A new low in Stillwater??

HOCKEY SCOUT · Post by **HOCKEY SCOUT** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 3:22 pm

Just what direction do you think your program should be going??? They are not as talented as the teams beating them. they have played some very good teams as tough as they can. And I am a parent with 3 grown children and never once did I stick my nose into their coaches and teams business. I played hockey at the highest level and certainly disagreed with some of the decisions that my boys coaches made over the years. Not once did I interfere. Why? Because my boys learned if they had a problem with the coach they needed to go work it out on their own. They did just that and both of my boys have told me they were glad I didn't. Your answers speak volumes as to the problem in hockey today at the youth and high school levels. It is game for the kids to play and for parents to enjoy. Support your kids and have fun with it. Stop blaming coaches and really look at the talent level of your team, I do this for a living and I am telling you M.V. is more talented or at worse on even par with your guys.

who_b_dat · Post by **who_b_dat** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 3:37 pm

Can you picture this?

Ms. Smith is a school teacher. For the past few years, her class has done poorly on the standardized, statewide test.

Parents have approached the school board complaining that Ms. Smith is lacking as a teacher. After all, the kids had performed well for all of their other previous teachers in prior years.

The school board and the principal call Ms. Smith in to explain her insight as to what is occurring. Ms. Smith replies; “hey its not my fault. These kids are just not that smart.”

Apparently, such an answer would suffice for Hockey Scout.

HOCKEY SCOUT · Post by **HOCKEY SCOUT** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 3:43 pm

What these players did at the youth level has nothing to do with their play now. Kids change. They mature at different times, kids quit or transfer etc.

By the way? What exactly did this group of juniors and seniors accomplish at the youth level?

ImissMYhockey · Post by **ImissMYhockey** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 7:34 pm

HOCKEY SCOUT wrote:Just what direction do you think your program should be going??? They are not as talented as the teams beating them. they have played some very good teams as tough as they can. And I am a parent with 3 grown children and never once did I stick my nose into their coaches and teams business. I played hockey at the highest level and certainly disagreed with some of the decisions that my boys coaches made over the years. Not once did I interfere. Why? Because my boys learned if they had a problem with the coach they needed to go work it out on their own. They did just that and both of my boys have told me they were glad I didn't. Your answers speak volumes as to the problem in hockey today at the youth and high school levels. It is game for the kids to play and for parents to enjoy. Support your kids and have fun with it. Stop blaming coaches and really look at the talent level of your team, I do this for a living and I am telling you M.V. is more talented or at worse on even par with your guys.

Wise words from a wise person.

mvhockey12 · Post by **mvhockey12** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:59 pm

HOCKEY SCOUT is my new best friend. You know your stuff and I completely agree with you and that's exactly how I'm going to raise my kids and how I'm going to deal with situations like this. Very good sir.

Panthers · Post by **Panthers** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:23 pm

If Housley were coaching Roseau or Edina this year I highly doubt his coaching abilities would come into question. Sound like a parental nightmare in Stillwater. Phil's feeder system is the youth program, can't remember the last time I have heard "Stillwater youth hockey" and "top program/dominant" in the same sentence. It's a lower tier program and this talent is what Housley has to work miracles with? It's sad people feel this way, I'm sure he'll get over it when he's coaching in the NHL.

Panthers · Post by **Panthers** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:50 pm

HOCKEY SCOUT is right on, if only people could understand and accept this. One only needs to look at Eden Prairie to understand how players/programs change as the players reach HS age. When's the last time EP has won a state HS championship or had a real sniff at it?

pucks/sticks · Post by **pucks/sticks** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 11:27 pm

I have coached against Stillwater and know some people around the program. Coaches should be in it for ALL there players but do you really think once Wilson is out of Stillwater Phil will stick around? There is no doubt Phil knows a lot about the game but time will only tell what his long term goals with this program really are.

fffhockey · Post by **fffhockey** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 12:37 am

