MN Made Squirt League

[puckpuck]

Froggy -

Yes, I considered, sort of, moving Associations and getting the waiver, but I don't want to have to drive him to school every day. I don't know why you have to change schools just because you move Associations, but I was told you have to as we have one family that did it this past year. Maybe Made for one more year and then hopefully we'll sell the house and move. I don't know... I vacillate daily it seems like. Especially with my experiences at Made. With that said, I have liked his coaches. With the exception they don't teach passing.

You're right, I need to explore different rinks in the neighborhood. He can skate at the park with me for 2 hours, but I'm sure he would have much more fun with other kids and get more out of it as well. He wants to go 2nite with -11 wind chill so I guess that's good!

[Froggy Richards]

Froggy -

Yes, I considered, sort of, moving Associations and getting the waiver, but I don't want to have to drive him to school every day. I don't know why you have to change schools just because you move Associations, but I was told you have to as we have one family that did it this past year. Maybe Made for one more year and then hopefully we'll sell the house and move. I don't know... I vacillate daily it seems like. Especially with my experiences at Made. With that said, I have liked his coaches. With the exception they don't teach passing.

You're right, I need to explore different rinks in the neighborhood. He can skate at the park with me for 2 hours, but I'm sure he would have much more fun with other kids and get more out of it as well. He wants to go 2nite with -11 wind chill so I guess that's good!

You do not have to change schools to play at another Association. All you have to do is get a waiver signed by your Resident Association President and be accepted into the new Association by the destination President.

The difference is that this is up to the Assocation President. If you do change schools, you can automatically play within that school's Association and the President cannot deny it.

[puckpuck]

Froggy -

Yes, I considered, sort of, moving Associations and getting the waiver, but I don't want to have to drive him to school every day. I don't know why you have to change schools just because you move Associations, but I was told you have to as we have one family that did it this past year. Maybe Made for one more year and then hopefully we'll sell the house and move. I don't know... I vacillate daily it seems like. Especially with my experiences at Made. With that said, I have liked his coaches. With the exception they don't teach passing.

You're right, I need to explore different rinks in the neighborhood. He can skate at the park with me for 2 hours, but I'm sure he would have much more fun with other kids and get more out of it as well. He wants to go 2nite with -11 wind chill so I guess that's good!

You do not have to change schools to play at another Association. All you have to do is get a waiver signed by your Resident Association President and be accepted into the new Association by the destination President.

The difference is that this is up to the Assocation President. If you do change schools, you can automatically play within that school's Association and the President cannot deny it.

Interesting. That parent gave me wrong info then. Thanks

[thefatcat]

For disclosure, I have two kids at Made; a 3rd grade squirt and a small mite.

I believe I know which kid puckpuck is referring to and he is a chippy little fart. The weird part is the coach of the kid in question is Bernie's right hand man so it strikes me as odd that kid wasn't punished. I haven't seen anything outrageous during the games, kids get away with a cheap shot here or there and I believe that is due to only 1 ref on the ice...the speed of squirts at MM should require 2 refs IMO.

I will say that the games are starting to get a little more chippy which I attribute to the teams playing each other so many times, the kids are probably getting sick of playing each other.

As for the stuffy parents, yeah plenty of those but I'd say the straight up hockey nuts & jack wagons who live vicariously thru their kids outnumber the stuffy ones. I was doing the score sheet for one game and a parent from the other team was on clock. This guy is screaming thru the plexiglass at his kid and the ref. As his kid was about to head out on a shift, he yells "fifty bucks if you score a goal"....really?

[puckpuck]

For disclosure, I have two kids at Made; a 3rd grade squirt and a small mite.

I believe I know which kid puckpuck is referring to and he is a chippy little fart. The weird part is the coach of the kid in question is Bernie's right hand man so it strikes me as odd that kid wasn't punished. I haven't seen anything outrageous during the games, kids get away with a cheap shot here or there and I believe that is due to only 1 ref on the ice...the speed of squirts at MM should require 2 refs IMO.

I will say that the games are starting to get a little more chippy which I attribute to the teams playing each other so many times, the kids are probably getting sick of playing each other.

As for the stuffy parents, yeah plenty of those but I'd say the straight up hockey nuts & jack wagons who live vicariously thru their kids outnumber the stuffy ones. I was doing the score sheet for one game and a parent from the other team was on clock. This guy is screaming thru the plexiglass at his kid and the ref. As his kid was about to head out on a shift, he yells "fifty bucks if you score a goal"....really?

