Brick Tournament 2010

[Anklebeater]

I think a lot of the Blades-Machine banter could be solved real easy. Obviously the the Brick is a great tournament and I'm sure every wants MN to be well represented right? At least those of from MN anyway.

This could be solved is we just took team MN. Get a paid non-parent head coach and hold tryouts, select the best kids and let them be Brick MN just like teams in Canada do it, and those teams seem to have to have the best success, right?

The team could have Machine, Blades, Icemen, Monopoly and other teams players represented. Let them play together for that year or at least up to the tournament and be well prepared for the tournament. Just imagine the success that they could bring. We all could be proud of our MN kids......

The main question is: Would the Blades ever go for that? Or is this a huge recruiting tool they need in their arsenal to attract top players? Which doesn't seem to be working this Brick season. It doesn't make sense to me pulling in kids from other states when we have a ton of great kids right here.

Then the bashing will come from parents that are jealous that their kid didn't make the cut!!!! And yes all AAA MN teams would be recruiting those players, but that is a new post down the road I'm sure us yahoo's would address![/b]

[icnet01]

just like teams in Canada do it, and those teams seem to have to have the best success, right?
![/b]

The Canadian teams are actually formed the same way as the Blade’s team. A certain program (team) has the rights to the entry. In most cases a gallant effort is given to have a good representation of the best.

[muckandgrind]

Who cares? It's one tournament. If the kids who don't go are truly "elite", they'll be attending many and much more prestigious tournaments down the road.

But let me ask you these two question: Do the kids themselves really care that much about the Brick? Or are there some parents out there who really, really want to be able to tell all their friends that THEIR kid played in the Brick and are pissed that they won't be able to do so?

[InigoMontoya]

My guess would be that if you took a poll at the Warrior Cup, Meltdown, Stars&Stripes, Independent, Easton Cup, and Caribou Cup: less than half of the parents in attendance would have any clue what the Brick is.

[Anklebeater]

Who cares? It's one tournament. If the kids who don't go are truly "elite", they'll be attending many and much more prestigious tournaments down the road.

But let me ask you these two question: Do the kids themselves really care that much about the Brick? Or are there some parents out there who really, really want to be able to tell all their friends that THEIR kid played in the Brick and are pissed that they won't be able to do so?

I really don't think the kids care to play in the Brick. The top kids do play in a ton of tournaments anyway. It the parents that make this thing go nuts and want their little Johnny to be the next star. The kids don't know any difference, between Duluth, Chicago, Detroit, Winnipeg or Edmonton. Muck that is about the smartest thing I have heard you say!

[Anklebeater]

just like teams in Canada do it, and those teams seem to have to have the best success, right?
![/b]

The Canadian teams are actually formed the same way as the Blade’s team. A certain program (team) has the rights to the entry. In most cases a gallant effort is given to have a good representation of the best.

Oh those teams are just smarter about how they go about it then!

[old goalie85]

Muck-- SPOT ON I would like to check one out sometime.My kids would have no clue to what it is.

[Pylon]

Will the kids realize how big a tournament the Brick is at this age, probably not. WIll it be something they can look back at a be very proud of, ABSOLUTELY!
Usually the ones that down play these tournaments are the ones whos kids arent at that level.

[muckandgrind]

Will the kids realize how big a tournament the Brick is at this age, probably not. WIll it be something they can look back at a be very proud of, ABSOLUTELY!
Usually the ones that down play these tournaments are the ones whos kids arent at that level.

[icnet01]

Anklebeater, Yes, ideally a good representation of the state would be to have tryouts for this specific team to attend the tournament. There are positives and negatives to the tournament. There is NO comparable tournament for this age group in North America from the team skill on the ice to the social fun and media attention the players receive. The negatives are the carnage of aaa teams during the season, overbloated egos of the parents, and overtakings of public hockey forums. Future hopes to little Blades and little Machines getting all their nuts in one spot and representing the state. I guarantee your kids would be friends after the experience and you will have some respect for the other parents as well.

[Pylon]

Will the kids realize how big a tournament the Brick is at this age, probably not. WIll it be something they can look back at a be very proud of, ABSOLUTELY!
Usually the ones that down play these tournaments are the ones whos kids arent at that level.

Obviously I am correct. Thanks for the educated response! lol

[muckandgrind]

Will the kids realize how big a tournament the Brick is at this age, probably not. WIll it be something they can look back at a be very proud of, ABSOLUTELY!
Usually the ones that down play these tournaments are the ones whos kids arent at that level.

Obviously I am correct. Thanks for the educated response! lol

Ummm....no....

Seriously, you need to get a grip.

