LetsPlayHockey22 wrote:Im sorry but Aj Merrit is very over-rated. I dont know how he would do at forward, but I saw him in a tournament playing defense and I was not impressed especially after hearing all the select teams he is on and how he is a dominant force. Grand Rapids should be good, but I see him contributing to the team, and he will only be a sophmore next season.
I'm gonna have to agree with you 100% here. Austin Merritt is WAY overrated, and he should not be on all these select teams. I can almost guarantee he will be playing strictly JV next season.
The best defensemen moving up from Bantams is Kyle Kleinendorst.
The Team will be mostly seniors next year; most of the JV was juniors this year.
Kosak will be the leader of this team, if he stays healthy. Hopefully they can get back to state.
Kyle Kleinendorst - yeah, speaking of overrated. Is that you Kyle??
Not saying he's not good, but definately has his own game to work on. Been carried a bit too much by the last name.
Skrbec is another one - good player, but a lot of flash that needs more finish to go with it.
I've been hearing back and forth on this Merritt kid, (Austin??) even commented myself. I've seen him play several times. I wouldn't say he's necessarily overrated, I would say that he can play with the best of them -when he plays.
Maybe that's what some of these select teams have seen. Obviously he wouldn't be chosen if there wasn't something there.
Good coaching should help all these kids moving up. Will just say that just cuz you have played in the NHL, doesn't make you a good coach.
See what some hard work can do over the summer.
Good luck to the Thunderhawks next season - should be a fun one.
norcon wrote:Next years team should be very competitve. Three to four balanced lines.
It might be a good thing to not have two or three studs carry the load. The boys need to work hard this summer and put some size and strength on. The goaltending is questionable but both were pretty consistent for the JV the last two seasons. I got to see the Bantams A's play a fair amount this season and I think these kids will only prosper with new coaching. Too much negativity and old school tactics to try and motivate them. They were emotionally drained by the end of the season. Skrbec has a good chance of moving up to play varsity but anyone else would be a long shot. JV should be solid. Looking forward to next season!
Agreed that Skrbec has a chance, but several others do also. As far as goaltending goes, I heard a rumor that Tim How redshirted and will be eligible next season. If that's true, another trip to the X is a given.
Yeah, except he played against Cloquet and the last minute against Roseau, what a stupid rumor.
Uh, not sure if you know this or not, but you can't redshirt in high school. Was making a humorous analagy. Sorry for trying to lighten up the forum a bit.
LetsPlayHockey22 wrote:Im sorry but Aj Merrit is very over-rated. I dont know how he would do at forward, but I saw him in a tournament playing defense and I was not impressed especially after hearing all the select teams he is on and how he is a dominant force. Grand Rapids should be good, but I see him contributing to the team, and he will only be a sophmore next season.
I'm gonna have to agree with you 100% here. Austin Merritt is WAY overrated, and he should not be on all these select teams. I can almost guarantee he will be playing strictly JV next season.
The best defensemen moving up from Bantams is Kyle Kleinendorst.
The Team will be mostly seniors next year; most of the JV was juniors this year.
Kosak will be the leader of this team, if he stays healthy. Hopefully they can get back to state.
Kyle Kleinendorst - yeah, speaking of overrated. Is that you Kyle??
Not saying he's not good, but definately has his own game to work on. Been carried a bit too much by the last name.
Skrbec is another one - good player, but a lot of flash that needs more finish to go with it.
I've been hearing back and forth on this Merritt kid, (Austin??) even commented myself. I've seen him play several times. I wouldn't say he's necessarily overrated, I would say that he can play with the best of them -when he plays.
Maybe that's what some of these select teams have seen. Obviously he wouldn't be chosen if there wasn't something there.
Good coaching should help all these kids moving up. Will just say that just cuz you have played in the NHL, doesn't make you a good coach.
See what some hard work can do over the summer.
Good luck to the Thunderhawks next season - should be a fun one.
Mr. Murphy resembles nothing of a kid named Kyle. Don't worry about that.
GR3343 wrote:
Agreed that Skrbec has a chance, but several others do also. As far as goaltending goes, I heard a rumor that Tim How redshirted and will be eligible next season. If that's true, another trip to the X is a given.
Yeah, except he played against Cloquet and the last minute against Roseau, what a stupid rumor.
Uh, not sure if you know this or not, but you can't redshirt in high school. Was making a humorous analagy. Sorry for trying to lighten up the forum a bit.
GR3343, it certainly gave me a good round of laughing. Great post, outstanding humor.