I wonder if we are talking about the same kid. There are a couple, 4-5, I would consider chippy...actually dirty. The one in question, the one in the fight in question, also has an older brother in Squirts... I wouldn't think this kid's father would be Bernie's right hand man, but he is an assistant coach and the kid was not disciplined (no missing a shift, a period, a game etc.) Who knows 'thefatcat' maybe we know each other! I have a young 3rd grader in Squirts... I have seen a lot at Made this year. I'm not talking gossipy rumors, but things I have witnessed. I saw a parent on the bench, not sure why she was there, go after the coach of the opposing team. The ref had to get involved and the game was stopped for 5 minutes. I've seen crazy stuff in the stands, multiple verbal arguments between parents, screaming back and forth between coaches, fights, parents giving hand signals to their sons on the ice etc. The atmosphere there drives me insane. I didn't expect this stuff until he was 12-13 years old! But yes, I choose to be there.

[puckbreath]

For disclosure, I have two kids at Made; a 3rd grade squirt and a small mite.

I believe I know which kid puckpuck is referring to and he is a chippy little fart. The weird part is the coach of the kid in question is Bernie's right hand man so it strikes me as odd that kid wasn't punished. I haven't seen anything outrageous during the games, kids get away with a cheap shot here or there and I believe that is due to only 1 ref on the ice...the speed of squirts at MM should require 2 refs IMO.

I will say that the games are starting to get a little more chippy which I attribute to the teams playing each other so many times, the kids are probably getting sick of playing each other.

As for the stuffy parents, yeah plenty of those but I'd say the straight up hockey nuts & jack wagons who live vicariously thru their kids outnumber the stuffy ones. I was doing the score sheet for one game and a parent from the other team was on clock. This guy is screaming thru the plexiglass at his kid and the ref. As his kid was about to head out on a shift, he yells "fifty bucks if you score a goal"....really?

Not a Made group, but years ago, when my kid was a *peewee*, we were playing Edina.

I couldn't believe what I saw; five dads, each on a different laptop, shoulder to shoulder, were each keeping different stat, etc. records throughout the game.

Nice.

"I say Burtrum, what was your favorite youth hockey memory ?"

"Sorry old boy, but I don't know; all I ever saw every game was my laptop screen......by the time I looked up from it, Jr. had graduated...."

[SCBlueLiner]

A lot of the stuff you describe sounds like people just being around each other way too much in a competitive atmosphere. It sounds like players, and parents too, are getting tired of playing the same familiar faces over and over. I've seen this same type of stuff develop in our local house league and in travel games against rival teams.

Amazing how playing some new teams cleanses the team (and parents) of these issues.

[thefatcat]

For disclosure, I have two kids at Made; a 3rd grade squirt and a small mite.

I believe I know which kid puckpuck is referring to and he is a chippy little fart. The weird part is the coach of the kid in question is Bernie's right hand man so it strikes me as odd that kid wasn't punished. I haven't seen anything outrageous during the games, kids get away with a cheap shot here or there and I believe that is due to only 1 ref on the ice...the speed of squirts at MM should require 2 refs IMO.

I will say that the games are starting to get a little more chippy which I attribute to the teams playing each other so many times, the kids are probably getting sick of playing each other.

As for the stuffy parents, yeah plenty of those but I'd say the straight up hockey nuts & jack wagons who live vicariously thru their kids outnumber the stuffy ones. I was doing the score sheet for one game and a parent from the other team was on clock. This guy is screaming thru the plexiglass at his kid and the ref. As his kid was about to head out on a shift, he yells "fifty bucks if you score a goal"....really?

I wonder if we are talking about the same kid. There are a couple, 4-5, I would consider chippy...actually dirty. The one in question, the one in the fight in question, also has an older brother in Squirts... I wouldn't think this kid's father would be Bernie's right hand man, but he is an assistant coach and the kid was not disciplined (no missing a shift, a period, a game etc.) Who knows 'thefatcat' maybe we know each other! I have a young 3rd grader in Squirts... I have seen a lot at Made this year. I'm not talking gossipy rumors, but things I have witnessed. I saw a parent on the bench, not sure why she was there, go after the coach of the opposing team. The ref had to get involved and the game was stopped for 5 minutes. I've seen crazy stuff in the stands, multiple verbal arguments between parents, screaming back and forth between coaches, fights, parents giving hand signals to their sons on the ice etc. The atmosphere there drives me insane. I didn't expect this stuff until he was 12-13 years old! But yes, I choose to be there.

Yes, you are correct...it's not Bernie's right hand man's kid. My bad. I dunno, maybe I don't notice dirty things on the ice because I grew up playing hoops (to get out of doing farm chores . I certainly have not seen what you describe above from parents. I typically find a quiet corner of the arena to watch the game so I don't have to listen to the other parents brag, moan or complain. My experience in mite silver last season and squirts this season was actually pleasant in terms of the coaching. Both coaches are/were instructors not screamers, they aren't/weren't screamers which I believe greatly improved my son's experience. Maybe I'm just oblivious as to what is going on around me and don't notice all of the bad things you see. I will say not having a hockey background helps me enjoy the game more, mostly because I don't have to sit and think about what small detail my kid is doing wrong every single shift.

