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I dont follow, Under that same scenario, if you took the best 2000's out of the state of michigan they would be better. They are split up on different teams in the spring.

sam970 wrote:I dont follow, Under that same scenario, if you took the best 2000's out of the state of michigan they would be better. They are split up on different teams in the spring.

I was thinking that the tournament in April (I am not aware of the name) would feature HB, LC, and Compuware? Is this not the case? And if not what would be the purpose of breaking the top team(s) up? The only reason I can think of is to take the best of each team in an attempt to create a super team, ie Bauer Selects. Under that scenario the super teams have not fared well against the best MN has to offer at that level.

if you simply took the best 2000's out of every club in the state of MI and put them on one team as you do for the machine. This doesn't happen because there are loyalties to certain coaches and enough top 2000's to field more than one team.

sam970 wrote:if you simply took the best 2000's out of every club in the state of MI and put them on one team as you do for the machine. This doesn't happen because there are loyalties to certain coaches and enough top 2000's to field more than one team.

The same situation applies to MN, ie Minnesota Blades just to mention one program. The only question I wish you could answer is why do you see HB, LC, Compuware, Chicago Mission bags , when playing Bauer in the spring/summer. Is this not an attempt to field the best of the best?

I'm still waiting on the score sheet.

I have spoken to both HoneyBaked people, Little Caesars people and of course the Cake Eaters. One constant is that HoneyBaked converted on their chances and Edina didn't.

I can't report until I get the scoresheet. I hope to have a story up tomorrow on the trip.

Im not understanding you, There are minnesota kids on these "super teams" as well, they are comprised of many states and kids get to meet and play with other kids from around the US and forge friendships. There is no true michigan "super team" as you do the machine.

Game 2 should be in the books. What was the result?

sam970 wrote:Im not understanding you, There are minnesota kids on these "super teams" as well, they are comprised of many states and kids get to meet and play with other kids from around the US and forge friendships. There is no true michigan "super team" as you do the machine.

To simplify: There is no true MN super team. We have Machine, Blades, Icemen, Miracle Gold, Euro America in the summer, much like MI has Honeybaked, Little Ceasars, Compuware, Belle Tire in the winter. Essentially, MN adopts the MI winter model in the summer. In any given birth year, many different teams can be the top dog and this can change year to year. Since there are so many high level options, you rarely see MN kids on super regional teams. This thread is about 2000's and in the past Machine has been the best at this level. So the point is the only true apples to apples comparison would be to have 00 Machine play Honeybaked and the other top MI teams at this level, which I thought was going to happen at a tourney in Michigan in April. And that's all I've to say about that. Back on topic:

Edina 6 Little Ceasars 2! From this morning.

Way to go Edina. Lost 2-4 and won 6-2. My prediction was a win, a loss, and a tie. I'll revise it to two wins.

Way to go Mn boys !!!!!! NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats to the Hornets.

The only way to truly settle the birth year argument is to assemble a before and after team, like TW. Because we all know that winter T1 isn't happening.

The Michigan teams are not the same in April as they are throughout the winter. So, the hopes to match the 00 Machine to the 00 HB, LC, Comp and don't forget BT, won't be as billed. Many of the kids move on to the next season/sport. It is also a time for the coaches to look at new recruits. If you know anything about Detroit hockey, it's similar to musical chairs! Kids follow their friends, coaches, c-ships, ect.

Pits took his Blades several years ago and done well but didn't dominate. At that time there was checking to consider as well. Michigan hockey is physical.

Just my two cents. Again, congrats to the boys, one more to go!

Any update?

I'll have game recaps on all three games....waiting on pictures from Detroit.

Game 3 in short. #22 for Edina sat the game due to a 1 game DQ from the LC game. That means Edina played without it's two best players (physically strong for sure). They got up 3-0, tired, lost lead 3-3. Went to OT and an ex NHL player's kid scored in OT to give Edina the win 4-3 over Compuware.

YouthHockeyHub wrote:I'll have game recaps on all three games....waiting on pictures from Detroit.

Game 3 in short. #22 for Edina sat the game due to a 1 game DQ from the LC game. That means Edina played without it's two best players (physically strong for sure). They got up 3-0, tired, lost lead 3-3. Went to OT and an ex NHL player's kid scored in OT to give Edina the win 4-3 over Compuware.

Does his dad also cruise around in a camper to broadcast football games? Kidding.

So they got three good games out of it. Sounds like a great trip to me.

Having coached for Atlanta AAA, Cincinnati AAA, and Edina, I feel that I am qualified to answer some of these questions. Edina, has the best association program in the country. The current pee wee AA team is really a product of MN Made though and not Edina. The Detroit Little Caesers league is the best league in the country by far. They are also 6 months younger than the Edina team. MN is the only place in North America that still uses the old age bracket. They have been shut out of the Nationals and Silver Sticks for some time. All in order to protect High School Hockey. Massachusetts HS hockey use to be as big, but is pretty much gone. Replaced by prep, and AAA. It may be just a matter of time before MN goes this way as well. When you play 80 games per year and have NHL coaches like the Little Caesers and other AAA programs, you will get better players. Look where the first rounders in the NHL are coming from. All over the country. You could easily argue that the LA Express, Florida Panthers, and a huge amount of AAA teams have surpassed the MN model. The association model really is becoming a thing of the past with the Edina, MN made model. How long until the other organizations get tired of Edina beating them 10-0? HS hockey with 25-30 games per year is sadly the next thing to go. The elite league is not a substitute for playing on a team for 80 games and being developed by a team of coaches that is prepping you for the next step. Don't get me wrong, I would love to keep the MN model, but I believe it is already on life support. The evidence is that there is a team from Edina flying to Michigan, to see if they can compete with a younger team. And none of them are from outside of Detroit. Bantams maybe, but Michigan has plenty of players to draw from. Face it, hockey is big in a lot of places, and as long as there are wealthy hockey parents, there will be no end to what they will spend on trying to get their kid to the next level.

