Quick Advice - AAA vs Association

[Todd Park]

Hey, sincerely not trying to create a stink here; but I am trying to determine the best path for my son to play hockey. He literally just turned 5. I had him do the MM tryout last night (eye opening). Obviously playing with kids nearly 2 full years older he was out-classed, but handled it well. I was pretty proud of him since he was only 4 a few days earlier! I mean he can skate, stop, knows the basic idea of puck.

I am not exactly thrilled with my Association options as we can either do Richfield or Storm. Although that being said, he did have fun playing last year for Richfield Mites program and regardless of whether MM takes my check or not, I am still leaning towards the less pressure packed Association with a few clinics tossed in -- like that Power Edge clinic this summer.

So I guess my question is this: How many AAA programs are avail for MITES? Is it just Minnesota Made? I read somewhere on one of these threads that their is a ton of these teams. Thanks.

[jpiehl]

There are many AAA options available to you during the summer for a mite, but there is no AAA during the winter season in Minnesota by rule of Minnesota / USA Hockey. So if you do not want to skate in your association, your options are Minnesota Made Choice League, or the Minnesota Hockey Recreational League.

[Cdale]

Welcome to the boards (I see this is your 1st post). Your kid literally just turned 5, just relax and it sounds like your kid answered the question
"he did have fun playing last year". He's 5, leave the situation alone. Give your association some time, see how it goes. By 4th year of mites start lining up a AAA program. That is my opinion only. Looking back (my son is 13 now), I'm happy we didn't take things too seriously when he was ages 5-9....he started AAA 2nd year squirts and we now are pretty much hockey year round.

[spin-o-rama]

skate lessons & open skate sessions.
Mpls-Park has their summer 3x3. Might be full.
Your son is a 2006? The creep is on to start AAA younger and younger, but I think 2004 is the youngest I've seen this year.

[HockeyDad41]

Why did you wait so long to get him into hockey? He's never going to catch up now.

[JSR]

Hey, sincerely not trying to create a stink here; but I am trying to determine the best path for my son to play hockey. He literally just turned 5. I had him do the MM tryout last night (eye opening). Obviously playing with kids nearly 2 full years older he was out-classed, but handled it well. I was pretty proud of him since he was only 4 a few days earlier! I mean he can skate, stop, knows the basic idea of puck.

I am not exactly thrilled with my Association options as we can either do Richfield or Storm. Although that being said, he did have fun playing last year for Richfield Mites program and regardless of whether MM takes my check or not, I am still leaning towards the less pressure packed Association with a few clinics tossed in -- like that Power Edge clinic this summer.

So I guess my question is this: How many AAA programs are avail for MITES? Is it just Minnesota Made? I read somewhere on one of these threads that their is a ton of these teams. Thanks.

He's 5, he's not going to get any better or any worse no matter where he skates. At that age it is all about ice time, puck time and having fun. NO ONE will be able to do a better job of those things than you. Take him to play with his friends in the association for that part, put him in skating lessons (that is probably the best thing you can do, my about to be 1st year pee wee still takes weekly skating lessons, has since he was 6, best thing he's ever done, better than all the AAA stuff and camps put together, my recommendation, find a figure skating coach to do the lessons, they are the best teachers in the world for edge work, balance and form) and then take him to the rink or outdoor ice and have father son time on the ice and make it as fun as possible. If he has any athleticism at all he'll be as good as anyone skating ANYWHERE.

[Night Train]

The Minneapolis Storm is an outstanding, and growing, association. Very good leadership and coaches. 18 Mite teams last season. I think you and your son would be very happy there.

[Todd Park]

good stuff. thanks all and very funny line hockeydad.

but yeah, we literally live across the street from the Pearl Park so we head there all the time with the neighborhood kids during the winter. and yep, he is signed up for Storm 3v3 this summer (Mondays) as well as a few skating clinics.

and I am relaxed about it all!! -- at least that is what I tell myself, wife, and others.

Anybody know who the governing body that handles the Association District Lines? From what I understand the old WASHBURN district (where I live) use to feed into Richfield, now is forced to play with the Storm. Which makes sense as we are in the city of MSP and all. Last year in the beginner Mites program there was a ton of Washburn families that played Richfield instead -- simply out of geographic proximity. Simply put, Parade is sort of a pain to get too.

Also , isn't Richfield in DIST 6? From what I understand, they couldn't even field a PEE WEE team last year, which is unfortunate b/c they have pretty significant MITE program. It would seem like common sense to re-draw or allow this small segment of players to play there and keep the program alive and probably add a little more parity in an already very difficult district for them. that's my homer rant. thanks again.