[puckpuck]

For disclosure, I have two kids at Made; a 3rd grade squirt and a small mite.

I believe I know which kid puckpuck is referring to and he is a chippy little fart. The weird part is the coach of the kid in question is Bernie's right hand man so it strikes me as odd that kid wasn't punished. I haven't seen anything outrageous during the games, kids get away with a cheap shot here or there and I believe that is due to only 1 ref on the ice...the speed of squirts at MM should require 2 refs IMO.

I will say that the games are starting to get a little more chippy which I attribute to the teams playing each other so many times, the kids are probably getting sick of playing each other.

As for the stuffy parents, yeah plenty of those but I'd say the straight up hockey nuts & jack wagons who live vicariously thru their kids outnumber the stuffy ones. I was doing the score sheet for one game and a parent from the other team was on clock. This guy is screaming thru the plexiglass at his kid and the ref. As his kid was about to head out on a shift, he yells "fifty bucks if you score a goal"....really?

I wonder if we are talking about the same kid. There are a couple, 4-5, I would consider chippy...actually dirty. The one in question, the one in the fight in question, also has an older brother in Squirts... I wouldn't think this kid's father would be Bernie's right hand man, but he is an assistant coach and the kid was not disciplined (no missing a shift, a period, a game etc.) Who knows 'thefatcat' maybe we know each other! I have a young 3rd grader in Squirts... I have seen a lot at Made this year. I'm not talking gossipy rumors, but things I have witnessed. I saw a parent on the bench, not sure why she was there, go after the coach of the opposing team. The ref had to get involved and the game was stopped for 5 minutes. I've seen crazy stuff in the stands, multiple verbal arguments between parents, screaming back and forth between coaches, fights, parents giving hand signals to their sons on the ice etc. The atmosphere there drives me insane. I didn't expect this stuff until he was 12-13 years old! But yes, I choose to be there.

Yes, you are correct...it's not Bernie's right hand man's kid. My bad. I dunno, maybe I don't notice dirty things on the ice because I grew up playing hoops (to get out of doing farm chores . I certainly have not seen what you describe above from parents. I typically find a quiet corner of the arena to watch the game so I don't have to listen to the other parents brag, moan or complain. My experience in mite silver last season and squirts this season was actually pleasant in terms of the coaching. Both coaches are/were instructors not screamers, they aren't/weren't screamers which I believe greatly improved my son's experience. Maybe I'm just oblivious as to what is going on around me and don't notice all of the bad things you see. I will say not having a hockey background helps me enjoy the game more, mostly because I don't have to sit and think about what small detail my kid is doing wrong every single shift.

We have had good experiences with the coaches as well. Identical to your experience it seems. The bad parents, in my opinion, come from two of the teams. It's funny, because a lot of the parents don't cheer much at all when their team scores. The parents from the "other" two teams on the other hand...they go bat PLEASE BAN ME crazy when their team scores. I find it humorous. I have to tell you that last year, in Silver, two parents got in a shouting match across the ice with their team's coaches. Their own team! It was said...and hilarious.

Some of the games are docile or "normal" in aggression. But like I said earlier, I have seen a lot that turns my stomach and it's quite obvious Made could not care less.

I'm like you, I have zero hockey background. I don't have a clue what to do. I just wish my wife had just held off for a few more weeks and my son would be an '05 and I would have another year of bliss! But no! She had to spit him out

[Froggy Richards]

I wonder if we are talking about the same kid. There are a couple, 4-5, I would consider chippy...actually dirty. The one in question, the one in the fight in question, also has an older brother in Squirts... I wouldn't think this kid's father would be Bernie's right hand man, but he is an assistant coach and the kid was not disciplined (no missing a shift, a period, a game etc.) Who knows 'thefatcat' maybe we know each other! I have a young 3rd grader in Squirts... I have seen a lot at Made this year. I'm not talking gossipy rumors, but things I have witnessed. I saw a parent on the bench, not sure why she was there, go after the coach of the opposing team. The ref had to get involved and the game was stopped for 5 minutes. I've seen crazy stuff in the stands, multiple verbal arguments between parents, screaming back and forth between coaches, fights, parents giving hand signals to their sons on the ice etc. The atmosphere there drives me insane. I didn't expect this stuff until he was 12-13 years old! But yes, I choose to be there.

