Thoroughbreds 2009

[joehockey]

Someone said there were 41 trying out so that is a great turnout!

Would be interesting to see a list of names...

Some very good MN and WI HS players trying out I guess 45 total with 7 of them goalies according to a follow up message sent to me. I will let others inside the process share names. You never know if kids are doing the tryout just for the experience......Insiders are excited with the turnout versus 26 last year and the quality with in the group again is very good.

[Howaboutthat]

One thing to keep in mind when coaching and playing at an elite level is the girl's WANT to be there. You get the best of the best that you don't necessarily get at the high school level. Girl's play high school hockey for various reasons; their parents want them to play, their friends play on the team, something to do, and yes, there are players who play because they love the game! It is AWESOME coaching 20 girl's whose hearts, drive, and passion are all directed towards hockey. Just like in the real world, some chose to be highly educated so they don't have to work with the blue collar people. Also, it is pretty easy to sit back and judge the coaching staff when you are sitting in the stands. The one's that played the game don't live vicariously through their children. They don't criticise others. The highly educated and classly people don't continuously post replies on the forum ripping everyone under the "sun." It takes the enjoyment out of what this forum is for. I can guarantee you that type of behavior will be modeled to your children. Apples don't fall far from trees! Interesting parenting styles, but then again that would be a whole other post.

[bigred]

Will someone be posting the list of girls who made this team? When will the roster be posted?
I think it is great kids have choices. Sometimes they DON'T want to go to a different school to be on a better hockey team, which is what many girls do...(change schools) this way they can play at a higher level, and stay at the school they want to go to. Great option for some. Also, by having this as an option, it keeps the accountability of coaches for local HS teams in check. When you see a bunch of girls from one HS school trying out, it says something...
Also...
10K is a ton of $$$ but significantly cheaper (if you are at a public HS) than playing for a pricey awesome private school (with Tuition costs) like Breck or Blake...

[finance_gal]

. Also, it is pretty easy to sit back and judge the coaching staff when you are sitting in the stands. The one's that played the game don't live vicariously through their children. They don't criticise others. The highly educated and classly people don't continuously post replies on the forum ripping everyone under the "sun." It takes the enjoyment out of what this forum is for. I can guarantee you that type of behavior will be modeled to your children. Apples don't fall far from trees! Interesting parenting styles, but then again that would be a whole other post.

It isn't as easy as you think to judge a coaching staff by sitting in the stands. We have to go to a ton of practices and watch a coach look totally confused. We need to listion to his little speeches to realize that he's never played hockey. We have to see his actions in the locker room when the kids come in swearing and throwing there sticks and just shake our heads.

It's not as easy as you think to criticsize someone who is giving their best effort and see girls not respect him because it's so obvious that his best efforts arn't close to good enough.

If you look at the complaints closely instead of just quickly writing them off you will see that most of the complaints are based at least a little bit on facts and the smart coaches use those facts to build a stronger program. It's the coaches who ignore the complaints that are forever scared by them because the parents have no other outlet than a faceless board to air their troubles with a program.

As for the girls trying out for the Thoroughbreds they are there not because it's easier for them or because it's more convieniant. They are there because they want to be the best and have proved it by trying out in full view, even though they will face reprisals from their high school teams and coaches. Yet they still put themselves out there and everyone who is there should be proud of the the fact they want to be the best hockey players they can be.

[hockeyheaven]

One thing to keep in mind when coaching and playing at an elite level is the girl's WANT to be there. You get the best of the best that you don't necessarily get at the high school level. Girl's play high school hockey for various reasons; their parents want them to play, their friends play on the team, something to do, and yes, there are players who play because they love the game! It is AWESOME coaching 20 girl's whose hearts, drive, and passion are all directed towards hockey. Just like in the real world, some chose to be highly educated so they don't have to work with the blue collar people. Also, it is pretty easy to sit back and judge the coaching staff when you are sitting in the stands. The one's that played the game don't live vicariously through their children. They don't criticise others. The highly educated and classly people don't continuously post replies on the forum ripping everyone under the "sun." It takes the enjoyment out of what this forum is for. I can guarantee you that type of behavior will be modeled to your children. Apples don't fall far from trees! Interesting parenting styles, but then again that would be a whole other post.

