Transfers

[green4]

I agree with the Lakeville guys on this one. Typically you would see a coach push his own kid into the spotlight even if they are not ready. This could also be a way to motivate his kid to work hard and try to win the job. I mean if we are being honest here, the transfer goalie is not in the same class as Oettinger or Edquist. He split time/was the backup on an average team with average numbers. Eigner or the other JV goalie could realistically sneak away with a solid amount of time in the net.

[Nevertoomuchhockey]

Amen! The rest of the LN haters...carry on!

We're not haters, just stating facts!!! How is it, that you feel so good about winning, when you are constantly screwing over kids in the community! News flash, no one cares or will care in years to come, that you won a state tourney! But Eigners poor kid, will always know that he was never good enough for his dads team. thats just sad. Obviously Sats81 only cares about winning, must be one of Eigners crew.

as NAHC said, has it occurred to you that Trent's son may not be ready to be the full time varsity starting goalie? If anything, it shows he operates in integrity....breath of fresh air...usually coaches at the youth and HS level are doing it to benefit their kids ONLY and doing the COMPLETE OPPOSITE...pushing the worthy starter or better player out to benefit their offspring...Trent not starting Buzz or Buzz not being the guy shows Trent is doing what is best for the PROGRAM not HIM.

"Pushing the worthy starter or better player out to benefit their offspring..."
You think this is what "usually" happens?
It's not a coincidence that oftentimes the best players on a given youth level (especially below bantams, both genders) have their parent on the bench as coach. Those unpaid youth coaching positions are taken up by the parents who spend the most time at the rinks anyway. In high school, coaches can be replaced on a dime and they know it. But don't think for a minute that the coaching interviewers don't take into account IF the coach has a kid at that level and IF they are any good and IF they will draw other talent.

I don't know enough about LN, but to claim that youth and hs coaches far and wide usually make roster decisions based on blood rather than skill - no way. Exceptions exist, obviously, but you're making an argument that doesn't need to be made. Hell we all want our kid to win. To be a standout, to go D1, to have a happy life. If our coaches kid is great, bonus. If he's marginal, that's a unique perk for him. If he sucks, number one the father probably didn't get the HC job, or number two if he does and wants to keep it, his integrity rests on his ability to make discerning lineup decisions.

As far as the poor kid "never being good enough to make his dad's team"?! As great a game as hockey is, we can't count on it to teach every life lesson. If you get beat out fair and square, look at yourself and what you aren't doing. The association system in the metro has almost entirely moved from feeder to just straight development. It's become a business in large part simply based on the economies of participation. I spend the money because my kids love the game. I'm investing in 20 aspects of maturity like health, character, and socialization. I'm not investing in a state tourney or college puck. Don't judge your kid by where they play, and we won't judge you as a parent by their NLI.

Sorry, #heated.

[WestMetro]

Critics say what you want. Eigs and the boys went down in history with the perfect season. Probably won't happen again for another 20 plus years

[tonyleepers]

