Girls HS Hockey in Major Decline
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We did it thanks, over 20,000 views in less than a week That was my goal, thank you!
EPdad congrats and I do agree with you regarding the opportunities privates allow and offer and if a family can afford to send their kids, no problem, more power to them. Not everyone has this chance and we all know the quality of the players they do attract. Remember Blake beat Edina 4-1, and Blake beat HM in the holiday tourney, but it was a shootout win. There is a very good chance Blake could win the whole thing this year, not just Class A and for these reasons they should opt up, just like Breck and soon to be SPU. There were zero upsets or surprises at the Class A level and for these reasons I feel it would be a better product for the smaller communities to not have to face a Blake in the tournament. Is it fun for the girls to participate, absolutely! and that is a very big reason to play, it is not about the trophies. But I do think the playing field has changed and tilted towards the privates and for these reasons I think it would be better for the game.
I have no issue with their recruiting and the girls usually have the means for more training, the top AAA Summer teams, etc, and more power to them, but it is these reasons they should just do the right thing and move up. I do believe strongly it does nothing for the game to have them in the championship almost every year at the Class A level. Some may disagree and feel this keeps the Class A relevant, but I am not sure watching two privates, both Metro based promotes the game. Just my bias. I think it would be pretty exciting to see a EGF playing a New Prague or Northfield. You can leave the Class AA for the bigger programs, or more talented. Everyone likes the small David vs Goliath story, why people were excited to see MG take down Hill.
The girls game is unique in that a hot goalie can really determine the outcome. EP and MG both benefitted from outstanding goalie play yesterday. Unfortunately girls unlike boys to not have the dexterity to pick off corners routinely and majority of shots hit the sweaters logo which allows for that team with a good tender to steal a game. I have to feel HM thought this after their game, and even Edina. They both had better scoring chances, but their goalies stole the games for their respective teams.
Outside our state, hockey has very little appeal, basketball, soccer, LaCrosse are so much bigger in terms of numbers and participation. The game is changing and girls at the youth numbers except for a few communities are declining substantially. If things do not change you will be left with metro dominance at the high school level. At least keep it to one Class and that would be Class AA.
As for you 36, you were lured in like always and took the bait. I am only hard on you as you have always attacked on this board if someone does not agree with you or your opinions. You should be proud of your daughter's accomplishments and leave it at that. You know exactly what happens for summer AAA teams and all the political shenanigans that occur, even at team reebok. When you transferred you had the opportunity to pick where you wanted to live, I am sure hockey was a big part of that decision. So please stop trying to say otherwise and there are no issues with parents doing this all over. I am sure your Club's outcomes would have been very different this year without two key players. And these were players that did not grow up in the association, only came together for HS. Accept that and keep your attacks to a minimum to others who may not agree with this type of team building. Your club was pretty high on the horse, expecting to win it all this year and why it was so fun watching a team like EP knock you out. It happens, accept it. Your club did not lose because a goal was disallowed or the refs not calling stick checks, it happens, its hockey. Probably just like how Hopkins took you out this year. EP was the better team that night and continue to show this for making the Championship, congrats to EP.
Good luck to all the girls today, I wish the Class A had different participates but it is what it is, the MG and EP should be a great contest, especially if they both have the same level of goalie play as yesterday.
Thanks for helping this subject hit 20,000 view, I was hoping it would
EPdad congrats and I do agree with you regarding the opportunities privates allow and offer and if a family can afford to send their kids, no problem, more power to them. Not everyone has this chance and we all know the quality of the players they do attract. Remember Blake beat Edina 4-1, and Blake beat HM in the holiday tourney, but it was a shootout win. There is a very good chance Blake could win the whole thing this year, not just Class A and for these reasons they should opt up, just like Breck and soon to be SPU. There were zero upsets or surprises at the Class A level and for these reasons I feel it would be a better product for the smaller communities to not have to face a Blake in the tournament. Is it fun for the girls to participate, absolutely! and that is a very big reason to play, it is not about the trophies. But I do think the playing field has changed and tilted towards the privates and for these reasons I think it would be better for the game.
I have no issue with their recruiting and the girls usually have the means for more training, the top AAA Summer teams, etc, and more power to them, but it is these reasons they should just do the right thing and move up. I do believe strongly it does nothing for the game to have them in the championship almost every year at the Class A level. Some may disagree and feel this keeps the Class A relevant, but I am not sure watching two privates, both Metro based promotes the game. Just my bias. I think it would be pretty exciting to see a EGF playing a New Prague or Northfield. You can leave the Class AA for the bigger programs, or more talented. Everyone likes the small David vs Goliath story, why people were excited to see MG take down Hill.
