Caribou Classic

[JSR]

Play open level until you win 2-3 tourneys. Invite should mean invite.

That's a nebulous answer. Which Open tourneys count? The ChiTown shuffle where even the Open level teams, save one or two, are actually invite level teams trophy hunting, does that count for or against the actual open level teams? Or maybe the Cheese Cup where half the teams aren't even truly Open level, you win that then your invite ready?? I don't buy that definition at all.

[Night Train]

Maybe I over simplified a little. The point is that everyone thinks they're invite level, or want to be. It is difficult at 98 and younger because things haven't sorted themselves out. But, parents usually have a good handle on where their kids fits and their kids team mates. Also, at the younger levels because there are now 20-30 teams in the metro alone almost all of them are diluted to a certain extent. Will they be invite 3-4 years from now as they move 2-3 pieces (players) a year over the next few years? Maybe. In the metro there are probably just 4-5 invite level teams based on the definition of a few years ago. They can't all be invite. So, what I'm suggesting is, call yourself open, win a few tourneys and then make the move. Consider, historically, invite level teams had zero, maybe 1 player, with a birthday after July 1.

[JSR]

Maybe I over simplified a little. The point is that everone thinks they're invite level, or want to be. It is difficult at 98 and younger because things haven't sorted themselves out. But, parents usually have a good handle on where their kids fits and their kids team mates. Also, at the younger levels because there are now 20-30 teams in the metro alone almost all of them are diluted to a certain extent. Will they be invite 3-4 years from now as they move 2-3 pieces (players) a year over the next few years? Maybe. In the metro there are probably just 4-5 invite level teams based on the definition of a few years ago. They can't all be invite. So, what I'm suggesting is, call your self open, win a few tourneys and then make the move. Consider, historically, invite level teams had zero, maybe 1 player, with a birthday after July 1.

That is a little more clear. I can see applying the criteria at maybe the 98 level and older, I think, as you said, it's tough at the 99's and younger because things have not sorted themselves out yet and you need a few yars and several tournaments to find which players can really play at that level and which cannot. Sometimes you thinka player can then the tourney happens and you find out they can't and you have to move 1, 2, or 3 pieces aorund until you have it right.

[O CANADA!]

This was the worst tournament we played in. The tournament director allowed multiple kids to play with multiple teams. That's pretty sad when you allow that. Stats were screwed up and when the tournament director was advised, he did nothing to correct the problem. Our team will not be going back. Very disappointed in the Icemen Organization. First Class = I think not. It should be an invite only otherwise the top teams just blow out these waterdown AAA open teams. Never again.

Hats off to the Icemen organization in only year 2 of this tournament. Check out ALL of the online results at http://icemen.pucksystems.com/page/show ... -standings. There is not another tournament in North America, in-season OR out that delivers this level of up to date results AND stats. Just amazing.

Only complaint is the need for a little quality control on teams as some of the scores are pretty lopsided. Perhaps an Invite and Open level.

Other than that, First Class all the way. Congratulations to all !!!

There are plenty of tournaments that offer this kind of stats online. Alot of them offer the stats as the game is in progress. I do agree that it is nice. It makes the tournaments that don't do it look bad! When you pay the kind of money you do to enter these tournaments its nice to have all the stats available at a click of a button.
I agree that it is too bad that teams can't be more balanced. It would make for a totally different tournament.

[Road Rage]

This was the worst tournament we played in. The tournament director allowed multiple kids to play with multiple teams. That's pretty sad when you allow that. Stats were screwed up and when the tournament director was advised, he did nothing to correct the problem. Our team will not be going back. Very disappointed in the Icemen Organization. First Class = I think not. It should be an invite only otherwise the top teams just blow out these waterdown AAA open teams. Never again.

Hats off to the Icemen organization in only year 2 of this tournament. Check out ALL of the online results at http://icemen.pucksystems.com/page/show ... -standings. There is not another tournament in North America, in-season OR out that delivers this level of up to date results AND stats. Just amazing.

Only complaint is the need for a little quality control on teams as some of the scores are pretty lopsided. Perhaps an Invite and Open level.

Other than that, First Class all the way. Congratulations to all !!!