[mnhockey2019]

To echo the post just made, don't be concerned with the quality of Minneapolis youth hockey. Growing program, strong parent involvement and a lot of hockey experience by the coaches. Whole new program from 5 years ago. Plenty of time to head to MM if you aren't happy in the association after this upcoming season.

[JSR]

good stuff. thanks all and very funny line hockeydad.

but yeah, we literally live across the street from the Pearl Park so we head there all the time with the neighborhood kids during the winter. and yep, he is signed up for Storm 3v3 this summer (Mondays) as well as a few skating clinics.

and I am relaxed about it all!! -- at least that is what I tell myself, wife, and others.

Anybody know who the governing body that handles the Association District Lines? From what I understand the old WASHBURN district (where I live) use to feed into Richfield, now is forced to play with the Storm. Which makes sense as we are in the city of MSP and all. Last year in the beginner Mites program there was a ton of Washburn families that played Richfield instead -- simply out of geographic proximity. Simply put, Parade is sort of a pain to get too.

Also , isn't Richfield in DIST 6? From what I understand, they couldn't even field a PEE WEE team last year, which is unfortunate b/c they have pretty significant MITE program. It would seem like common sense to re-draw or allow this small segment of players to play there and keep the program alive and probably add a little more parity in an already very difficult district for them. that's my homer rant. thanks again.

Ok, help me out locals. Google maps says that the Richfield Rink and the Parade rink are only roughly 6 miles apart. So someone in the Wasburn Distirict (I am assuming that refers to Washburn H.S.), that would be close to being able to go o either rink/district would likely live somewhere in between the two rinks, right? So, regardless of which rink it was they'd logically be less than 6 miles away from either rink. How is a rink that is less than 6 miles away a "pain to get to"? We used to have to drive 15 miles to our home rink and I never thought it was that bad, now we have a brand new rink in our actual town and it's 3 miles from my house and that is like a dream come true. So what don't I understand?

[SWPrez]

good stuff. thanks all and very funny line hockeydad.

but yeah, we literally live across the street from the Pearl Park so we head there all the time with the neighborhood kids during the winter. and yep, he is signed up for Storm 3v3 this summer (Mondays) as well as a few skating clinics.

and I am relaxed about it all!! -- at least that is what I tell myself, wife, and others.

Anybody know who the governing body that handles the Association District Lines? From what I understand the old WASHBURN district (where I live) use to feed into Richfield, now is forced to play with the Storm. Which makes sense as we are in the city of MSP and all. Last year in the beginner Mites program there was a ton of Washburn families that played Richfield instead -- simply out of geographic proximity. Simply put, Parade is sort of a pain to get too.

Also , isn't Richfield in DIST 6? From what I understand, they couldn't even field a PEE WEE team last year, which is unfortunate b/c they have pretty significant MITE program. It would seem like common sense to re-draw or allow this small segment of players to play there and keep the program alive and probably add a little more parity in an already very difficult district for them. that's my homer rant. thanks again.

Todd Park,

Minnesota Hockey is the governing body that controls District and Association affiliate lines. Technically, if you want to play for a Minnesota Hockey Affiliate Association, you do not have the option of Richfield or the Minneapolis program. You are allowed to play where you live, or where you attend school unless a waiver (signed by Minneapolis/Richfield/District 6/District 3) is obtained. Minnesota Hockey has turned a 'blind eye' on Minneapolis kids playing mite level hockey in Richfield in order to keep Richfield alive. When you hit squirts or up, you need to follow Minnesota Hockey participation rules and the enforcement is much stricter.

Living in Minneapolis, you have options in addition to the Minneapolis program outside of MN Hockey affiliate programs: Minneapolis Park Board, Dinomites (C level Affiliate), City of Lakes (C level Affiliate), or Minnesota Made.

Washburn is not 'forced' to play in the Storm. Washburn and Southwest Associations have jointly operated as the Minneapolis Storm co-op the last two seasons and will be merging into one hockey board and the Minneapolis Storm Youth Hockey Program in the next few months. One high school team, one association feeding in accordance with Minnesota Hockey's model. I encourage you to visit our recent parent survey to get a feel for program quality:

http://minneapolispark.pucksystems2.com ... rer_id=281

Glad to hear you are playing 3x3 this summer. Good way to meet kids and have fun while not getting too serious. Also check out our mini-camps at Parade for mites (lower 5-6 year olds, upper 7-8 year olds):
http://minneapolispark.pucksystems2.com ... g-programs

[Todd Park]

SW Prez,

Great to hear, I know a few families that play in the Mite Program and a couple coaches too. All total class acts. And I have heard nothing but good things about the Association itself and I have read the surveys (in fact a lot of feedback from Mite parents), and most likely your Association is where we will probably end up next year -- Class C I believe.