Yes, you are correct...it's not Bernie's right hand man's kid. My bad. I dunno, maybe I don't notice dirty things on the ice because I grew up playing hoops (to get out of doing farm chores . I certainly have not seen what you describe above from parents. I typically find a quiet corner of the arena to watch the game so I don't have to listen to the other parents brag, moan or complain. My experience in mite silver last season and squirts this season was actually pleasant in terms of the coaching. Both coaches are/were instructors not screamers, they aren't/weren't screamers which I believe greatly improved my son's experience. Maybe I'm just oblivious as to what is going on around me and don't notice all of the bad things you see. I will say not having a hockey background helps me enjoy the game more, mostly because I don't have to sit and think about what small detail my kid is doing wrong every single shift.

We have had good experiences with the coaches as well. Identical to your experience it seems. The bad parents, in my opinion, come from two of the teams. It's funny, because a lot of the parents don't cheer much at all when their team scores. The parents from the "other" two teams on the other hand...they go bat PLEASE BAN ME crazy when their team scores. I find it humorous. I have to tell you that last year, in Silver, two parents got in a shouting match across the ice with their team's coaches. Their own team! It was said...and hilarious.

Some of the games are docile or "normal" in aggression. But like I said earlier, I have seen a lot that turns my stomach and it's quite obvious Made could not care less.

I'm like you, I have zero hockey background. I don't have a clue what to do. I just wish my wife had just held off for a few more weeks and my son would be an '05 and I would have another year of bliss! But no! She had to spit him out

You've alluded several times to the fact that you don't have a hockey background and you seem to think that somehow makes you less qualified to make hockey decisions for your kid. The fact is, having a hockey background can be a detriment just like it can be an advantage. I can tell just by reading your posts that you're more qualified than a lot of parents that have extensive hockey backgrounds.

You know your son and I always say to take your cues from the kid. There is only one thing that really matters at this age and that's whether or not the kid is having fun and has a passion for the game. If they're having fun and dying to go to the rink, then trust me, everything else will work itself out. If they ever don't want to go or seem to be losing the passion, then something is wrong and you need to take a step back and figure out what it is. There is obviously great competition for him at the Made, and that's a good thing as long as he's enjoying it. The crazy atmosphere with the parents is probably not going to affect him. He will look to your example and write off the crazy parents for what they are, just like we did when we were kids. I've always been amazed at what Youth hockey can do to educated Adults. It's been going on for years. I have to say that I've never seen a parent get in an argument across the ice with their own coach though. Just when I thought I'd seen it all.........

[SCBlueLiner]

If you ask the kids they have no idea what is going on in the stands. Most of the time they tune out crowd noise unless it is a face-off or another stoppage and somebody screams something obvious.

[Nevertoomuchhockey]

I agree that they probably don't know at the time. But they will inevitably find out in the locker room the next day after hearing their parents version on the ride home.

[Bullseye]

A couple Facts that I can throw into this conversation.
I am not an owner, investor, employee, but I have coached there.

45 teams at Minnesota Made this year. I believe in 07-08' inaugural year they started with 8 teams. (Could be wrong on this number)
About 16 kids per team.
720 athletes.
Many different coaches.

Bernie or Todd send out the practice plan each week that the coaches are supposed to run. Their message to the coaches are be good role models, be teachers and give your all to every kid no matter what their skill level is, and make sure you put everything in every game or practice. No power play or PK lines, don't sit kids because they have missed due to association conflicts.

Super Squirts this year was $2495 for about 135 hours of on ice and about 14 hours of dry land at 1st Athlete. So this equates to about $17 per hour of training. We have paid so far this year for my older son, who is a Bantam, $1800 for about 80 hours of ice and dry land training. This cost does not include the out of pocket expenses for the 3 out of town tournaments they have participated in. That equates to about $23 per hour of training.

My point is that yes it is more than what you may pay at an association, but per hour it is not, plus you do not have to sell anything or do your mandatory volunteer hours. (Yes you may have been asked to help run the clock, but that isn't too hard and if every one takes a turn or two, you don't have to do it too often.)

As you have mentioned PuckPuck, your son is in 3rd grade which is actually a last year mite. Don't get me wrong, the fact that your son can play up is great, my boys have always played up whenever possible. At your association you may not have that option, so you could have had him skate for about 35 hours for the year for about $500, so it is your option to play at the Made and have him skate up and pay what you do.

I don't think your comment that everyone at the Made is made of money or has money to throw around is accurate. I am not saying there aren't people there that have a lot of money, but I think you would be surprised at the amount of middle class that has their kids play there.

