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Is it just me or am I seeing a ton of good PWA players and teams out there. Not to say the last couple years wasn't good. But I think I have seen more good PWA players than ever this year.

SuperStar wrote:Is it just me or am I seeing a ton of good PWA players and teams out there. Not to say the last couple years wasn't good. But I think I have seen more good PWA players than ever this year.

It appears across the state that this age group has some outstanding athletes coming thru in a myriad of sports including hockey.

I actually had a similar discussion with a guy this weekend how We thought the Peewee talent, as a whole seems weeker this season compared to previous. I have been involved with "A" PW hockey for 11 straight years in one way or the other. I am glad someone is seeing something different then me..

Daulton911 wrote:I actually had a similar discussion with a guy this weekend how We thought the Peewee talent, as a whole seems weeker this season compared to previous. I have been involved with "A" PW hockey for 11 straight years in one way or the other. I am glad someone is seeing something different then me..

I agree. I think the overal level of competition is lower this year than I've seen it in recent years. There are still several top end players but many of the traditionally strong teams haven't looked as deep as they have in the past.

Depth..? You mean like Mora vs. Pine City back in the mid-80's...

Have to agree that the competition is lower this year. I too have been involved in Peewee Hockey for the last 10 years and from wht I have seen this group is below par. I have seen 20 plus games this year with different teams and there are some very good top end players but I believe the depth and overall play is down.

Now that I think about it...I would have to agree...Most teams we have played..Have had that very good "One line" a or 1-3 outstanding players that carry the team.. I have not seen a PWA team yet this year that has 3 solid lines...

Maybe thats what my topic question should have been. "Are there more Top end players this year than previous years".....

A couple of factors.

The top end is better. Many kids skate year around and have shots and moves that a PeeWee A player from 10 years ago could only dream about.

The bottom end may be weaker as there are very few associations that have greater numbers today than just a few years ago. Hockey numbers are shrinking.

So, maybe the top end is smaller, but better, and the bottom end is bigger. At most associations that's the case.

Night Train wrote:A couple of factors.

The top end is better. Many kids skate year around and have shots and moves that a PeeWee A player from 10 years ago could only dream about.

The bottom end may be weaker as there are very few associations that have greater numbers today than just a few years ago. Hockey numbers are shrinking.

So, maybe the top end is smaller, but better, and the bottom end is bigger. At most associations that's the case.

Unfortunately I think you are right. In this era of specialization at an early age and the cost of this sport the top and bottom seem further apart more than ever with very few in the middle.

Bronc wrote:

Night Train wrote:A couple of factors.

The top end is better. Many kids skate year around and have shots and moves that a PeeWee A player from 10 years ago could only dream about.

The bottom end may be weaker as there are very few associations that have greater numbers today than just a few years ago. Hockey numbers are shrinking.

So, maybe the top end is smaller, but better, and the bottom end is bigger. At most associations that's the case.

Unfortunately I think you are right. In this era of specialization at an early age and the cost of this sport the top and bottom seem further apart more than ever with very few in the middle.

There are more clinic players than pure rink rats these days not to mention that Damn X-box!

I think the talent is there. The problem is some kids think AAA is more important, and the winter season is almost the "time off".

When are people going to get it. Don't make your kid play ALL year long. Let them get on the outdoor rinks, rink rat, and have FUN with hockey. Too many kids are being forced to "pressure" all the time. I just think its wrong.

GoGophersGuy wrote:I think the talent is there. The problem is some kids think AAA is more important, and the winter season is almost the "time off".

When are people going to get it. Don't make your kid play ALL year long. Let them get on the outdoor rinks, rink rat, and have FUN with hockey. Too many kids are being forced to "pressure" all the time. I just think its wrong.

Do you think that explains some of the erratic play too? One night a team could take on anyone and a couple days later they lose to someone no where in their league. Is it just too hard for the kids to get pumped up when they are on the ice and playing high pressure games year round?

I agree.