To say trent has any integrity is a bold face lie. If you want to say he is a good coach that runs an excellent practice, go right ahead because its true. He also seems to get the most out of his kids. He taught my kid a ton while being his coach, i loved watching his practices, he didnt just run drills, he made the kids understand them and teach how the drill would help them. I liked him as a coach, i didnt mind his antics even though some didnt like them, but i certainly wouldnt want him to be my kids mentor away from the rink though. Buzz isnt getting screwed either as he didnt grow up in north hockey, although he moved into north high school legally. Reality is he is not a starting goalie for a championship team at this point. In some ways I applaud Trent for not just putting his kid in that starting spot. But then i use my head and also realize that anyone who knows Trent knows he does whats best for him and nobody else. This is speculation, but i believe if they were to lose with Buzz in net, and the perception was Buzz hurt the team, all hell would break loose. Trent is smart enough not to let that happen and i think there would be a good chance of that happening if Buzz were the guy in net. Maybe his game steps and things change, hopefully for Buzz it does, but unlikely. But to get away from Buzz, north hockey culture is about winning, doesnt matter if its within the rules or not. Alot of people/organizations have been successful doing things a bit unethical, we could argue till were blue in the face if that is the right way to do it, but its reality and it happens all the time. Bottom line is he wants to win and will do whatever it takes, alot of people love that as it can produce wins and in his case it has at north. Winning usually has a way of hiding or at least diminishing the negatives. Once again, nobody can honestly try to make an argument that he is ethical, it ruins any respect i would have for you. I would rather you just don't say anything and focus on pointing out his positives. And yes this includes recruiting, north has done plenty of it. And it starts from the top. There are many more ways to recruit than just being the guy calling and emailing potential players. I think the goal is to eventually not have to recruit , kids will want to be there based on past success, i will say its already starting to happen there, and that you cant stop and isnt against the rules. I think everyone thinks 'if we only had a better scorer, or better defensemen or better goalie', but only some actually go out looking. This is not new as it happened a ton at my high school back in the late 80's. But it is easier today with all of the off season options kids have and communication they have with other kids from other communities though. i wish kids would stay put, i dont like moving for kids athletics but i can also understand why some do it. I will also say there are not many schools that have been as successful as north athletics programs have been in recent years. I dont think that will change in the near future and this includes their hockey team.

[goldy313]

Bielenberg was the better of the two goalies at Northfield last year....I'm not sure this is the coup some make it out to be.

[GoBigorGoHome]

Eigs is a guy with six kids to feed. It is very likely first and foremost, he will do what is best for them, which may include keeping his goalie son out of a no-win situation when he isn't ready for it. Secondly, he will do what is best for himself personally, which may include forming the best team possible in order to potentially increase his long term career opportunities which would help greatly with point #1. Thirdly, he will do what he can to help those who help him with #1 and #2 (reference relationship with TP). Lastly, he may or may not be able/willing to help your kid or mine realize their dreams of playing high school hockey. At the end of the day, most of us, if we look hard in the mirror, would likely take the same approach.

[Sats81]

Eigs is a guy with six kids to feed. It is very likely first and foremost, he will do what is best for them, which may include keeping his goalie son out of a no-win situation when he isn't ready for it. Secondly, he will do what is best for himself personally, which may include forming the best team possible in order to potentially increase his long term career opportunities which would help greatly with point #1. Thirdly, he will do what he can to help those who help him with #1 and #2 (reference relationship with TP). Lastly, he may or may not be able/willing to help your kid or mine realize their dreams of playing high school hockey. At the end of the day, most of us, if we look hard in the mirror, would likely take the same approach.

Reference his relationship with TP? Implying that TP's sons weren't/aren't good enough to make their own breaks?

[GoBigorGoHome]

Eigs is a guy with six kids to feed. It is very likely first and foremost, he will do what is best for them, which may include keeping his goalie son out of a no-win situation when he isn't ready for it. Secondly, he will do what is best for himself personally, which may include forming the best team possible in order to potentially increase his long term career opportunities which would help greatly with point #1. Thirdly, he will do what he can to help those who help him with #1 and #2 (reference relationship with TP). Lastly, he may or may not be able/willing to help your kid or mine realize their dreams of playing high school hockey. At the end of the day, most of us, if we look hard in the mirror, would likely take the same approach.

Reference his relationship with TP? Implying that TP's sons weren't/aren't good enough to make their own breaks?

No, no, no, not implying that at all. TP has done a lot for the program and for Eigs. Any attention Eigs gives to TP or his kids is well-deserved across the board. Kids stand completely on their own merits. The reference was intended to point out to any detractors who may think Eigs is in TP's pocket that TP has done a great deal to help Eigs and the program. Including encouraging the older boys to stick with the program and not jump to Juniors earlier than necessary. It would be natural for Eigs to help them, if they needed it. Clearly, they've proven they don't need any special favors.

[nahc]

My son played for Coach Eigner and was NOT a Poehling. He loves Coach Eigner to death and would do anything for him....... that's all I need to know about Coach. Speaks volumes......... to me and really, in the end, that is what is important, ie how my son felt about Coach Eigner.

