Two Nations Female Hockey League 2008

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Mon May 05, 2008 12:52 pm

hockeyrube7 wrote:This doesn't look right. When I click on the upcoming weekend it has last weekends dates at the top, yet next weekends dates in the list. Do they really have games scheduled during the middle of a Friday/school day? Or am I on the wrong schedule? http://www.2nationsfemalehockeyleague.c ... 112008.htm

Schedule as posted is wrong. St. Croix Saints play at 1:30 in first game. League has been notified.

OntheEdge · Post by **OntheEdge** » Mon May 05, 2008 3:03 pm

hockeyrube7 wrote:Is this all the scores from the weekend, or were there more games not listed? Sounds like fantastic games being played.

"OntheEdge", from what you saw do you still feel the league needs to redraft teams?

Bottom line I think the teams are not equal in talent. The good news is that the scores (at least in Elite 1) were pretty close so the girls worked hard but I think the games (who cares about the scores) and the development experience would be better if the talent was more evenly spread. There were some good hockey games but some ugly hockey played too. I think the games are better at OS spring and Thoroughbred Spring leagues because the teams are more evenly matched. I was hoping that this league would be more about development than the typical AAA tournament. From what I've seen so far its an inexpensive 4 weekend AAA league in which recruiting talent for your team is the most important component. I like the 20 minute stop time games and the cost can't be beat. As Melvin44 stated you can learn something (sometimes good and bad habits) from even the worst games but I think you learn more from equally talented teams fighting it out. Therefore the only criticism I have is that I think the league can do a better job guiding the coaches on selecting appropriate players for each team. This is just my opinion. I'm sure others have different opinions.

MNHockeyFan · Post by **MNHockeyFan** » Mon May 05, 2008 4:45 pm

I guess I would have to disagree with you somewhat here, OntheEdge. Most of the Tier 1 games I've seen so far have been low scoring affairs, which is pretty amazing considering the periods are 20 minutes stop time. This generally means that the players are skating hard both ways and are playing good team defense, along with some good goaltending.

I'd be more concerned about any talent differential if say the typical score was something like 8-3, which you do see quite often in AAA Tournaments (and even more so in the high school season) where total mismatches are very common.

OntheEdge · Post by **OntheEdge** » Mon May 05, 2008 5:06 pm

MNHockeyFan wrote:I guess I would have to disagree with you somewhat here, OntheEdge. Most of the Tier 1 games I've seen so far have been low scoring affairs, which is pretty amazing considering the periods are 20 minutes stop time. This generally means that the players are skating hard both ways and are playing good team defense, along with some good goaltending.

I'd be more concerned about any talent differential if say the typical score was something like 8-3, which you do see quite often in AAA Tournaments (and even more so in the high school season) where total mismatches are very common.

As I said, people may have different opinions but I stand by what I said. I don't think the scores were indicative of the whole picture. I thought the goaltending for all of the teams was very good. I think people should judge for themselves by showing up next weekend to see some of the action. There is no gate fee.

hockeyrube7 · Post by **hockeyrube7** » Mon May 05, 2008 5:48 pm

OntheEdge- It sounds like you are bitter about something? So you are saying your coach did a poor job with his/her team, and the choice of players? That is a different opinion, not really. I guess what I would have to say to you is take your daughter and move her to another team, maybe even at a more respective level for her, what level does she play anyway, is that too much for her, or is she that much better than all around her? Or simply ask for you money back? I'm just not getting what you are saying. "NOTHING", and let me repeat NOTHING good can come from bashing those who work that hard to make something happen and even involve your kid, even as politely as you are trying to state it. I really suggest you tone it down a bit, I hear some people have worked very hard on making that league happen. And from the sounds of it, it was a fantastic weekend.

Can anyone tell me about this league, is it not a league with set teams and a championship involved? I thought I heard it was supposed to be an AAA league involving Two Nations, thus the name, could be wrong I suppose.

