St. Cloud Youth Hockey Split

wickedshot · Post by **wickedshot** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 7:13 pm

We're preparing as best we can. We don't pretend to have all the answers and we'll admit it to you if we don't. I don't think we will have thought of everything but we're doing our best. Incidentally, we're having a open meeting next Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at the St. Augusta American Legion and sent invitations to all SCYHA members and have invited its president to sit with me so that we can both answer questions in an open, civil and constructive way.

greybeard58 · Post by **greybeard58** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 7:21 pm

Fred 61,
I believe you are talking about Columbus Township which is in the Forest Lake School District as for the 22 associations in District 10 Hinckley has mites and the rest skate with Mora all the way through High school,Braham has not been an active association for many years, as the same with Sandstone if they have any players they skate with Moose Lake.

Rocket78 · Post by **Rocket78** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:15 pm

I think the St Cloud Tech program needs to be looked at based on its own merits with no considerations of if/when redistricting might occur. The question is - Do they have the right to have their own program or not? The financing and other considerations are something that each affiliate program must handle on their own. Some do a very good job and others do not.

frederick61 · Post by **frederick61** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:36 pm

greybeard58 wrote:Fred 61,
I believe you are talking about Columbus Township which is in the Forest Lake School District as for the 22 associations in District 10 Hinckley has mites and the rest skate with Mora all the way through High school,Braham has not been an active association for many years, as the same with Sandstone if they have any players they skate with Moose Lake.

It maybe Columbus. I do know it is north of Lino Lakes and borders with Forest Lake. It is officially a city this year, not a township. As to D10, there are 22 associations that are listed and I assume some way participate at some level in youth hockey.

Fire and Ice · Post by **Fire and Ice** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:48 pm

Columbus is a city now. It is also part of the FL school district which means they play for District 2 as does part of Lino Lakes.

As for St Cloud the mistake was made back in 1998 when they merged North and South to make State Tourneys. That didn't work so well for them. Now like Rochester you don't have enough top end kids to go around for all high schools. You either split and take your lumps or stay together and never have Tech or Apollo make a state tourney.

As far as D 10 St Cloud together creates competition for the best teams in the district and the drive time is not that big a deal...mapquest St Cloud to Mound and St Cloud to Centennial that will give you an idea of the difference.

Do you make your public schools better or do you keep your youth program competitive? Either way you lose on both sides for the first few years.

BlueGoose5 · Post by **BlueGoose5** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:05 pm

The St. Cloud Tech Hockey Association is nothing but a small group of disgruntled adults whose only concern is St. Cloud Tech boys high school hockey and getting revenge on St. Cloud Youth Hockey. This group is comprised of a few former leaders and board members of SCYHA who were either voted out by the general membership or resigned from their leadership positions last year. They were a divisive force in leading youth hockey, and the change in leadership was a breath of fresh air. This group in no way can be trusted. Now, they're returning for their revenge. Hopefully, though, SCYHA, which exists only for the kids, will prevail.

Rocket78 · Post by **Rocket78** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 11:06 pm

I am left wondering how this Tech group could have the energy, desire (or whatever) it takes to come back to be a thorn in the side of St Cloud hockey. There are very few people that get involved or stay involved once their kids move on to high school. I have to wonder if the SCYHA group has some skeletons.

OK, so I have lived in the Rochester area for most of my life and I have observed the ebb and flow of RYHA organizers for the past 20 years. We have had some stick around once their kid was gone (Konakowitz has been long term but most others were just for a few years). More commonly, the power brokers leave the association once their youngest has moved to high school. Examples include Lawler, Peterson, Amundson, Dunfee, Larson and Roth. This was Anderson's last year as his youngest moves to high school. I would bet that Schneider, Brandrup and McCormick move on too after this year since their youngest are going to high school. None of this is meant as a criticism but just the reality that parents want to spend time watching their own kid and not organizing or coaching were their kid is not involved.

Fire&Ice, I agree with your assessment of Rochester not creating enough H/S players. There are many valid reasons for this. In the 90's there was a short lived trial of having a squirt A team for each public high school. I guess they didn't win enough so they ditched the plan after a few years.

wickedshot · Post by **wickedshot** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 6:29 am

Mr. Goose:

I've read your opinions on other places on this board. I've stepped forward and revealed my name. Why don't you. In fact, why don't you come forward and debate me next Thursday night 7 p.m. at the St. Augusta American Legion? Is it a date?

I'll put a chair in front for you. How about this instead of lurking in the shadows with your comments. This is not an editorial or referendum on the current board or its performance.

And you, better than anyone, should know this issue is not new. My phone number is 320-260-8387. Call me.

wickedshot · Post by **wickedshot** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 6:38 am

Oh, by the way, there isn't anyone on our board who was voted off SCYHA, just to put the facts out there.