The girls game is unique in that a hot goalie can really determine the outcome. EP and MG both benefitted from outstanding goalie play yesterday. Unfortunately girls unlike boys to not have the dexterity to pick off corners routinely and majority of shots hit the sweaters logo which allows for that team with a good tender to steal a game. I have to feel HM thought this after their game, and even Edina. They both had better scoring chances, but their goalies stole the games for their respective teams.
Outside our state, hockey has very little appeal, basketball, soccer, LaCrosse are so much bigger in terms of numbers and participation. The game is changing and girls at the youth numbers except for a few communities are declining substantially. If things do not change you will be left with metro dominance at the high school level. At least keep it to one Class and that would be Class AA.
As for you 36, you were lured in like always and took the bait. I am only hard on you as you have always attacked on this board if someone does not agree with you or your opinions. You should be proud of your daughter's accomplishments and leave it at that. You know exactly what happens for summer AAA teams and all the political shenanigans that occur, even at team reebok. When you transferred you had the opportunity to pick where you wanted to live, I am sure hockey was a big part of that decision. So please stop trying to say otherwise and there are no issues with parents doing this all over. I am sure your Club's outcomes would have been very different this year without two key players. And these were players that did not grow up in the association, only came together for HS. Accept that and keep your attacks to a minimum to others who may not agree with this type of team building. Your club was pretty high on the horse, expecting to win it all this year and why it was so fun watching a team like EP knock you out. It happens, accept it. Your club did not lose because a goal was disallowed or the refs not calling stick checks, it happens, its hockey. Probably just like how Hopkins took you out this year. EP was the better team that night and continue to show this for making the Championship, congrats to EP.
Good luck to all the girls today, I wish the Class A had different participates but it is what it is, the MG and EP should be a great contest, especially if they both have the same level of goalie play as yesterday.
Thanks for helping this subject hit 20,000 view, I was hoping it would
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Interesting interview with the EP coach when asked by reporter how everyone expected tonka to roll through sections and it would be tonka and hill playing for the title. His response not to many people respected his girls and he had a very special senior line and when you play as a team you can really do special things. The best "Team" did come out of section 2 and now they have a Championship to prove it.
Rankings for the top 33% of the Midwest HS Girls Teamsthegreatone99 wrote:Over the last 8 years Blake has won the Championship 63% of the time, 5/8 times
Code: Select all
Midwest Girls HS Rankings Feb 21, 2016
MN/WI/ND
LSQRANK State Tier Score Team LG SEC CLS GP (WW-LL-TT) percent
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1 MN HS 1000.0000 MN 3rd Place Hill-Murray MnHSHL 4 AA 31 (29- 1- 1) 0.952
2 MN HS 999.6908 MN State-Champion Blake MnHSHL 5 A 30 (26- 2- 2) 0.900
3 MN HS 999.2554 Edina MnHSHL 6 AA 30 (20- 9- 1) 0.683
4 MN HS 999.2251 Minnetonka MnHSHL 2 AA 27 (21- 4- 2) 0.815
5 MN HS 999.1699 MN State-Champion EdenPrairie MnHSHL 2 AA 31 (22- 7- 2) 0.742
6 MN HS 999.1453 Blaine MnHSHL 5 AA 27 (22- 5- 0) 0.815
7 MN HS 999.1246 MN 2nd Place MapleGrove MnHSHL 5 AA 30 (22- 6- 2) 0.767
8 MN HS 998.7755 Breck MnHSHL 5 A 28 (23- 5- 0) 0.821
9 MN HS 997.9379 ElkRiver/Zimmerman MnHSHL 7 AA 28 (19- 5- 4) 0.750