OntheEdge · Post by **OntheEdge** » Mon May 05, 2008 5:52 pm

hockeyrube7 wrote:OntheEdge- It sounds like you are bitter about something? So you are saying your coach did a poor job with his/her team, and the choice of players? That is a different opinion, not really. I guess what I would have to say to you is take your daughter and move her to another team, maybe even at a more respective level for her, what level does she play anyway, is that too much for her, or is she that much better than all around her? Or simply ask for you money back? I'm just not getting what you are saying.
NOTHING
, and let me repeat NOTHING good can come from bashing those who work that hard to make something happen and even involve your kid, even as politely as you are trying to state it. I really suggest you tone it down a bit, I hear some people have worked very hard on making that league happen. And from the sounds of it, it was a fantastic weekend.

Can anyone tell me about this league, is it not a league with set teams and a championship involved? I thought I heard it was supposed to be an AAA league involving Two Nations, thus the name, could be wrong I suppose.

Sorry Hockeyrube7 if you think I'm bitter, I'm not. You asked for my opinion and I gave it. I'm not bashing anyone and if you took it that way I apologize. I think the talent could be more balanced to make for better games and better development that's it. My daughter is enjoying herself. She always does no matter the circumstances. She likes her coaches and teammates and has never complained about either.

hockeyrube7 · Post by **hockeyrube7** » Mon May 05, 2008 6:12 pm

OntheEdge wrote:Sorry Hockeyrube7 if you think I'm bitter, I'm not. You asked for my opinion and I gave it. I'm not bashing anyone and if you took it that way I apologize. I think the talent could be more balanced to make for better games and better development that's it. My daughter is enjoying herself. She always does no matter the circumstances. She likes her coaches and teammates and has never complained about either.

I meant nothing offensive. I'm just not getting what you are trying to say here. Your statements make it seam like you are unhappy with the league, with your team, and with your coach. From everything else I've read and seen, this truly seemed like a greatly matched weekend, from all the comments and scores that I have seen. Is it maybe that you just don't like the style of hockey, or maybe the style of team? I just don't get all the negativity on such a positive, and advancing league. It sounds like the league is really ramping up to something big.

OntheEdge · Post by **OntheEdge** » Mon May 05, 2008 6:18 pm

hockeyrube7 wrote:
OntheEdge wrote:Sorry Hockeyrube7 if you think I'm bitter, I'm not. You asked for my opinion and I gave it. I'm not bashing anyone and if you took it that way I apologize. I think the talent could be more balanced to make for better games and better development that's it. My daughter is enjoying herself. She always does no matter the circumstances. She likes her coaches and teammates and has never complained about either.
I meant nothing offensive. I'm just not getting what you are trying to say here. Your statements make it seam like you are unhappy with the league, with your team, and with your coach. From everything else I've read and seen, this truly seemed like a greatly matched weekend, from all the comments and scores that I have seen. Is it maybe that you just don't like the style of hockey, or maybe the style of team? I just don't get all the negativity on such a positive, and advancing league. It sounds like the league is really ramping up to something big.

"Our critics are our friends, they show us our faults" - Ben Franklin. The league is in its infancy. Its a great idea and just needs some tweaks. Discussion and opposing opinions are always good and will make the league better. My (criticism) opinion is that the league could be better with more balance. Come to the games this weekend and judge for yourself. The Canadians came to the same conclusion regarding balance after last year and purposely created more balanced teams. I think the American side should do the same. I think OS Spring League does a good job of trying to balance teams to give the best competitive experience. I think the American side of the 2NationsLeague can improve in this respect. Its just my opinion. Take it for just that.

