2000 MACHINE VS 2000 BLADES

[observer]

Two things,

What level?
What do you mean who are they? Look at the roster. They did not do well.

The point was, look at the teams. Most of them are made up of players from several different organizations for this particular tourney.

[old goalie85]

Easy observer I couldn't find the roster of the 94's. I have a kid that is a 94 and I never heard of these guys.

[offside14]

One missing piece of information here is how other Brick teams are formed. The Blades are doing it right. They own the Minnesota berth to the tournament and they do what they can to take the best possible team to the tournament. Other teams in the tournament will also be teams made up of kids from 5-6-7 teams. One team from all of Massachusetts, one from Michigan, one single team from some Canadian Provinces. This tournament is designed to be for the very best Squirts in in North America. There are virtually no single AAA organization teams that could attend and compete without bolstering their roster. That's the history of this particular tournament. Prospects is similar. They are all regional All-Star teams.

Rosters are posted on the Prospects site so you can get a sense of how other organizations do it.





Observer apparently you haven't been observing that well. The 99 machine team swept the eventual winners of the brick tourney last year at the subway. And as far as putting minnesota's best squirts on the ice.... When since the blades acquisition for the perennial right to attend the Brick have the machine and the blades as well the other maybe 5-10 elite players from other programs ever come together to decide Minnesota's top 15. Its never happened siting local politics in the aaa landscape to be the true issue in taking the true top 15. Instead the Brick card is played as a recruiting tool used by the blades and used effectively to create very good teams. That and their 3 non Minnesotan superstars from other states. Its this part that irritates me the most! 9 times out 10 they leave behind 3 Minnesotan born kids from other non-Blade teams who are better hockey players than their imports. Hold the Blades organization in high esteem if you want, but their politics and lack of respect for showcasing Minnesota's best squirts and there by disrespecting the meaning behind the Brick tourney, leaves me scratching my head. Its too bad, because they have a tool to exhibit the pride we take in youth hockey in Minnesota, and the caliber of players that are to come. Hopefully in the future organization pride will take a back seat to what we all could be very proud of, our kids.
http://www.prospectstourney.com/pindex2.php

[observer]

They used to have open tryouts for the Brick team. Has that changed?

[offside14]

Observer, never been any invitations extended to my knowledge. I have a good skater at this age and have been approached behind the scenes for him to go to the Brick but as far as try outs opened up for a Brick team. The only Brick team is the Blades and unfortunately this years nucleus is not strong enough to compete well locally never mind at a provincial or state level, as are the teams attending the Brick, hence the big scramble for players. Case in point the Meltdown tourney, better yet watch their progression through the Cougar Selects tourney this weekend. A so called Brick prep Tourney.

[offside14]

I guess i'll have to eat some of my words. The blades are putting together a very nice showing in Chicago... Congratulations to coach Steffens and the kids as they seem to have come a long way since the Meltdown. Goodluck in the semi's!

[noIinteam]

Sounds like 00' Blades game was over quick - RUNNING TIME!!

00' Machine should be going to Brick not 00' Blades

[trippedovertheblueline]

Sounds like 00' Blades game was over quick - RUNNING TIME!!

00' Machine should be going to Brick not 00' Blades

Misrepresentation
Can
Bankrupt
Any
Ice
Nation

[EnjoyTheShow]

Sounds like 00' Blades game was over quick - RUNNING TIME!!

00' Machine should be going to Brick not 00' Blades

Your ignorant statements never get old. You are a machine cheerleader, and that is 100% O.K. I don't see where you think it makes any sense to make blanket statements in an area where you have no clue. You can make a strong argument the Blades shouldn't go, in fact the machine shouldn't either. For that matter nor should the iceman, the legacy, the torspo, the monopoly, and so on. This tournament is to have provincial and state teams. Not any AAA orginazation should bring "their" 15 players to this tournament. This tournament is a one time opportunity for these kids, and this team represents Minnesota on the biggest stage in AAA hockey in North America. The team should be made up of the best 15 player and the best 2 goalies regardless of which other teams they play on. I have spoke with people involved in the Blades, Monopoly, Machine, and other programs that agree with this. Unfortunately this won't happen right now because of business. The Brick charter is used for recruiting by the Blades in MN and by a lot of other programs elsewhere. fortunately the Blades coach and the Monopoly coach are working together to make this team the best it can be given the restraints they have. They haven't just opened the opportunity to Blades and Monopoly kids, but kids in other "competing" programs. I believe this will be one of the most successful Brick teams Minnesota has had in a while and it is a direct result of the guys that are coaching this team, and the experience they want the players to have.

