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Posted: **Thu Jan 21, 2010 3:22 pm**

Basically, everything that is said about MM is true to some extent. It is great, it is bad, it is over the top, it is reasonable. It kind of depends if your kid is "elite" or average, and the number of options you have.

Puberty is the great change agent.

Posted: **Sat Jan 23, 2010 6:58 pm**

elliott70 wrote:Thanks guys.
I will be in town on Friday with some time to kill before MH meetings so thought I would swing over there.

So what did you think?

Posted: **Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:45 am**

I don't really think losing the dads or parent volunteers to MM is that big of a deal. In my experience, those are not the parents that believe in Association hockey to begin with. I am not saying they are wrong I just don't think they care about the Associations. If they cared they would stay with the Association and fix it from within. I know, I know they tried. Associations need coaches that believe the way to make a team better is by making the worst skater better. You know that "weakest link in the chain" theory. That old tired saying. Too bad that saying has been around longer than anyone on this board or anyone at MM. But it takes a good heart, an understanding of "team" and a lot of patience. Things that don't exist like they should anymore. All you get by training a 8-12 hockey player like a Olympian is a good 8-12 hockey player. Puberty, talent and DNA are and always will be the great equalizers. How would you like to be the kid who is being raised by two parents who never played sports being pushed to be a superstar. They are easy to spot. Those are the parents usually yelling instructions over the glass at the hockey games. Or look for the ones that tripped over the threshold on the way in to the rink. You want good athletes as kids, save your money and breed with the best athlete you can find.

Posted: **Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:50 am**

I was given a nice tour by Steve. He also explained what they do and answered my questions.

Facility was great and Steve was very helpful.

Posted: **Thu Jan 28, 2010 10:00 am**

Some dads are lazy too. It's easier to bale on your community and write a check somewhere than actually roll up your sleves and serve others. It's a bit of a reflection.

Posted: **Thu Jan 28, 2010 10:07 am**

Ufeelshame wrote: Associations need coaches that believe the way to make a team better is by making the worst skater better. You know that "weakest link in the chain" theory. That old tired saying. Too bad that saying has been around longer than anyone on this board or anyone at MM. But it takes a good heart, an understanding of "team" and a lot of patience. Things that don't exist like they should anymore.

This statement hits home and is very true. I would add a good coach needs to develop practice plans that challenge all of the players on the team.

Posted: **Thu Jan 28, 2010 10:45 am**

yeahyeahyeah wrote:
Ufeelshame wrote: Associations need coaches that believe the way to make a team better is by making the worst skater better. You know that "weakest link in the chain" theory. That old tired saying. Too bad that saying has been around longer than anyone on this board or anyone at MM. But it takes a good heart, an understanding of "team" and a lot of patience. Things that don't exist like they should anymore.
This statement hits home and is very true. I would add a good coach needs to develop practice plans that challenge all of the players on the team.

Thats the difficulty in any sport : improving the bubble/lower end of the talent while challenging the upper end. Unfortunately many times the upper end gets less attention/development/challenge unless there is a concerted effort to recognize the difference and be bold enough to have 2 practice plans. This is especially true in smaller assoc where the range from top to bottom is greater. Hopefully parents recognize the difference and aren't wondering why little Johnny doesn't get to do the more advanced drills/training.

Posted: **Thu Jan 28, 2010 10:53 am**

I don't really think losing the dads or parent volunteers to MM is that big of a deal. In my experience, those are not the parents that believe in Association hockey to begin with. I am not saying they are wrong I just don't think they care about the Associations. If they cared they would stay with the Association and fix it from within. I know, I know they tried.

What?!? Have you ever been there? You can't swing a dead cat in the lobby without hitting an association board member.

Posted: **Fri Jan 29, 2010 11:49 pm**

InigoMontoya wrote:
You can't swing a dead cat in the lobby without hitting an association board member.
That's funny because it's true ... not just board members either ... lots of association presidents involved at MM ... including coaches ... great hockey people ... good crowd

Posted: **Mon Feb 01, 2010 9:01 pm**

sorno82 wrote:Basically, everything that is said about MM is true to some extent. It is great, it is bad, it is over the top, it is reasonable. It kind of depends if your kid is "elite" or average, and the number of options you have.

Puberty is the great change agent.

I really like watching games at the rink. It is in a great location and a nice addition. As far as the program is concerned, if you can identify good players and get them together on a team, it certainly can be a good thing.

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