This is nuts! wrote:InThePipes wrote:What I am hoping the MG program does is to draw in the elite kids that are currently driving south and give them an option in the north. Maybe if there were 3 really strong teams in the area you wouldn't have to go to Chicago or Winnipeg to find a game.
Outside of the Blades and Machine who are the other programs that are on the fringe of being elite programs? I'm not suggesting that they need to approach the Blades and/or Machine, just asking who the next tier of programs in MN are after those programs (i.e. MG, LS Stars, Euro, Vapor, etc.)?
Lake Superior is always tough. Just may not have the shear numbers to always be 3 lines deep at every age group. Their '98s and '00s are very good teams.
Euro American is definately making a push. Maple Grove has tons of talent, not to mention the I94 connection to Plymouth, Wayzata, Rogers, Elk River and STMA areas. Could be a gold mine in the right hands. Synergy was an "old boys club." Not comparble to this new group in my opinion.
Edge out of BIG seemed to make a strong case last year at a few levels. I have no idea what they are doing this year.
Hell, a couple programs have come close before succumbing to coaching issues and pressure. Monopoly and Icemen both at the 2000 level.
Will these programs be the downfall of the superpowers? Meh, I doubt it. MLB needs the Yankees, NHL needs the Red Wings. The Olympics needs commies. I'm guessing there will always be a team at each level that will be better than most everyone on a given night.
District Tier 1 teams anyone?
