HighSchoolHockeyForums.com

Dog,

Reading your comment about the Blades holding a fund raiser for less affluent families in their program, it is an okay point, but since when is spring hockey a necessity as opposed to a luxury.I don't feel it is worth a fund raiser. Just my opinion. Say it is worth a fundraiser, why isn't more prominent around the arena during the super series that it is for the blades?
I was looking at the website, particularly the u19 girls and the team has quite a few private schools represented, and some upper income communities. (i.e. Edina, White Bear, Wayzata)
I guess I don't quite believe there are that many kids in their program that are in a situation of need. If they can't afford to play year round and travel as extensively as the Blades there are plenty of local options, both in hockey or a chance to pursue other sports.
I would be interested to know how many people actually know the money goes to AAA program.

hemiman I completely agree with you that spring/summer hockey is not a necessity (and agree with many of your points). I'm not completely sure where the money goes from the super series or selects, but I do know that traveling hockey is expensive for families especially in this economic environment and there are many families in the communities you mentioned that are hurting as well. As kids get older and move through the programs, hockey can open doors to colleges and scholarships and opportunities those kids might possibly not have access to without hockey. Not-for-profit hockey organizations like the Blades have a long and respectable history of providing much needed exposure for players at top tournaments. Some of the players may play for small associations/communities and it's through summer hockey that they can develop while playing with and against kids of equal or better talent. As your player gets older, it becomes more important to try to provide these opportunities for them and it is financially difficult for many, especially if you have more than one player.

The Super Series and Selects are "fun" fundraisers - it's not like they are selling candy bars or pizzas. As evidenced by the posts on this board, the kids are well coached and the games generally competitive versus some of the lopsided games you get in real money making tournaments like the Meltdown. I guess I don't see a down side. Sounds like you had a good experience at the Super Series which is great, but both appear to be well run tournaments and fun opportunities for girls. Thanks for bringing up so good points for discussion.