I have coached there for many years now and have had many conversations with Todd and Bernie and at no point have they told me or any other coaches that I know to teach kids to be cheap or to play dirty. Matter of a fact they have told me and the other coaches to set good examples and to control ourselves, our kids and let the parents know to behave. I have sat kids for being cheap, dirty and disrespectful, and have told their parents why. I have never had a parent complain to me for that. In my experience of coaching many different sports and dealing with many kids and parents, you will find that the kids who are cheap and dirty have a temper issue or have a parent that is coaching them to be that way. I have had dealings with coaches coaching that way but they are few and far between or they are very good at hiding it from the other coaches. If you feel there is a problem report it to Todd or Bernie so they know. You assume that they know everything that is happening and that they are ignoring it. I know in the past when things have been brought to their attention they have dealt with the issues.

As far as the parents, wherever you go and whatever sport your child is participating in, you will find people yelling and screaming, starting things, bragging about how good their child is. You can not get away from that. My greatest advice to you is to get a really good pair of headsets, i.e... Beats, monsters, etc... and find a great Pandora station and listen to that during the game. Some people do and say things just to get under other peoples skin, ignore them and eventually they figure it out, but if you or anyone fuels that fire look out.

Is the Made the perfect situation. NO. Is there an association that is perfect, I haven't heard of one yet and if you find it please let us know. The Made isn't for every kid or for that matter every parent, but I know I believe in it and my kids have completely enjoyed every year there. And to answer a question you may be thinking, NO I don't think my kids will make the NHL and they will be lucky to continue playing this game after HS, but right now they love it, and can't wait til the next time they get on the ice. And yes I do think that I am crazy at times of the money I have spent on my kids and their sports endeavors but I remember the time and money my parents spent on me and the total enjoyment I had and continue to have playing sports, so I will continue to support my kids and give them opportunities to play at what ever level they can.

Good luck to your son and I hope he is enjoying playing hockey, as it is the best sport out there...

[Ref22]

Interesting thread for sure.

Full disclosure: I have a kid who plays at MM and with a Machine summer team (last summer practice only, this summer full).

My kid plays in the Super Squirt Choice league (checking, mostly 02 & 03's with a few young 01's) and played Choice (no checking but Squirt aged) last year. I have yet to see anything in a game or a practice that I thought was questionable. They have always erred on the conservative end of things…especially with checking. No head hunting, intentional dirty play, or have heard of that being encouraged by any parents or coaches. I also have not seen anything as spirited as association hockey can get in the stands with parents in a hyper aggressive, competitive Squirt or Peewee game (either regular season or a tournament).

We are at MM and willing to pay a little more (if one was to choose one or the other) to play there for a couple of reasons:

1. The amount of time each practice that is spent on individual skills (skating and stick handling) is much more than we get at Association hockey (my kid was MM only last year and this year is both Assoc & MM). It costs more than association yes but there is more time on the ice and building the basic skills are key in our mind to giving a kid the tools to succeed should they choose to continue to play hockey or soccer or whatever sport. This has been especially important with the introduction of checking this year. The slow implementation along with practice sessions exclusively for checking instruction were informative for the kid and for us as parents to talk about safety as a checker and a checkee. Name the sport and there is skills based academies or clinics that cost $$$ that make a difference. Soccer has Coerver, Footholde, etc. Basketball has AAU programs, whatever Chris Carr's place in hopkins is called, etc. Baseball has Players Only, MN Baseball Academy, etc.

2. We have found the curriculum and the coaching to be just as good or better than the average association coaches and assistants in our association.

3. We like that all 4 tournaments are at MM instead of places that we are overnight for 2 nights. A weekend tourney in Duluth or Brainerd or TRF is roughly $250 for hotel, $75-$100 for gas, plus other expenses. 2-3 tourneys out of town = $600-$1000. It is great for the kids but it aint cheap!

Competition is good. In life, hockey, and business. Association is not the only game in town and MM is a great option for many parents/kids. There will always be things that one can complain about at MM and very much so at the association model and one's home association.

Freedom. More please!

Per hour of ice (including games and practices), Minnesota Made is cheaper this year than my daughter's association ice bill (that is not even counting the out-of-town trip's hotel, food, gas, as well as the dryland we had to buy ourselves).

My daughter is already on a Machine AAA team. The association bill is one of many reasons why she will also be trying out for Made's Squirt League next season.

I don't get why girls play squirt B hockey instead of 10A.

[jg2112]

Interesting thread for sure.

Full disclosure: I have a kid who plays at MM and with a Machine summer team (last summer practice only, this summer full).

