt, furthers the development of hockey players. <p></p><i></i>

[Triple Deke]

doesn't the post before mine, make absolutely no sense?<br>I agree it doesnt help players..............elite leauge made these players better?<br><br>I'm soooo Bored <p></p><i></i>

[packerboy]

Not the nzt needs a interpreter but what he is saying is that these players are already very good so the Elite league shouldnt be taking credit for their success. <br><br>Also, I think he is saying that the players will be better for the experience but he would like to see them practice more before they call themselves a developmental league.<br><br>Now, for a small fee I wil interpret bluesbuddy's last post for you too. <p></p><i></i>

[elliott70]

How are players developed?<br><br>If player devlopment entails giving instruction, given an opportunity to use that instruction on the ice, given immdeiate feedback on how well they used the instruction. And then repeat the process twice more in a short period of time.<br><br>Hmm, I think the experts on here need to check with the experts. What the elite league does is an extension of what the HS coaches did the winter before, what the Bantam coaches did, peewees, the Dads, ...<br><br>Again, as I stated before, ask the players how the elite league helped them develop.<br><br>Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but the only opinions that count are the people that are enjoying the results of their development, the players, the HS coaches and the teams that come later.<br><br>It seems that HS hockey players would be better served if people would develop similar programs for the other kids not involved in this league rather than find fault with something that is succesful. If you have constructive criticism - fine join the 'team' and help make it better. (or just pass it on to those of us that make ourselves available to listen). <br><br>Or better yet, establish a statewide, regional, or local league and follow the elite league pattern, or another pattern, or develop your own.<br><br>If you want an up close and personal look, just call me and tag along next fall. (It is ahell of alot of fun even if I am in different parts of MN every weekend and have not hunted birds for about 7 years).<br><br> <p></p><i></i>

[mnhshock29]

I guess I don't agree that a player can only develop through practice sessions. I also know that many people a lot smarter than me feel the same way.<br><br>Again, no one from the league is claiming to turn mediocre players into stars. However, many players (most recently Mitch Ryan) show significant improvement from having played a high school season worth of high end games in the fall (and working all summer, etc.). Playing with and against the top players in the state (and the likes of Sidney Crosby, Kyle Okposo, etc.) in longer, faster, more physical, etc. games forces these players to learn how to make a decision more quickly, eliminate moves that only work against inferior competition, play for coaches who likely have more complex, college/junior/pro-like systems, etc. How is that not development? Several relative unknowns have exploded out of an Elite League season to have career years, the players talk about how it's hard to adjust down to the pace of high school, etc. This league is about more than exposure. <br><br>Players who go to the USHL don't go for all of the practice time (that's the one thing that MN HS Hockey CAN deliver in bulk). They go to develop by playing more games against better competition. It's the SAME THING HERE. The league doesn't say that these players aren't developed. It does feel that it plays a role in furthering these players development. And once again, so does the USHL, the NAHL, etc. <br><br>Furthermore, this league is not exactly void of practice. Teams practice once per week throughout the 8 week season. They also have two full weekends devoted to practice. In addition, coaches conduct multiple chalk talks, game video reviews, off-ice preparation, etc. If it was possible to practice more, the league would do it, but it's not feasible, especially for the many players playing a fall sport and those spread far across the state.<br><br>For those of you who have a question/concern and want to get a response from the league, visit www.hselitehockey.com, and click on the "Contact Us" tab. Email them directly and see what they have to say. The league may not have the time to always be trolling around this board looking to respond to every question/complaint. I don't think it's fair to complain about the presence they do have here as compared to other representatives of similar organizations.<br><br> <p></p><i></i>

[pokecheck]

I just visited the Elite League web page and the title is "Seven Help Stars Take State ".<br><br>I propose that the Elite League limits each High School team in the state to three representivies so that they can develop more players from more teams.<br><br>Since this is a development league that would help everybody be a BETTER high school hockey players.<br><br> <p></p><i></i>

[mnhshock29]

This isn't a league designed to make EVERYONE better high school players, it's a league designed to help Minnesota's TOP players develop, while staying at home, being exposed to college and pro scouts before returning to their high school. The league can't be the everone's answer to everything. I can tell you if it wasn't around, neither would many of the state's best players. That's a fact. Sixteen players on the two teams in the AA championship. Take away even three, four, five, six and think about it. <p></p><i></i>

[synergy100]

Were all seven actually enrolled at AHA prior to being selected to participate in the elite league? oops sorry about that. <br><br>Let's just hope that the head coach of the Gophers keeps his own son around. What's good for the goose should be good for the gander. <p></p><i></i>

[mnhshock29]

I would also argue that by keeping these players at their highs schools, it does help make other players better (better competition, etc.) <p></p><i></i>

[juniorhockey]

Thank you both for the response. I agree with several of your points and disagree with some as well. That will likely never change and we'll have to agree to disagree. I'd rather not have my one disagreement hashed out on here with endless posts. I don't want to come on here and rip a league I think has been great for the state and lots of players, and I try to include positive things in my posts I think you do well, but at the same time, my issue was never answered when others (what I felt probably didn't even need an answer, like my kid deserves to be on a team but was cut...) were responded to. Thanks to both of you again. <p></p><i></i>

[Knowlze]

The elite league is a great opportunity for the elite hockey players and an even greater convenience for the scouts, both serve the elite group of players very well.<br><br>The rest of the hockey players are on their own.<br><br>Trying to make any claims beyond that, are rationalizations to promote a league thats needs no promotion, or just to pat each other on the back.<br><br>I too, think it is a wonderful league for the elite players, but lets just realize what it is, and not get to carried away with its greatness. <p></p><i></i>

[mnhshock29]

I believe that all seven were enrolled at AHA at that point. As far as Lucia, let's realize that every year about 10 kids (as opposed to the 40 and rising that we were seeing before the Elite League) are going to leave HS for juniors. Certainly, if Tony leaves that will not mean that the Elite League is a failure, it will just mean that his family felt like that move was the best move for him (which is fine, the league justs want to offer a viable alternative, so kids now have an answer to leaving HS). His HS team and other factors will likely play a role in his decision. Don't forget that the Gophers' top assistant's son chose to stay this year. Like Wheeler leaving, Lucia's decision--based on where he finished up last year out of the Elite League--is more about his status in that top, top echelon than it is about the league. By playing last year, the Lucias have already shown that the league is more than viable. Let's also remember that current U D Alex Goligoski played his JR and SR years in the league and that incoming D RJ Anderson played his JR and SR years in the league. If Lucia and his staff didn't feel the league was viable, these D would have been/would be forced to play JRs. That is the true test. Knowlze, realize that if for no reason other than the amount of negative posts you read before posted, the league needs to market itself so that the next generation of parents/kids knows that it is viable as compared to the USHL, who spends thousands more marketing and advertising than the Elite League does. <p></p><i></i>

[packerboy]

mnhshock29, Tell me how the Elite league the USHL are even comparable hockey experiences. As I understand it, you claim that the elite league keeps kids here because it is a good experience. <br><br>I wont argue that point but do you claim that the league provides the same level of development as a USHL season? <br><br>It sounds like you are because the implication is that they are staying for their senior year and not going to the USHL because the Elite league is just as good or close enough.<br><br> <br><br><br><br> <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p074.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUserP ... ckerboy</A> at: 3/12/05 11:23 am<br></i>

[elliott70]

Once again I agree with PB. <p></p><i></i>