OUT State A State tournament no more

GR3343 · Post by **GR3343** » Thu May 08, 2008 3:47 pm

jumpstart wrote:I haven't read up on this and don't know all of the details, but I can comment that my daughter had the privilege of playing in two U12 state tournaments and one U14 state tournament, all of them being in different venues: Richfield, Warroad and Minnetonka. I personally like having different venues. I believe it gives kids a chance to play in other arenas and to travel if it is somewhere other than near the home town. It gives communities around Minnesota the opportunity to host tournaments and showcase their arenas, programs and towns. At least for the smaller towns, it probably also brings in some revenue.

Isn't this the point of youth hockey? While playing in the X might be a thrill, it should also be a novelty rather than the norm. The smaller associations around our state deserve the chance to host and be proud of their towns and their teams. This proposal stinks of an elitist attitude.

hockeya1a · Post by **hockeya1a** » Thu May 08, 2008 4:51 pm

GR3343 wrote:
jumpstart wrote:I haven't read up on this and don't know all of the details, but I can comment that my daughter had the privilege of playing in two U12 state tournaments and one U14 state tournament, all of them being in different venues: Richfield, Warroad and Minnetonka. I personally like having different venues. I believe it gives kids a chance to play in other arenas and to travel if it is somewhere other than near the home town. It gives communities around Minnesota the opportunity to host tournaments and showcase their arenas, programs and towns. At least for the smaller towns, it probably also brings in some revenue.
Isn't this the point of youth hockey? While playing in the X might be a thrill, it should also be a novelty rather than the norm. The smaller associations around our state deserve the chance to host and be proud of their towns and their teams. This proposal stinks of an elitist attitude.

What about the small towns that only have one rink they would probably never get a chance.

Media · Post by **Media** » Thu May 08, 2008 5:26 pm

You mean like Greenway who has for years pulled together as a community to host Tournaments, Or Virginia, Maybe you mean Eveleth where the Hockey hall of fame is I believe even Hoyt lakes used to run Tournaments

Media · Post by **Media** » Thu May 08, 2008 5:36 pm

But, what if the tournament was held in Austin? Wouldn't you and all the Northern teams be happier if it were in the cities then? Just being devils advocate here. No matter where the venue, someone is going to be put out. I also agree that the Xcel is too big, how about Mariucci and Ridder?[/quote]

You miss the point, its not about, being put out, or even gas prices, its about pride in community, Its about sharing the game, its about people in communities working together. Its about memories, and yes its about tradidtion. NOt a tradition that involves one part of the state or another, but a tradition that involves the entire state.Its about players and families working together to host other communities toi share a common interest. Its about returning to the sight of an invitational tournament to renew old friendship during a state tournament. Its this and a whole lot more. Not money and not marketing .

greybeard58 · Post by **greybeard58** » Thu May 08, 2008 8:34 pm

It is one thing to post your opinions here, send them to the Mn Hockey Board of Directors and make your voices heard.

Media · Post by **Media** » Thu May 08, 2008 8:58 pm

UMMMM I did

GR3343 · Post by **GR3343** » Thu May 08, 2008 9:22 pm

As did I.

Central · Post by **Central** » Thu May 08, 2008 10:21 pm

As did our household plus a number of others that we know.

chickendance · Post by **chickendance** » Thu May 08, 2008 10:39 pm

O I thought this was where MN Hockey went to do their research...you mean I have to talk to them?

Yes we did also.

Indians forever · Post by **Indians forever** » Thu May 08, 2008 10:52 pm

lets face it I doubt if they will listen.... As did I voice my concern on this matter.

greybeard58 · Post by **greybeard58** » Thu May 08, 2008 11:46 pm

Thank you all for voicing your opinions to the Mn Hockey board and yes I did also. But on this issue it is important to make sure that even more contact Mn Hockey even if you agree or disagree they need to hear the voice of every association member. Usually when they ask for opinions it is at events they control and script their questions or with their scripted survey.