New in-house mite program

[Can't Never Tried]

My kids are HS kids now.....but Elite Mite
I think anyone who labels a kid "Elite" at the Mite age is nuts, and is setting this child up for about 5-8 yrs of problems, and parental disappointment.

If we are ever going to compete with the europeans we need to knock off this Mite league stuff and stick to skill development and training by playing fun games that develop skills without the pressure of having to win...good grief these are the kids that still stick there tonges on the flag poles in the winter.
Trust me I have asked my kids if they remember mite practice and they don't...let's stop repeating the same mistakes...I know that practice is not fun to watch, and games are so much fun to watch, but these kids don't understand the competitve part at that age...and if you think I'm wrong watch what they do in the backyard when there is no hockey..... vroom vroom as there pushing the tonka truck in the sand box.

Maybe it should be "Elite Parents"

[Indians forever]

My kids are HS kids now.....but Elite Mite
I think anyone who labels a kid "Elite" at the Mite age is nuts, and is setting this child up for about 5-8 yrs of problems, and parental disappointment.
If we are ever going to compete with the europeans we need to knock off this Mite league stuff and stick to skill development and training by playing fun games that develop skills without the pressure of having to win...good grief these are the kids that still stick there tonges on the flag poles in the winter.
Trust me I have asked my kids if they remember mite practice and they don't...let's stop repeating the same mistakes...I know that practice is not fun to watch, and games are so much fun to watch, but these kids don't understand the competitve part at that age...and if you think I'm wrong watch what they do in the backyard when there is no hockey..... vroom vroom as there pushing the tonka truck in the sand box.

Maybe it should be "Elite Parents"

I agree totally except that it would be more then 5-8 years of problems!! Let the kids play rink Hockey and that will sufice!

[BoogeyMan]

Hello All,
Once again. We have other people worrying about other people's kids. Why?
If a person doesn't know another person. How can they know what's best for someone elses child?
I think it's time to let the parents worry about their own kids.

Move on! Life's too short.

PEACE!

[PuckTime]

I'm not sure where exactly I stand on this "elite" mite thing, but I do agree that it depends on the kid.
I have a six year old with two older siblings that play hockey among other sports, and he himself was a mini-mite this past year.

He loves to play with his cars, he plays baseball, he rides his bike. He'll even mix in a video game or two. What's his very favorite thing to do and where do we often find him (even in the summer)? Shooting pucks at the net in the garage. This is his own doing and something he enjoys. He, at six, loves the competitiveness and maybe understands it more because he's grown up around sports.

Again, families should do what works best for their own situation. Don't judge others when you have little to no information.

[Can't Never Tried]

OK you will see..

But consider this......... especially if your a first time hockey parent with kid just starting to play.
An old friend of mine once told me that Hockey for parents is like alcoholism...it all starts out very innocent just a fun game once in a while when the kids are say 5-6 yrs old and it's great! but then, your just not getting the same good feeling anymore, you need more, so, now (we Parents) have to get them in some camps, and spring, and summer, and fall and AAA ??? Hockey! Hockey! all the time...it's just great right?
Now think of your kids as your liver they've pretty much had it , and your addicted and can't stop pouring it on.
Most kids won't say no when you ask them at this point because they've become used to your need to watch them play, and don't wan't to disappoint you!

As I look back and think of those wise words, he was right, and I made many of those mistakes, so thus my point of my earlier post, let the little kids play in a low pressure atmosphere....some day some of you will look back as I have and repeat these very words.

What is the let down factor to a 6 year old "Elite" mite when he's just an average squirt, or doesn't qualify for "Elite" status the next year?
Is that kind of disappointment needed at that age? No!

And if the "little or no information" comment was intended for me? all I can do is laugh at that because I am nearer the end of the ride then the beginning...but by all means do as you choose that's what makes this country great is that freedom!

[BoogeyMan]

Can't never tried-

I feel bad. I wanted to tell you a long time ago. I was going to let you know not to sign your son up for camps, clinics or elite programs. It pained me to watch your son peak too early and burn himself out. I guess I felt it wasn't my business to tell you what to do with your son. Sorry!

Just think of what might have been? He could've gone all the way.

I'm sure the DI kids never played hockey on the outdoor rinks, attended camp or clinics. I'm sure all the northern kids just wait until they're in high school before taking hockey serious.