Do you really think Phil would have started coaching at Stillwater if he didn't have a kid of his own on his way up to high school? There is definitely some bad blood there in Stillwater. Elitist attitudes, bad decisions and parent over-involvement are bad mix. Kids leave associations all over the state to play for private schools- the kid that was going to be leaving should have worn the "C"- if he was the best one for the job. If you hold those kids back that will be playing somewhere else for high school- you'll hurt the rest of the kids too. For they will someday play against them again. There is something to learn from the good players and isn't it the job of the coach to field the best possible team? Punish a team, and put a good player on a B team- because he'll be playing for a different high school. That is insane.

itsjstagme · Post by **itsjstagme** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 3:02 am

why is that insane, maybe someday when you grow up to be a big boy and get off of mommies nipple you will see what it means to have to make your own opinion.......

itsjstagme · Post by **itsjstagme** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 3:07 am

for one Housley could have any number of coaching jobs in the country, the us developement would kill to have him coach.......yep you idiots are right, hes foregoing a million some dollar contract just to see is kid play...............where are you people from.....you sound like a forstner

Pucknutz69 · Post by **Pucknutz69** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 5:01 am

itsjstagme wrote:for one Housley could have any number of coaching jobs in the country, the us developement would kill to have him coach.......yep you idiots are right, hes foregoing a million some dollar contract just to see is kid play...............where are you people from.....you sound like a forstner

that's some funny stuff right there!

WayOutWest · Post by **WayOutWest** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 6:46 am

Panthers wrote:HOCKEY SCOUT is right on, if only people could understand and accept this. One only needs to look at Eden Prairie to understand how players/programs change as the players reach HS age. When's the last time EP has won a state HS championship or had a real sniff at it?

LOL........oh, it's the kids that are changing that is to blame, is it?
EP does have a huge, successful youth program, which breeds talent, year in, year out.
You're right..........the success, there, seems to stop at the high school level. And you attribute that to "players changing" when they reach HS age? Did you imagine that there was some funny water in EP, which magically stopped high school player's development ability once they hit 15?
It certainly couldn't be a coaching/development issue in HS, could it? That's way out of the realm of the possible, right?
Eden Prairie may be in an even worse position than Housley, but you're perfectly willing to grant them a free pass too.

WayOutWest · Post by **WayOutWest** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 6:59 am

HOCKEY SCOUT wrote:Just what direction do you think your program should be going??? They are not as talented as the teams beating them. they have played some very good teams as tough as they can. And I am a parent with 3 grown children and never once did I stick my nose into their coaches and teams business. I played hockey at the highest level and certainly disagreed with some of the decisions that my boys coaches made over the years. Not once did I interfere. Why? Because my boys learned if they had a problem with the coach they needed to go work it out on their own. They did just that and both of my boys have told me they were glad I didn't. Your answers speak volumes as to the problem in hockey today at the youth and high school levels. It is game for the kids to play and for parents to enjoy. Support your kids and have fun with it. Stop blaming coaches and really look at the talent level of your team, I do this for a living and I am telling you M.V. is more talented or at worse on even par with your guys.

What direction do I think the program should be going?
How about "UP?"

Would that be an unrealistic expectation? If so, why?
Because "they are not as talented as the teams that are beating them?"
If so, why? Is Housley not attempting to address this issue? Again, you sound as though he can merely create a roster, post it, and cross his fingers.
I never encouraged parents to get in coaches faces and question their every move.

Interferece at that level is definitely inappropriate. However, I do believe that high schools should openly accept year-end feedback from the community on a coaches/programs performance. Why should Housley be beyond reproach? Why should the athletic director be the only one assessing his ability? In many cases, said director knows very little about hockey. Don't underestimate your parental community. Many of them are VERY skilled at assessing the developmental performance of a particular program. A high school hockey program is still funded by the community. To assert that the community should have absolutely no voice in it, is ludicrous.
I imagine you don't bother to vote on anything, come election day, do you? That's better left to the incumbents, to assess their own performance, and find themselves a suitable replacement if they feel they are not performing up to........uh........their own expectations?