As far as your inability to make an intelligent statement about the tournament results in Chicago, let me help you out. The Blades had a very impressive showing, taking second in a tournament that was loaded with top teams and many brick teams/ players. The Monopoly only lost 2 games, both to the Blades. Their top player, Maybe the best at his age in the state, got sick and was unable to play. Their 2 games may have been the most competitive, high pace games of a high end tournament. As I didn't attend, I take this information from coaches of teams from Edmonton, Chicago, and Wisconsin that were there and have no real benefit to praise those programs. Between the sips of your Cool aid, take a minute to do a little research before saying the same tired thing in every post. Be proud of your Machine team, that's great. Support your son, but don't throw stones from your glass house!

[EnjoyTheShow]

Sounds like 00' Blades game was over quick - RUNNING TIME!!

00' Machine should be going to Brick not 00' Blades

Misrepresentation
Can
Bankrupt
Any
Ice
Nation

[justaguess]

I heard that the Blades invited several machine players to join the Brick team this year. All were forbidden to play. Here are two examples, according to the rumor mill:

Can anyone weigh in on the truth of these rumors:

In one case, BM himself took the 10-year old into his office alone, without his parents. He berated the kid until he cried and promised to not play in the Brick.

In another case, the player's dad was told that he would be kicked off the Fire team this winter if he played in the Brick.

Can anyone verify?

[buttend]

I heard that the Blades invited several machine players to join the Brick team this year. All were forbidden to play. Here are two examples, according to the rumor mill:

Can anyone weigh in on the truth of these rumors:

In one case, BM himself took the 10-year old into his office alone, without his parents. He berated the kid until he cried and promised to not play in the Brick.

In another case, the player's dad was told that he would be kicked off the Fire team this winter if he played in the Brick.

Can anyone verify?

There an old saying " there's a sucker born every minute" With a post like this its easy to see why!

You forgot to add the part to your story where BM shined the light in the kids eyes during the interrogation and the part where he used the water boarding technique made famous at Gitmo!

[offside14]

Enjoytheshow, none of this recruiting of kids from other programs started until after a poor showing in the meltdown. Now there is a right way and a wrong way to form your brick team and being "reactive" after the first tourney and realizing your team can't compete well with the best and being "proactive" and holding open tryouts ,as is done for the pride team, at the start of the aaa season is 2 different things. Not to mention the sneaky approach to it all. If you make a mistake and realize your team can't compete, call all the other aaa teams let the kids on your own team know there will be a tryout and create a team out in the open rather than having the parents of these other kids having to deal with the repercussions of the coaches and parents of the teams they are committed to. Why for example did coach Steffens not step up and call Bernie and ask to have the 2000 team skate with the blades to help make a competitive team and why call individual parents and put them in this situation? Now you got a bunch of fools on here blowing a bunch a hear say out of proportion and creating some of their on myths as well. A little bit of character goes along way in earning parents trust and respect.

[old goalie85]

It seems like a time is coming were each assosiation will field their "OWN" AAA or as I call them "SUMMER" team, and the great state of hockey might not be able to permit those top end kids to represent us mn. hockey lovers!!! What is the perfect system???????? I know the old goalie does not know, but I am rather fond of MN HOCKEY in general.

[InigoMontoya]

Currently there are plenty of folks that enjoy putting a little distance between themselves and their association in the summer. There are a couple programs out there that are having some success improving by keeping the kids together all year long. Personally, I think that's a little like having a group of 25 kindergarteners stay together with the same teacher until they get to high school - let them meet other kids, let them learn from other teachers, let them push themselves at a level that helps them succeed.