LetsPlayHockey22 wrote:Im sorry but Aj Merrit is very over-rated. I dont know how he would do at forward, but I saw him in a tournament playing defense and I was not impressed especially after hearing all the select teams he is on and how he is a dominant force. Grand Rapids should be good, but I see him contributing to the team, and he will only be a sophmore next season.
I'm gonna have to agree with you 100% here. Austin Merritt is WAY overrated, and he should not be on all these select teams. I can almost guarantee he will be playing strictly JV next season.
The best defensemen moving up from Bantams is Kyle Kleinendorst.
The Team will be mostly seniors next year; most of the JV was juniors this year.
Kosak will be the leader of this team, if he stays healthy. Hopefully they can get back to state.
Kyle Kleinendorst - yeah, speaking of overrated. Is that you Kyle??
Not saying he's not good, but definately has his own game to work on. Been carried a bit too much by the last name.
Skrbec is another one - good player, but a lot of flash that needs more finish to go with it.
I've been hearing back and forth on this Merritt kid, (Austin??) even commented myself. I've seen him play several times. I wouldn't say he's necessarily overrated, I would say that he can play with the best of them -when he plays.
Maybe that's what some of these select teams have seen. Obviously he wouldn't be chosen if there wasn't something there.
Good coaching should help all these kids moving up. Will just say that just cuz you have played in the NHL, doesn't make you a good coach.
See what some hard work can do over the summer.
Good luck to the Thunderhawks next season - should be a fun one.
Would have to agree with Puck. While having skill, Kleinendorst seems to have forgotten what the word team is. He's a kid that was overheard telling the backup goaltender in Pee Wee districts that he shouldn't be celebrating with his team because he did nothing to help. He's also the kid that points his finger at anyone and everyone if things go poorly. While also having skill, he OFTEN forgets that he's a defenseman which is strange when his dad was a defenseman and is supposedly one of the best teachers alive. Something didn't take there. Fully agree that because you played at a high level doesn't make you a great coach. Especially when you coach your own kids. That said, Kyle does have a chance to advance and be very productive at the next level, as do most of last year's Bantam A team. The key to all of that is the dedication and work they put in during the offseason and whether or not, some want to change or temper their attitudes. As they get older, they need to become accountable for themselves and their own mistakes. I would suspect at the next level, those attitudes and actions would be dealt with swiftly.
I also don't think Merritt is over rated, and it's a shame that it's a possible teammate writing posts like that. He seems to be a good teammate from what I've observed. Like some players that get picked for certain select teams, he comes with high expectations everytime he's out there and when he doesn't deliver consistently, people claim he's overrated. Tough label to have when you're only 14 or 15. ALL of last year's players need to develop better work habits to be successful at the next level. Not one player from last year can say they played consistenly from start to finish. The ones who accept that and work that much harder rather than thinking it's just their right because of who mom and dad are, are the ones who will be successful.
GR3343 wrote:
Agreed that Skrbec has a chance, but several others do also. As far as goaltending goes, I heard a rumor that Tim How redshirted and will be eligible next season. If that's true, another trip to the X is a given.
Yeah, except he played against Cloquet and the last minute against Roseau, what a stupid rumor.
Uh, not sure if you know this or not, but you can't redshirt in high school. Was making a humorous analagy. Sorry for trying to lighten up the forum a bit.
I see you got more than one bite on that one It's easier when they just jump into the boat, alleviating the need to reel them in, eh?
ilovehockey15 wrote:
Yeah, except he played against Cloquet and the last minute against Roseau, what a stupid rumor.
Uh, not sure if you know this or not, but you can't redshirt in high school. Was making a humorous analagy. Sorry for trying to lighten up the forum a bit.
GR3343, it certainly gave me a good round of laughing. Great post, outstanding humor.
Just curious, any of these lads moving up to the Grand Rapids High School hockey program gonna fill the shoes of Mr. Stejskal hitting wise. If you watched the Rapids games last year (besides Roseau), the physical presence that he brought onto the ice sheet, really was quite effective at shutting players down.
Are they gonna have one of those players next year cuz it is quite a joy to watch the physical play of the teams up on the Iron Range
'07 STATE CONTEST WINNER
'07 COLLEGE TOURNEY WINNER
boblee wrote:FANMAN: None of AJ's teammates have posted in this forum, to my knowledge. I know a great deal of GR posters...
formerallstar: There will be no "Stejskal" next year. Just a bunch of guys who play gritty, physical, pesty hockey
Wasn't sure, seems like he gets the personal attacks for whatever reason. From what I know of him, he doesn't appear to deserve that. Maybe I'm too old school, but I thought the team was more important, not the individual anyways. This new group of kids doesn't seem to have that yet. A couple may : Skrbec, Merritt, etc... they seem to have the backs of their teammates, while others are out there only for personal glory.