The only thing about Squirt tournaments that players look back on fondly is the knee hockey in the hallway, eating pizza and the swimming pool. The rarely remember anything else. It's the parents like you who are anxious to get the sweatshirts and tee-shirts signifying that you were there. The kids have fun, but it's no different than any other tournament.

When they get older and get a chance to play in the Stars of Tomorrow, Future Prospects and the Adv 15s-17s....it's THOSE tournaments the boys look back on fondly.....The Brick is a fine Squirt tournament, but nothing more. The kids are still too young to claim "elite: status, you just get a buch of water bugs who can carry the puck up and down the ice....very little team play.

Just wait....

[HockeyDad41]

I really like those sweatshirts. Some of them are really neato!

[old goalie85]

Muck-- you are correct.... I bought one for my oldest [were talking Bantam Regions] and the only thing the kid wear's it for is HUNTING!!!!

[observer]

Muck you're right except for the part about, "very little team play." Ted Lindsay is getting beat up a little bit about it too.

These young Fire, MM and Blade teams complete between 40-50 passes a period. An average high school team completes around 18-25 a period. It is impressive to watch. The passing and catching, which can be considered "team play," is outstanding.

[jjackson]

For once Muck and Grind I agree with you on this one. These kids are being treated as if they are NHL stars. A lot can happen to these stars of today. Some will quit, some will get hurt, and others will surpass them in skill level because they already peaked.

[Pylon]

For once Muck and Grind I agree with you on this one. These kids are being treated as if they are NHL stars. A lot can happen to these stars of today. Some will quit, some will get hurt, and others will surpass them in skill level because they already peaked.

No body is saying that because you play in the Brick tournament you are going to be in the NHL! Any idiot knows that is not the case. What some are saying is, why can't these kids be recognized for their excellent achievement at this stage in their lives? Do you guys slam the little league world series?? No, why not be proud of these young boys for what they have accomplished at this time and point in their lives. Are you saying that whatever these kids accomplish as a youngster means absolutely nothing because they are just kids?? For some, this may be the pinnacle of their hockey playing lives, why rob them of that? I know I look back at my youth hockey days and remember playing at some prestigous tournaments and am very proud and glad that I was able to have this opportunity because I know for damn sure that alot were not able to enjoy the same experiences I did! My goodness, let the kids be lil rockstars when they can! Lord knows things change damn fast and alot of it is totally out of the individuals control!

[muckandgrind]

For once Muck and Grind I agree with you on this one. These kids are being treated as if they are NHL stars. A lot can happen to these stars of today. Some will quit, some will get hurt, and others will surpass them in skill level because they already peaked.

No body is saying that because you play in the Brick tournament you are going to be in the NHL! Any idiot knows that is not the case. What some are saying is, why can't these kids be recognized for their excellent achievement at this stage in their lives? Do you guys slam the little league world series?? No, why not be proud of these young boys for what they have accomplished at this time and point in their lives. Are you saying that whatever these kids accomplish as a youngster means absolutely nothing because they are just kids?? For some, this may be the pinnacle of their hockey playing lives, why rob them of that? I know I look back at my youth hockey days and remember playing at some prestigous tournaments and am very proud and glad that I was able to have this opportunity because I know for damn sure that alot were not able to enjoy the same experiences I did! My goodness, let the kids be lil rockstars when they can! Lord knows things change damn fast and alot of it is totally out of the individuals control!

What have they achieved? Nothing!!! I'm not saying that kids aren't allowed to have fun, OF COURSE they should. But participated in the Brick is not some sort of achievement they have earned. If they play on the Blades, they get to play in the Brick...good for them, but they don't have to win anything to make it there...They just have to be rostered with the Blades.

You used the LLWS as a comparison. Apples and Oranges. For one thing, they are 12 years old....not 9 and 10. Secondly, making it to the LLWS IS an achievement, because they had to win State and Regional tournaments to make it there. That's not the case with the Brick.

Again, kids should be proud and have fun playing youth hockey. Whether that be in a rec league or playing AAA tournaments like the Pepsi Cup, Meltdown, Chicago Tournament, Subway or the Brick. But again, at this age, hockey is usually secondary for them. They mostly enjoy the out-of-town tournament "experiences" like swimming in the pool at the hotel and playing knee-hockey in the hallway. At this age, it seems the parents care more about the results on the ice. Over the next couple of years, the players start to care more....but most don't at 9 and 10 years old.

Like I said before, winning the Future Prospects Tournament and getting selected for the Adv 15s-17's, THOSE are great "achievements" that demonstrate whether or not that player is truly "elite", IMO. By then, it's not just about who hit their growth spurt sooner than others. You need to really be a heckuva player to shine there and succeed.

[JSR]

Will the kids realize how big a tournament the Brick is at this age, probably not. WIll it be something they can look back at a be very proud of, ABSOLUTELY!
Usually the ones that down play these tournaments are the ones whos kids arent at that level.