[old goalie85]

Not to mention getting away from some of the same parents. Good point. In alot of ways the summer season is a nice break from Forest Lake for us.

[muckandgrind]

Not to mention getting away from some of the same parents. Good point. In alot of ways the summer season is a nice break from Forest Lake for us.

I hear ya.....While my boys likes summer hockey because they gets to play with some friends they can't get together with in the winter; selfishly, I like to get away from the insanity of association hockey and associate with some good people.

[EnjoyTheShow]

Enjoytheshow, none of this recruiting of kids from other programs started until after a poor showing in the meltdown. Now there is a right way and a wrong way to form your brick team and being "reactive" after the first tourney and realizing your team can't compete well with the best and being "proactive" and holding open tryouts ,as is done for the pride team, at the start of the aaa season is 2 different things. Not to mention the sneaky approach to it all. If you make a mistake and realize your team can't compete, call all the other aaa teams let the kids on your own team know there will be a tryout and create a team out in the open rather than having the parents of these other kids having to deal with the repercussions of the coaches and parents of the teams they are committed to. Why for example did coach Steffens not step up and call Bernie and ask to have the 2000 team skate with the blades to help make a competitive team and why call individual parents and put them in this situation? Now you got a bunch of fools on here blowing a bunch a hear say out of proportion and creating some of their on myths as well. A little bit of character goes along way in earning parents trust and respect.

Many of your points are very strong! I do agree this should have been dealt with sooner, as ultimately the kids are impacted by these decisions. As far as calling some parents, and putting them in this situation, I think as your player grows up, you will understand more and more that there are few people out there that will have his best interests truly in mind. the better he is, the more people that want to take advantage of that. I say, use that to your advantage. If Bernie really cares about your boy, he wants him to play goalie in the biggest tournament there is for these boys. I understand all of this is a business, but he should understand as much as anyone what this opportunity is. I would argue it is him who is putting you in this position, not the people that would give you the opportunity. The blades haven't had that bad of a showing, they have lost 2 games now. monopoly and toronto pro hockey. Mind you, I'm not a blades backer, but I do believe a bit in that other coach for that tournament. I thought he had no chance to be successful when they started, but him and the other CE guy proved me wrong. When someone does that, it's hard for me not to believe in them

[lefty76]

I know the Machine organizers have sent more than one proposal to the Brick tournament officals stating that they would be very open to a "Minnesota Brick Team." This would be a team that would not have the Baldes or Machine name on it.

The Blades have fought this each time it has been put on the table because they use the Brick tournament as their main recruiting tool. If you want the best Minnesota players to go, then take the Blades name off of it.

It is a two edge sword. It is a recruting tool for the Blades, but it is also unlikly you will get a strong team. Why would the Machine want to take part? There is no value for the Machine program.

Let the Blades sink or swim based on the strength of their own program rather than be talent robbers and if it is about Minnesota and not the Blades than call it Team Minnesota and take the Blades name off.

What about all the players that where recruited to the Blades by the promise of going to the "Brick" and then were left home because they took a better kid. This happenens Every year.

[EnjoyTheShow]

I know the Machine organizers have sent more than one proposal to the Brick tournament officals stating that they would be very open to a "Minnesota Brick Team." This would be a team that would not have the Baldes or Machine name on it.

The Blades have fought this each time it has been put on the table because they use the Brick tournament as their main recruiting tool. If you want the best Minnesota players to go, then take the Blades name off of it.

It is a two edge sword. It is a recruting tool for the Blades, but it is also unlikly you will get a strong team. Why would the Machine want to take part? There is no value for the Machine program.

Let the Blades sink or swim based on the strength of their own program rather than be talent robbers and if it is about Minnesota and not the Blades than call it Team Minnesota and take the Blades name off.

What about all the players that where recruited to the Blades by the promise of going to the "Brick" and then were left home because they took a better kid. This happenens Every year.