There are plenty of tournaments that offer this kind of stats online. Alot of them offer the stats as the game is in progress. I do agree that it is nice. It makes the tournaments that don't do it look bad! When you pay the kind of money you do to enter these tournaments its nice to have all the stats available at a click of a button.
I agree that it is too bad that teams can't be more balanced. It would make for a totally different tournament.

This is a 2nd year tournament, did you expect perfection? A little constructive criticism might be beneficial, but not your whining. Who cares about stats, they are never 100% right, and if you think any tournament director anywhere is worried about making sure one kid gets one point more or less, than you are either very new to the game or one of "those parents." On-line stats at these ages are really just meant to give people something fun to look at and a general idea of what is going on...or did your Little Johnny miss his chance at the NHL b/c someone forgot to give him a point.

Your screen name makes me wonder if you are Manitoba Preds parent. If so, we heard about your team (everyone did), at least at the 98 level. My guess is you are disappointed your team of hacks wasn't able to send anyone to the ER in the semi-final game, and you are still crying that the undersized and shortstaffed Icemen prevented you from making it to the championship game. If not, my bad. But you need to quit whining. Tournament directors are generally always willing to accept constructive criticism, especially when trying to get a new tournament off the ground with success. I heard there were suggestions for Invite and Open levels, and tourney is considering that, which would address one of your "concerns" already.

[puckfan]

This was the worst tournament we played in. The tournament director allowed multiple kids to play with multiple teams. That's pretty sad when you allow that. Stats were screwed up and when the tournament director was advised, he did nothing to correct the problem. Our team will not be going back. Very disappointed in the Icemen Organization. First Class = I think not. It should be an invite only otherwise the top teams just blow out these waterdown AAA open teams. Never again.

What level/teams did multiple kids play on multiple teams? Did you have some examples or did you just see names in a book that had kids listed on 2 teams?

What team are you associated with that had such a bad experience?

[old goalie85]

I had two of mine play in the tourny and we had a great time.

[Quasar]

I had two of mine play in the tourny and we had a great time.

The Caribou Classic was a good tournament for a couple of reasons..

First, they allowed some bubble invite teams to find out what the next level is all about….

Second .. All the Taxi players had to play for their first teams, So the Edge, The pond, Reebok Nationals, Bauer Supreme, and others had to play with their normal roster.

The Icemen also let the Rockets play.. Good for them… All these so called open teams knew
Exactly where they stood.. And believe it or not they had a good time… And .. They got to tell their buddies “I played against the Machine!”

This can be the premiere tournament in Minnesota Summer AAA hockey. All they need to do is make it open and invite, then just keep everybody honest.

The Showcase tournaments have become the wild west of summer play.. And that’s Ok too..

At least the Caribou had everyone playing their normal roster..

[hockey_is_a_choice]

Quasar,

I know you meant it as a compliment when you said, "[t]hey also let the Rockets play", but the comment came across as patronizing. The Rockets, especially at the '98 level, are a good team; they are not the ugly stepsister to the Icemen. The '98 Rockets are well coached, have good size and play physical. They earned their right to play in the Caribou Cup. If the Caribou offers invite and open divisions next year, the '98 Rockets went 3-1 in pool play this year, so, in my humble opinion, the team earned its stripes to play in the invite division next year, if it is offered.

Oh, by the way, my son doesn't play for the Rockets or the Icemen organization. Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to a team that is underappreciated.

[Quasar]

I know you meant it as a compliment when you said, "[t]hey also let the Rockets play", but the comment came across as patronizing. The Rockets, especially at the '98 level, are a good team; they are not the ugly stepsister to the Icemen. The '98 Rockets are well coached, have good size and play physical. They earned their right to play in the Caribou Cup. If the Caribou offers invite and open divisions next year, the '98 Rockets went 3-1 in pool play this year, so, in my humble opinion, the team earned its stripes to play in the invite division next year, if it is offered.

Oh, by the way, my son doesn't play for the Rockets or the Icemen organization. Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to a team that is underappreciated.

Your right, I did not mean to minimize the Rockets. I think they are a good team that deserved to play in the tournament. I meant it to be a compliment to the Icemen orig. for having the good sense to invite the Rockets.