My kid plays in the Super Squirt Choice league (checking, mostly 02 & 03's with a few young 01's) and played Choice (no checking but Squirt aged) last year. I have yet to see anything in a game or a practice that I thought was questionable. They have always erred on the conservative end of things…especially with checking. No head hunting, intentional dirty play, or have heard of that being encouraged by any parents or coaches. I also have not seen anything as spirited as association hockey can get in the stands with parents in a hyper aggressive, competitive Squirt or Peewee game (either regular season or a tournament).

We are at MM and willing to pay a little more (if one was to choose one or the other) to play there for a couple of reasons:

1. The amount of time each practice that is spent on individual skills (skating and stick handling) is much more than we get at Association hockey (my kid was MM only last year and this year is both Assoc & MM). It costs more than association yes but there is more time on the ice and building the basic skills are key in our mind to giving a kid the tools to succeed should they choose to continue to play hockey or soccer or whatever sport. This has been especially important with the introduction of checking this year. The slow implementation along with practice sessions exclusively for checking instruction were informative for the kid and for us as parents to talk about safety as a checker and a checkee. Name the sport and there is skills based academies or clinics that cost $$$ that make a difference. Soccer has Coerver, Footholde, etc. Basketball has AAU programs, whatever Chris Carr's place in hopkins is called, etc. Baseball has Players Only, MN Baseball Academy, etc.

2. We have found the curriculum and the coaching to be just as good or better than the average association coaches and assistants in our association.

3. We like that all 4 tournaments are at MM instead of places that we are overnight for 2 nights. A weekend tourney in Duluth or Brainerd or TRF is roughly $250 for hotel, $75-$100 for gas, plus other expenses. 2-3 tourneys out of town = $600-$1000. It is great for the kids but it aint cheap!

Competition is good. In life, hockey, and business. Association is not the only game in town and MM is a great option for many parents/kids. There will always be things that one can complain about at MM and very much so at the association model and one's home association.

Freedom. More please!

Per hour of ice (including games and practices), Minnesota Made is cheaper this year than my daughter's association ice bill (that is not even counting the out-of-town trip's hotel, food, gas, as well as the dryland we had to buy ourselves).

My daughter is already on a Machine AAA team. The association bill is one of many reasons why she will also be trying out for Made's Squirt League next season.

I don't get why girls play squirt B hockey instead of 10A.

My daughter played C Squirts as an 8-year-old last year, and plays U10A this year. She wants to go back to Squirts.

Her team this year is a middle of the pack U10A team. There are at least 4 girls on the team who cannot skate backward with any semblance of respectability (one of them, the assistant coach's daughter, plays defense, which is a curious decision). There are a fair number of girls who cannot stickhandle. The coaching is also different - there's been hardly any situational skill development, hardly any dedicated skating work. And most importantly - the team didn't have a goalie at the beginning of the year. Therefore, after they found 2 girls to split the job, at many of the practices time was spent standing in a half-circle shooting at the goalies. The players were specifically told "This drill is not for you!" That's not what the parents want to see when we're paying over $1,500 for ice and the association provides free goalie training!

My daughter's played enough hockey now to know the issue isn't boys or girls inside the uniforms and pads - it's playing with other players who make you better, playing with a goalie who is dedicated to the craft, and coaches that push you every day to get better. She's played 2 years of all-girls in two different associations, and 2 years of mixed (Mites and Squirts). She's enjoyed playing with the boys much more because of the challenge, and the social thing is a non-starter - it's not like she doesn't hang out with girls at AAA, at soccer, at swimming, at orchestra, and at school every day.

[gowild5555]

Bullseye - I totally agree with everything you mentioned. Parents that send there kids to MADE aren't made of money. They chose MADE because of the entire breakdown: more ice hrs., great lesson plans (reps), 90% of all games & practices are at 1 location, no voluntary work or extra fees. They don't have to pay an extra $800 for 3 out of town tourneys. Good for trying to make your child better at something they love.

[omghockey]

I usually just read these threads but I felt like I should comment on this...

I have a daughter playing as a second year squirt in the choice league and on a machine team. This is her first year at choice and this coming summer will be her 2nd summer as a machine player...

I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary at the choice games with the exception of overall they take things more seriously than what I saw at association hockey. Maybe there is a couple teams that have some bad chemistry playing each other and I definitely don't support dirty playing but I haven't seen the coaches supporting it either. I've seen a few over the top coaches and parents but nothing I didn't see at association hockey either.

My daughter loves hockey, she loves to be challenged and the extra money we pay at MN Made has been well spent because she has some great coaches that aren't afraid to push her to do her best- we just didn't see that at the association. We have had very few coaches at the association willing to treat her the same as they treat the boys and the girls program at our association is very weak at best... She'll be back at her association next year but we had a really good experience at MN Made.