How about that we have are selves an elitist.

The Thoroughbreds are a great organization, and is by all accounts a great option for those who choose it, but the best of the best?

[Howaboutthat]

Hockeyheaven...look deep inside and you will find a lot of humor in the "best of the best" statement. Elitist...I doubt it...reading what people post on this forum thinking there has to be life outside of hockey.

Finance gal...you should coach the hockey team your daughter plays on! Better yet...apply for a collegiate level position. Hands down they would give it to you. I bet all the parent's on your daughter's team are thinking what a smart witty lady (man) you are.

[finance_gal]

Finance gal...you should coach the hockey team your daughter plays on! Better yet...apply for a collegiate level position. Hands down they would give it to you. I bet all the parent's on your daughter's team are thinking what a smart witty lady (man) you are.

My husband has coached many hockey teams including ones our kids have played on and I have coached other sports, we have a good idea what it's about. I give praise with the same enthusiasum as I do ridicule. Truthfully I don't care what most of the parents on my daugters teams think of me because most parents will say what the coaches and people want to hear to their faces but tear them apart behind their backs. That my little elite freind, is why a true friend stabs you in the front because at least then you have problems that you can deal with and their are no surprises.

Now if you excuse me I need to go back to my double wide and fiqure out what sex I am.

[Howaboutthat]

Finance Gal...if you have an opinion on life...you accept others opinions. My father-in-law as well coached for over 35 years, three sports, played division one hockey, state track, drafted pro baseball! He never offered an opinion on anything or commented on any of his children's sports teams. He never coached his children because he was busy coaching everyone else's children. Now that is class!. After spending over 20 years in his presence, that role modeling really rubbed off on me. Actually I have seen many great kids come out of double wide trailers...I would not ridicule them, it would be childish and immature, not to mention less than classy. You might want to take back that comment.

[hockeyheaven]

Hockeyheaven...look deep inside and you will find a lot of humor in the "best of the best" statement. .

Oh don’t you worry, I see the humor alright... and to be honest I really didn’t have to look that deep!

[hockeya1a]

Just like in the real world, some chose to be highly educated so they don't have to work with the blue collar people. The one's that played the game don't live vicariously through their children. They don't criticise others. The highly educated and classly people don't continuously post replies on the forum ripping everyone under the "sun." It takes the enjoyment out of what this forum is for. I can guarantee you that type of behavior will be modeled to your children. Apples don't fall far from trees! Interesting parenting styles, but then again that would be a whole other post.

What did you just say!!! BLue collar workers, are you stating they are not worthy! You are talking out both sides of your mouth! you are the one doing the ripping.
My parents are Blue collar workers and they are more worthy then the majority!!! Practice what you preach and Shut up!

[goalzilla]

Back on track about the T-Breds, I think it is a terriffic option for the player that desires to persue it. The competition is (IMO) another level you won't experiance in HS and the amount of play is much greater as well. The more you pracitce and play the better you should get. It's is a win-win, but at a cost$$$$. My daughter would love to play TBred hockey but the price doesn't fit within our budget. I am suprised there havent been more TBred type teams formed at U19 or added to the U16 level since the implimentation of the transfer rule. Every one has their reasons for choosing a team like the TBreds, level of play, improvement, amount of play, HS team quality, etc. Like I mentioned it is a good option for those who choose and can afford. The transfer rule may be a reason more are trying out. For those who could afford to go to a private school or transfer to another institution to play hockey the rule would make them set out a year to do so; playing TBred hockey allows you to play now on a team you may feel is a better fit than your local HS team. The only other option is one our family is exploring; and that is physically moving into a specific school district as a true student transfer. I guess my point to my ramblings are teams like the TBreds are an excellent choice and offer options fo players desiring something other than their local HS program can offer. Good progam, great coaching; exposed to many during CODP and nothing but a positive experience. Would love to see more TBred type teams in the twin city area.

