Fill the X

ghshockeyfan · Post by **ghshockeyfan** » Sat Feb 24, 2007 4:28 pm

http://www.ushsho.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4353

Spartanfan09 · Post by **Spartanfan09** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 12:29 am

last year i almost fell alsleep during one of the games at the X

tomASS · Post by **tomASS** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 1:38 am

it's still about supply and demand. Make the tickets a hot property which for now means a smaller venue. Build an event, create the excitement, make it a must attend event, create the atmosphere of a grand event by putting it in an environment necessary to create it.

Don't put the cart before the horse.

g31 · Post by **g31** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 8:36 am

tomASS wrote:it's still about supply and demand. Make the tickets a hot property which for now means a smaller venue. Build an event, create the excitement, make it a must attend event, create the atmosphere of a grand event by putting it in an environment necessary to create it.

Don't put the cart before the horse.

Put it back at Ridder where it belongs. Then when that fills you move up to the next bigger arena. Who would want to go to an almost empty arena.

mnhcky23 · Post by **mnhcky23** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 11:28 am

The whole argument these used to get it at the X was that there should be equality-the boys have it there, so it is only fair to have the girls there.

But Ridder was perfect. Having it at Ridder IS equal because the Xcel is to the boys as Ridder is to the girls. The boys fill the X, the girls fill Ridder. The atmosphere at Ridder was great for the times it was there...hopefully the girls will end up back there, what a great venue!

theref · Post by **theref** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:35 pm

mnhcky23 wrote:The whole argument these used to get it at the X was that there should be equality-the boys have it there, so it is only fair to have the girls there.

But Ridder was perfect. Having it at Ridder IS equal because the Xcel is to the boys as Ridder is to the girls. The boys fill the X, the girls fill Ridder. The atmosphere at Ridder was great for the times it was there...hopefully the girls will end up back there, what a great venue!

Entirely agree. What is best for one group, is not always best for another. If we are getting on the equality thing, then how come there isn't checking in girls hockey? The boys get to do it, so shouldn't the girls?......Until there is more support for the girls, the games need to take place at a smaller venue that will create a better experience for both players and fans alike.

Personally, I think it would have said a lot for the Xcel Center to offer and for the head of the girls programs to turn it down realizing that they had a good thing going.

To each his own though, I'm sure there will be several people on here that have to see their kids play at the X just to say they played there.

SportsMa · Post by **SportsMa** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:46 pm

theref wrote:Personally, I think it would have said a lot for the Xcel Center to offer and for the head of the girls programs to turn it down realizing that they had a good thing going.

I think that it is at the X due to a lawsuit and probably turning it down was not an option at the time. Personally, love the atmosphere at Ridder and until there is a bigger following that the X simply does not allow that type of atmosphere, which is too bad.

blueblood · Post by **blueblood** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 5:44 pm

With what?

Sorry, but this will never happen. Women's sports are not as popular as men's.

And yes, I do support girls/women's athletics.

SportsMa · Post by **SportsMa** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 7:08 pm

I got curious, googled and found this information. Does anyone know what the plans are for 2009+?

http://cfl.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/C ... 030499.pdf

"A complaint and motion for a preliminary injunction was filed in Federal District Court and served on the MSHSL on November 26, 2003, over the use of different facilities for boys’ and girls’ state hockey tournaments. The essence of the complaint, filed by several female student-athletes who play interscholastic ice hockey, is that it is unfair that the boys’ tournament is held at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul while the girls’ tournament is not. The Plaintiffs sought the requirement that the girls’ state hockey tournament be held at the Xcel Energy Center. The MSHSL has agreed to hold the 2006 through 2008 girls’ tournament at the Xcel Energy Center. The lawsuit was dismissed April 1, 2006."

pondhockey · Post by **pondhockey** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 8:48 am

It is convenient to have the instant replay that is available at the Excel for any disputed calls or goals.

SportsMa · Post by **SportsMa** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 10:12 am

Instant replay did not really help Alex last year with the disputed goal in the Breck vs Alex game that sent the teams into overtime. However, I do understand what you mean as it is convenient and is one of the pluses for the Xcel.

xwildfan · Post by **xwildfan** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 11:36 am

This issue has been beaten like the proverbial dead horse. However, I think it would be interesting to have a poll (differentiated by players, coaches and parents) to determine who is actually in favor of having the T at the X. In my totally anecdotal poll of players and parents, including those who have actually played in the State, the overwhelming majority of players are in favor of Ridder, citing atmosphere, noise, etc. Among the parents it is more split; with the usual PC reasons of opportunity, gender equity with boys, etc., cited by those in favor of the X.

IMO, the majority of the players think the whole issue is (1) much ado about nothing or (2) would prefer to play at Ridder. Seems like the top players couldn't care less where they play hockey.

Best hockey atmosphere of any State Girls so far was the first, held at Aldrich Arena; SRO crowds, bands, the whole deal. Apple Valley won.

pondhockey · Post by **pondhockey** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 2:31 pm

SportsMa wrote:Instant replay did not really help Alex last year with the disputed goal in the Breck vs Alex game that sent the teams into overtime. However, I do understand what you mean as it is convenient and is one of the pluses for the Xcel.

That game was played at the Ridder, where instant replay wasn't available. I appreciate you bringing up that example, SportsMa.
Both venues definitely have their pluses and minuses. The Excel does offer fans comfortable seating and those hot, delicious mini donuts...

SportsMa · Post by **SportsMa** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 6:55 pm

Yep, that was my point (even though I prefer Ridder) I do see and understand the ++'s for the X. Just love to watch good hockey so it can be played wherever in Minnesota and we would attend. Now we just need to get more fans fired up and enthused about Girls/Women's hockey to increase the fan base.

It will be interesting to see where the tournament goes as it appears that after this state, that they will be reviewing it unless they have already done that. Does anyone know where the 2009 tourney is scheduled to be played?

blindman · Post by **blindman** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 8:48 pm

SportsMa wrote:I got curious, googled and found this information. Does anyone know what the plans are for 2009+?

http://cfl.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/C ... 030499.pdf

"A complaint and motion for a preliminary injunction was filed in Federal District Court and served on the MSHSL on November 26, 2003, over the use of different facilities for boys’ and girls’ state hockey tournaments. The essence of the complaint, filed by several female student-athletes who play interscholastic ice hockey, is that it is unfair that the boys’ tournament is held at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul while the girls’ tournament is not. The Plaintiffs sought the requirement that the girls’ state hockey tournament be held at the Xcel Energy Center. The MSHSL has agreed to hold the 2006 through 2008 girls’ tournament at the Xcel Energy Center. The lawsuit was dismissed April 1, 2006."

One good thing is the parents(Cloquet) who helped get this going for their daughters will have graduated thier daughters and hopefully will not create such a stupid fuss again. Let us all hope it goes back to Ridder where it belongs. Lets hope we do not beat the dead horse anymore.

SportsMa · Post by **SportsMa** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 10:14 pm

To answer my own question from the MSHSL website.

http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/showstudent. ... inutes.htm

Item #15. Approved five-year state (2009-2013) tournament site contracts
Xcel Energy Center Girls Hockey
University of Minnesota Girls Hockey Consolation

Time to increase attendance and make some more noise!!!