Coop Programs North Metro Irondale/St. Anthony SLP/SW

[F14]

I know this year in youth and HS hockey North Metro is now Park Center, Fridley, Columbia Heights, Brooklyn Center and for Girls I believe Osseo.

I think its sad that the smaller programs are all collapsing. I remember in 83 when Heights went to the tourney. I think they only had 30 Bantam traveling kids in 1980 when if I remember right they won the State Bantam A tourney.

The first ring suburbs just can't afford the costs and all the traveling programs have basically also hurt Richfield as well. I heard a rumor they were talking about merging with Bloomington Kennedy? ANyone on that? They probably lose all their players to Holy Angels.

Cooper is merged with Armstrong for all youth hockey and with their referendum failing last month, might be nearing the end of their 44 yr. HS program. They had two former NHL players (Jim Johnson and Lance Pitlick) in the last 25 years and their numbers just keep falling.

Does anyone know about the SLP/SW merger, do the SW players when they get to HS get to pick whether they will play with Park or SW?

How is the SLP/SW youth program doing? How about Irondale'/St. ANthony?

Please right back with thoughts ideas, etc.

[MNsGreatest#2]

Well When I started hearing about the merges, I though these teams would benefit, and have winning teams. But I was wrong. Every year North Metro and Irondale get worse and worse, and the game is considered a total wash. But, trust me, I would love to see these teams do well. I just dont see it anytime soon.

[eyeinthesky]

south st. paul and Inver Grove Heights (Simley HS) merged for some youth levels last year

i dont know which levels they were or if they are doing it again this year but i believe they were called river heights

ssp is another inner ring suburb who used to be in the upper echelon of HS hockey but is fading into the sunset

[F14]

I agree it seems like when kids play for a COOP program they have no IDENTITY to a specific school so the numbers just keeping falling and falling.

I know when Brooklyn Center, Fridley, and Columbia Heights merged their youth program in 2001 I believe, there was all this hope that Tri-City (with nearly 1300 HS seniors) would be able to produce at least one good team. What has happened is they ended up merging now with Brooklyn Park.

[Govs93]

Has anybody actually seen North Metro play this year? How bad are they?

There aren't many games in town tomorrow, but they play Armstrong near my house, and I'm half thinking about going. I'm just looking for it too be somewhat competitive, but based on how well they've done this season, I'd say it doesn't look too promising.

It's either that game or travel across town to see Johnson again... but I'm hoping I don't have to do that until next week when they fill the Coliseum ( ) for the BRAWL FOR ST. PAUL against Como. Somebody give me a reason to go see Armstrong/NM (other than Cory Thorson - he's good, but I've already seen him twice).

[Can't Never Tried]

Has anybody actually seen North Metro play this year? How bad are they?

There aren't many games in town tomorrow, but they play Armstrong near my house, and I'm half thinking about going. I'm just looking for it too be somewhat competitive, but based on how well they've done this season, I'd say it doesn't look too promising.

It's either that game or travel across town to see Johnson again... but I'm hoping I don't have to do that until next week when they fill the Coliseum (:roll:) for the BRAWL FOR ST. PAUL against Como. Somebody give me a reason to go see Armstrong/NM (other than Cory Thorson - he's good, but I've already seen him twice).

NM is 1-10 and that win was against Waseca, honestly they are ummmm not so good!

Good night for you to relax, there just isn't any game close worth watching, maybe the Lakeville N / Jags game, or Lakeville S / EP game are better choices.

[Govs93]

Good night for you to relax.

Easy for you to say...

If I stay home, the wife will still be there.

[Can't Never Tried]

Good night for you to relax.

Easy for you to say...

If I stay home, the wife will still be there.

Suppose I should have been more sympathetic...I know!!! Make the wife go to the North Metro game

[who_b_dat]

There's suppossed to be a pretty big college football game on tonight. Put that on the tv. That usually drives mine to another part of the house.

[Govs93]

There's suppossed to be a pretty big college football game on tonight. Put that on the tv. That usually drives mine to another part of the house.

[tourneytickssince59]

I know this year in youth and HS hockey North Metro is now Park Center, Fridley, Columbia Heights, Brooklyn Center and for Girls I believe Osseo.

I think its sad that the smaller programs are all collapsing. I remember in 83 when Heights went to the tourney. I think they only had 30 Bantam traveling kids in 1980 when if I remember right they won the State Bantam A tourney.

The first ring suburbs just can't afford the costs and all the traveling programs have basically also hurt Richfield as well. I heard a rumor they were talking about merging with Bloomington Kennedy? ANyone on that? They probably lose all their players to Holy Angels.

Cooper is merged with Armstrong for all youth hockey and with their referendum failing last month, might be nearing the end of their 44 yr. HS program. They had two former NHL players (Jim Johnson and Lance Pitlick) in the last 25 years and their numbers just keep falling.

Does anyone know about the SLP/SW merger, do the SW players when they get to HS get to pick whether they will play with Park or SW?

How is the SLP/SW youth program doing? How about Irondale'/St. ANthony?

Please right back with thoughts ideas, etc.

I don't think that the cost of hockey is the main reason these inner city/ first ring suburb associations are failing. I think that the demographics of the area need to be looked at. I don't think the demise of the Harding area association had anything to do with cost but more to do with the current demographics of the area. As folks move from the city and head to the suburbs, those replacing them are often non-native Minnesotans who have never seen a hockey game much less played one.

[chiefofmedicine]

having been apart of a COOP program it is really hard to find an identity. not for the players but for the schools involved, no one really takes charge. not many fans come cuase with only 1 or 2 guys on the team why would they? and no one wants to play for that so kids leave or just dont come in to play in that enviroment.

[formerlybackofnet]

I know this year in youth and HS hockey North Metro is now Park Center, Fridley, Columbia Heights, Brooklyn Center and for Girls I believe Osseo.

I think its sad that the smaller programs are all collapsing. I remember in 83 when Heights went to the tourney. I think they only had 30 Bantam traveling kids in 1980 when if I remember right they won the State Bantam A tourney.

The first ring suburbs just can't afford the costs and all the traveling programs have basically also hurt Richfield as well. I heard a rumor they were talking about merging with Bloomington Kennedy? ANyone on that? They probably lose all their players to Holy Angels.

Cooper is merged with Armstrong for all youth hockey and with their referendum failing last month, might be nearing the end of their 44 yr. HS program. They had two former NHL players (Jim Johnson and Lance Pitlick) in the last 25 years and their numbers just keep falling.

Does anyone know about the SLP/SW merger, do the SW players when they get to HS get to pick whether they will play with Park or SW?

How is the SLP/SW youth program doing? How about Irondale'/St. ANthony?

Please right back with thoughts ideas, etc.

I don't think that the cost of hockey is the main reason these inner city/ first ring suburb associations are failing. I think that the demographics of the area need to be looked at. I don't think the demise of the Harding area association had anything to do with cost but more to do with the current demographics of the area. As folks move from the city and head to the suburbs, those replacing them are often non-native Minnesotans who have never seen a hockey game much less played one.

It's demographics, Johnson will be soon to follow. But their badmition team is doing well.

[Mario58]

Guv- Go to the game and keep us posted. It could be a big upset...Then you could say you were there...