Thanks for the advice! I'm taking my son out of MM, camps and clinics. When he asked me why. I'll let him know a wise man once told me............................
I'll let you know how it turns out in 12 years.

[Can't Never Tried]

Yep.... your exactly what I'm talking about.
More about the parent... then the kid...don't feel bad for me
You can do that for yourself later.
My kids still play..in fact they are the source of some of this insight and I thought it may be of some value to younger parents that are reaching for the stars thru their kids Know what I mean??

[PuckTime]

OK you will see..

But consider this......... especially if your a first time hockey parent with kid just starting to play.
An old friend of mine once told me that Hockey for parents is like alcoholism...it all starts out very innocent just a fun game once in a while when the kids are say 5-6 yrs old and it's great! but then, your just not getting the same good feeling anymore, you need more, so, now (we Parents) have to get them in some camps, and spring, and summer, and fall and AAA ??? Hockey! Hockey! all the time...it's just great right?
Now think of your kids as your liver they've pretty much had it , and your addicted and can't stop pouring it on.
Most kids won't say no when you ask them at this point because they've become used to your need to watch them play, and don't wan't to disappoint you!

As I look back and think of those wise words, he was right, and I made many of those mistakes, so thus my point of my earlier post, let the little kids play in a low pressure atmosphere....some day some of you will look back as I have and repeat these very words.

What is the let down factor to a 6 year old "Elite" mite when he's just an average squirt, or doesn't qualify for "Elite" status the next year?
Is that kind of disappointment needed at that age? No!

And if the "little or no information" comment was intended for me? all I can do is laugh at that because I am nearer the end of the ride then the beginning...but by all means do as you choose that's what makes this country great is that freedom!

The "little or no information" comment wasn't directly to you - just to anyone who's thinking they know what's right for others and put a label on everyone they THINK is handling things wrong or is one of THOSE type parents.

I am no way new to the hockey world. I grew up in a hockey family with brothers that played and a dad that coached when we were younger. Hockey was a part of my life. I loved it then and I love it now. I have seen the good and the bad, the ups and downs, the kids that work hard and made it and those that didn't. Kids that were burnt out by the time they hit peewees and the kids who couldn't get enough of it.

I have a son that will be in his first year of the varsity/JV world next season, a daughter who will be a 14U, and a mite. I have NEVER pushed them to play - only driven them where they wanted to go, whether it be to the outdoor rink for some shinny hockey, to practice & games for their hometown team, or to the cities for AAA. That's what a supportive parent does.
I see it in some faces of kids who don't want to be there - it also shows in how they play on the ice.
I wouldn't put my kids through that.
They will get my support and a ride to play a game that they love to play - as long as they love to play it.
Their enjoyment of the game is why I still love to watch it and no one can judge that.

[Can't Never Tried]

OK you will see..

But consider this......... especially if your a first time hockey parent with kid just starting to play.
An old friend of mine once told me that Hockey for parents is like alcoholism...it all starts out very innocent just a fun game once in a while when the kids are say 5-6 yrs old and it's great! but then, your just not getting the same good feeling anymore, you need more, so, now (we Parents) have to get them in some camps, and spring, and summer, and fall and AAA ??? Hockey! Hockey! all the time...it's just great right?
Now think of your kids as your liver they've pretty much had it , and your addicted and can't stop pouring it on.
Most kids won't say no when you ask them at this point because they've become used to your need to watch them play, and don't wan't to disappoint you!

As I look back and think of those wise words, he was right, and I made many of those mistakes, so thus my point of my earlier post, let the little kids play in a low pressure atmosphere....some day some of you will look back as I have and repeat these very words.

What is the let down factor to a 6 year old "Elite" mite when he's just an average squirt, or doesn't qualify for "Elite" status the next year?
Is that kind of disappointment needed at that age? No!

And if the "little or no information" comment was intended for me? all I can do is laugh at that because I am nearer the end of the ride then the beginning...but by all means do as you choose that's what makes this country great is that freedom!

The "little or no information" comment wasn't directly to you - just to anyone who's thinking they know what's right for others and put a label on everyone they THINK is handling things wrong or is one of THOSE type parents.

I am no way new to the hockey world. I grew up in a hockey family with brothers that played and a dad that coached when we were younger. Hockey was a part of my life. I loved it then and I love it now. I have seen the good and the bad, the ups and downs, the kids that work hard and made it and those that didn't. Kids that were burnt out by the time they hit peewees and the kids who couldn't get enough of it.

