High School Season - Possible Reduction to 22 HS Games

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 11:42 am

Brookyone had the following post on the College Site

"Re: Minnesota Girls High School Hockey II
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brookyone
http://www.twincities.com/prep/ci_11778195?source=email

Like everyone else, the schools and their athletic dept. are feeling the pinch.

"On Saturday morning, the girls hockey coaches association will meet to discuss, among other things, the Minnesota State High School League's desire to help member schools out in these tough economic times. Among the points the league will discuss in a special session Monday is to trim the number of games in all winter sports from 25 to 22 games. In a survey conducted by the girls hockey coaches association, executive board member Matt Menne, Bemidji's head coach, said 80 to 90 percent of all girls hockey coaches are opposed to that idea. "This is a big deal for our sport," Menne said. "We don't believe cutting back games is the answer. We will work with the league, but there has to be other things we can do."

'I'm with the majority of the coaching ranks...fewer games not the solution...bad idea. I hope like hell it doesn't come to that.' "
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I totally agree!

If adopted this would only further weaken the recruiting on MN HS girls by D1 programs. A top Hockey Academy (Shattuck, NAHA....) or U19AAA program is playing 60-80 games from September-March or April vs. MN HS Hockey playing from November to mid Februrary. There are not many options for top players in MN outside of the Thouroughbreds in the metro area or leaving home to play for a Hockey Acdemy or U19AAA program outside MN and this could send more players that way.

MN Hockey has eliminated the Before and After Season AAA charter. The Minnesota Elite Girls High School League which played 12 games over 4 weekends last fall was added - but only 60 mostly Junior and Senior girls were able to participate - this was outstanding hockey including the chance to play against Shattuck St Mary's each weekend.

If the season is shorter should MN Hockey do anything different? Thoughts?

xk1 · Post by **xk1** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 11:51 am

Simple way to cut costs and restore U14 at the same time is to drop JV.

brookyone · Post by **brookyone** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 12:13 pm

xk1 wrote:Simple way to cut costs and restore U14 at the same time is to drop JV.

I hate to say it, because I'm very much in favor of the opportunity for those non varsity players having the chance to play for their high school...but this may be the most painless solution available...and protecting girls high school hockey at the current varsity level, and schedule would be my absolute top priority.

joehockey · Post by **joehockey** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 1:03 pm

xk1 wrote:Simple way to cut costs and restore U14 at the same time is to drop JV.

This would also help expand U19 programs - there are only 6 in the metro area I think and not sure outstate?

createfun · Post by **createfun** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 1:20 pm

I like the idea of bringing all sports back to the two groups (A and AA) format. A lot of sports have up to four groups, which in turn brings up the cost. More teams going to state, hotel costs go up, busing goes up, costs to cover teacher coaches (subs) for the days they are missing school to participate in state tournaments. Also, instead of eliminating JV, how about eliminating 9th grade and 10th grade teams. I know a lot of the sports at our schools have 4 teams.

MNHockeyFan · Post by **MNHockeyFan** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 1:23 pm

This issue has been discussed at length in the boys forum. For those interested in reading more, various ideas are suggested here:

http://www.ushsho.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=19286