HolyRider · Post by **HolyRider** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 7:06 am

The MSU Mavericks in will take him as a coach if Stillwater is done with him. When can you deliver?

WayOutWest · Post by **WayOutWest** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 7:22 am

HolyRider wrote:The MSU Mavericks in will take him as a coach if Stillwater is done with him. When can you deliver?

Might be a good fit. The Mavericks have low expectations too.

Dazed&Confused · Post by **Dazed&Confused** » Sun Jan 27, 2008 9:32 am

I have been reading and following this thread for some time. Not trying to make excuses for anyone but wanted to offer this twist.
Coaching highschool kids and highschl sports in general is not exactly the same as higher levels. Obvious statement I know. Here is the deal Maybe Phil is adjustig to the lackof discipline of his team and that of the teams they play. Most highschool players do not think when playing all they do is react to what happened. Coaches will often play systems or teach the kids to do this if Team A is doing that. But the teams or players dont do what they should. Therefore it just doesnot work. Seems simple but when you count on your oposition to make adjustments or reads and they dont it throws everthing off. I will also offer this. Maybe some of these programs that seem to never get it done is simply becuase there players have other interests than hockey or the most talented athletes play another sport.

itsjstagme · Post by **itsjstagme** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:48 pm

It just seems too easy to blame the coach rather than except the fact there isnt the talent to support a 500 team. They play all very tough non confrence games and for the most part play at the best of there ability. Stillwater has maybe one D1 prospect, other than that I dont think they have any kids even being looked but j.r. teams. Too many parents would rather blame the coach than tell there own kid that they need to work harder in the off season, these parents would rather be there kids buddy and coddle them rather then teach them self resposibility...

WayOutWest · Post by **WayOutWest** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:37 pm

itsjstagme wrote:It just seems too easy to blame the coach rather than except the fact there isnt the talent to support a 500 team. They play all very tough non confrence games and for the most part play at the best of there ability. Stillwater has maybe one D1 prospect, other than that I dont think they have any kids even being looked but j.r. teams. Too many parents would rather blame the coach than tell there own kid that they need to work harder in the off season, these parents would rather be there kids buddy and coddle them rather then teach them self resposibility...

Have you seen the thread in the youth section, about association size? :

http://www.ushsho.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14954

The Stillwater association has great numbers. I am certainly not willing to give Housley a free pass on the failures of the high school program, but it certainly appears as though the youth program is underachieving as well. That's a lot of kids, for very marginal success. If there are no talented kids at the high school level, it certainly isn't for lack of numbers coming up through the program. Could the program, in general, be flat out poor? Are there other questionable coaching appointments? If you get 1024 chances, some of those should come up winners, just by chance, right?

Pucknutz69 · Post by **Pucknutz69** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:03 pm

[quote="itsjstagme"]It just seems too easy to blame the coach rather than except the fact there isnt the talent to support a 500 team. They play all very tough non confrence games and for the most part play at the best of there ability. Stillwater has maybe one D1 prospect, other than that I dont think they have any kids even being looked but j.r. teams. Too many parents would rather blame the coach than tell there own kid that they need to work harder in the off season, these parents would rather be there kids buddy and coddle them rather then teach them self resposibility...[/quote]

Sorry but the "PARENTS" of this team aren't the ones on here asking for Housley to leave. It's people that have nothing to do with the program running at the mouth. The parents of this team see what's happening and know what's working and what isn't and are supporting Coach Housley and the players.

Jr Gold A - ranked #6 LPH
U16 - #10 LPH
Bantam A - (7-0-4 in D2) doing very well
Bantam B - #6 LPH
Peewee A- only team not doing well
Peewee B- #7 LPH

1024 also includes the girls program which teams are doing very well also.

newsguy35 · Post by **newsguy35** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:26 pm