10 MN HS 997.8841 Cretin-DerhamHall MnHSHL 6 AA 27 (20- 6- 1) 0.759
11 MN HS 997.8581 Chaska/Chanhassen MnHSHL 2 AA 27 (18- 7- 2) 0.704
12 MN HS 997.7862 Centennial MnHSHL 5 AA 28 (19- 7- 2) 0.714
13 MN HS 997.4455 ForestLake MnHSHL 7 AA 30 (18- 9- 3) 0.650
14 MN HS 997.3156 Wayzata MnHSHL 6 AA 27 (16-10- 1) 0.611
15 MN HS 997.2779 LakevilleSouth MnHSHL 1 AA 30 (21- 7- 2) 0.733
16 MN HS 997.0339 MN 2nd Place St.PaulUnited MnHSHL 4 A 30 (23- 6- 1) 0.783
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10%
17 MN HS 996.8682 WhiteBearLake MnHSHL 4 AA 27 (18- 7- 2) 0.704
18 MN HS 996.8502 MoundsView MnHSHL 4 AA 28 (15- 9- 4) 0.607
19 MN HS 996.7607 MN 3rd Place Warroad MnHSHL 8 A 30 (25- 4- 1) 0.850
20 MN HS 996.6217 DodgeCounty MnHSHL 1 AA 28 (16- 9- 3) 0.625
21 MN HS 996.5317 Eastview MnHSHL 3 AA 31 (20- 7- 4) 0.710
22 MN HS 996.2786 Eagan MnHSHL 3 AA 28 (18- 6- 4) 0.714
23 MN HS 996.1756 SpringLakePark/CoonRapids MnHSHL 5 AA 27 (21- 5- 1) 0.796
24 MN HS 996.0870 EastRidge MnHSHL 3 AA 27 (14-11- 2) 0.556
25 MN HS 995.7498 Benilde-St.Margaret's MnHSHL 6 AA 26 ( 8-17- 1) 0.327
26 MN HS 995.7332 Andover MnHSHL 7 AA 27 (13-14- 0) 0.481
27 MN HS 995.6729 Stillwater MnHSHL 4 AA 27 ( 9-16- 2) 0.370
28 MN HS 995.5779 LakevilleNorth MnHSHL 1 AA 27 (14-11- 2) 0.556
29 MN HS 995.5240 NewPrague MnHSHL 2 A 30 (19-10- 1) 0.650
30 MN HS 995.4961 Farmington MnHSHL 1 AA 27 (15- 9- 3) 0.611
31 MN HS 995.4766 Proctor/Hermantown MnHSHL 7 A 30 (20- 9- 1) 0.683
32 MN HS 995.4180 Hastings MnHSHL 3 AA 27 (17- 7- 3) 0.685
33 MN HS 995.3692 Roseville MnHSHL 4 AA 26 (12-14- 0) 0.462
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20%
34 MN HS 995.2316 Hopkins/Park MnHSHL 6 AA 26 (11-14- 1) 0.442
35 MN HS 995.2220 Roseau MnHSHL 8 AA 28 (19- 9- 0) 0.679
36 MN HS 995.1464 ThiefRiverFalls MnHSHL 8 A 27 (20- 6- 1) 0.759
37 MN HS 995.1171 GrandRapids/Greenway MnHSHL 7 AA 27 (17- 9- 1) 0.648
38 MN HS 994.8272 Shakopee MnHSHL 2 AA 26 (13-10- 3) 0.558
39 MN HS 994.7328 HolyFamily/Waconia MnHSHL 2 AA 27 (12-13- 2) 0.481
40 MN HS 994.6548 Buffalo MnHSHL 8 AA 27 (13-14- 0) 0.481
41 MN HS 994.5483 Anoka MnHSHL 5 AA 25 (12-11- 2) 0.520
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25%
42 ND HS 994.3392 Bismarck NDHSHL 0 A 25 (21- 3- 1) 0.860
43 MN HS 994.3226 Sartell/SaukRapids MnHSHL 8 AA 30 (21- 9- 0) 0.700
44 MN HS 994.3179 BloomingtonJefferson MnHSHL 2 AA 26 ( 6-20- 0) 0.231
45 MN HS 994.1585 North/Tartan MnHSHL 4 AA 26 (15-10- 1) 0.596
46 MN HS 993.7476 MoundWestonka MnHSHL 2 AA 28 (19- 6- 3) 0.732
47 MN HS 993.7165 ChamplinPark MnHSHL 5 AA 26 ( 8-17- 1) 0.327
48 MN HS 993.6818 RedWing MnHSHL 1 A 27 (17- 9- 1) 0.648
49 MN HS 993.5256 PriorLake MnHSHL 2 AA 26 ( 8-18- 0) 0.308
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30%
50 MN HS 993.4798 Princeton MnHSHL 5 A 27 (18- 7- 2) 0.704
51 MN HS 993.4281 Rogers MnHSHL 5 AA 26 (15-10- 1) 0.596
52 MN HS 993.4208 Alexandria MnHSHL 6 A 29 (19- 9- 1) 0.672
53 MN HS 993.3914 RochesterJohnMarshall/Lourde MnHSHL 1 AA 26 (16-10- 0) 0.615
54 MN HS 993.2490 Mahtomedi MnHSHL 4 A 27 (14-13- 0) 0.519
55 MN HS 993.2341 Cloquet-Esko-Carlton MnHSHL 7 AA 26 (14- 8- 4) 0.615
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33%
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Eden Prairie didn’t require a Ms. Hockey candidate or a player among the top 50 in goal scoring to achieve its championship dream.
Instead, the Eagles played disciplined, system-heavy hockey that might have cost players’ recognition. Buying in was a challenge. But the investment matured in a big way.
“We’ve had years where we’ve felt like we’ve been the most talented team in the state,” Eden Prairie coach Jaime Grossman said. “But that doesn’t really mean anything. This group is at its best when we play as a group. When they play team hockey, I feel we are one of the best teams in the state and tonight they proved that.”
