AAA options for a PeeWee B level player

[jBlaze3000]

Was wondering if anyone had any experience or could share there thoughts about what would be a good AAA program for a 98 B level player aspiring to get better and potentially become a A level player. A lot of the AAA talk here revolves around the best of the best but what programs are out there for a solid B player entering his first year of PeeWee's? Northwest suburbs preferrably. Thanks!

[jancze5]

I would skip the AAA debate, get your player on some form of off season team and spend your money on development, especially skating. Look for any programs that are power skating and skills based. Money invested in proficient feet will go alot further than that invested in a jersey. Just my opinion. Kids do want to play the game though...so you have to find a balance but there is one common found within the top-end players, it's the speed they can both digest and play the game at.

[kopernicus]

have to agree-

your pee wee player will need speed, stick handling and on-ice vision/passing to make an A level squad.

if your skater is dead set on participating in a program that has a AAA level program (if he wants a cool jersey or a set of stickers), then I'd recommend having him participate as a "practice player" with a group like northern edge. (not an endorsement, just an example).

at least ask him where his best hockey friend is skating- and sign him up there. have him work with his teammate over the summer on the same team so he can have a little fun too.

[mkpfb]

Here is a different idea for a kid who really wants to improve over the summer. Skip AAA and go off on your won with a few friends.

Try these:

Some high schools have intense STP programs with sessions for 7th and 8th graders. The good ones go 4-5 mornings a week for six weeks. This can really help.

or;

Go with one of the all-you-can-eat programs (Fit and Impact are examples) where you pay one price and then you can skate all you want from April to October. This is expensive but worhtwhile.

I agree that you want to grab your best buddy (or three) to make it more fun and help with driving.

Unless you are with a truly top team, AAA is really just for fun and not much about development. Playing MASH or Showcase with your local buddies is just about as good. In either case, the most important predictor of development is who is actually doing the coaching at practice, not cost and not the cool jersey.

[jBlaze3000]

Thanks for the replies. Regarding the residence camps, I thought about sending him up to Steve Jensen's camp in Deerwood (I did that one when I was a kid) but for the price of one week I could put him 4 or 5 local camps! I'm sure he'd have a blast but he's the oldest of 3 kids that play hockey so it's hard to justify the price tag. All good suggestions. Thanks again.