[Defensive Zone]

Matt Foss from Northfield to LVN.

Looks like Eig's got his goalie!

Question...I believe this transfer goalie from Northfield is a Sr. Why did he move schools? Was he not going to start at Northfield?

[Sats81]

My son played for Coach Eigner and was NOT a Poehling. He loves Coach Eigner to death and would do anything for him....... that's all I need to know about Coach. Speaks volumes......... to me and really, in the end, that is what is important, ie how my son felt about Coach Eigner.

amen

[green4]

Matt Foss from Northfield to LVN.

Looks like Eig's got his goalie!

Question...I believe this transfer goalie from Northfield is a Sr. Why did he move schools? Was he not going to start at Northfield?

He only started 11 games last year compared to a sophomore who started 14

[Frost14]

My son played for Coach Eigner and was NOT a Poehling. He loves Coach Eigner to death and would do anything for him....... that's all I need to know about Coach. Speaks volumes......... to me and really, in the end, that is what is important, ie how my son felt about Coach Eigner.

amen

Good for you, Im glad your son had a great experience, you're among the minority!!!

[WestMetro]

Frost- how many kids declined their championship trophy last season? How many declined team pics with eigs?

[nahc]

Since names (Coach Eigs, Mr. Poehling) have been brought up, let me add a bit more information about my son. Coming into tryouts, I told him to give 100% all the time, not to cheat on any drill, listen to ALL the coaches, and just do his best. He made the varsity without really knowing any of the coaches. My son was never in consideration for the national develpment team, never played in the elite league, was never on any scouting list and was not considered for any NHL, D1, USHL, or NAHL teams. With that in mind, he played 2 years for these coaches. He learned a ton about hockey and life. He gave 100% in practice and in games, on every shift. He treated the coaches with respect and got that in return. My point in all this is that my son was not a crazily talented player but gave his all because of his teammates AND the coaches. THAT again, speaks volumes........

Now the next chapter. One can glean a lot about folks in social situations. Have been out and had people who I knew, more or less ignore me when we passed each other or made eye contact. Its probably me but that is a whole nother post!! Anyway, WHENEVER I see Coach Eigs or any of the other coaches, these gentlemen go out of thier way to at least say hi, ask how the family is doing, especially my son. These guys don't have to do this, they could just turn the other way and ignore me......... but that never has happened. The same with Mr. and Mrs. Poehling. These are two of the nicest people I have met. They certainly have no reason to give me the time of day, but they also are outgoing and friendly.

Sorry I have rambled on with this post. It sounds as if other skaters/families have not had this same experience. I cannot address this..... can only provide feedback from me....... please take that for what it is worth.

[Tigers33]

Tonyleepers -

I stopped reading your post at the statement "I loved watching his practices"

How many dads out there go to their kids practices in high school. I thought that stopped in peewees. No?

[hockeygoof1]

Now that school has started, who has transferred? Here is what I know:

1) Cory Checco---Roch JM to Lakeville South
2) Jake Sibell---Providence to Cambridge (not Mounds View).
3) Austin Checco---Roch JM to Lakeville South
4) Connor Beltz---River Lakes to St. Cloud Cathedral
5) Wyatt Thole---Providence to Mounds View
6) Michael Behl----Wadena to St. Cloud Apollo
7) Matt Foss---Northfield to Lakeville North
Ben Helgeson---Roseau to Hill-Murray

Isn't Sibell from Cambridge originally and he's going back, not to?

[hockey_is_a_choice]

NAHC, I had resolved to stop posting on this site for various reasons, but your post resonated with me, especially the second half of your post. For the record, I do not know the LVN coach nor do I know the Poehlings. But, why on Earth would you think that anyone associated with LVN hockey or any hockey program is a better person because they do what any decent person should do, which is politely greet you? I hope we all teach our kids to be kind and respectful to everyone, unless there is a legitimate reason not to, i.e., someone is assualting them. Likewise, I hope that we are mostly kind to the people we meet inside and outside the rink, regardless of whether our kid is a NHL draft pick or a house player. And, I certainly hope coaches have it in their character to greet kids and parents, even the problem kids and parents.