Instead, the Eagles played disciplined, system-heavy hockey that might have cost players’ recognition. Buying in was a challenge. But the investment matured in a big way.
“We’ve had years where we’ve felt like we’ve been the most talented team in the state,” Eden Prairie coach Jaime Grossman said. “But that doesn’t really mean anything. This group is at its best when we play as a group. When they play team hockey, I feel we are one of the best teams in the state and tonight they proved that.”
This is the most unintelligent thing I have heard all day! Women can't pick corners and hot goalies only steal games in girls hockey? If I am correct 4 of the top 5 boys teams in state just lost in the section SEMI finals. Those teams must not have had the dexterity to pick off corners. It's sounds like you are salty over the impressive goalie play at the tourney and a bit jelly your team doesn't have one. Hats off to EP and MG on their great goalie and team play.thegreatone99 wrote: The girls game is unique in that a hot goalie can really determine the outcome. EP and MG both benefitted from outstanding goalie play yesterday. Unfortunately girls unlike boys to not have the dexterity to pick off corners routinely and majority of shots hit the sweaters logo which allows for that team with a good tender to steal a game. I have to feel HM thought this after their game, and even Edina. They both had better scoring chances, but their goalies stole the games for their respective teams
Let's be fair. They required a five on three power play to win the State title. The first penalty was legitimate. The second was absurd.thegreatone99 wrote:Eden Prairie didn’t require a Ms. Hockey candidate or a player among the top 50 in goal scoring to achieve its championship dream.
Instead, the Eagles played disciplined, system-heavy hockey that might have cost players’ recognition. Buying in was a challenge. But the investment matured in a big way.
“We’ve had years where we’ve felt like we’ve been the most talented team in the state,” Eden Prairie coach Jaime Grossman said. “But that doesn’t really mean anything. This group is at its best when we play as a group. When they play team hockey, I feel we are one of the best teams in the state and tonight they proved that.”
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Let's be fair. EP won during a 5 on 3 power play, that it was required to win nobody can say and we'll never know. It is very strange to see Eden Prairie out shot or out penalized. This weekend saw both.jg2112 wrote:Let's be fair. They required a five on three power play to win the State title. The first penalty was legitimate. The second was absurd.
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How many pipes did #28 hit and then the breakaway where the goalie played perfect. You need some luck, always do, and EP put themselves in a position to win. You are sounding like others about EP winning. Just give them the credit they deserve.jg2112 wrote:Let's be fair. They required a five on three power play to win the State title. The first penalty was legitimate. The second was absurd.thegreatone99 wrote:Eden Prairie didn’t require a Ms. Hockey candidate or a player among the top 50 in goal scoring to achieve its championship dream.
Instead, the Eagles played disciplined, system-heavy hockey that might have cost players’ recognition. Buying in was a challenge. But the investment matured in a big way.
“We’ve had years where we’ve felt like we’ve been the most talented team in the state,” Eden Prairie coach Jaime Grossman said. “But that doesn’t really mean anything. This group is at its best when we play as a group. When they play team hockey, I feel we are one of the best teams in the state and tonight they proved that.”
Full credit to EP, they won, on and on and on and all that.thegreatone99 wrote:How many pipes did #28 hit and then the breakaway where the goalie played perfect. You need some luck, always do, and EP put themselves in a position to win. You are sounding like others about EP winning. Just give them the credit they deserve.jg2112 wrote:Let's be fair. They required a five on three power play to win the State title. The first penalty was legitimate. The second was absurd.thegreatone99 wrote:Eden Prairie didn’t require a Ms. Hockey candidate or a player among the top 50 in goal scoring to achieve its championship dream.
Instead, the Eagles played disciplined, system-heavy hockey that might have cost players’ recognition. Buying in was a challenge. But the investment matured in a big way.
“We’ve had years where we’ve felt like we’ve been the most talented team in the state,” Eden Prairie coach Jaime Grossman said. “But that doesn’t really mean anything. This group is at its best when we play as a group. When they play team hockey, I feel we are one of the best teams in the state and tonight they proved that.”
To decide a state title game in overtime on a five on three power play is a bit of a bummer. Again, the first penalty was an acceptable and necessary call. The second penalty was a situation where the referees should display some understanding of the moment.
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When I was watching the game it looked at first glance like the 2nd penalty was a result of a legit cross check. It did not look nearly as bad when I saw the replay. It was definitely unfortunate.jg2112 wrote:
To decide a state title game in overtime on a five on three power play is a bit of a bummer. Again, the first penalty was an acceptable and necessary call. The second penalty was a situation where the referees should display some understanding of the moment.
Not related specifically to the EP/MG final call I think that the officials did a very good job officiating this tournament...at least in the games I saw in person and on TV. The speed of the girls game and also how the physicality of the game is growing with the top end teams is making the officiating more difficult. There is a lot of "art" and subtlety to playing a more physical game.