But to answer the question of proximity, most families in the HALE neighborhood have a 1.5 mile drive to the Richfield Ice Arena (straight down Portland to 66th). Parade Ice is 6-7 miles away. Might not sound like a lot, and it isn't to those living in Prior Lake; but try getting there when your route is 35W to 394 or using SW territory side streets durnig Rush Hour. So I guess, that is where my pain point lies -- not with the Association itself. In all honesty, Richfield is more like the home ice arena for a ton of families and we appreciate the good folks of STORM turning a blind eye to us...but I do recall needing to sign a waiver for my then 4 year old to play....just saying. that's sort of weird.

[SWPrez]

SW Prez,

Great to hear, I know a few families that play in the Mite Program and a couple coaches too. All total class acts. And I have heard nothing but good things about the Association itself and I have read the surveys (in fact a lot of feedback from Mite parents), and most likely your Association is where we will probably end up next year -- Class C I believe.

But to answer the question of proximity, most families in the HALE neighborhood have a 1.5 mile drive to the Richfield Ice Arena (straight down Portland to 66th). Parade Ice is 6-7 miles away. Might not sound like a lot, and it isn't to those living in Prior Lake; but try getting there when your route is 35W to 394 or using SW territory side streets durnig Rush Hour. So I guess, that is where my pain point lies -- not with the Association itself. In all honesty, Richfield is more like the home ice arena for a ton of families and we appreciate the good folks of STORM turning a blind eye to us...but I do recall needing to sign a waiver for my then 4 year old to play....just saying. that's sort of weird.

I understand the logistics....works that way in all communities.

Those living in Morningside in Edina are a 5 minute drive to Saint Louis Park Arena and 15 to Braemar.

Those living in West Bloomington are 5 minutes from Braemar and 15 from Bloomington Ice Garden.

Those living in parts of Wayzata are five minutes from Orono and 15 from Plymouth Ice Center.

Where I live in Minneapolis, Bloomington Ice Garden, Richfield Ice Arena, Braemar and Saint Louis Park are all much more convenient getting to than Parade.

No problems with rush hour with mites as they skate Sat/Sun and then outdoors at a Park of their coach's choosing during the week.

I understand your desire for convenience in commuting, the Minnesota Hockey Affiliate model is based on the community that feeds the high school and the rinks those affiliates utilize.

[Quasar]

There are many AAA options available to you during the summer for a mite, but there is no AAA during the winter season in Minnesota by rule of Minnesota / USA Hockey. So if you do not want to skate in your association, your options are Minnesota Made Choice League, or the Minnesota Hockey Recreational League.

There will be more options soon. It's all about ice right now. The ruling in Dist 6 opens the door for anti trust law suits against ice areas that try to freeze out private clubs. All the winning high schools have AAA players on their rosters. Perhaps the no checking rule will hasten the arrival of winter AAA hockey in Minnesota, maybe not, it really doesn't matter one way or the other winter AAA hockey will be played in Minnesota before your kids a peewee.

By the way, if you think getting around the cities is a hassle,stay away from AAA

[blueblood]

If you think driving 6-7 miles is bad, wait until you have to drive on 494 and then 35W or Cedar Ave during a weekday rush hour when it snows to get to a league game Eagan, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, etc.

It only gets worse my friend....

[Todd Park]

@Blueblood, um yeah thanks. this is more of a common sense question for parents signing waiver(s) for a 4-5 year olds to play 4 minutes from their house. I promise I will not be griping about travel when he is a squirt level and above. sort of looking fwd to those days actually. And trust me, at this age, I just want him to love the sport and let it creep into his DNA. believe it or not, for those with young kids, a 5 min car ride for practice vs 30 minutes -- actually helps with influencing a young mind's decision.

Also, right now for the neighborhood kids to play with each other is mega cool. We have 3 kids on our same street in the same lockerroom. that changes once we move to the Storm. a growing Association is great, unfortunately politics tend to grow with it, so then you feel, ooookay, better go over there now so nobody holds it against my 5 year old son in a few years when he turns 8 or 9....and to be honest, this is where my perception of how AAA's of the world have a clear advantage.