[puckpuck]

WOW. Fireworks again last night. This one will be interesting to watch and see how Made responds. Fight during the game and after the game (handshake line and after). Same kids as last time. Last night was by far the worst I have seen and even the mom went after the ref as he tried to exit the ice. Parents went nuts...the whole nine yards. Very disappointing.

[InigoMontoya]

Going to have to send the Hanson brothers in there to ref the next game.

[hkylife]

From what I know of the incident from Feb 12 and at the beginning of this thread.. There seems to be a common denominator with these two incidents: two brothers (one of whom is actually Pee Wee aged and doesn't belong in a Squirt league). In my opinion, if a player has multiple penalties for checking or being rough before the 1st period is halfway over, they should be benched for a portion of the game. Especially, if it's something they continually do. Also, I find it incredibly convenient for the parents of these boys to blame the OTHER team for these fights; they are always the victim and never the antagonist. When in reality, these kids know exactly what they are doing. They are mediocre players at best. There is no value to MN Made or anyone else in having them play in any of their programs. They don't improve the game of the other players. They do nothing but cause problems.

I have more than one child who plays at MN Made and we have been there for multiple years. I find it incredibly disappointing that (1) they have allowed for players to play down and (2) they are letting specific players get away with "cheap" play. I'm not sure what action will be taken (if any) for these incidents, but something needs to be done about these particular boys. Regardless of the amount of money their parents are spending to have them play at Made, it is unfair to the rest of us who are paying to be in this program. We came to Made because of it's reputation. In my opinion, it's becoming a joke. Made is making a mockery of itself by allowing for this type of behavior to go on. I'd rather spend my money elsewhere and I'm sure most parents (whether wealthy or not) would agree.

[Ref22]

Going to have to send the Hanson brothers in there to ref the next game.

Jack Carlson is a D6 ref.

[puckpuck]

From what I know of the incident from Feb 12 and at the beginning of this thread.. There seems to be a common denominator with these two incidents: two brothers (one of whom is actually Pee Wee aged and doesn't belong in a Squirt league). In my opinion, if a player has multiple penalties for checking or being rough before the 1st period is halfway over, they should be benched for a portion of the game. Especially, if it's something they continually do. Also, I find it incredibly convenient for the parents of these boys to blame the OTHER team for these fights; they are always the victim and never the antagonist. When in reality, these kids know exactly what they are doing. They are mediocre players at best. There is no value to MN Made or anyone else in having them play in any of their programs. They don't improve the game of the other players. They do nothing but cause problems.

I have more than one child who plays at MN Made and we have been there for multiple years. I find it incredibly disappointing that (1) they have allowed for players to play down and (2) they are letting specific players get away with "cheap" play. I'm not sure what action will be taken (if any) for these incidents, but something needs to be done about these particular boys. Regardless of the amount of money their parents are spending to have them play at Made, it is unfair to the rest of us who are paying to be in this program. We came to Made because of it's reputation. In my opinion, it's becoming a joke. Made is making a mockery of itself by allowing for this type of behavior to go on. I'd rather spend my money elsewhere and I'm sure most parents (whether wealthy or not) would agree.

You are absolutely correct and I couldn't agree more. The fight after the game most likely never would have happened if the kid would have been tossed after throwing the punches in the first period. However, Made turns a blind eye and they give him only 2 and look what happens. He started the fight during the handshake line. Swearing at the ref, the other coaches, refusing to leave the ice...all with his dad on the ice. There is actually much more to the story with the brothers (especially the older one who started the fight) which makes this whole situation even worse, but I'll leave it where it stands. This stuff does happen almost every game to some degree. If you are part of the Islanders, Stars, Sabres...you won't see it. I bet Made does nothing, but maybe I'm wrong. There has been an incident (some smaller than others) in every Lightning/Capitals game this year and they play Saturday. If nothing happens after last night, I wonder what happens Saturday.

[52cent]

From what I know of the incident from Feb 12 and at the beginning of this thread.. There seems to be a common denominator with these two incidents: two brothers (one of whom is actually Pee Wee aged and doesn't belong in a Squirt league). In my opinion, if a player has multiple penalties for checking or being rough before the 1st period is halfway over, they should be benched for a portion of the game. Especially, if it's something they continually do. Also, I find it incredibly convenient for the parents of these boys to blame the OTHER team for these fights; they are always the victim and never the antagonist. When in reality, these kids know exactly what they are doing. They are mediocre players at best. There is no value to MN Made or anyone else in having them play in any of their programs. They don't improve the game of the other players. They do nothing but cause problems.