I think it's awesome how people are chirping the refs. They were atrocious all game. Should have the best crew in the biggest game and they were a joke. The final 2 penalties were easy calls. The refs missed plenty more penalties on grove they didn't call. Also blew the play dead on a breakaway for girls tied up behind play, and a penalty in first period because they wouldn't blow whistle. I agree refs were trash, but the better team won and won because of their effort not the referees.
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This shows just how strong the girls game is.thegreatone99 wrote:Eden Prairie didn’t require a Ms. Hockey candidate or a player among the top 50 in goal scoring to achieve its championship dream.
Instead, the Eagles played disciplined, system-heavy hockey that might have cost players’ recognition. Buying in was a challenge. But the investment matured in a big way.
“We’ve had years where we’ve felt like we’ve been the most talented team in the state,” Eden Prairie coach Jaime Grossman said. “But that doesn’t really mean anything. This group is at its best when we play as a group. When they play team hockey, I feel we are one of the best teams in the state and tonight they proved that.”
It's not one or a select few amazing players single handedly winning games or championships. Those days appear to be well behind us.
Well disciplined teams can play within a system and with sound coaching available.
Grossman is one of the very best coaches out there. And not because he has good or great players.
By the way, look at all the great girls coaches we have today and the recent increase in female coaches based on deserving candidate females with extensive experience.
The comment about goalies winning games because girls can't pick corners is probably 15+ years behind the current state of the game. The stick skills and shooting have caught up to the goaltending advantage that existed in the late 90s.
Lastly, this thread, we should look at it and bring back suggestions to the coaches association and MN hockey youth entities.
Maybe it would have been more appealing if approached from a positive voice about all the great things that do exist and the opportunities to improve things more. But, drama is what gets attention these days, so stating it as it was probably would get much more attention.
I challenge everyone that actually cares to do something, take action, and not just complain. Contact your coaches assn or youth reps, become one, get involved, and make the solutions reality to these opportunities.
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ghshockeyfan wrote:This shows just how strong the girls game is.thegreatone99 wrote:Eden Prairie didn’t require a Ms. Hockey candidate or a player among the top 50 in goal scoring to achieve its championship dream.
Instead, the Eagles played disciplined, system-heavy hockey that might have cost players’ recognition. Buying in was a challenge. But the investment matured in a big way.
“We’ve had years where we’ve felt like we’ve been the most talented team in the state,” Eden Prairie coach Jaime Grossman said. “But that doesn’t really mean anything. This group is at its best when we play as a group. When they play team hockey, I feel we are one of the best teams in the state and tonight they proved that.”
It's not one or a select few amazing players single handedly winning games or championships. Those days appear to be well behind us.
Well disciplined teams can play within a system and with sound coaching available.
Grossman is one of the very best coaches out there. And not because he has good or great players.
By the way, look at all the great girls coaches we have today and the recent increase in female coaches based on deserving candidate females with extensive experience.
The comment about goalies winning games because girls can't pick corners is probably 15+ years behind the current state of the game. The stick skills and shooting have caught up to the goaltending advantage that existed in the late 90s.
Lastly, this thread, we should look at it and bring back suggestions to the coaches association and MN hockey youth entities.
Maybe it would have been more appealing if approached from a positive voice about all the great things that do exist and the opportunities to improve things more. But, drama is what gets attention these days, so stating it as it was probably would get much more attention.
I challenge everyone that actually cares to do something, take action, and not just complain. Contact your coaches assn or youth reps, become one, get involved, and make the solutions reality to these opportunities.
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36Guy wrote:thegreateone99 wrote:
If we have to watch another title captured by a B school, this does nothing to further the girls game.
Wow! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrWoG8IckyE[/quote]
I always did enjoying watching this clip. It was a pretty good one. Funny how Blake has their own subject and the critics popping out now that they won.
http://www.brainyquote.com/photos/m/marktwain122862.jpg
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When youth hockey gets too expensive for Edina, you know something’s up.
Arguably the state’s premier hockey hotbed for half a century, Edina is wrestling with a drop-off in participation among its youngest age groups. A major reason is the cost of youth hockey, which is why the Edina Hockey Association (EHA) is thinking about ways to reduce it.
“It’s an expensive sport, no matter how you spin the dial,” said Herm Finnegan, a member of the EHA board. “It’s a really sticky situation.”
What makes it especially sticky in Edina is a proposed cost-cutting strategy: reducing dryland training hours for EHA skaters.
That has set in motion a flurry of behind-the-scenes meetings among city officials, the EHA and an influential hockey family whose company provides dryland training to Edina skaters.