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Mon May 05, 2008 7:37 pm

OntheEdge wrote:
hockeyrube7 wrote:
OntheEdge wrote:Sorry Hockeyrube7 if you think I'm bitter, I'm not. You asked for my opinion and I gave it. I'm not bashing anyone and if you took it that way I apologize. I think the talent could be more balanced to make for better games and better development that's it. My daughter is enjoying herself. She always does no matter the circumstances. She likes her coaches and teammates and has never complained about either.
I meant nothing offensive. I'm just not getting what you are trying to say here. Your statements make it seam like you are unhappy with the league, with your team, and with your coach. From everything else I've read and seen, this truly seemed like a greatly matched weekend, from all the comments and scores that I have seen. Is it maybe that you just don't like the style of hockey, or maybe the style of team? I just don't get all the negativity on such a positive, and advancing league. It sounds like the league is really ramping up to something big.
"Our critics are our friends, they show us our faults" - Ben Franklin. The league is in its infancy. Its a great idea and just needs some tweaks. Discussion and opposing opinions are always good and will make the league better. My (criticism) opinion is that the league could be better with more balance. Come to the games this weekend and judge for yourself. The Canadians came to the same conclusion regarding balance after last year and purposely created more balanced teams. I think the American side should do the same. I think OS Spring League does a good job of trying to balance teams to give the best competitive experience. I think the American side of the 2NationsLeague can improve in this respect. Its just my opinion. Take it for just that.

Having been in discussion since the inception of this league my view is the Canadians balanced and greatly upgraded the talent on their teams for this season becuase they liked playing the US teams but did not like losing. They will bring a strong set of teams at the Elite I level.

Could the League be better if it went out and recruited only the top players like the Canadians absolutely. Talking to parents this weekend they share your comments great competition at cost - they also share the comment someone made this is far more competitive than most HS games. I think more top players will want to be in the League next year as the word gets out.

The development comes hopefully from the fast pace and the skill of the players that they are playing with - your read and react improve at this pace. I have been very impressed with the goalie play - shooters are earning their goals. Some teams may also be doing some practice and other development?

The Canadians are also adopting a non-parent coaching stance to give young coaches an opportunity to work in girls hockey. I think you will see this adopted as the League evolves.

hockeyrube7 · Post by **hockeyrube7** » Mon May 05, 2008 10:14 pm

Sorry Edge, I still don't get it. You are obviously unhappy about something, please take care of that, and deal with the rest later. Maybe this league isn't for you, even though it might be just right for your daughter.

Joe great comments, and we could all only hope for non-parent coaching. The leagues sounds like a huge success and maybe made several strides in this the new season.

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Mon May 05, 2008 11:14 pm

Schedule is fixed: http://www.2nationsfemalehockeyleague.c ... 112008.htm

US Intradivisonal - Plymouth Ice Arena Date Game Sheet Start Home Away
9-May-2008 1 1 2:00 PM Lightning Extreme
9-May-2008 2 3 1:45 PM BEARCATS Walsner 1
9-May-2008 3 2 1:30 PM Reece‘s Piece‘s St Croix Saints
9-May-2008 4 1 4:00 PM Manitoba Saints Walser 2
9-May-2008 5 3 3:45 PM Northern Starzz Blades
9-May-2008 6 2 3:30 PM Pembina Valley Flames
9-May-2008 7 1 6:00 PM OS Elite St Croix Saints
10-May-2008 8 1 9:00 AM Lightning OS Elite
10-May-2008 9 2 8:45 AM St Croix Saints BEARCATS
10-May-2008 10 3 8:45 AM Walser 1 Reece‘s Piece‘s
10-May-2008 11 1 11:00 AM Walser 2 Manitoba Saints
10-May-2008 12 2 10:45 AM Flames Northern Starzz
10-May-2008 13 3 10:45 AM Blades Pembina Valley
10-May-2008 14 1 3:00 PM Walser 1 Lightning
10-May-2008 15 2 2:45 PM Extreme BEARCATS
10-May-2008 16 3 2:45 PM OS Elite Reece‘s Piece‘s
10-May-2008 17 1 5:00 PM Manitoba Saints Blades
10-May-2008 18 2 4:45 PM Northern Starzz Walser 2
10-May-2008 19 3 4:45 PM Pembina Valley Flames
11-May-2008 20 1 7:00 AM St Croix Saints Lightning
11-May-2008 21 2 7:00 AM BEARCATS OS Elite
11-May-2008 22 3 7:00 AM Reece‘s Piece‘s Extreme
11-May-2008 23 1 9:00 AM Flames Manitoba Saints
11-May-2008 24 2 9:00 AM Blades Northern Starzz
11-May-2008 25 3 9:00 AM Walser 2 Pembina Valley
11-May-2008 26 1 11:00 AM Extreme Walser 1