My one of my best friend's son has accepted a scholarship to play D1 hockey beginning in the 2011-2012 season. He never once played in a AAA hockey tournament of any kind as a kid. His dad (a high school hockey coach) felt they were a waste of time and money. He played association hockey only team wise until he was in 9th grade. Other than that he spent his time on the ice at camps his dad coached etc.... Was he downplaying these tourneys because his son was not at that level?

I have another friends son who played on the Pee Wee C team and never even heard of AAA hockey until he was a bantam. He is now going to be a senior in high school. He plays for Team Wisconsin now (same TW that went to nationals) and was second team all state for his high school team and will likely play Juniors next year after he graduates (probably NAHL but a shot at USHL). His dad also never cared much for what these tourneys did for Pee Wees and younger. Was he downplaying them?

These are just two real life examples I have, I bet 100's more exist from posters on this board. There is nothing wrong with being proud of your child, but be proud for the right things. Liek how hard they work rgardless of their talent level, and how good of a teammate they are to the kids on the team they are one regardless of what that team is. Be proud of how they conduct themselves in the game or tourney they are in. Don't be proud or over excaggerate the importance of the supposed "name: of a tourney that means nothing in the big scheme of anything.

[Pylon]

Will the kids realize how big a tournament the Brick is at this age, probably not. WIll it be something they can look back at a be very proud of, ABSOLUTELY!
Usually the ones that down play these tournaments are the ones whos kids arent at that level.

My one of my best friend's son has accepted a scholarship to play D1 hockey beginning in the 2011-2012 season. He never once played in a AAA hockey tournament of any kind as a kid. His dad (a high school hockey coach) felt they were a waste of time and money. He played association hockey only team wise until he was in 9th grade. Other than that he spent his time on the ice at camps his dad coached etc.... Was he downplaying these tourneys because his son was not at that level?
I have another friends son who played on the Pee Wee C team and never even heard of AAA hockey until he was a bantam. He is now going to be a senior in high school. He plays for Team Wisconsin now (same TW that went to nationals) and was second team all state for his high school team and will likely play Juniors next year after he graduates (probably NAHL but a shot at USHL). His dad also never cared much for what these tourneys did for Pee Wees and younger. Was he downplaying them?

These are just two real life examples I have, I bet 100's more exist from posters on this board. There is nothing wrong with being proud of your child, but be proud for the right things. Liek how hard they work rgardless of their talent level, and how good of a teammate they are to the kids on the team they are one regardless of what that team is. Be proud of how they conduct themselves in the game or tourney they are in. Don't be proud or over excaggerate the importance of the supposed "name: of a tourney that means nothing in the big scheme of anything.

What is the big scheme of things? How do you define that? NHL? My point is, this tournament is a pretty big deal to be a part of because only a select few get the opportunity. I am not saying its the be all to end all tournaments but it is a pretty cool tournament to be selected for. Whats wrong with being happy about that? Why does everything have to translate into the big scheme of things? Whats wrong with living for today and being excited about whats happening right now and the opportunities that kids have earned!!! If my kid is good enough at 10 to play on a Brick team then you are damn right I am going to be proud of them for being able to play at that level at this point in their lives. Basically what some of you are saying is that all youth hockey means dick all until they are 14! I beg to differ! I am enjoying every moment in my childs development and right now he is 8. I am proud of his accomplishments up to this point and I am sorry if you guys think it means diddly squat because he is not 14! I am enjoying watching him succeed and have fun! Like he describes it, this is his NHL!

Muck, I am talking about the tournament in general...all teams, not just the Blades. Many teams do a true selection process and don't base it off of one team. IMO, those kids do accomplish something if they are selected to this team.

[old goalie85]

You should be enjoying it, it's good family time.

[Toomuchtoosoon]

Many teams do a true selection process and don't base it off of one team.

Too much bickering to get to the point. From what I understand, the Machine feels they should be the team going, not the Blades. Some bring up it should be an open tryout, however, none of the Machine could try out anyway due to BM.

The Brick is a business and they have signed contracts. The Blades have that contract. Sounds like the Blades have opened spots for Machine kids, but BM says no.

Rather simple, if the Brick means that much, and your kid is good enough to go, play for the Blades. Don't blame the Blades, blame BM.

If the Machine went, then a different set of kids would be left out. No solution there.

You all pick the AAA team your kid plays on with full knowledge of the politics and agreements. If you don't know, then find out.

One can lash out and hope that the Blades kids fail, however, that just shows that your petty and most likely a delusional paranoid. Does Marinovich ring a bell? See how that worked out in the end.

[Bruins]

Toomuchtoosoon, you nailed it all in that post. Good job.