I have a son that will be in his first year of the varsity/JV world next season, a daughter who will be a 14U, and a mite. I have NEVER pushed them to play - only driven them where they wanted to go, whether it be to the outdoor rink for some shinny hockey, to practice & games for their hometown team, or to the cities for AAA. That's what a supportive parent does.
I see it in some faces of kids who don't want to be there - it also shows in how they play on the ice.
I wouldn't put my kids through that.
They will get my support and a ride to play a game that they love to play - as long as they love to play it.
Their enjoyment of the game is why I still love to watch it and no one can judge that.

PuckTime I am sure you are one of the parents in the stands that quietly enjoy's the ups and downs of the ride....

[PuckTime]

OK you will see..

But consider this......... especially if your a first time hockey parent with kid just starting to play.
An old friend of mine once told me that Hockey for parents is like alcoholism...it all starts out very innocent just a fun game once in a while when the kids are say 5-6 yrs old and it's great! but then, your just not getting the same good feeling anymore, you need more, so, now (we Parents) have to get them in some camps, and spring, and summer, and fall and AAA ??? Hockey! Hockey! all the time...it's just great right?
Now think of your kids as your liver they've pretty much had it , and your addicted and can't stop pouring it on.
Most kids won't say no when you ask them at this point because they've become used to your need to watch them play, and don't wan't to disappoint you!

As I look back and think of those wise words, he was right, and I made many of those mistakes, so thus my point of my earlier post, let the little kids play in a low pressure atmosphere....some day some of you will look back as I have and repeat these very words.

What is the let down factor to a 6 year old "Elite" mite when he's just an average squirt, or doesn't qualify for "Elite" status the next year?
Is that kind of disappointment needed at that age? No!

And if the "little or no information" comment was intended for me? all I can do is laugh at that because I am nearer the end of the ride then the beginning...but by all means do as you choose that's what makes this country great is that freedom!

The "little or no information" comment wasn't directly to you - just to anyone who's thinking they know what's right for others and put a label on everyone they THINK is handling things wrong or is one of THOSE type parents.

I am no way new to the hockey world. I grew up in a hockey family with brothers that played and a dad that coached when we were younger. Hockey was a part of my life. I loved it then and I love it now. I have seen the good and the bad, the ups and downs, the kids that work hard and made it and those that didn't. Kids that were burnt out by the time they hit peewees and the kids who couldn't get enough of it.

I have a son that will be in his first year of the varsity/JV world next season, a daughter who will be a 14U, and a mite. I have NEVER pushed them to play - only driven them where they wanted to go, whether it be to the outdoor rink for some shinny hockey, to practice & games for their hometown team, or to the cities for AAA. That's what a supportive parent does.
I see it in some faces of kids who don't want to be there - it also shows in how they play on the ice.
I wouldn't put my kids through that.
They will get my support and a ride to play a game that they love to play - as long as they love to play it.
Their enjoyment of the game is why I still love to watch it and no one can judge that.

PuckTime I am sure you are one of the parents in the stands that quietly enjoy's the ups and downs of the ride....

Again, judging. And actually, I do. It's all part of life and the growing up process. Hard sometimes, but it's life for all involved.

Surprised that's all you could come back with....

[Conditionally]

It is amazing how everyone has their own spin on this issue and that, for the most part, they believe they are right and that every child and every situation falls into the category that the MM mite program is either good or bad. The simple truth is that it will be good for some kids and it will be bad for others. While both sides make valid points--neither point is right all the time. Every child is different. Some kids thrive in a more competitive environment--some don't. Some parents will enroll their children into the program who shouldn't--and some parents won't enroll their children into the prgram that should. Some parents do try and live their lives again through their children--and some don't. The point is, there is no single right answer. There are good aspects of the program and there are bad aspects of the program. But each parent has to make this decision, and do what they believe is right for their own child.

[avhockey]

Chan Man give me a call, Glad you are ok after hitting your head on the ice. Helmets are a good idea

[Pucknutz69]

Before any of you complain and say this is a bad thing you should spend an evening out at Minnesota Made and watch a 96 Machine practice. You might learn something. The skill development is excellent, best around, bar none! I had the pleasure of watching Mr McBain's MN88's back when the boys were peewee age, they were playing 2nd year bantams and kicking there butts. They would get a 5-6 goal lead and play keep away. Those older Canadian boys didn't like that very much. They would have to complete x number of passes before they could shoot on the goalie again, the funny thing is the boys loved it.

