Hill Murray v. St. Thomas Academy

[HockeyMom87]

If your child had a choice of attending St. Thomas Academy or Hill Murray and playing hockey - which would you choose?

[youngblood08]

Depends on weather playing for either school is a dream or reality.

If your kid isn't on the Advanced 15s or the best kid from a deep association the reality of playing for either isnt in the cards. The dark side of both of these are the kids that attend that never make either squad and never get to play high school hockey. Both programs are very deep and bring in talent every year.

Good Luck with your choice but be wary of the consequences.

[flatontheice]

St. Thomas because then he could go to an AA equivalent sized school and play on a A level team and kick the crap out of a bunch of small schools all year. Better chance of him getting alot of points that way.

[pioneers]

I guess it depends on whether you want to play A or AA when it comes to the chance of making it to the state tournament.

[HockeyMom87]

Which school has better coaching and a better experience for the hockey player?

[12345]

Ask the coach where he fits in. Will he play? Is he likely a fourth liner or a third liner? makes a big difference at some schools with how much playing time you get.

If it were my son, and he was an average player, I wouldn't go to either (if it's only because of hockey). I would likely choose a school that loves it's hockey, where he will be a rock star, and get tons of playing time.

If he's an exceptional player, then make sure whatever you choose he will play. Nobody gets better sitting on the bench.

Just my opinion...

[stpaul]

My admittedly biased opinion. I don't think it's even close. Bill Lechner has been coaching for 30 years as an assistant at HM and as head coach at Stillwater and HM. He's been the head coach back at HM for 13 years. He now has taken the Pioneers to State 5 straight years and won it in 2008. He is a good guy and cares about the kids for more than just hockey. He is an excellent hockey coach. His teams play with discipline and improve every year as the season progresses. He is the AD, spends all day at school and pays attention to how the kids do with school work and other activities year round. He is a great game coach and is calm behind the bench. Tom & Greg Vannelli have great hockey credentials and have turned STA into a (Class A) winner. But Tom is a jackass behind the bench. He is constantly yelling at officials. STA has 2 Class A state titles but belong in AA battling with the big boys in the playoffs like HM does.

[Pioneerprideguy]

It's pretty simple. If he enjoys walking the halls with with only boys, then choose STA.

[youngblood08]

St. Thomas because then he could go to an AA equivalent sized school and play on a A level team and kick the crap out of a bunch of small schools all year. Better chance of him getting alot of points that way.

You are an idiot!! They play in the same conference DA!!!

[sachishi4]

It's pretty simple. If he enjoys walking the halls with with only boys, then choose STA.

however, if he like girls in skirts (short ones I might add) he should consider HM.

[HockeyMom87]

Thank you St. Paul. That is the kind of info I was looking for and appreciate the feedback!

[jancze5]

go visit the schools and shadow, at the end of the day ask your son which school he would like to go to.

[HockeyMom87]

Well - word on the street from folks I've talked to have all agreed that STA students have an attitude and turn into jerks with an attitude of entitlement as adults. Maybe I'm talking to biased individuals - but I really wanted some feedback on the programs and how they impact the student as a hockey player and as an individual.

[Slapper Al]

Whoever gave you the information about entitlement and acting like jerks is definitely misinformed. I think perception of the retalitory chants at sporting events can come off that way in response to the typical "we got girls" and homophobic chants that often come their way, but ask many people who come in contact with an STA grad/student outside of that atmosphere and I guarentee they paint a different picture. Both have their bad eggs, but I think it would also be beneficial for you to talk to parents and students outside of the hockey program on your son will be pereceived by his peers.

STA is a school that takes pride in academics and creating well-balanced, socially responsible young adults. If this is a hockey decision, Hill Murray would probably win out. If it is about balancing academics and athletics than STA would have to play a factor. All joking aside, all-boys is not for everybody either, but the atmosphere definitely is conducive to learning and minimizing outside distractions that potentially impact a young adults willingness to engage in classroom activities. The after school tutoring at STA is also a huge resource as they will give you every chance to succeed.

[MrBoDangles]

Thank you St. Paul. That is the kind of info I was looking for and appreciate the feedback!

So you're looking for biased opinions?

[Goldy Gopher]

Thank you St. Paul. That is the kind of info I was looking for and appreciate the feedback!

So you're looking for biased opinions?

[High Flyer]

Well - word on the street from folks I've talked to have all agreed that STA students have an attitude and turn into jerks with an attitude of entitlement as adults. Maybe I'm talking to biased individuals - but I really wanted some feedback on the programs and how they impact the student as a hockey player and as an individual.

HockeyMom87

Is this a serious inquiry, meaning, you actually have a son that is considering a private school enrollment at either HM or STA?

Or

Are you just fishing for a debate?

[stpaul]

Here's the flip side for you. If you can afford $18,000 per year I would not hesitate sending a kid to STA. It is a great school with great history and traditions. The academics are top notch and they send graduates to the top universities in the country. Typically 5-10 per year get into and go to Notre Dame. A little exposure to the military and discipline is a good thing for a young man. In addition to hockey they have nice facilities and winning teams.

There's an old adage about a typical STA kid taunting a Cretin kid: If you work hard and do well at Cretin - one day you will get to work for me. There is probably a lot of truth to that one.

[HockeyMom87]

Thanks for all the responses. And yes, this is a serious inquiry. I have a very academic child who is good at hockey. Is he good enough to make the teams there - I guess that depends on who else is skating and I'm aware of the competition. That being said, I have heard from people who LOVE STA and from people who LOVE HM. I'm looking for some honest feedback. I have to say, when I ask people, and I hear people ripping on the "attitude" of STA grads, I don't know if it is real or jealousy. I have also by coincidence met some STA hockey players on the golf course - got paired up because I was in a two-some. They were very nice and police young men. I asked them about STA going to the AA, and their response was "Tommies don't like to lose" and it will never happen. Talked to a few parents of STA students also. On the other hand, there are rumors going around that STA protects "bad behavior" of some students of the parents donate enough or a parent was an alumni. Apparently, there was some issues at a football game last year and a kid punched a 3rd grader. There also are issues with parents wanting restraining orders against other parents. Whew! Don't want my kid involved in that on any level and I don't have time for that stuff. None of these issues comes up when people discuss HM. So - although I don't doubt STA's academics - I wonder about the environment. Given that my son loves hockey - I would appreciate comments about the hockey environment and if good personal development is supported. Maybe it would just be better to be a great student at public school - but not really sure that our public school can put together a decent hockey team and that's his passion.

[johnnyquest]

I hope every decision you make regarding your child doesn't involve an "open forum." Believe it or not, you have to raise your child based on your life experiences - not advice/input from us morons who chime in here..

You will make choices that are both right and wrong - it's called life.

Support the Assoc. that nurtured your child in his/her formative years - it's called loyalty.

Your child's hockey destiny will not be dictated by attending H.M or STA.
It will be impacted by the time and commitment you give as a parent, and, sad to say, the amount of $ you want to spend (icetime) and most importantly, and most importantly, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY - your child's love for the game !

And, if you are looking to raise your child in a catholic / military environment, it starts at home - mendota hts rd. and larpentueu ave. exist only to enforce the environment that already exists in your own home.

[johnnyquest]

and chew on this:

maybe the success of your public high school's hockey team depends largely on whether your son, or players of his caliber, stay home and support your public high school's hockey team ( and then, you, as a parent, provide the catholic/military upbringing that you are looking for.)

That is what you are looking for - right ?