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Tue May 06, 2008 7:17 pm

The League started last year as a U16 league and this year expanded to two division Elite I (older returning teams) & Elite II (new teams and one younger returning team). Here are the average birth year ages of each of the teams in the TNFHL and results to date (not all scores are available).

Elite I Team Ave Birth Year Wins Loses Ties
Lightning 1990.5 2 - 1 - 1
EXTREME 1990.6 2 - 1 - 1
Walser I 1990.6 0 - 4 - 0
Reece's Pieces 1991.1 1 - 2 - 1
St. Croix Saints 1991.5 2-1-1
OS Elite 1991.6 3-1- 0
Bearcats 1991.7 2 - 2 -0

Elite II Team Ave Birth Year Wins - Losese - Ties
Walser II 1991.9
The Flames 1992.1
Northern Starz 1992.8 1 - 3 - 0
The Blades 1993.1
Manitoba Saints 1992.4 1 - 2 - 1
Pembina Valley Ice Cats 1992.2 3 - 0 -1

jumpstart · Post by **jumpstart** » Wed May 07, 2008 8:32 am

joehockey wrote: Elite II Team Ave Birth Year Wins - Losese - Ties
Walser II 1991.9 0-3-1
The Flames 1992.1 1-2-1
Northern Starz 1992.8 1 - 3 - 0
The Blades 1993.1 4-0-0
Manitoba Saints 1992.4 1 - 2 - 1
Pembina Valley Ice Cats 1992.2 3 - 0 -1

I have added the records for the Elite II teams.

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Wed May 07, 2008 9:23 am

jumpstart wrote:
joehockey wrote: Elite II Team Ave Birth Year Wins - Losese - Ties
Walser II 1991.9 0-3-1
The Flames 1992.1 1-2-1
Northern Starz 1992.8 1 - 3 - 0
The Blades 1993.1 4-0-0
Manitoba Saints 1992.4 1 - 2 - 1
Pembina Valley Ice Cats 1992.2 3 - 0 -1
I have added the records for the Elite II teams.

Looks like the talented young Blades are the team to beat!

keepitreal · Post by **keepitreal** » Wed May 07, 2008 11:00 am

joehockey wrote:
jumpstart wrote:
joehockey wrote: Elite II Team Ave Birth Year Wins - Losese - Ties
Walser II 1991.9 0-3-1
The Flames 1992.1 1-2-1
Northern Starz 1992.8 1 - 3 - 0
The Blades 1993.1 4-0-0
Manitoba Saints 1992.4 1 - 2 - 1
Pembina Valley Ice Cats 1992.2 3 - 0 -1
I have added the records for the Elite II teams.
Looks like the talented young Blades are the team to beat!

I saw a few of the US/Canada games in this league last year and the Canadian teams seemed older and more physical. Good test and experience for the younger teams.

jumpstart · Post by **jumpstart** » Wed May 07, 2008 1:08 pm

joehockey wrote: Looks like the talented young Blades are the team to beat!

Yes, they are a very good team. They played together as a team in the OS spring league, and they look very comfortable with each other on the ice.

Both of their games with the Flames were very close, with the Blades scoring an open-net goal at the end of both games. The Blades outshot the Flames, and the Flames goalie made some very nice saves. Both games were fun to watch.