Dryland training puts kids through strength, skill and agility drills in exercise rooms with weights, treadmills, synthetic ice and other special equipment. It’s become an expected part of high-end hockey programs in the metro area.
A group of youth Edina boys hockey players used the outdoor arena during a practice at Braemar Arena on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, in Edina, Minn.
A group of youth Edina boys hockey players used the outdoor arena during a practice at Braemar Arena on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, in Edina, Minn.
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In Edina, dryland training is included in the cost of registration for youth hockey. That cost is typically between $1,300 and $1,500, so high that EHA officials worry it could be keeping kids from playing.
“One of the consistent things we hear from families is, the sport of hockey is expensive, and there’s feedback that people would like us to find ways to reduce the cost,” said Mike Devoe, EHA president. “We’re aware that we have to make hockey more accessible and affordable.
“If you don’t get them young, you lose them forever.”
‘We’re in this together’
In Edina, dryland training is provided by Velocity Hockey Center, a company whose three-year contract with the EHA expires in April.
EHA officials wouldn’t comment on what they pay Velocity, but said that an hour of training can cost as much or more than ice time, which goes for around $200 an hour. Under terms of the current contract, the EHA has committed to buying 800 hours a year of dryland training from Velocity.
Velocity pays about $100,000 a year to rent space in the Hornets Nest at Braemar Arena. Built three years ago, the Hornets Nest includes locker rooms for high school boys’ and girls’ teams, a General Sports retail shop and Velocity’s training center. The $3.6 million facility was mostly financed with city-issued bonds, along with private funding raised to cover one-fourth of the cost; rent from Velocity and General Sports covers bond payments.
Velocity is owned by Noel Rahn Jr. and his father, Noel Rahn Sr. The younger Rahn, who played on championship teams at Edina High School and the University of Wisconsin, coaches one of the state’s top-ranked teams this year at Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria. His father is chairman of Geronimo Energy, a leading builder of wind and solar power projects. Neither of the Rahns returned phone calls seeking comment.
According to city and hockey association officials, Velocity is concerned that a significant cutback in its EHA business could leave the company unable to pay its rent at the Hornets Nest. In that case, Edina would have to make up the lost income out of its liquor store revenue, which has been declining in recent years.
City officials have met several times with the hockey association and Velocity, said Edina Mayor Jim Hovland, who’s optimistic that an agreement can be reached.
“They know we’re in this together and we’ve got to find a solution for everybody,” Hovland said. “And that’s what I expect the outcome to be.”
City Manager Scott Neal said that if Velocity were to fail, the city would seek another tenant for the Hornets Nest.
“We’re a property owner, so if we have a tenant leave, we would re-lease the property,” Neal said. “We don’t want to do that. We think there is a good synergy in having Velocity for the kids who play hockey.”
Finnegan, who has been the point person on the dryland training issue for the EHA, sounded less optimistic.
“This is a really sensitive deal,” he said. “Whatever the decision is, I’ll either be praised or I’ll be the whipping boy.”
So many practices
Watching their youngsters at a recent practice, some Edina hockey parents had mixed feelings about the usefulness of dryland training. Jane Barthell, who has four kids playing hockey, said she’s OK with including it in the cost of registration.
“People say it’s too much time, but I’m all for kids getting physical activity every day,” she said.
Rachelle Heinen, mother of 7-year-old George, said it’s tough to get to all the scheduled dryland training sessions.
“They have so many practices,” she said. “I do think dryland is important, but maybe it can be an add-on.”
That’s what EHA officials are thinking, especially for the youngest ages.
“We would like to find ways to make the parents more in control of the way they spend their money on hockey,” said Devoe. “If there’s a way to make it more of an a la carte option, we’d like to explore that.”
And some parents and children simply may need an occasional break from the intensity of Edina hockey.
“They might want to stay home at night and do their homework and have dinner, instead of being part of the hockey world for the sixth night in a row,” said Finnegan.
Finnegan played on a state championship team at Burnsville High School under coach Tom Osiecki and then played at St. Cloud State University under another legendary coach, Herb Brooks. Those coaches encouraged their players to take a break from hockey, he said.
“They would say, ‘Get off the skates and come back hungry for hockey,’ ” he said.
Parents are often the ones pushing long hours of hockey on their kids, said Larry Hendrickson, former head coach at Richfield High School and father of former NHL player Darby Hendrickson. Reducing the cost of hockey “is where the world has to go,” he said.
“The reality is, if your kid has talent and passion, he will figure out what it takes to get to the next level,” Hendrickson said. “You don’t have to take him and spend all that dang money and worry that he won’t get to the next level.”
Arguably the state’s premier hockey hotbed for half a century, Edina is wrestling with a drop-off in participation among its youngest age groups. A major reason is the cost of youth hockey, which is why the Edina Hockey Association (EHA) is thinking about ways to reduce it.