[Howaboutthat]

Simply stated...this is an anonymous board. Names, ages, and sex are not disclosed. Unless you are willing to disclose who you are, don't badmouth coaches, players, parent's etc. They don't get to defend themselves. The comment about blue collar workers...people don't distinguish between the two. Half the world is, and nobody cares. Why then is it ok to attack a coach continuously throughout this forum and it is perfectly alright? Names and history should not even be mentioned.

[OntheEdge]

I am suprised there havent been more TBred type teams formed at U19 or added to the U16 level since the implimentation of the transfer rule. Every one has their reasons for choosing a team like the TBreds, level of play, improvement, amount of play, HS team quality, etc. Like I mentioned it is a good option for those who choose and can afford. The transfer rule may be a reason more are trying out. For those who could afford to go to a private school or transfer to another institution to play hockey the rule would make them set out a year to do so; playing TBred hockey allows you to play now on a team you may feel is a better fit than your local HS team. The only other option is one our family is exploring; and that is physically moving into a specific school district as a true student transfer. I guess my point to my ramblings are teams like the TBreds are an excellent choice and offer options fo players desiring something other than their local HS program can offer. Good progam, great coaching; exposed to many during CODP and nothing but a positive experience. Would love to see more TBred type teams in the twin city area.

Good comments Goalzilla but the choice might be taken away from girls in the future. Its Minnesota Hockey that controls the destiny of the T-breds or any other organization that wishes to be sanctioned under USA Hockey. Minnesota Hockey balances the need for such teams with the conflict with the HS program in this State. Rumor is that the T-breds will be done after this year. Has anyone else heard about this and does anyone have current information? If this is true, sophomores and juniors that left their HS program might be returning to their HS program next year.

[finance_gal]

Good comments Goalzilla but the choice might be taken away from girls in the future. Its Minnesota Hockey that controls the destiny of the T-breds or any other organization that wishes to be sanctioned under USA Hockey. Minnesota Hockey balances the need for such teams with the conflict with the HS program in this State. Rumor is that the T-breds will be done after this year. Has anyone else heard about this and does anyone have current information? If this is true, sophomores and juniors that left their HS program might be returning to their HS program next year.

If there's any truth to this it will be a sad day for Minnesota Hockey because the Thoroughbreds have provided an option for girls who want to play hockey since before High Schools had girls Hockey. By all accounts they have done so in such an incredable high class style. Hopefully they will be around for a long long time because they add another piece to the pyramid of building a great USA hockey program

[Hux]

Good comments Goalzilla but the choice might be taken away from girls in the future. Its Minnesota Hockey that controls the destiny of the T-breds or any other organization that wishes to be sanctioned under USA Hockey. Minnesota Hockey balances the need for such teams with the conflict with the HS program in this State. Rumor is that the T-breds will be done after this year. Has anyone else heard about this and does anyone have current information? If this is true, sophomores and juniors that left their HS program might be returning to their HS program next year.

It probably wouldn't really have much impact as they could join the JWHL and tell Minnesota Hockey to take a hike if MH started playing games.

[Melvin44]

Sad day for Minnesota hockey??

Last year I saw 3 Thoroughbred games and didn't really like their style of play. They are very well conditioned and are very talented but they take way to many penalties and try to intimidate.

Last year I watched over 40 High School hockey games and have to say I saw some outstanding games and players. I personally would rather watch High School Hockey because that is MINNESOTA HOCKEY!!

The only thing I want to know about the Thoroughbreds is who tried out and if any are from our HS.

[MNHockeyFan]

Good comments Goalzilla but the choice might be taken away from girls in the future. Its Minnesota Hockey that controls the destiny of the T-breds or any other organization that wishes to be sanctioned under USA Hockey. Minnesota Hockey balances the need for such teams with the conflict with the HS program in this State. Rumor is that the T-breds will be done after this year. Has anyone else heard about this and does anyone have current information? If this is true, sophomores and juniors that left their HS program might be returning to their HS program next year.

I would imagine with so many games out of state travel costs are becoming a real issue for the team and parents, not all of whom have unlimited funds. I also hope they can find a way to survive because they have been a good alternative for some players. With this year's 40+ players trying out it's pretty clear they are fulfilling a "need" for such a team. I question though if there would be enough interested girls/ parents to field more teams like the T-breds, at least consistently over a number of years. It would certainly help if the cost were to become more affordable, but I don't see this happening any time soon.