The machine wouldn't have gone if they didn't have the charter. I know this to be true. They don't have the charter because they have a reputation. I don't see them changing the way they operate, and thus they won't change their rep. I have zero problem with Bernie running a business and making money. Where I see him making a big mistake, is not allowing a player to go to a tournament that would be a great experience, because Bernie doesn't benefit.

[GreatOne99]

I know the Machine organizers

have sent more than one proposal to the Brick tournament officals stating that they would be very open to a "Minnesota Brick Team." This would be a team that would not have the Baldes or Machine name on it.

The Blades have fought this each time it has been put on the table because they use the Brick tournament as their main recruiting tool. If you want the best Minnesota players to go, then take the Blades name off of it.

It is a two edge sword. It is a recruting tool for the Blades, but it is also unlikly you will get a strong team. Why would the Machine want to take part? There is no value for the Machine program.

Let the Blades sink or swim based on the strength of their own program rather than be talent robbers and if it is about Minnesota and not the Blades than call it Team Minnesota and take the Blades name off.

What about all the players that where recruited to the Blades by the promise of going to the "Brick" and then were left home because they took a better kid. This happenens Every year.

By organizers you mean Bernie? Just say it, we all know. The only thing in this whole post that's based on the truth is that the Machine organizers (Bernie), have sent several "proposals" to the Brick organization to get his Machine team into the tourney, and they know his reputation and want nothing to do with him. You ask why wouldn't Bernie take part and you state there's no value for the Machine program. It would be better put by saying their's enormous value for his Machine players to go play in the Brick, but none for Bernie himself. If he can't make money on it, he won't do it. Get over it Machine families, the Blades go the Brick and the Machine don't, it doesn't matter how much you whine on this blog is ever going to change that fact. As far as the 2000 Blades go, they are doing just fine and can take care of themselves. Good Luck at the Brick!

[hockeydad11]

Reputation is right! Every tournament in the US and Canada want the the Machine to play in their event.

The people at the Brick don't care about the politics of the Machine and Blades.

The Prospect tournament is the biggest money grab ever and that is why the Blades bring more than one team... because they have too. Other wise Bob will open up the door to other Minnesota teams. Its a crap tournament with short periods. The Brick and Prospects are the Blades main recruting tools and they can't field strong teams at either event.

The Blades need to take their team and "The Great Scott" and make the trip to Edmonton and let Toronto work them over again. This will be the year they get swept!

[imaloserbaby]

Complete outsider looking in on this and this is getting sad. Adults rooting against kids from Minnesota to succeed. A different group of adults putting a tremendous amount of pressure on Minnesota kids to meet and exceed expectations.

I don't imagine that the hard feelings lay completely with one organizations or one person. It will take the entire tribe to gets thing totally screwed up.

Pretty obvious where this is headed - nothing like taking the fun out of youth athletics.

[EnjoyTheShow]

Reputation is right! Every tournament in the US and Canada want the the Machine to play in their event.

The people at the Brick don't care about the politics of the Machine and Blades.

The Prospect tournament is the biggest money grab ever and that is why the Blades bring more than one team... because they have too. Other wise Bob will open up the door to other Minnesota teams. Its a crap tournament with short periods. The Brick and Prospects are the Blades main recruting tools and they can't field strong teams at either event.

The Blades need to take their team and "The Great Scott" and make the trip to Edmonton and let Toronto work them over again. This will be the year they get swept!

Who is the great scott, the tender, Mr. Steffen, or the Monopoly Man? not sure bernie will do the right thing for the tender, beyond that, lets be honest with ourselves.
1. The Blades will be just fine
2. The real reputation of the Machine is the team who after winning a championship, punishes their 9 and 10 year olds for showing emotion. There are many other examples that could go here
3. Others don't care for arrogance and ignorance
4. O.k. I'll stop here

Why is it that you almighty Machine folks are so worried about the other programs? you said
"The people at the Brick don't care about the politics of the Machine and Blades."
That is why this tournament is good. I hope you don't get to many ulcers worrying while the brick team goes to Edmonton.

[hockeydad11]

Hey "peep show" do you feel better now

I think Sweep, you think "Just fine" we will see.