“It’s an expensive sport, no matter how you spin the dial,” said Herm Finnegan, a member of the EHA board. “It’s a really sticky situation.”
What makes it especially sticky in Edina is a proposed cost-cutting strategy: reducing dryland training hours for EHA skaters.
That has set in motion a flurry of behind-the-scenes meetings among city officials, the EHA and an influential hockey family whose company provides dryland training to Edina skaters.
Dryland training puts kids through strength, skill and agility drills in exercise rooms with weights, treadmills, synthetic ice and other special equipment. It’s become an expected part of high-end hockey programs in the metro area.
A group of youth Edina boys hockey players used the outdoor arena during a practice at Braemar Arena on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, in Edina, Minn.
A group of youth Edina boys hockey players used the outdoor arena during a practice at Braemar Arena on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, in Edina, Minn.
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In Edina, dryland training is included in the cost of registration for youth hockey. That cost is typically between $1,300 and $1,500, so high that EHA officials worry it could be keeping kids from playing.
“One of the consistent things we hear from families is, the sport of hockey is expensive, and there’s feedback that people would like us to find ways to reduce the cost,” said Mike Devoe, EHA president. “We’re aware that we have to make hockey more accessible and affordable.
“If you don’t get them young, you lose them forever.”
‘We’re in this together’
In Edina, dryland training is provided by Velocity Hockey Center, a company whose three-year contract with the EHA expires in April.
EHA officials wouldn’t comment on what they pay Velocity, but said that an hour of training can cost as much or more than ice time, which goes for around $200 an hour. Under terms of the current contract, the EHA has committed to buying 800 hours a year of dryland training from Velocity.
Velocity pays about $100,000 a year to rent space in the Hornets Nest at Braemar Arena. Built three years ago, the Hornets Nest includes locker rooms for high school boys’ and girls’ teams, a General Sports retail shop and Velocity’s training center. The $3.6 million facility was mostly financed with city-issued bonds, along with private funding raised to cover one-fourth of the cost; rent from Velocity and General Sports covers bond payments.
Velocity is owned by Noel Rahn Jr. and his father, Noel Rahn Sr. The younger Rahn, who played on championship teams at Edina High School and the University of Wisconsin, coaches one of the state’s top-ranked teams this year at Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria. His father is chairman of Geronimo Energy, a leading builder of wind and solar power projects. Neither of the Rahns returned phone calls seeking comment.
According to city and hockey association officials, Velocity is concerned that a significant cutback in its EHA business could leave the company unable to pay its rent at the Hornets Nest. In that case, Edina would have to make up the lost income out of its liquor store revenue, which has been declining in recent years.
City officials have met several times with the hockey association and Velocity, said Edina Mayor Jim Hovland, who’s optimistic that an agreement can be reached.
“They know we’re in this together and we’ve got to find a solution for everybody,” Hovland said. “And that’s what I expect the outcome to be.”
City Manager Scott Neal said that if Velocity were to fail, the city would seek another tenant for the Hornets Nest.
“We’re a property owner, so if we have a tenant leave, we would re-lease the property,” Neal said. “We don’t want to do that. We think there is a good synergy in having Velocity for the kids who play hockey.”
Finnegan, who has been the point person on the dryland training issue for the EHA, sounded less optimistic.
“This is a really sensitive deal,” he said. “Whatever the decision is, I’ll either be praised or I’ll be the whipping boy.”
So many practices
Watching their youngsters at a recent practice, some Edina hockey parents had mixed feelings about the usefulness of dryland training. Jane Barthell, who has four kids playing hockey, said she’s OK with including it in the cost of registration.
“People say it’s too much time, but I’m all for kids getting physical activity every day,” she said.
Rachelle Heinen, mother of 7-year-old George, said it’s tough to get to all the scheduled dryland training sessions.
“They have so many practices,” she said. “I do think dryland is important, but maybe it can be an add-on.”
That’s what EHA officials are thinking, especially for the youngest ages.
“We would like to find ways to make the parents more in control of the way they spend their money on hockey,” said Devoe. “If there’s a way to make it more of an a la carte option, we’d like to explore that.”
And some parents and children simply may need an occasional break from the intensity of Edina hockey.
“They might want to stay home at night and do their homework and have dinner, instead of being part of the hockey world for the sixth night in a row,” said Finnegan.
Finnegan played on a state championship team at Burnsville High School under coach Tom Osiecki and then played at St. Cloud State University under another legendary coach, Herb Brooks. Those coaches encouraged their players to take a break from hockey, he said.
“They would say, ‘Get off the skates and come back hungry for hockey,’ ” he said.
Parents are often the ones pushing long hours of hockey on their kids, said Larry Hendrickson, former head coach at Richfield High School and father of former NHL player Darby Hendrickson. Reducing the cost of hockey “is where the world has to go,” he said.