I resigned from the board and our other three members were never on it. Furthermore, I've initiated every decision, from the application to the state for the federal tax ID number to the appeal to MN Hockey to be at its meeting to the name to next week's meeting and all the Q and As on the website. Just to clear that up. Also the ADs of the high schools and all the parents who have questions have been dealing with me and the rest of the board -- no one else, contrary to rumors that SCYHA has spread.

BlueGoose5 · Post by **BlueGoose5** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 8:53 am

Wicked,

You resign from the SCYHA board to become president of a new board to take down SCYHA. You no longer have kids in youth hockey. Like I said, this doesn't sound like it's for the kids, but it sure seems like this is all about Tech HS boys hockey, which is where your motivations are at right now.

Now, tell me this, just so I'm not accused of spreading any rumors. How active or involved is Colleen Donovan, who was your cohort and was voted out as president of SCYHA by a wide margin of the general membership last year, involved in your group? In fact, I think you resigned in response to her defeat. The rumor mill has it that she is a major player but since she's also a District 10 rep, she can't be linked to your group in an official capacity. If you plead the fifth on this, I'll understand.

wickedshot · Post by **wickedshot** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:22 am

First, how about it, are we on? Want to step forward?

I don't need Colleen Donovan or anyone else to give me any direction. In case you forgot, she almost blackballed me out of SCYHA for speaking my mind in public about Acceleration MN five years ago and refused to speak to me. While I served on the board with her, we had our share of disagreements, unfortunately, since you choose not to serve on the EB, you never saw. Are we friends now? Yes. Do we disagree on some hockey issues. Yes.

Is she initiating the idea, the town hall meeting, the website, the qs and As, the responses to D10 and MN Hockey? No. I run my own business and am fully capable of making decisions every day without anyone's input or suggestions. I was approached by the people on this board and other parents who have kids in SCYHA, which Donovan does not.

My kid won't benefit from this at all. It's too late for him. I've been pushing for this for years. I first joined SCYHA in 1994, before Colleen Donovan did. And I didn't even have a kid in the assocation then. He was 3. You want to question my motivation?

Come on. Take me up on my offer. Start by agreeing to sit with me next Thursday night and debate and identify yourself to everyone on this site. Come on out of the shadows.

George Blanda · Post by **George Blanda** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:24 am

Wicked:

I've already e-mailed you over my concerns in the last couple days. But, since this seems like a new public Q & A forum, I thought I'd throw another question or two out on the table for you.

The SCTYHA website states:

Our group was formed to promote boys and girls youth hockey for all Southside players and families.

The SCYHA website has the Q&A from the 2/28 Town Hall meeting. In this report, the following question was asked.

Is the only reason why we're doing this to benefit Tech hockey?

According to this report, the answer was...

The answer given by Chad Hommerding at the town hall meeting was yes.

My questions are as follows:

1. Which side does SCTYHA take? Do they want the best for all soutside players, including Cathedral? Or, is the only thing on their agenda Tech hockey?

2. What are the chances that kids who are projected to go to CHS will ever make an "A" team? Will there be anyone representing CHS on the tryout committee and team selection committee?*

Thanks again,

Brian

George Blanda · Post by **George Blanda** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:33 am

wickedshot wrote:Is she initiating the idea, the town hall meeting, the website, the qs and As, the responses to D10 and MN Hockey? No. I run my own business and am fully capable of making decisions every day without anyone's input or suggestions. I was approached by the people on this board and other parents who have kids in SCYHA, which Donovan does not.

Mr. Kennedy:

With all do respect, I think that is where many of the problems exist. No (or very little) input was asked of people, North or South side. After speaking with several people (Apollo/Tech/Cathedral), no one was ever asked if they thought this plan was a good idea (until the SCYHA survey).

This is a rebellious brigade put forth by a few people. This is a decision that affects every person involved in hockey in the city, because a FEW people thought it was a good idea.

So, in response to your above quote. Yes, you do make decisions on your own, and that's a good thing. But not in this kind of situation. Maybe you should take suggestions, I believe this whole thing may have gone over a little better.

BlueGoose5 · Post by **BlueGoose5** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:40 am

GB, I couldn't agree with you more. Thanks for your input.

wickedshot · Post by **wickedshot** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:40 am

Hey Brian:

You did e mail me. Thanks. And you seem to be honestly looking for information instead of attributing conspiracy theories.

With all due respect to Chad Hommerding, he isn't on this board and I don't consult with him in making decisions or in formulating my answers to anyone. He answered on behalf of himself and who can blame him? He wants to do what is in the best interest of his program. I didn't see Mr. Boerger ever invite my kid to his summer camp for private school kids until my kid switched schools to SPPM. My point is, high school coaches often are going to do what they can to improve their own program.

Yes, I am concerned about the Cathedral kids. One of my kid's best friends is a CHS varsity player and I almost consider him a family member. I would like to see CHS, Apollo and Tech have its own teams at each level and leave it up to them to each to decide if they want to play at each level at A, B1 or whatever. But that's up to MN Hockey. We still will bring it up at the meeting for discussion.

