Team Combat

[the_juiceman]

Irish,
My apologies for taking so long to answer your question. The list of teams he has been on is a long one and took some time to compile. Now I may define "team" differently than you so here is my definition. My definition of team is a AAA organization that one skates with for both multiple practices and several tournaments. The past two years my son has skated for exactly two. One of which was coached by the same coach he had the two previous years and comprised of a core group of skaters that played together for three years.

Now my son has been invited to play in several tournaments for other teams and has done so when our schedule allowed. I do not define that as being on a team.

We have looked upon every team that he has skated on as a positive experience more than negative but even if we hadn't I don't believe it benefits anyone to rip a program on the forum.

Even though we have recently moved out of state, my son wants to stay connected to both Minnesota hockey and his hockey friends. We also have a strong belief that the program will be a good one and allow for our son to stay connected. That is the reason he will be skating for TC, simple as that.

Good luck to your son in tryouts and I hope you guys have a successful winter season. Maybe we'll see you at the rink this summer.

Go Chiefs!

sounds like NHL material... no need of college or ushl. another Phil Housley!!

[Royal24]

I truly hope combat succeeds as it will be good for kids in the area. I have my doubts however. In the past 5 years how many upstart programs that call them super duper elite have started and failed to accomplish their mission. Legacy, and Reebok Nationals are the first that come to mind.

AAA is a very tricky business, one that involves many factors other than just good coaching. They are competing against some pretty big fish, with ground operations, winter AAA development, full administrative staff, their own ice arena's, and tournaments. The current top programs are also identifying the top players at a very young age (Choice, Mite Programs), and most of the best players DONT leave. Some may, but most don't until maybe the last 1-2 years of AAA (current 98 and 99's). I heard they have a pretty good 99 group coming in (99 Nats Players), but that was really the only great Nats group, and they were really only in the Top 10 of 99 teams this past summer. Their other teams were not consistently competitive. Not having 03, 04, 05 groups already in the system also hurts; AAA is admittedly crazy, but that's the way its become.

IMO you won't be able to build a lasting Super Duper Elite team that can compete in those tournaments with this level of infrastructure. If you haven't been to a tournament like prosepects, or the shuffle, they are like the NHL, Minnesota AAA tourney's like DIII college. The canadian teams at the older ages are very tough to beat.

The only way I can see it working in the long-term is by being a supplemental team. However, that means small amounts of practice hours, which means it will be a grind to make money on hockey development. My advice to combat staff, don't quit day jobs just yet.

[Irish]

I truly hope combat succeeds as it will be good for kids in the area. I have my doubts however. In the past 5 years how many upstart programs that call them super duper elite have started and failed to accomplish their mission. Legacy, and Reebok Nationals are the first that come to mind.

AAA is a very tricky business, one that involves many factors other than just good coaching. They are competing against some pretty big fish, with ground operations, winter AAA development, full administrative staff, their own ice arena's, and tournaments. The current top programs are also identifying the top players at a very young age (Choice, Mite Programs), and most of the best players DONT leave. Some may, but most don't until maybe the last 1-2 years of AAA (current 98 and 99's). I heard they have a pretty good 99 group coming in (99 Nats Players), but that was really the only great Nats group, and they were really only in the Top 10 of 99 teams this past summer. Their other teams were not consistently competitive. Not having 03, 04, 05 groups already in the system also hurts; AAA is admittedly crazy, but that's the way its become.

IMO you won't be able to build a lasting Super Duper Elite team that can compete in those tournaments with this level of infrastructure. If you haven't been to a tournament like prosepects, or the shuffle, they are like the NHL, Minnesota AAA tourney's like DIII college. The canadian teams at the older ages are very tough to beat.

The only way I can see it working in the long-term is by being a supplemental team. However, that means small amounts of practice hours, which means it will be a grind to make money on hockey development. My advice to combat staff, don't quit day jobs just yet.

Royal- Keep in mind that most people judge a program by winning or losing. A very few see a program for development. Not sure what age your kids are? But when they're around 12-13-14 you will see the kids who used to dominate give way to other kids. Give Northern Edge some time. They have a lot of good things going on. And no I'm not part of the program.

[old goalie85]

I called the guy in charge twice now, and he called me back within 5 mins. We have been handing out program info @ our tryouts and people are very interested. Yes that includes parents from the Blades/Made!!! $4.00 a gallon will effect alot of peoples opinion. Pine City had their tryouts @ our place this weekend as well. Many of these parents seemed interested as well. I can't see them having a problem filling up w/kids.