“The reality is, if your kid has talent and passion, he will figure out what it takes to get to the next level,” Hendrickson said. “You don’t have to take him and spend all that dang money and worry that he won’t get to the next level.”
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thegreatone99 wrote:
Here is another fact based article to backup TGO99's ignorance- once again, never let facts influence your perception!
http://www.minnesotahockey.org/news_art ... _id=710946
Minnesota: Land of 17,000 Mites
03/01/2016, 11:30am CST By StateofHockey.com
State of Hockey Eclipses Milestone; Home to Most 8-and-Under Players in the United States
Earlier this year, USA Hockey announced that for the sixth straight season, it has eclipsed 100,000 players in its 8-and-under age category. Not surprisingly, no state in the country could match Minnesota - the "State of Hockey" - which for the first time, can boast more than 17,000 players in that age group.
For perspective:
Massachusetts ranks second in the U.S. with more than 13,000 8U players.
Minnesotans account for roughly 1.7 percent of the U.S. population, but 17 percent of the country's 8U hockey players.
The 2015-16 season marks the third consecutive year of growth for Minnesota at the 8U level.
Last year, Minnesota set a record with 3,901 8U girls hockey players.
Reaching 17,632 8U players is an accomplishment that speaks to the State of Hockey's ability to sustain participation growth at the youth levels. The numbers can be attributed to state-wide participation initiatives, thousands of volunteer hours and programs such as Try Hockey For Free.
"There are several reasons that youth participation numbers continue to grow in Minnesota, in particular the volunteers within our associations who work so hard and are so passionate about getting kids in their communities onto the ice," said Glen Andresen, executive director of Minnesota Hockey. "That passion, combined with programs designed to welcome families into the game and make them feel comfortable is creating an extremely bright future for hockey in Minnesota. All levels of hockey will be feeling the impact of these numbers in future years."
Hockey in Minnesota is more than a game. It's part of everyday life and culture, whether up north in Roseau and Warroad, in Duluth, St. Cloud, the Twin Cities metro area or further south in places like Mankato and Red Wing. The rise in youth participation numbers and the number of Minnesota-born skaters that make their way to the game's highest levels speaks to the passion and commitment its residents have to the sport. This week marks the start of the 2016 Boys' High School Hockey State Tournament, which last year had a record 135,618 fans in attendance.
To celebrate the milestone, a Stateofhockey.com sweepstakes launched today, through which one winner will have their 2016-17 local youth hockey association fees reimbursed (up to $2,000). Additional prizes in the "State of Hockey Pays Your Dues Sweepstakes" include a $100 Hockey Lodge gift card and an Aspire gift pack. No purchase necessary to enter. For full details and to enter, visit stateofhockey.com/sweepstakes.
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8U Numbers Girls - right from Minnesotahockeyorg.comthegreatone99 wrote:Let's do the quick simple math, I prefer things simple
These numbers are from the same table of USA Hockey, only MN Girl stats
The foundation for girls hockey would be the youngsters (7/8 yr olds) when all the parents are excited and investing into their future D1 superstar. And then the late bloomers at 9-10 yrs old. But after that, not sure how many girls start playing at U12. By U12 everyone is sizing up their local HS program and will she be the 1st line star that can skip U15s to be on Varsity.
Year - 12-13 (Age) 9/10 yr olds: 2,124
Year - 13-14 (Age) 9/10 yr olds: 2,106
Year - 14-15 (Age) 9/10 yr olds: 1,995 every yr neg growth
Year - 12-13 (Age) 7/8 yr olds: 1,914
Year - 13-14 (Age) 7/8 yr olds: 1,896
Year - 14-15 (Age) 7/8 yr olds: 1,995 flat, neg, minimal growth
I guess I am confused, where are these amazing growth numbers for the State of Hockey that are the foundation for years to come?
You demonstrate record numbers for *U mites, How many of these were actually NEW for the year, not total? In 10-11 there were NEW girls of 1,752 and season 14-15 there were 1,744 NEW registered girls You are right amazing growth. There were more NEW girls for 2010 than 2015
Anyone can spine the numbers and Minnesota Hockey needs to based on the value of the game to our economy.
Can I call you the Spinnmaster
10-11 11-12 12-13 13-14 14-15
3757 3825 3608 3718 3901
-3.7% 1.8% -5.7% 3.0% 4.9%
NEW 1752 1676 1474 1710 1744
% 0.5% -4.3% -12.1% 16.0% 2.0%
RETAINED 2005 2149 2134 2008 2157
% -7.0% 7.2% -0.7% -5.9% 7.4%
LOST 620 686 704 657 677
% -8.4% 10.6% 2.6% -6.7% 3.0%