I think all the teams in the tournament earned their stripes .. And by the way I was referring to the 97's...

A lesson learned..

[O CANADA!]

Road Rage: Beating up on us poor old Canadians. That's typical for some guy who has issues especially based on your screen name. Canadians by nature play harder and usually are more tallented. Let's face it, what else is there to do; you play hockey. Our refs allow our boys to play the sport which is probably why you call us hacks. It's boys hockey. You must be used to watching girls hockey.

My point is that if you are going to run a tournament and report the stats, be accurate. If your in over your head, ask for help.

This tournament was all about the flash. Do we really need to see magnetic logo's of the tournament on borrowed vehicles from a local dealership and then drive them all over the state of MN, intentally parking your flashy vehicles in front of other area's just to advertise your tournament. That's like having small man's syndrom when those little guys feel the need to drive a big truck. What kind of truck do you drive Road Rage?

I would personally like you to drive up to Canada and enjoy the beauty of Canada. Come to Winnipeg and I'll show you how we play hockey.

This was the worst tournament we played in. The tournament director allowed multiple kids to play with multiple teams. That's pretty sad when you allow that. Stats were screwed up and when the tournament director was advised, he did nothing to correct the problem. Our team will not be going back. Very disappointed in the Icemen Organization. First Class = I think not. It should be an invite only otherwise the top teams just blow out these waterdown AAA open teams. Never again.

There are plenty of tournaments that offer this kind of stats online. Alot of them offer the stats as the game is in progress. I do agree that it is nice. It makes the tournaments that don't do it look bad! When you pay the kind of money you do to enter these tournaments its nice to have all the stats available at a click of a button.
I agree that it is too bad that teams can't be more balanced. It would make for a totally different tournament.

This is a 2nd year tournament, did you expect perfection? A little constructive criticism might be beneficial, but not your whining. Who cares about stats, they are never 100% right, and if you think any tournament director anywhere is worried about making sure one kid gets one point more or less, than you are either very new to the game or one of "those parents." On-line stats at these ages are really just meant to give people something fun to look at and a general idea of what is going on...or did your Little Johnny miss his chance at the NHL b/c someone forgot to give him a point.

Your screen name makes me wonder if you are Manitoba Preds parent. If so, we heard about your team (everyone did), at least at the 98 level. My guess is you are disappointed your team of hacks wasn't able to send anyone to the ER in the semi-final game, and you are still crying that the undersized and shortstaffed Icemen prevented you from making it to the championship game. If not, my bad. But you need to quit whining. Tournament directors are generally always willing to accept constructive criticism, especially when trying to get a new tournament off the ground with success. I heard there were suggestions for Invite and Open levels, and tourney is considering that, which would address one of your "concerns" already.

[zigima]

Second .. All the Taxi players had to play for their first teams, So the Edge, The pond, Reebok Nationals, Bauer Supreme, and others had to play with their normal roster.

Hey Quasar, just curious, what are you saying with this comment? That you know kids on these teams you mention here have also played this year with other teams in this tournament? What years we talking about?

[Quasar]

Second .. All the Taxi players had to play for their first teams, So the Edge, The pond, Reebok Nationals, Bauer Supreme, and others had to play with their normal roster.

Hey Quasar, just curious, what are you saying with this comment? That you know kids on these teams you mention here have also played this year with other teams in this tournament? What years we talking about?

I'm talking about 97's. Let me put it this way... I heard a parent say "It's really cool when the helmets match the jerseys"

Yes I'm saying that more than one of these kids play on different tournament teams during the summer. Both open and invite.
Everyone knows it, and most think it's ok.

I don't care as long as the kids are having fun!!

[zigima]

Hey Quasar, just curious, what are you saying with this comment? That you know kids on these teams you mention here have also played this year with other teams in this tournament? What years we talking about?

I'm talking about 97's. Let me put it this way... I heard a parent say "It's really cool when the helmets match the jerseys"

Yes I'm saying that more than one of these kids play on different tournament teams during the summer. Both open and invite.
Everyone knows it, and most think it's ok.

I don't care as long as the kids are having fun!!

Thanks Q. My oldest is a 2000 and on one of the teams you listed. I hadn't noticed this so I was curious.