[Quasar]

I called the guy in charge twice now, and he called me back within 5 mins. We have been handing out program info @ our tryouts and people are very interested. Yes that includes parents from the Blades/Made!!! $4.00 a gallon will effect alot of peoples opinion. Pine City had their tryouts @ our place this weekend as well. Many of these parents seemed interested as well. I can't see them having a problem filling up w/kids.

Good luck, and welcome to all who offer another new venue. There is room for everyone..Time will tell if the talent pool is deep enough. Next summer is going to be a blast!!

[Royal24]

I called the guy in charge twice now, and he called me back within 5 mins. We have been handing out program info @ our tryouts and people are very interested. Yes that includes parents from the Blades/Made!!! $4.00 a gallon will effect alot of peoples opinion. Pine City had their tryouts @ our place this weekend as well. Many of these parents seemed interested as well. I can't see them having a problem filling up w/kids.

I am in no way in favor of one or two monolitihic powerhouses, but the Blades, and Machine, have stood the test of time so far in keeping their elite status intact. Miracle Gold stands a chance of joining them, but look at the immense amount of resources they have to throw at it. Good intentioned people, with great hockey abilities have failed more times than can be counted, because they cannot compete in all areas year after year after year.

In my opinion, also, AAA has went younger, to Mite, Squirts, and First year pee-wee ages. After that teams dissolve and people do a lot of different things all over the map. If they are looking to fill that gap, there is a market there. But by not having younger age teams, they are already one, or even two years behind. Blades, Machine, and MG, all have strong players at the 05 level. They also have Top 3 03, and 04 teams. And even those teams will struggle to be 500 when traveling to Toronto, which IMO is a step up from the Brick. Bring a team less than that, and look out....

[old goalie85]

When my oldest [94]played there were only a couple teams period. By the time my 98 started we had many more options. Now w/my u12 my 01 and my 02 you can't even count them. W/the stp programs/MAP/PHIT/yada yada I see more community options being the direction summer hockey will move.

[Royal24]

When my oldest [94]played there were only a couple teams period. By the time my 98 started we had many more options. Now w/my u12 my 01 and my 02 you can't even count them. W/the stp programs/MAP/PHIT/yada yada I see more community options being the direction summer hockey will move.

I agree with you for second tier players. But the Metro can only sustain a few super duper elite teams. The demand for super duper elite has never been higher, and will not discontinue into the future.

[old goalie85]

Yes there are only so many kids that are that good. Plus their folks want to spend that $$,plus Time, I liked it when I first saw The bar @ seven bridges down at the Shuffle. But it is a tough way to spend every summer. And it isn't for every kid/pocketbook.

[Royal24]

Yes there are only so many kids that are that good. Plus their folks want to spend that $$,plus Time, I liked it when I first saw The bar @ seven bridges down at the Shuffle. But it is a tough way to spend every summer. And it isn't for every kid/pocketbook.

Agreed....

[intothezone]

[Pine City had their tryouts @ our place this weekend as well. Many of these parents seemed interested as well. I can't see them having a problem filling up w/kids.]

It would be nice to see some of the small town kids that don't have access to ice year round, take advantage of programs that are closer to home. Still a hike, but closer than the Super Rink.

[MrBoDangles]

What are we talking about? Sounds like the program has 60hrs on ice and 20hrs dryland for $800....? Can you go wrong with this?

[Irish]

What are we talking about? Sounds like the program has 60hrs on ice and 20hrs dryland for $800....? Can you go wrong with this?

$800 is a great price. That will get you on Beyond the Pond team. Not Team Combat. I was told that Beyond the Pond will offer open style teams.
The plans are for Team Combat to have Elite players playing on the team.

As for Beyond the Pond $800 - 60 hours of ice time is a good deal. As always with any program it depends on who's the instructor/Coach. This is a new program. With new programs there are always hiccups along the way..................

[hockeyshape]

Summer Hockey Training Program by HockeyShape!

* What Is It: A 60 hours on ice/30+hours off ice spring/summer hockey training program for dedicated and motivated 2001-1998 birth year hockey players. The main focus will be based upon the ADM model in the following areas: skating mechanics, edge work, overspeed/under speed skating, flow drills, stick handling and battling drills. The station will be based on skill, size and age, this program is tough and is not for everyone. We will also be providing a intense off ice component with our Strength/Conditioning Coach Kyle Kelly. If there are enough participants we will add a second group that will be separated by birth year/ability. There will also be an opportunity for tournaments/game play. We will use all of our campuses on a first come first serve basis to compete in "AAA" styled tournaments. There will be additional $100.00 fee per player who decide to participate.