I'd be surprised if someone doesn't fire back on this post, but that would only prove my point.
As for another Stejskal, look for that in the season after next. Joe wasn't a big hitter until the latter part of his sophomore year and picked it up more so his junior season. He didn't fully complete his checks until this year. It takes a season or two at a higher level to mature.
I just have a question - are the juniors who played JV all season "guaranteed" a spot as seniors or could they get beat out by someone?
Just seems like if they are juniors playing strictly JV, they might not have as much talent as someone else.
hockeyfan92621 wrote:I just have a question - are the juniors who played JV all season "guaranteed" a spot as seniors or could they get beat out by someone?
Just seems like if they are juniors playing strictly JV, they might not have as much talent as someone else.
I would certainly expect that they think they're all locks.
Guys there is no sense ripping into kids or coaches on this thread. Grand Rapids hockey has some very good coaching and for a number of years should expect to put out some fairly good teams on the ice. From what I have seen the strength of the high school, Bantam and Pee Wee groups is outstanding team play and puck movement. When those respective clubs move the biscuit they are very tough to beat. So here's to hoping that the coaches and kids and most important parents keep that in perspective as you do have a very good group of kids in your ranks. The community of Grand Rapids should be very proud of that on both the boys and girls side of things.
Overall I say they will be good next year. There is a good chance of them making it to the state tournament again. The way they move the puck is amazing, they wont have White, but i think they will do fine without him.
Hey Former Indian, your best friend is captain next year, this being Sparen. I llook for this young man to have a very productive season, along with the entire team. Hes a natural goal scorer.
slapdriver wrote:Hey Former Indian, your best friend is captain next year, this being Sparen. I llook for this young man to have a very productive season, along with the entire team. Hes a natural goal scorer.
Congratulations to Sparen. Hopefully this will turn him into a leader both on and off the ice. I'm sure he's up to the challenge.
slapdriver wrote:Hey Former Indian, your best friend is captain next year, this being Sparen. I llook for this young man to have a very productive season, along with the entire team. Hes a natural goal scorer.
The same kid who had an off junior year and a bad attitude?
The Grand Rapids program is in pretty darn good shape. Next season should be a fun year to watch with so many Seniors vying for a spot and the young up and comers pushing for a spot. Look forward to some golf, fishing and vacationing than back to some hockey action.
Previous quote from "Former Indian" Palki - Hard work does pay off. Scoring touch will return. Top line player.
Roy - Should be the team leader. Two good linemates will help him bury the puck.
Skrbec - Big jump for a sophomore, but he has the skill to compete. Would be a great compliment to the hard working Palki and goal scoring Roy.
Sparren - Off year as a junior. Needs to go back to the beginning and work harder. Hopefully he can provide leadership on the ice and in the locker room as this year's seniors did. Lots of questions with this one's attitude.
Prokop - One of my favorite players to watch. Always on the go, gritty and tough for a small guy. 20 pts this season.
Jerulle - Great skills. Good hands, good shot. Selfish at times, and at this level, that needs to change.
Moore - Hard worker. Good checking forward, should be a valuable penalty killer.
A. Anderson - All depends on his attitude. Can be the best player at any given time or disappear for weeks. We'll see.
Greniger - Another tireless worker. Could be a second liner in place of Jerulle, but will be called upon for some key minutes.
Swentkofske - Big kid who can play D also. Better served as a power forward though.
Shaw - Should be a solid forchecker on the fourth line.
Schneider/Maher - Battle for the last forward spot
D Pairings :
Rendle - Solid all around player. Don't let his size fool you. Leader both on and off the ice and will be their veteran defenseman.
Kosak - Injury plagued year will make this one hungrier next season. Will be an impact player.
Horseman - Good skater, can move the puck. Needs to work on strength.
Merritt - If he's moved back to D and has a solid summer, could end up as the 4th D. Size matters and the Indians lack it. 6'3" and 180 could help. All depends on how hard he works.
Bishop - Lost half the year due to injury. If he's committed to hard work, he'll see lots of ice.
Serratore - Strong and physical. Mobility is an issue, but is a worker.
Goaltending :
Not much to pick from here. Figgins and Tabaka will start as one and two. Look for them to split a lot of time until one decides to step up. If Larson keeps improving and either guy falters, look for Ryan to get a look.
Mid season(almost)reports : Going to try to add some thoughts on this previous post.