In any case you would hope that Minnesota Hockey doesn't make an arbitrary decision on their future. The decision should be left up to the individual player and her parents - they are in the best position to decide what's best for them.

[joehockey]

Hux as always great insight......It will be interesting to see the evolution - overall the number of players going to D1 are from junior programs becasue most areas don't have HS - it maybe easier for colleges to compare Junior players since the teams tend to play each other.

A parent from out east only knew Minnesota Hockey as the Thoroughbreds because they had seen them at tournaments. They said the rest of the State "Was Kept Behind an Iron Curtain by Minnesota Hockey - and called us kind of a hockey factory" (like Eastern Europe used to be). I don't agree and tried to explain our system but it is an interesting perception that they have that view of Minnesota.

With no open enrollment you may see more movement to these types of teams - it is not cheap for most to sell their house and move. The JWHL http://www.jwhl.org/wjuniors/ is ramping up fast and it appears to be attracting the top talent. So compare the options if you are looking for something different.....Shattuck is a $45,000 option, Twin City private schools range from $8,000 to $20,000 and follow the HS League (some of these schools have very weak teams or play in very weak conferences). If for $10,000 you can do top U19AAA hockey and travel you may see another team in MN or N. Wisconsin and it could be a JWHL team that is not aligned within USA Hockey - NAHA in Vermont is an example of a school doing this. The Thoroughbreds when they play hockey are incredible to watch (agree on the penalties not very good hockey to watch). Could a private HS pursue a program like this doubtful but maybe.....a group of enterprising hockey people might - it was discussed by parents during the Two Nations League who have kids at Balmoral Hall in Winnipeg who helped form the school and the JWHL concept.

At this point there is lots of top talent at the HS schools and wouldn't expect that to totally change anytime soon but.....if 45 kids are trying out for the T-Breds and only 18 get to stay - there is already a market it appears. Glad it is an option and will be fun to see the 2009 edition of the team sounds like it could be pretty strong and talented.

[Hux]

Hux as always great insight......It will be interesting to see the evolution - overall the number of players going to D1 are from junior programs becasue most areas don't have HS - it maybe easier for colleges to compare Junior players since the teams tend to play each other.

A parent from out east only knew Minnesota Hockey as the Thoroughbreds because they had seen them at tournaments. They said the rest of the State "Was Kept Behind an Iron Curtain by Minnesota Hockey - and called us kind of a hockey factory" (like Eastern Europe used to be). I don't agree and tried to explain our system but it is an interesting perception that they have that view of Minnesota.

With no open enrollment you may see more movement to these types of teams - it is not cheap for most to sell their house and move. The JWHL http://www.jwhl.org/wjuniors/ is ramping up fast and it appears to be attracting the top talent. So compare the options if you are looking for something different.....Shattuck is a $45,000 option, Twin City private schools range from $8,000 to $20,000 and follow the HS League (some of these schools have very weak teams or play in very weak conferences). If for $10,000 you can do top U19AAA hockey and travel you may see another team in MN or N. Wisconsin and it could be a JWHL team that is not aligned within USA Hockey - NAHA in Vermont is an example of a school doing this. The Thoroughbreds when they play hockey are incredible to watch (agree on the penalties not very good hockey to watch). Could a private HS pursue a program like this doubtful but maybe.....a group of enterprising hockey people might - it was discussed by parents during the Two Nations League who have kids at Balmoral Hall in Winnipeg who helped form the school and the JWHL concept.

At this point there is lots of top talent at the HS schools and wouldn't expect that to totally change anytime soon but.....if 45 kids are trying out for the T-Breds and only 18 get to stay - there is already a market it appears. Glad it is an option and will be fun to see the 2009 edition of the team sounds like it could be pretty strong and talented.

Assuming that there is a decent amount of depth in those 45, the TBreds could field two teams in the manner of NAHA, with one as a feeder for the other.