Let's remember that hockey is a game. It is a sport that is not even played in most countries in this world. Winning at hockey does not equate to winning at life. Many of the former NHL players who settle in Minnesota are not extremely wealthy, nor are most of them rocket scientists. Aside from better than average hockey skills they are average Joes in every respect. Some are lucky in love; some are complete failures in that department. I suspect that even you (think levity here) have something that you are better at than the LVN coaches, the Poehlings, or even Sid the kid. My point is that any coach, parent, or player who thinks he or she is better than another person because of hockey is just the type of person I don't want to associate with, nor do I want my sons to associate with that person.

As parents we should all have the benefit of perspective. We all remember the high school hero who is now a post-graduate zero. We all know that high school and college are not real life. And, we all know that when we go to funerals and celebrate the life of someone near and dear to us none of us really care whether he or she was a great athlete; rather, we know that we will miss that person because he or she was a good person who made a difference in our lives, our children's lives, or maintained a set of values that we respected.

As we start a new high school hockey season, I intend to enjoy every minute of it and everyone associated with it (even Sats and the Exiled One and the kids who transferred for whatever reasons). This is my youngest son's senior year. I am excited for him; I know and he knows that he is less than nine months away from starting the next chapter in his life. To quote Dr. Seuss, "Oh the Places [they] will go!"

[Crusty]

NAHC, I had resolved to stop posting on this site for various reasons, but your post resonated with me, especially the second half of your post. For the record, I do not know the LVN coach nor do I know the Poehlings. But, why on Earth would you think that anyone associated with LVN hockey or any hockey program is a better person because they do what any decent person should do, which is politely greet you? I hope we all teach our kids to be kind and respectful to everyone, unless there is a legitimate reason not to, i.e., someone is assualting them. Likewise, I hope that we are mostly kind to the people we meet inside and outside the rink, regardless of whether our kid is a NHL draft pick or a house player. And, I certainly hope coaches have it in their character to greet kids and parents, even the problem kids and parents.

Let's remember that hockey is a game. It is a sport that is not even played in most countries in this world. Winning at hockey does not equate to winning at life. Many of the former NHL players who settle in Minnesota are not extremely wealthy, nor are most of them rocket scientists. Aside from better than average hockey skills they are average Joes in every respect. Some are lucky in love; some are complete failures in that department. I suspect that even you (think levity here) have something that you are better at than the LVN coaches, the Poehlings, or even Sid the kid. My point is that any coach, parent, or player who thinks he or she is better than another person because of hockey is just the type of person I don't want to associate with, nor do I want my sons to associate with that person.

As parents we should all have the benefit of perspective. We all remember the high school hero who is now a post-graduate zero. We all know that high school and college are not real life. And, we all know that when we go to funerals and celebrate the life of someone near and dear to us none of us really care whether he or she was a great athlete; rather, we know that we will miss that person because he or she was a good person who made a difference in our lives, our children's lives, or maintained a set of values that we respected.

As we start a new high school hockey season, I intend to enjoy every minute of it and everyone associated with it (even Sats and the Exiled One and the kids who transferred for whatever reasons). This is my youngest son's senior year. I am excited for him; I know and he knows that he is less than nine months away from starting the next chapter in his life. To quote Dr. Seuss, "Oh the Places [they] will go!"

Excellent post

[old goalie85]

Outstanding

[The Exiled One]

As we start a new high school hockey season, I intend to enjoy every minute of it and everyone associated with it (even Sats and the Exiled One and the kids who transferred for whatever reasons).

[BP]

He was a bantam last year, but would fit in the transfer rule like Ben Helgeson. Jack Jensen from Edina to Eden Prairie.

[hawkenjonny]

Tonyleepers -

I stopped reading your post at the statement "I loved watching his practices"

How many dads out there go to their kids practices in high school. I thought that stopped in peewees. No?

AMEN to THAT

[WestMetro]

BP: that's an interesting one! Insights?[/i]

[BP]

BP: that's an interesting one! Insights?[/i]

Insights?