[muckandgrind]

Will the kids realize how big a tournament the Brick is at this age, probably not. WIll it be something they can look back at a be very proud of, ABSOLUTELY!
Usually the ones that down play these tournaments are the ones whos kids arent at that level.

My one of my best friend's son has accepted a scholarship to play D1 hockey beginning in the 2011-2012 season. He never once played in a AAA hockey tournament of any kind as a kid. His dad (a high school hockey coach) felt they were a waste of time and money. He played association hockey only team wise until he was in 9th grade. Other than that he spent his time on the ice at camps his dad coached etc.... Was he downplaying these tourneys because his son was not at that level?
I have another friends son who played on the Pee Wee C team and never even heard of AAA hockey until he was a bantam. He is now going to be a senior in high school. He plays for Team Wisconsin now (same TW that went to nationals) and was second team all state for his high school team and will likely play Juniors next year after he graduates (probably NAHL but a shot at USHL). His dad also never cared much for what these tourneys did for Pee Wees and younger. Was he downplaying them?

These are just two real life examples I have, I bet 100's more exist from posters on this board. There is nothing wrong with being proud of your child, but be proud for the right things. Liek how hard they work rgardless of their talent level, and how good of a teammate they are to the kids on the team they are one regardless of what that team is. Be proud of how they conduct themselves in the game or tourney they are in. Don't be proud or over excaggerate the importance of the supposed "name: of a tourney that means nothing in the big scheme of anything.

What is the big scheme of things? How do you define that? NHL? My point is, this tournament is a pretty big deal to be a part of because only a select few get the opportunity. I am not saying its the be all to end all tournaments but it is a pretty cool tournament to be selected for. Whats wrong with being happy about that? Why does everything have to translate into the big scheme of things? Whats wrong with living for today and being excited about whats happening right now and the opportunities that kids have earned!!! If my kid is good enough at 10 to play on a Brick team then you are damn right I am going to be proud of them for being able to play at that level at this point in their lives. Basically what some of you are saying is that all youth hockey means dick all until they are 14! I beg to differ! I am enjoying every moment in my childs development and right now he is 8. I am proud of his accomplishments up to this point and I am sorry if you guys think it means diddly squat because he is not 14! I am enjoying watching him succeed and have fun! Like he describes it, this is his NHL!

Muck, I am talking about the tournament in general...all teams, not just the Blades. Many teams do a true selection process and don't base it off of one team. IMO, those kids do accomplish something if they are selected to this team.

There you said it...it's more about how YOU feel, more than the kid. It's a feather in the cap for parents to say proudly: "MY kid is a Brick-kid". Good for you. But you'll see in a few years the folly of it all. There are plenty of quality tournaments, of which the Brick is only one of them.

No one is saying that it means "diddly squat" to play in the Brick. Just like it doesn't mean diddly squat to play in the Pepsi Cup, Subway Classic or in Chicago. To the kids that go to those tournaments, they are a good time had by all. But don't think for a second, that "Brick kids" are any more special or are any more elite than others that don't go. Basically, there is no such thing as an "elite" 10 year old hockey player....with the possible exception of maybe a 10 year old Wayne Gretzky or Sidney Crosby.

[O-townClown]

My one of my best friend's son has accepted a scholarship to play D1 hockey beginning in the 2011-2012 season. He never once played in a AAA hockey tournament of any kind as a kid. His dad (a high school hockey coach) felt they were a waste of time and money. He played association hockey only team wise until he was in 9th grade. Other than that he spent his time on the ice at camps his dad coached etc.... Was he downplaying these tourneys because his son was not at that level?

J, just remember there is a corollary here too. Most kids DON'T get to play HS hockey in Edina, Wayzata, Eden Prairie, etc... Most kids DON'T get to play Division I. Most kids DON'T make it to the NHL, or even ECHL. Why not enjoy the heck out of the stuff you do get to play?

That HS coach knew he could do whatever he wanted and his son would still be able to make the HS team. As you said, he got to skate a lot at his dad's camps. I grew up in the era of Saterdalen and Osiecki. Jeff played Division I for St. Cloud State and Mark played at Wisconsin and then on in to the NHL. While they certainly worked hard and earned it, there is no question they also took advantage of opportunities that are not available to most.

Last night my son played an hour of crossice. When it was over the kids got off the ice. Except one. His teammate, son of the coach and program director, stayed on for PEE WEE clinic. And he's just turning 8. (This option was not made available to any of the other Mites.)

To this point my son has been a much stronger player than him, but for how long?

I see no harm in going to a big youth tournament or playing on a young "all-star" team. As long as people understand what it is. If people confuse it to mean they are on a fast-track to anything it obviously could lead to disappointment later.