[gotice]

Hux as always great insight......It will be interesting to see the evolution - overall the number of players going to D1 are from junior programs becasue most areas don't have HS - it maybe easier for colleges to compare Junior players since the teams tend to play each other.

A parent from out east only knew Minnesota Hockey as the Thoroughbreds because they had seen them at tournaments. They said the rest of the State "Was Kept Behind an Iron Curtain by Minnesota Hockey - and called us kind of a hockey factory" (like Eastern Europe used to be). I don't agree and tried to explain our system but it is an interesting perception that they have that view of Minnesota.

With no open enrollment you may see more movement to these types of teams - it is not cheap for most to sell their house and move. The JWHL http://www.jwhl.org/wjuniors/ is ramping up fast and it appears to be attracting the top talent. So compare the options if you are looking for something different.....Shattuck is a $45,000 option, Twin City private schools range from $8,000 to $20,000 and follow the HS League (some of these schools have very weak teams or play in very weak conferences). If for $10,000 you can do top U19AAA hockey and travel you may see another team in MN or N. Wisconsin and it could be a JWHL team that is not aligned within USA Hockey - NAHA in Vermont is an example of a school doing this. The Thoroughbreds when they play hockey are incredible to watch (agree on the penalties not very good hockey to watch). Could a private HS pursue a program like this doubtful but maybe.....a group of enterprising hockey people might - it was discussed by parents during the Two Nations League who have kids at Balmoral Hall in Winnipeg who helped form the school and the JWHL concept.

At this point there is lots of top talent at the HS schools and wouldn't expect that to totally change anytime soon but.....if 45 kids are trying out for the T-Breds and only 18 get to stay - there is already a market it appears. Glad it is an option and will be fun to see the 2009 edition of the team sounds like it could be pretty strong and talented.

Just to clarify your comment, NAHA players are registered with USA Hockey, as are the other USA teams in the league to my knowledge.

The league, like any other league in the USA, is not sanctioned, as USA hockey does not sanction leagues, only teams, players, and tournaments (with the exception of some of the Junior Men's leagues accross the country).

[MNHockeyFan]

Assuming that there is a decent amount of depth in those 45, the TBreds could field two teams in the manner of NAHA, with one as a feeder for the other.

Maybe, but as joehockey suggested earlier, some of them trying out may be there just to gain experience and/or get a flavor for the organization and may not be 100% committed. Others who do want to play but don't make it may choose to go back to their high school, rather than play for the "feeder" team. The end result would then be there wouldn't be enough players to field a half-way competitive second team.

My best guess is that there will continue to be just one team, and with more players trying out they should be more competitive in their league this coming season. On the other hand, there will be a lot of turnover in this year's roster, so they will be less experienced and there will be an adjustment period.

[gotice]

Assuming that there is a decent amount of depth in those 45, the TBreds could field two teams in the manner of NAHA, with one as a feeder for the other.

Maybe, but as joehockey suggested earlier, some of them trying out may be there just to gain experience and/or get a flavor for the organization and may not be 100% committed. Others who do want to play but don't make it may choose to go back to their high school, rather than play for the "feeder" team. The end result would then be there wouldn't be enough players to field a half-way competitive second team.

My best guess is that there will continue to be just one team, and with more players trying out they should be more competitive in their league this coming season. On the other hand, there will be a lot of turnover in this year's roster, so they will be less experienced and there will be an adjustment period.

In the NAHA format, the "feeder" team usually plays in many of the same tournaments as the top team and at the same 19UAA level. With this format, the "feeder" team gets the same exposure as the top team and the basic difference is the age of the two teams as a whole.

[girlshockey]

The NAHA team is registered with USA Hockey, however, their state does not allow them to participate in the playdowns to advance to the USA Hockey 19 Under National Championships. Minnesota Hockey allows the MN Thoroughbreds to participate in a playdown to advance.

[gotice]

The NAHA team is registered with USA Hockey, however, their state does not allow them to participate in the playdowns to advance to the USA Hockey 19 Under National Championships. Minnesota Hockey allows the MN Thoroughbreds to participate in a playdown to advance.

I know NAHA is working on getting this changed, seem to be getting close

[joehockey]

Any word on who made the 2008-09 team?