Eden Prairie U-16

[wbl hock doc5]

What happened?? Last year they were by far the most dominant team in the league. I have heard rumors with no confirmation that they picked the 16-U first rather that the A team, and i also heard that the 16-U team was to be the following years Junior Varsity squad...does anyone know of this? Why would tthey play in the 16-U league as a prep for Junior Varsity? <br><br>So far this year they haven't won a game... <p></p><i></i>

[MNHockeyObserver]

To answer your questions, last season - and seasons past - they selected their A, then U-16, then B team, as per USA Hockey's intention that the U-16 is a developmental level. However, different associations select their teams differently and that can create inequalities. Some programs, like Elk River this season, chose to field a B team, but not an A team. It is up to the association where they think they will be competitive. <br><br>This season, Eden Prairie had enough kids for 4 teams and decided they would field two teams at the B level. So, they chose A, then split the B teams equally, then the remaining kids are on the U-16 team. And, in fact, they have won some games, but not in league play. Another factor in last years team was a very strong sophomore class (this year's juniors). There were only 3 juniors (2 skaters) on that Eden Prairie U-16 team last year. The remainder were sophomores.<br><br>This year's U-16 is struggling, but both their B teams are doing very well in the top 10 of the league and LPH rankings.<br><br>Hope that helps clear things up. <p></p><i></i>