Enough of my rant, I sincerely appreciate the info from SW Prez. I know it is a solid Association that I know we will enjoy when the time is right! Oh and he is signed up for the clinics in August! Thanks again!

[JSR]

@Blueblood, um yeah thanks. this is more of a common sense question for parents signing waiver(s) for a 4-5 year olds to play 4 minutes from their house. I promise I will not be griping about travel when he is a squirt level and above. sort of looking fwd to those days actually. And trust me, at this age, I just want him to love the sport and let it creep into his DNA. believe it or not, for those with young kids, a 5 min car ride for practice vs 30 minutes -- actually helps with influencing a young mind's decision.

Also, right now for the neighborhood kids to play with each other is mega cool. We have 3 kids on our same street in the same lockerroom. that changes once we move to the Storm. a growing Association is great, unfortunately politics tend to grow with it, so then you feel, ooookay, better go over there now so nobody holds it against my 5 year old son in a few years when he turns 8 or 9....and to be honest, this is where my perception of how AAA's of the world have a clear advantage.

Enough of my rant, I sincerely appreciate the info from SW Prez. I know it is a solid Association that I know we will enjoy when the time is right! Oh and he is signed up for the clinics in August! Thanks again!

You think AAA clubs are free and clear of those politics???????

[JSR]

@Blueblood, um yeah thanks. this is more of a common sense question for parents signing waiver(s) for a 4-5 year olds to play 4 minutes from their house. I promise I will not be griping about travel when he is a squirt level and above. sort of looking fwd to those days actually. And trust me, at this age, I just want him to love the sport and let it creep into his DNA. believe it or not, for those with young kids, a 5 min car ride for practice vs 30 minutes -- actually helps with influencing a young mind's decision.

Also, right now for the neighborhood kids to play with each other is mega cool. We have 3 kids on our same street in the same lockerroom. that changes once we move to the Storm. a growing Association is great, unfortunately politics tend to grow with it, so then you feel, ooookay, better go over there now so nobody holds it against my 5 year old son in a few years when he turns 8 or 9....and to be honest, this is where my perception of how AAA's of the world have a clear advantage.

Enough of my rant, I sincerely appreciate the info from SW Prez. I know it is a solid Association that I know we will enjoy when the time is right! Oh and he is signed up for the clinics in August! Thanks again!

You think AAA clubs are free and clear of those politics???????

I am sure there are AAA clubs that are as bad as associations are from a politics standpoint. I know there are. But the difference is that when things get just plain dumb politically speaking at a AAA level you have the option of going down the road. When things get just plain dumb from a political stand point in an association you are not free to leave. Freedom to choose to participate in the politics or not vs ...............

Fair enough...

[Night Train]

Also, right now for the neighborhood kids to play with each other is mega cool. We have 3 kids on our same street in the same lockerroom. that changes once we move to the Storm.

Wouldn't/shouldn't they all be playing with the Storm in the fall? Or, are you suggesting all Storm, different levels?

[Todd Park]

Quick update (for those that might see this thread or remember or even care for that matter):

It was a tough call, but our family decided to route our son through Minnesota Made Choice League. Two reasons, again geographically it is easier and the the times are really nice (Thurs Nights, Sun Afternoons) vs SAT and SUN morning weekend killers.

Secondly, skate, skate, skate. Hard to argue with that skill set in terms of this sport..speaking of, he has had two pretty grueling heavy skating practices already (what I expected). I like to dangle the carrot after practices and game to help keep his focus a little. His head is a pool of sweat afterwards and no doubt loves the hot fudge sundae reward at the BK down the road.

Also of note, the coaches are very good. A little old-school with the discipline (they expect kid's attention and straight lines at all times), but pretty cool to see how quickly the kids adjust and most respond well. A few tears from a small % of kids, but I've seen those at the Association level too. Mostly for sore feet, helmets too tight, long practices, that sort of deal.

He will get his other ice time from Pearl Park outdoor ice this winter in S. Minneapolis with dad and the neighborhood kids in some fun pickup hockey. Only time will tell if his measure of progress is even noticeable.

good luck to others -- not an easy decision, at least for us.

[MnMade-4-Life]

Quick update (for those that might see this thread or remember or even care for that matter):

Remember and care, however to be honest I did not lose any sleep over it.

It was a tough call, but our family decided to route our son through Minnesota Made Choice League. Two reasons, again geographically it is easier and the the times are really nice (Thurs Nights, Sun Afternoons) vs SAT and SUN morning weekend killers.