My boys have been to a few Minnesota Made camps and I would send them to more anytime. This isn't about playing games or NHL contracts it is about skill development. McBain has done his homework and does a great job breaking things down and building them back up into better skaters, stickhandlers.

[BoogeyMan]

Question: What do people think about Mite tourneys. Are Mites too young?

I'm new to hockey. Our association plays an end of season tourney each year. This is the highlight of their season.

I'm curious on what people have to say. Positive or negative.

[tomASS]

Can't Never Tried - Spot on! I agree, but those that tell us to butt-out have not seen or witness what we probably have. They will rationalize to the nth degree to legitimize their decisions. There is no convincing them otherwise so we are wasting our thoughts.

Keep this post open for about 8 years and then let them tell us the same thing they are now. I do believe they would be whistling a different tune.

[BoogeyMan]

TomASS,
Are you telling me that majority of high school, college or pro players never skated in elite programs, clinics or camps when they were young?
Let's say you ask every kid on the Minnesota Gophers Men's hockey team if they played on a elite program, clinic or camp when they were young. What would be the percentage of YES versus NO?

Are there any logical numbers out there that can confirm your point?

Then take a look at Canada. For god's sake the parents are taking their kids to fighting camps. Yes, even at the Mite age. I read in the paper the Boogey man is running a fighting camp for kids in Canada.
I heard one dad say that the kids start to fighting in Canada at Bantams. Boogaard is taking the approach that he's trying to teach the kids to take care of themselves so they don't get injured.
Since Canada is much more superior than the United States in hockey. It's hard to disagree with the way they play hockey.

I'm only guessing. But I would think there are many hardcore hockey schools in Canada. The Canadians and Europeans know how to develop their skaters. Repetition, repetition and more repetition. Practice makes perfect.

If you have an older skater. I respect what you say. You've gone through the hockey journey. I'm just starting. I don't see anything wrong with allowing my son to play in the MM mite league this winter. I don't see anything negative. Ask me in March and I'll tell you if my son benefitted or not.

Even though I disagree. I listen to what people have to say. Thanks for sharing.

PEACE!

[BoogeyMan]

FYI! It's hard to believe that Wayne started playing two years before he was technically eligible to play. I know Gretzky is a supporter of getting the kids to play other sports during the offseason. There is no doubt that Gretzky devoted tons of time on the ice. Repetition, repetition, repetition.

Wayne Gretzky Biography
Wayne Douglas Gretzky was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada on January 26, 1961. His parents Walter and Phyllis Gretzky. Wayne has three brothers: Keith, Glen and Brent and one sister, Kim. Wayne began skating at the age of 2, the Nith River, below his grandparents farm.
Wayne grew up watching Hockey Night in Canada, as many Canadian kids do, and otherwise playing hockey at every possible moment. The backyard rink at their Varadi Ave. home was to become the moulding ground for a hockey superstar. He began playing organized hockey at the age of 6 (two years before he was technically eligible to play). He gradually developed from 1 goal in his minor hockey rookie year, to as high as 196 goals and 76 assists in 1970-71 as a nine and 10 year-old.
The rest is history...from his junior days with the Soo Greyhounds ...his pro beginnings in the WHA...4 Stanley Cups...countless records, awards...the big trade to the Kings...more records...today. Wayne Gretzky retired from the NHL in 1999. In his last game vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 29th 1999, he recorded his 2857th point in his 1487th game. Wayne Gretzky was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999.

[Can't Never Tried]

Surprised that's all you could come back with....

Why? I know enough to see where this will go to keep arguing a point that some have no interest in.
I made my points like them or not, and I'd bet if you asked most parents that have been thru the ride they would agree with what I've said, oh well!

I was once a young parent that felt as strongly about this as some of the posters that have chimed in, my kids were very talented and still are, but it doesn't change what I've learned, maybe it's something we all have to go thru?

Plus my kids are way past the point of my involvment other then paying and going to watch, support, and enjoy.

Oh and PT I wasn't judging you, just a hunch because of the points you made in your post.

[PuckTime]

Surprised that's all you could come back with....