Some facts:

MN 33 NHL players 53K kids playing
MI 29 NHL players 51K kids playing
NY 27 NHL players 46K kids playing
MA 15 NHL players 43K kids playing
PA 12 NHL players 27K kids playing
WI 10 NHL players 17K kids playing

Although, it's not about getting to the NHL, you can use it as a yardstick. Yes, MN leads, but not by much. The landscape is changing. Also, MM arguably has the best facilities in the country, so ice time becomes a factor. So which model is best? Great argument............

SKMN wrote: You could easily argue that the LA Express, Florida Panthers, and a huge amount of AAA teams have surpassed the MN model.

You could, but you'd look like an utter moron so maybe it would make more sense to just say a small minority of AAA teams have something impressive.

The excuses Edina is using is embarrassing. Fatigue, missing 2 players, shot records.. Really? Cmon! You sound like bender parents. Take victories and defeats like real men and learn from it. This is an average week for any of these michigan teams! Welcome to the world of travel hockey. Sometimes playing upwards of 4 games in 24 hours out of town isnt rare. Injuries are a part of hockey. Edina is a great team but also older, Now thats an "excuse" that really matters. You got beat once and almost twice fair and square. Please stop.

SKMN wrote:Having coached for Atlanta AAA, Cincinnati AAA, and Edina, I feel that I am qualified to answer some of these questions. Edina, has the best association program in the country. The current pee wee AA team is really a product of MN Made though and not Edina. The Detroit Little Caesers league is the best league in the country by far. They are also 6 months younger than the Edina team. MN is the only place in North America that still uses the old age bracket. They have been shut out of the Nationals and Silver Sticks for some time. All in order to protect High School Hockey. Massachusetts HS hockey use to be as big, but is pretty much gone. Replaced by prep, and AAA. It may be just a matter of time before MN goes this way as well. When you play 80 games per year and have NHL coaches like the Little Caesers and other AAA programs, you will get better players. Look where the first rounders in the NHL are coming from. All over the country. You could easily argue that the LA Express, Florida Panthers, and a huge amount of AAA teams have surpassed the MN model. The association model really is becoming a thing of the past with the Edina, MN made model. How long until the other organizations get tired of Edina beating them 10-0? HS hockey with 25-30 games per year is sadly the next thing to go. The elite league is not a substitute for playing on a team for 80 games and being developed by a team of coaches that is prepping you for the next step. Don't get me wrong, I would love to keep the MN model, but I believe it is already on life support. The evidence is that there is a team from Edina flying to Michigan, to see if they can compete with a younger team. And none of them are from outside of Detroit. Bantams maybe, but Michigan has plenty of players to draw from. Face it, hockey is big in a lot of places, and as long as there are wealthy hockey parents, there will be no end to what they will spend on trying to get their kid to the next level.

so..... a PW team from Edina goes to Michigan for 3 games and the HS system is now in jeopardy? wow, what a reach

sam970 wrote:The excuses Edina is using is embarrassing.

Where did "Edina" offer up an excuse? I must've missed it.

SKMN wrote:Some facts:

MN 33 NHL players 53K kids playing
MI 29 NHL players 51K kids playing
NY 27 NHL players 46K kids playing
MA 15 NHL players 43K kids playing
PA 12 NHL players 27K kids playing
WI 10 NHL players 17K kids playing

Although, it's not about getting to the NHL, you can use it as a yardstick. Yes, MN leads, but not by much. The landscape is changing. Also, MM arguably has the best facilities in the country, so ice time becomes a factor. So which model is best? Great argument............

I wonder what state has the cheapest route with the most opportunity to get to the NHL...?

Once again we win. COME ON!!!

sam970 wrote:The excuses Edina is using is embarrassing. Fatigue, missing 2 players, shot records.. Really? Cmon! You sound like bender parents. Take victories and defeats like real men and learn from it. This is an average week for any of these michigan teams! Welcome to the world of travel hockey. Sometimes playing upwards of 4 games in 24 hours out of town isnt rare. Injuries are a part of hockey. Edina is a great team but also older, Now thats an "excuse" that really matters. You got beat once and almost twice fair and square. Please stop.

What are you talking about?

"That means Edina played without it's two best players (physically strong for sure)"

"Their two best players??" Who writes that about 12 year olds. oh my mistake, 14 year olds...maybe last game actually makes it a level playing field with 2000 vs 2000. and who writes an ex NHL kid (99) scores.. Who cares who's son he is. In the articles before the games it mentions fatigue as an excuse. This writer is very partial to MN - not unbiased and in the new article the names are wrong in alot of goal/assists.. At least on LC. Try to write more impartially.

sam970 wrote:"That means Edina played without it's two best players (physically strong for sure)"

"Their two best players??" Who writes that about 12 year olds. oh my mistake, 14 year olds...maybe last game actually makes it a level playing field with 2000 vs 2000. and who writes an ex NHL kid (99) scores.. Who cares who's son he is. In the articles before the games it mentions fatigue as an excuse. This writer is very partial to MN - not unbiased and in the new article the names are wrong in alot of goal/assists.. At least on LC. Try to write more impartially.

Was anyone from Edina actually quoted making excuses for going 2-1 on a trip that was supposed to be a great experience for the kids? As far as making excuses about missing kdis, I think he's trying to give the whole picture. He likely would have told us if HB. LC or Comp were missing key players. I'm not a big fan of identifying the "best" players or ranking players at this age, but times have changed. In the past, we would never have mentioned a Bantam player's name on this board, let alone ranking the best PWs in the state, but I guess that's progress.