I have more than one child who plays at MN Made and we have been there for multiple years. I find it incredibly disappointing that (1) they have allowed for players to play down and (2) they are letting specific players get away with "cheap" play. I'm not sure what action will be taken (if any) for these incidents, but something needs to be done about these particular boys. Regardless of the amount of money their parents are spending to have them play at Made, it is unfair to the rest of us who are paying to be in this program. We came to Made because of it's reputation. In my opinion, it's becoming a joke. Made is making a mockery of itself by allowing for this type of behavior to go on. I'd rather spend my money elsewhere and I'm sure most parents (whether wealthy or not) would agree.

You are absolutely correct and I couldn't agree more. The fight after the game most likely never would have happened if the kid would have been tossed after throwing the punches in the first period. However, Made turns a blind eye and they give him only 2 and look what happens. He started the fight during the handshake line. Swearing at the ref, the other coaches, refusing to leave the ice...all with his dad on the ice. There is actually much more to the story with the brothers (especially the older one who started the fight) which makes this whole situation even worse, but I'll leave it where it stands. This stuff does happen almost every game to some degree. If you are part of the Islanders, Stars, Sabres...you won't see it. I bet Made does nothing, but maybe I'm wrong. There has been an incident (some smaller than others) in every Lightning/Capitals game this year and they play Saturday. If nothing happens after last night, I wonder what happens Saturday.

New season same story. Dad coaches running the same tired drills that B gives them, night after night. Most coaches with no business coaching skills or the bench. When there is an incident in a game, the coaches that are connected with B tell him their version of the story and he buys into it and makes decisions and judgements based what they tell him. Very predictable. Nothing new here.

Sabres? That's kind of self indulgent. I doubt any of the young players are Sabres fans. Not a great selling point but helps B's ego when parents kiss up and pretend they are excited about the Sabres. Is there no emphasis on defense to help match the real team?

B, it's time to pay the piper, use that incredible mental strength , and hand out the suspentions you've been avoiding.

It's like a broken record at the Made.

[puckpuck]

From what I know of the incident from Feb 12 and at the beginning of this thread.. There seems to be a common denominator with these two incidents: two brothers (one of whom is actually Pee Wee aged and doesn't belong in a Squirt league). In my opinion, if a player has multiple penalties for checking or being rough before the 1st period is halfway over, they should be benched for a portion of the game. Especially, if it's something they continually do. Also, I find it incredibly convenient for the parents of these boys to blame the OTHER team for these fights; they are always the victim and never the antagonist. When in reality, these kids know exactly what they are doing. They are mediocre players at best. There is no value to MN Made or anyone else in having them play in any of their programs. They don't improve the game of the other players. They do nothing but cause problems.

I have more than one child who plays at MN Made and we have been there for multiple years. I find it incredibly disappointing that (1) they have allowed for players to play down and (2) they are letting specific players get away with "cheap" play. I'm not sure what action will be taken (if any) for these incidents, but something needs to be done about these particular boys. Regardless of the amount of money their parents are spending to have them play at Made, it is unfair to the rest of us who are paying to be in this program. We came to Made because of it's reputation. In my opinion, it's becoming a joke. Made is making a mockery of itself by allowing for this type of behavior to go on. I'd rather spend my money elsewhere and I'm sure most parents (whether wealthy or not) would agree.

You are absolutely correct and I couldn't agree more. The fight after the game most likely never would have happened if the kid would have been tossed after throwing the punches in the first period. However, Made turns a blind eye and they give him only 2 and look what happens. He started the fight during the handshake line. Swearing at the ref, the other coaches, refusing to leave the ice...all with his dad on the ice. There is actually much more to the story with the brothers (especially the older one who started the fight) which makes this whole situation even worse, but I'll leave it where it stands. This stuff does happen almost every game to some degree. If you are part of the Islanders, Stars, Sabres...you won't see it. I bet Made does nothing, but maybe I'm wrong. There has been an incident (some smaller than others) in every Lightning/Capitals game this year and they play Saturday. If nothing happens after last night, I wonder what happens Saturday.

New season same story. Dad coaches running the same tired drills that B gives them, night after night. Most coaches with no business coaching skills or the bench. When there is an incident in a game, the coaches that are connected with B tell him their version of the story and he buys into it and makes decisions and judgements based what they tell him. Very predictable. Nothing new here.

Sabres? That's kind of self indulgent. I doubt any of the young players are Sabres fans. Not a great selling point but helps B's ego when parents kiss up and pretend they are excited about the Sabres. Is there no emphasis on defense to help match the real team?

B, it's time to pay the piper, use that incredible mental strength , and hand out the suspentions you've been avoiding.

It's like a broken record at the Made.

I'm talking about the Made Sabres Squirt team...what are you talking about self indulgent???

[52cent]

Self indulgent. B adding the Sabres as one of the Choice teams because his son plays for them.