MNHockeyFan · Post by **MNHockeyFan** » Fri May 09, 2008 3:49 pm

In one game today it was:

Reece's Pieces 8, St. Croix Saints 6

Any other scores to report?

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Fri May 09, 2008 10:39 pm

St. Croix Saints won their second game 4-2 over OS Elite.

I understand the N. Starz made a big come back to beat the Blades but didn't hear the score.

Flames lost 8-0 to Pembina Valley Ice Cats.

Saturday:

St. Croix Saints 4 CDN Bear Cats 4 (Saints led 4-1 but late game penalties to allow Bear Cats to tie via PPs)

MNHockeyFan · Post by **MNHockeyFan** » Sun May 11, 2008 10:30 am

In a very well played, fast-paced game early this morning it was:

St. Croix Saints 1, Manitoba Lightning 1

Up and down action, with good defense and great goaltending on both sides.

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Sun May 11, 2008 10:33 am

Elite I - CDN Reese's Pieces 9 US EXTREME 7

Stats are in for US through May 5th. http://www.2nationsfemalehockeyleague.com/Stats.php

Thunderbird77 · Post by **Thunderbird77** » Mon May 12, 2008 1:51 pm

It looks like when the stats were added for the US teams, the existing stats and records for the Canadian teams were deleted.

The highest priority should have been adding the scores and standings from this past weekend. Stats are nice, but secondary. This is a Two Nations event, so it would be good to see everything together -- all at the same time.

Finally, it looks like some of the posted stats don't add up. Last time I checked Total Points = Goals + Assists.

Probably just new league growing pains...

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Mon May 12, 2008 1:59 pm

Thunderbird77 wrote:It looks like when the stats were added for the US teams, the existing stats and records for the Canadian teams were deleted.

The highest priority should have been adding the scores and standings from this past weekend. Stats are nice, but secondary. This is a Two Nations event, so it would be good to see everything together -- all at the same time.

Finally, it looks like some of the posted stats don't add up. Last time I checked Total Points = Goals + Assists.

Probably just new league growing pains...

Good catches and suggestions.

hocktang · Post by **hocktang** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:20 pm

Does anyone know the Northern Starzz website?

Valley Eggroll · Post by **Valley Eggroll** » Mon May 12, 2008 8:21 pm

Thunderbird77 wrote:It looks like when the stats were added for the US teams, the existing stats and records for the Canadian teams were deleted.

The highest priority should have been adding the scores and standings from this past weekend. Stats are nice, but secondary. This is a Two Nations event, so it would be good to see everything together -- all at the same time.

Finally, it looks like some of the posted stats don't add up. Last time I checked Total Points = Goals + Assists.

Probably just new league growing pains...

Better chance that the "volunteer" in charge of posting stats and standings is from a US team. Certainly seems that the Blades were being highlighted in the stats and this message board. "Looks like the team to beat". They ran up a score in their first weekend and the stats followed suit. Best part is, they could hardly find a win this past weekend against the Canadians. Heard they went 1-2-1. Hardly makes them the "team" to beat. With their 12-1 win the week before, maybe one game they will be the "the team to beat up on!"

The Candadian teams played a week earlier than the US teams but yet have nothing to show on the website. Pembina Valley Icecats are truly "the team to beat" in Elite II and Reese's Pieces in Elite I.

MNHockeyFan · Post by **MNHockeyFan** » Mon May 12, 2008 8:49 pm

Valley Eggroll wrote:Pembina Valley Icecats are truly "the team to beat" in Elite II and Reese's Pieces in Elite I.

Reece's Pieces have Bailey Bram, who has been selected to the upcoming Canadian U22 summer camp:

http://board.uscho.com/showthread.php?t=78354

In their 8-6 come-from-behind win over the St. Croix Saints, I was told she scored 4 of their 8 goals.