Short of that, there absolutely would be CHS representation on choosing the teams. There are a lot of CHS people living on the southside. Furthermore, I'd even suggest that those who live on the southside who want a one-time waiver to play on the northside be allowed to do it the first year we operate. If anyone doesn't trust my motivations, I'd like to give them that option. The waiver rule says both association presidents would have to agree and the district could sign off on it. Just a thought.

Blue&Gold · Post by **Blue&Gold** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:45 am

Are you looking for CHS representation?

wickedshot · Post by **wickedshot** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:52 am

Blue and Gold:

I don't want to scare you, but read my above post. It sounds as though we are on the same page. Call my cell. I'd welcome your help and support so that everyone feels all the kids are getting treated fairly.

In all my years in SCYHA on the board, I can honestly say I disagreed with plenty of parents, but never ever ever held it against any kid. It would go against everything I believe in and I would find it nothing short of despicable.

Blue&Gold · Post by **Blue&Gold** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:55 am

wickedshot wrote:Blue and Gold:

I don't want to scare you, but read my above post. It sounds as though we are on the same page. Call my cell. I'd welcome your help and support so that everyone feels all the kids are getting treated fairly.

In all my years in SCYHA on the board, I can honestly say I disagreed with plenty of parents, but never ever ever held it against any kid. It would go against everything I believe in and I would find it nothing short of despicable.

I changed my post only because it was saying what Brian was, but not as well...

I'll send you a PM with my email and phone for connection. If this is going to happen, and you're open to CHS support, we should at least chat..

wickedshot · Post by **wickedshot** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:56 am

Blue and Gold:

I read your previous post, but it appears you edited it. It was a good post the way you had it and you cut it down to one questions. I'd like to see it again, please. Thanks.

Mike

BlueGoose5 · Post by **BlueGoose5** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:02 am

Blue & Gold,

I'd hold off on doing anything with the Tech group. Their effort will soon come to an end. There's no way, and I mean NO WAY, that Minnesota Hockey will support their cause. It'll all be done by the end of this month and then you can stick a fork in it.

Blue&Gold · Post by **Blue&Gold** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:09 am

BlueGoose5 wrote:Blue & Gold,

I'd hold off on doing anything with the Tech group. Their effort will soon come to an end. There's no way, and I mean NO WAY, that Minnesota Hockey will support their cause. It'll all be done by the end of this month and then you can stick a fork in it.

I have dealt with D10 and MN Hockey for many years, and I will tell you that you can't assume things with them and how they make decisions. I'm opening myself up to say that if this split happens, there are a few of us that will want to make sure that the kids who attend schools other than Tech are treated fairly.

I know Mr. Kennedy, and if we chat over how to do this, it only costs us our time. If MN Hockey sees the light and the split doesn't happen, don't assume that it will be a dead issue.

Over the years, I've learned that what makes logical sense to me many times does not pass the logical test for another group. I'm not for the split, but putting my head in the sand may not make it go away.

wickedshot · Post by **wickedshot** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:14 am

Mr. Goose:

Our organization will be here for years -- long after my kid is out of hockey. We are incorporated and aren't going away. I'm in this for the long run and so are our supporters, which are not only growing locally, but I'm getting e mails and calls from the Twin Cities and all around the state in support. I've got a long list of questions and clarifications for MN Hockey that will spark some interesting debate.

We'll see.

elliott70 · Post by **elliott70** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:36 am

BlueGoose5 wrote:Blue & Gold,

I'd hold off on doing anything with the Tech group. Their effort will soon come to an end. There's no way, and I mean NO WAY, that Minnesota Hockey will support their cause. It'll all be done by the end of this month and then you can stick a fork in it.

Please do not speak for the MN Hockey board.
I would not speak for them and I sit on the board.
For the most part, we listen and analyze THEN make a decision on what is best for our constituency, Mn Hockey kids/participants and then the rest of the hockey world.

Speaking for mysel,f I have a lot of questions and seek more information other than the generalizations, rumors and mud-slinging that have been set forth.

wickedshot · Post by **wickedshot** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:39 am

Gotta run and do some business at my first job.

Anyone who wants to visit, please wait for me to respond until later or call me on my cell -- 320-260-8387 and leave a message. My e mail is mikek@mainstreetcom.com if you want to send it in private. I promise to respond as quickly as possible. Thanks.

BlueGoose5 · Post by **BlueGoose5** » Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:42 am

Mr Tech president, it's very interesting that you no longer have a kid in youth hockey, you live on the north side, and now you think you know what's best for those who do have kids in youth hockey, and especially for those on the south side. You want to break up an organization that has existed for the kids for 30-some years just so Tech HS may have a chance to win. Wow, you are really something. Congrats on your e-mails from everywhere. Groups like yours are dangerous and are only interested in their own agenda.