Palki - Definitely a top line player. Putting the puck in the net when it matters. Good linemates, good chemistry on the second line.
Roy - Senior leader on and off the ice. Playing well, has scored some nasty goals so far. Indians need him to keep it rolling.
Skrbec - Injury plagued season thus far. It appears when healthy, he can skate with the best of them.
Sparen - Impressive thus far. Has raised his levels on and off the ice. Playing with heart.
Prokop - One of my favorites also. Gritty player, putting pucks in the net - key player.
Jerulle - Injury bug hit this one also. Starting to come out of it. Should help down the stretch.
Moore - Has shown a lot of character this season. Playing well no matter what role they use him in. Definitely a senior leader.
A.Anderson - Can't quite find it. Biding time on JV.
Greniger - Playing in spurts, but when he's on, look out. Still finding himself out there. Wish they'd use him more so he could settle in. Should be a big factor in the second half.
Swentkofske - Too bad he opted out for JG. He would have helped with his size.
Shaw - Tough kid who gives his all wherever and whenever they need him. Team player.
D :
Rendle - All around good player. Sometimes may need to settle down and just play within himself instead of trying to do it all. Should log lots more minutes in the second half.
Kosak - As tough as they come. Great senior leader. Indians will rely heavily on him.
Horseman - Still question marks. At times good, other times so - so. Needs to keep hustling.
Merritt - Back at D. Waiting for chance to move up from JV.
Bishop - Tough, physical player. At times has been the Indians best D. Doesn't get as much press as the top two, but deserves it. Playing confident.
Seratore - Does what he can out there. Works extremely hard.
Leingang - Up and down year. Injury hit at a tough time.
Kleinendorst - After hot start has struggled lately. If he's going to be out there, needs to focus on defensive zone.
Goaltenders :
This is the toughest nut to crack. All three have played well, and all three have had rough patches. One of them needs to step up and claim the #1 spot. Underwood is the best technically, Tabaka is the best athletically, and Figgins is the best battler. Like I said, one of them needs to step up and take over.
Wild Cards :
Schulte - Has seen a bit of varsity. Needs to keep working to stick.
Hamman - Also has played sparingly with the big club. Plays physically and does hustle. Needs to keep it up.
That's all I've got for now. Good luck, boys, keep pressing forward.
Last edited by GR3343 on Wed Jan 02, 2008 8:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.
NEWSFLASH at 9:29 a.m. Jan 2, it was announced that GR3343 received the American Red Cross CPR practitioner of the year award! Resuscitation extraordinaire Sir!
who_b_dat wrote: NEWSFLASH at 9:29 a.m. Jan 2, it was announced that GR3343 received the American Red Cross CPR practitioner of the year award! Resuscitation extraordinaire Sir!
I have not seen this at any other site. Evaluation of these players by name is very inappropriate. And you did it twice. These are high school kids who play the game for many other reasons then so you can write about them. "Player A looked good...Player B had a great game in the nets..." these are fun to read. Mid Season review...are you actually going to do it again? Don't...its inappropriate if your a student/athlete and if your an adult you should be ashamed and if you got a kid on the team WOW...I'm speechless. Your kid would be embarassed.
archway- that is what the board is all about. if you cant handle it or little johnny cant take it by this time stay off the board. alittle constructive critisicm can help or encouragement can give confidence its all in how you handle it. your little baby is a heart beat from the real world time to put away the passafier.
archway Sign wrote:I have not seen this at any other site. Evaluation of these players by name is very inappropriate. And you did it twice. These are high school kids who play the game for many other reasons then so you can write about them. "Player A looked good...Player B had a great game in the nets..." these are fun to read. Mid Season review...are you actually going to do it again? Don't...its inappropriate if your a student/athlete and if your an adult you should be ashamed and if you got a kid on the team WOW...I'm speechless. Your kid would be embarassed.
If it's all the same to you, we'll leave the decision making on what's appropriate on this Board to the admins. This is the second time you've locked horns with GR3343 over his opinions. He didn't bash anyone. He put out solid opinions, done in a constructive style.
On the other hand, you appear to me to be one of those thin-skinned parents I used to get calls from at home (what did those idiots expect, that I was going to be thrilled to hear from someone I'd never met before just because they called me at my home??!), complaining that people were subjecting their son to needless criticism. "Needless" being defined by them (of course!) to be any kind of criticism.
GR3343 was totally within the boundaries of good taste. Your response to him, since this wasn't the first time you've done this, is questionable.
It's easier when they just jump into the boat, alleviating the need to reel them in, eh? 