Choice League = easy choice. Sure I'm a bit biased, we skated there many choice seasons. Great program.

Secondly, skate, skate, skate. Hard to argue with that skill set in terms of this sport..speaking of, he has had two pretty grueling heavy skating practices already (what I expected). I like to dangle the carrot after practices and game to help keep his focus a little. His head is a pool of sweat afterwards and no doubt loves the hot fudge sundae reward at the BK down the road.

Wow. Pulizter material.

Also of note, the coaches are very good. A little old-school with the discipline (they expect kid's attention and straight lines at all times)

Whoa, whoa, whoa ... are you ... you can't be ... WHAT?!? Actually paying attention is considered OLD SCHOOL?!?! What the hell is the new school about?!?!?!

but pretty cool to see how quickly the kids adjust and most respond well. A few tears from a small % of kids, but I've seen those at the Association level too. Mostly for sore feet, helmets too tight, long practices, that sort of deal.

Sounds like these kids have been attending the "New School."

He will get his other ice time from Pearl Park outdoor ice this winter in S. Minneapolis with dad and the neighborhood kids in some fun pickup hockey. Only time will tell if his measure of progress is even noticeable.

good luck to others -- not an easy decision, at least for us.

Enjoy the season.

[C-dad]

Quick update (for those that might see this thread or remember or even care for that matter):

Remember and care, however to be honest I did not lose any sleep over it.

It was a tough call, but our family decided to route our son through Minnesota Made Choice League. Two reasons, again geographically it is easier and the the times are really nice (Thurs Nights, Sun Afternoons) vs SAT and SUN morning weekend killers.

Choice League = easy choice. Sure I'm a bit biased, we skated there many choice seasons. Great program.

Secondly, skate, skate, skate. Hard to argue with that skill set in terms of this sport..speaking of, he has had two pretty grueling heavy skating practices already (what I expected). I like to dangle the carrot after practices and game to help keep his focus a little. His head is a pool of sweat afterwards and no doubt loves the hot fudge sundae reward at the BK down the road.

Wow. Pulizter material.

Also of note, the coaches are very good. A little old-school with the discipline (they expect kid's attention and straight lines at all times)

Whoa, whoa, whoa ... are you ... you can't be ... WHAT?!? Actually paying attention is considered OLD SCHOOL?!?! What the hell is the new school about?!?!?!

but pretty cool to see how quickly the kids adjust and most respond well. A few tears from a small % of kids, but I've seen those at the Association level too. Mostly for sore feet, helmets too tight, long practices, that sort of deal.

Sounds like these kids have been attending the "New School."

He will get his other ice time from Pearl Park outdoor ice this winter in S. Minneapolis with dad and the neighborhood kids in some fun pickup hockey. Only time will tell if his measure of progress is even noticeable.

good luck to others -- not an easy decision, at least for us.

Enjoy the season.

Be sure to send him his check!

[Irish]

Minnesota made no doubt has the best Mite program in the state of Minnesota. My son skated at Minnesota made for four years, and he loved it.
He had 12 other kids from our association skating at the made. Most of the kids went back to our association at Squirts and my son decided to stay at the made for squirts.
The best thing about the made is the fact he'll be exposed to others and will have better opportunities in the future to play on multiple teams.

Dollar for dollar Minnesota made was cheaper per hour than our association. And he received three times the amount of ice time.

Most importantly No fundraising! - No meetings! - No documents! It was all about development and the kids had a blast. The best part is my son got to meet kids from all over the metro, and I met parents all over the metro. When we play association hockey I know most of the players and parents on the opposing team.

Stick with the made.

As you're finding out. There's non-supporters of Minnesota made. Flat out do what's best for your son and family.

I get a kick out of people that know what's best for your son.

[InigoMontoya]

Stick with the made.

I get a kick out of people that know what's best for your son.

???

[Irish]

Stick with the made.

I get a kick out of people that know what's best for your son.

???

Hi InigoMontoya- To answer your question: Flat out do what's best for your son and family.

In this situation. Sounds like the family loves hockey. If so, do you think his son will learn more playing 30 hours of hockey or 85 hours of hockey? Not to mention he'll be skating with stronger skaters. Honest question. Not trying to be disrespecful.
I realize there's Minnesota Made bashers out there. Every one has a right to their opinion. In this case I hope the people bashing Minnesota made actually experienced skating at the Made. You know what? It is a business, and they do make money. At the Mite level it's the best place in the State of Minnesota. Just my opinion.