Why? I know enough to see where this will go to keep arguing a point that some have no interest in.
I made my points like them or not, and I'd bet if you asked most parents that have been thru the ride they would agree with what I've said, oh well!

I was once a young parent that felt as strongly about this as some of the posters that have chimed in, my kids were very talented and still are, but it doesn't change what I've learned, maybe it's something we all have to go thru?

Plus my kids are way past the point of my involvment other then paying and going to watch, support, and enjoy.

Oh and PT I wasn't judging you, just a hunch because of the points you made in your post.

No arguing on my end - And the only point I was trying to make was that what's right for one kid may not be right for another. You can't lump everyone into a catagory based just on what you've seen. Obviously you were stating your opinion based on that and that's only fair.

I was only stating what it's like at my house and that I am not so new to the hockey world that I haven't seen how things work. That's partly why all of my kids are involved in other sports that they also love.

My mite is not involved in the MM program, but my oldest has been involved in a few different things that Bernie has done. Would he/we do it again? Absolutely. He has made great friends and gained good hockey knowledge doing it.

Just my opinion, which is kinda what this is.

[Indians forever]

I hear there is going to be a new in-house mite program run out of Minnesota Made Hockey this winter for some of the area's top mite age kids....I guess they are going to get 100 hours of ice time during the winter for a $1000 per kid.....I think six teams.....

I think we are all forgetting the point here, these are 5-7 year olds and we are asking them what? let the kids learn the fundamentals, and learn how to have fun playing the game of Hockey! I can't believe that we are even talking about this. These kids are way to young for this. Hockey isn't gymnastics and look at how long gymnasts last. maybe 20 years old if there lucky and the are done. If you ask me is it worth spending a $1000 per kid, absolutley not. There is plenty of out door rinks for us mothers and fathers to take or young kids too!!!

[Pucknutz69]

I hear there is going to be a new in-house mite program run out of Minnesota Made Hockey this winter for some of the area's top mite age kids....I guess they are going to get 100 hours of ice time during the winter for a $1000 per kid.....I think six teams.....

I think we are all forgetting the point here, these are 5-7 year olds and we are asking them what? let the kids learn the fundamentals, and learn how to have fun playing the game of Hockey! I can't believe that we are even talking about this. These kids are way to young for this. Hockey isn't gymnastics and look at how long gymnasts last. maybe 20 years old if there lucky and the are done. If you ask me is it worth spending a $1000 per kid, absolutley not. There is plenty of out door rinks for us mothers and fathers to take or young kids too!!!

Who ever said they weren't going to learn, have fun nor develop a love for this game? Again don't bash what you have no clue as to what you are talking about. McBain is about nothing but skill development, the only reason he allows kids to play games 1 day a week at his camps is because of parent pressure. When my oldest attended some of his camps years ago he would have kicked a kid off the ice for asking about playing games. (maybe a little exaggeration there but close)

[Neutron 14]

I hear there is going to be a new in-house mite program run out of Minnesota Made Hockey this winter for some of the area's top mite age kids....I guess they are going to get 100 hours of ice time during the winter for a $1000 per kid.....I think six teams.....

Getting this back on track....

One common denominator amongst all kids is....

They are kids. They like to play games and hate drills. Tell me a 5-6 year old who likes to work on edges. Make drills into games? Mite coaching 101. You think your kids different/special/loves backwards russian circles with the puck? If it isn't a race, kids don't care.

ALL associations within 50 miles of this program,do a great job with kids this age. Your little "Sid" will get more out of skating shinny at the local rink with older kids than 500 hrs skating with peers. I know, CNT knows, and breakout knows that you feel that your kid is different.

Be our guest. To each their own. Snicker.... Been there done that!

Centennial Parent.

[BoogeyMan]

With respect, I don't think it's fair for someone who doesn't even know me or my family telling me what's best for my son.
I'm starting to wonder if some of you are even familiar with Minnesota made.
Here are some reason's why I chose to have my son tryout for MM this winter.

Our association charges twice as much as other association's within our district. I went as far to email other associations to see:

What other's charge
How many ice times total
How many ice times per week

They all compared to our association. When I inquired about this with our association. The best they could do is say that our kids get more ice time. I found out this wasn't true. Then they countered with we don't have the corporate sponsorship like many associations do.

