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My son is going to the open tryouts for the Ice Bucks program that is affiliated with the Northland Hockey Group. Just wonder if anyone know anything about this group and the quality they maybe getting? I know they are new, so there mught be some growing pains, but they are playing in the USA in Blaine, a tournament in St. Cloud, and one in Breezy Point.

Any feedback would be appreciated!!

Chipper wrote:My son is going to the open tryouts for the Ice Bucks program that is affiliated with the Northland Hockey Group. Just wonder if anyone know anything about this group and the quality they maybe getting? I know they are new, so there mught be some growing pains, but they are playing in the USA in Blaine, a tournament in St. Cloud, and one in Breezy Point.

Any feedback would be appreciated!!

Sounds like one of the many new "AAA" teams sprouting up all over the place. I don't know anything about this program, but you are doing the right thing in asking questions before you sign the check. The thing I would want to know (if I were you) is who will be coaching the team? What is their experience? Will they have a son/daughter on the team? Is the focus on development or winning tournaments or both?

I would agree with muckandgrind that knowing who is coaching, and what they're about is the biggest thing. Many programs advertise certain big name coaches that will run, or be involved in the program, but may/ or may/not be your son or daughters coach. Quality control on a team by team basis is one of the potential problems with multi-team AAA programs, some players get good experiences with their teams, some don't.

The Ice Bucks are an expansion of the Northland organization that has previously operated the Fighting Loons program. One of their organizers has many years of experience in the Showcase Enterprises organization. They are expanding their operation into the Ice Bucks and at least three other programs -Andover FCAOwls, Wadena Fighting Pike and Cloquet Great Lakes Gulls. www.northlandhockeygroup.com

The various AAA programs operate in different ways. Some have several practices per week, scrimmages and 3-5 tourneys. Great if you live close to the location or have a driver. Not so great if you live outstate and need to commute to the home rink.

Some AAA programs are tourney only teams that practice the weekend before each tourney for 3-4 sessions. This a great option if you have to travel longer distances to get to the home rink or if you are seriously involved in a spring sport but still want to play competitive hockey.

I know one of the Ice Bucks coaches and he is a class act and a knowledgable hockey coach. I have heard some speculation as to who the other coaches might be but I don't know for sure. The rink manager and former high school coach has run some tryouts but I don't think he plans to coach any of the teams.

BTW, I am not affiliated with the Ice Bucks but I am involved with a competing program.

I think it's great that something is being offered in the SE, NW, and NE parts of the state. The more kids playing, the better. They still need to step up with a New Ulm Brewers or Marshall Fighting Frozen Food Deliverers.

Indigo Montoya....You are hired!!!

Mr Hockey wrote:Indigo Montoya....You are hired!!!

I'd suggest a background check first.

Convicted? No.

InigoMontoya wrote:Convicted? No.

Being "Suspect"... is enough!