WayOutWest wrote:
itsjstagme wrote:It just seems too easy to blame the coach rather than except the fact there isnt the talent to support a 500 team. They play all very tough non confrence games and for the most part play at the best of there ability. Stillwater has maybe one D1 prospect, other than that I dont think they have any kids even being looked but j.r. teams. Too many parents would rather blame the coach than tell there own kid that they need to work harder in the off season, these parents would rather be there kids buddy and coddle them rather then teach them self resposibility...
Have you seen the thread in the youth section, about association size? :

http://www.ushsho.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14954

The Stillwater association has great numbers. I am certainly not willing to give Housley a free pass on the failures of the high school program, but it certainly appears as though the youth program is underachieving as well. That's a lot of kids, for very marginal success. If there are no talented kids at the high school level, it certainly isn't for lack of numbers coming up through the program. Could the program, in general, be flat out poor? Are there other questionable coaching appointments? If you get 1024 chances, some of those should come up winners, just by chance, right?

How long has Mr Housley been at this program? It does take a few years to get things rolling, especially if there is a mess left over from the previous coach. Also, there is alot more to do with the discipline of the team if hte previous coach did not handle it and no expectations were set.

I am not making any excuses for lackluster performances by a coach, I am in no place to make any comments but it is pretty simple to arm chair coach and give advice when you are not hte ones under the pressure. I am sure Phil is gearing up for the rest of the season as well as the future and I wish him luck. I am sure he will do just fine and will prove that Stillwater can be fixed if given the time to.

itsjstagme · Post by **itsjstagme** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:50 pm

The youth numbers are outstanding, its keeping them here is the trick. Stillwater lost 5 or 6 kids from each of the last two years A bantam teams and two since the season started this year. Its not an excuse but it makes a team gel better just by having played with one another before. I have a b squirt and there where 120 kids tryout, last year there where 85, so the numbers are getting up there.

mo to coach then 51 minn · Tue Jan 29, 2008 12:28 am

This is Mr Housley 4th year rolling. Mr Long coached for 7 long years. As far as discipline goes. Mr Long over heard a racial comment from his jv locker room directed at a black player from the visiting team. Mr Long asked which player made the comment no player stepped up. Mr Long benched 5 players at a time for the rest of the season going through roaster with 5 or 6 games left in the season.
Mr Housley on the other hand the 2006 team at xmas in Rocherster the team bus arrived at the hotel to check in after players and coaching staff got off the bus left behind 12 or so spit bottles from chew Ass. coach Hamilton scolded the team and warned them it had better not happen again. Mr Housley did nothing because he was in Sweeden on the bench for the US national team. Now there is commitment to your team and what about that discipline.

Pucknutz69 · Post by **Pucknutz69** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 4:03 am

mo to coach then 51 minn wrote:This is Mr Housley 4th year rolling. Mr Long coached for 7 long years. As far as discipline goes. Mr Long over heard a racial comment from his jv locker room directed at a black player from the visiting team. Mr Long asked which player made the comment no player stepped up. Mr Long benched 5 players at a time for the rest of the season going through roaster with 5 or 6 games left in the season.
Mr Housley on the other hand the 2006 team at xmas in Rocherster the team bus arrived at the hotel to check in after players and coaching staff got off the bus left behind 12 or so spit bottles from chew Ass. coach Hamilton scolded the team and warned them it had better not happen again. Mr Housley did nothing because he was in Sweeden on the bench for the US national team. Now there is commitment to your team and what about that discipline.

Housley has let a few kids go for not following the Drug and Alcohol rules, why do you think they are starting 2 sophmore goalies. Jrs from last year got the boot same with the senior that is playing for Hudson Crusaders. And I am sure Coach Long let a few slip by in his day.

WayOutWest · Post by **WayOutWest** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 7:06 am

Pucknutz69 wrote: Jr Gold A - ranked #6 LPH
U16 - #10 LPH
Bantam A - (7-0-4 in D2) doing very well
Bantam B - #6 LPH
Peewee A- only team not doing well
Peewee B- #7 LPH

1024 also includes the girls program which teams are doing very well also.

This would only highlight the high school issue, right? There doesn't seem to be a talent issue in the Stillwater program after all. Yet, there is a talent issue in high school? Hmmmmm...............

Something doesn't add up.

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