Coaching: If you coach. Please only coach one team per year. We had many coaches that elected to coach mulitple teams. Since our kids skated on Saturday's and Sunday's. Guess who the coaches elected to coach on weekends? It wasn't the mite program.
Coaches- If you're wife is nagging you to coach both little Billy and Timmy's team this winter. Pick one kid and let her coach the other kid. It's not fair to the kids on your team.

Mite's: Our association has mini-mite's I and II that skate together. Then we have fist and second year mites skating together. ALL kids have to skate within their age group. If little Billy is skating with mini-mites but has the ability to skate with mites. It won't happen in our league. Why not? Keep the kids who have the same ability together. When I asked about this. I was told that they tried this in the past. They lost too many kids in the association the following year. Now who's looking to make money? Associations are looking to make money as much as anyone else. Now let's compare who does a better job at developing players. I'm banking on MM. Time will tell. Don't be so fast to judge.

This is what I read in the MM flyer. It stated:
As you already know when it comes to options for the development of your child as a hockey player during the winter season there are almost no choices. Development would depend on the strength and policies of the local association.

This may be good for some parents and players, but this is rarely a good fit for the older Mites, elite or potential elite players. This is due to very limited amount of ice time, shortage of quality coaches, lack of competition and a wide gap in ability between the top and bottom players on the same team.

I totally agree with the above statement. It's almost like he was writing that about our association.
When I read this flyer I knew I wanted to pursue MM. I asked around and found out that 12 of our top 14 mites were trying out for MM. In the end we have 11 kids that made teams. There is no doubt that my son will know at least one or two kids on the team.
The most important part of the decision. I put everything into perspective for my son. He didn't even have to think about it. He wanted to skate at Minnesota Made. Since he was fine with it.

Most importantly! Both Minnesota Made and our association run the kids through drills at practice. When my son did a MM clinic one year. He learned more in one week of MM than he did skating two years in our association.
Here's why: Our association would run the kids through drills. That's it! In MM if the kids aren't doing a drill right. They pull them to the side and explain what they're doing wrong show them how to do it the right way. If the kid has a bad attitude. They make him sit on the bench and tell him to come back when he's ready to listen and learn. JUST LIKE IT SHOULD BE! Just like it was when we were little. Just like it was when our parents were little.
Minnesota made will be a good fit for our situation. Many of you play in associations that have no problem moving kids around by ability level. In our association you're hand-cuffed if your son is good. He is forced to play with kids his own age.
If you ask ten people about this situation. You'd have ten different responses. You're right! To each his own.

Let's not forget that these kids are out to have fun. If my son is having fun. Then I'm having fun. I would never put him in a spot to fail.

Good luck!
PEACE!

L-e-t-s P-l-a-y H-o-c-k-e-y!

[breakout]

Chan Man,

What association do you belong to?

It seems like you need to step up and get involved with your association. You may not be qualified to coach. If not, I would suggest you get on your hockey board and help the ship get headed in the right direction.

FYI, USA Hockey is the governing body of Minnesota Hockey. Every association is suppose to follow USA Hockey guidelines on player development. All USA Hockey guidelines are set up to be age specific and age appropriate. All Minnesota hockey coaches need to be certified to the level they are coaching. All Minnesota coaches are suppose to be using age appropriate developmental drills that were put together by the hockey experts at USA Hockey. Those drills are passed out in booklet form to all coaches when they go through their certification classes. Additionally, those drills can be purchased on-line at USA hockey website. If your association is not doing those things you need to bring it to the attention of your hockey board.

As for people telling you what to do. Keep in mind this is an opinion board. Don't be overly sensitive

[breakout]

I hear there is going to be a new in-house mite program run out of Minnesota Made Hockey this winter for some of the area's top mite age kids....I guess they are going to get 100 hours of ice time during the winter for a $1000 per kid.....I think six teams.....

Getting this back on track....

One common denominator amongst all kids is....

They are kids. They like to play games and hate drills. Tell me a 5-6 year old who likes to work on edges. Make drills into games? Mite coaching 101. You think your kids different/special/loves backwards russian circles with the puck? If it isn't a race, kids don't care.

ALL associations within 50 miles of this program,do a great job with kids this age. Your little "Sid" will get more out of skating shinny at the local rink with older kids than 500 hrs skating with peers. I know, CNT knows, and breakout knows that you feel that your kid is different.

Be our guest. To each their own. Snicker.... Been there done that!

Centennial Parent.

You are the modern day Confucius