* Who Runs It: HockeyShape staff will be running this program, please visit our website at www.hockeyshape.com for instructors Bio's.

* Where Is It : This year we will have campuses at the following arenas: Forest Lake, Inver Grove Heights, Waconia and Cottage Grove. (IGH and CG have less then 5 or less spots remaining)

* When Is It: Please click the link for the schedule of this event as the ice times are already blocked off.
Forest Lake Schedule

* Cost: $800 will be to secure your spot, there will be no refunds provided.In order to secure your spot a deposit of $400.00 will need to be submitted. This camp fills up fast so please submit payment ASAP. There will be a camp jersey also provided this year.

* The Program will be maxed out @ 25 players and will be filled first come first serve based on the camp fees. Ask us how the MN WILD can help reduce your camp costs!!!

Please contact info@hockeyshape.com with any questions...

[old goalie85]

Nice !!!!

[Irish]

Summer Hockey Training Program by HockeyShape!

* What Is It: A 60 hours on ice/30+hours off ice spring/summer hockey training program for dedicated and motivated 2001-1998 birth year hockey players. The main focus will be based upon the ADM model in the following areas: skating mechanics, edge work, overspeed/under speed skating, flow drills, stick handling and battling drills. The station will be based on skill, size and age, this program is tough and is not for everyone. We will also be providing a intense off ice component with our Strength/Conditioning Coach Kyle Kelly. If there are enough participants we will add a second group that will be separated by birth year/ability. There will also be an opportunity for tournaments/game play. We will use all of our campuses on a first come first serve basis to compete in "AAA" styled tournaments. There will be additional $100.00 fee per player who decide to participate.

* Who Runs It: HockeyShape staff will be running this program, please visit our website at www.hockeyshape.com for instructors Bio's.

* Where Is It : This year we will have campuses at the following arenas: Forest Lake, Inver Grove Heights, Waconia and Cottage Grove. (IGH and CG have less then 5 or less spots remaining)

* When Is It: Please click the link for the schedule of this event as the ice times are already blocked off.
Forest Lake Schedule

* Cost: $800 will be to secure your spot, there will be no refunds provided.In order to secure your spot a deposit of $400.00 will need to be submitted. This camp fills up fast so please submit payment ASAP. There will be a camp jersey also provided this year.

* The Program will be maxed out @ 25 players and will be filled first come first serve based on the camp fees. Ask us how the MN WILD can help reduce your camp costs!!!

Please contact info@hockeyshape.com with any questions...

Hockey Shape- Sounds like a fun and rewarding experience for the kids.

What is the difference with Beyond the Pond and Team Combat?
Are you taking all your players associated with Beyond the Pond and creating an Elite Team Combat using only Beyond the Pond players?

Who are your lead instructors at each of your locations? Can you please share their resume? I remember talk about NHL advisors along the way......

How many tournaments does $800 get each player on Beyond the Pond teams? If there are 25 players on each team. Who gets to play in each tournament? Five lines of forwards and five lines of defense?

Who's going to coach in tournament?
What tournaments are you going to play in?
What is your web site for Beyond the Pond?

Thanks for sharing.

[Irish]

Sorry. I went to your web site. There is no mention of Beyond the Pond. What happened to Beyond the Pond?

[Bison49]

Sorry. I went to your web site. There is no mention of Beyond the Pond. What happened to Beyond the Pond?

Irish.....let it go....just let it go......

If someone wanted you to know, they would probably tell you.

[Irish]

Sorry. I went to your web site. There is no mention of Beyond the Pond. What happened to Beyond the Pond?

Irish.....let it go....just let it go......

If someone wanted you to know, they would probably tell you.

Bison,
It looks like you're the one with a problem. Let it go.....just let it go.......
Enjoy your week........

[Irish]

Hockey Shape- Sounds like a fun and rewarding experience for the kids.

What is the difference with Beyond the Pond and Team Combat?
Are you taking all your players associated with Beyond the Pond and creating an Elite Team Combat using only Beyond the Pond players?

Who are your lead instructors at each of your locations? Can you please share their resume? I remember talk about NHL advisors along the way......

How many tournaments does $800 get each player on Beyond the Pond teams? If there are 25 players on each team. Who gets to play in each tournament? Five lines of forwards and five lines of defense?

Who's going to coach in tournament?
What tournaments are you going to play in?
What is your web site for Beyond the Pond?
Is there still Beyond the Pond?

Thanks for taking time to share your programs information.

[Irish]

HockeyShape-

Who's going to coach in tournaments?
What tournaments are you going to play in?
What is your web site for Beyond the Pond?
Is there still Beyond the Pond?
Cost?