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broten7 wrote:I'm new to all of this. My son is 3 years old and I hope to put him in hockey next season. He is learning to skate now so I hope he can hit the ground running when he's able.

As I've started to survey the youth hockey landscape there is the local Association which is Prior Lake. I've also learned there are a lot of other options in the area via web searches, this and other forums. Should I be putting my kid into AAA hockey or stick with the local association?

Can anyone tell me what to look for in an association? I'd really be interested in feedback about the AAA programs as well as any information about the association.

Thanks in advance
Broten7

elliott70 wrote:

broten7 wrote:I'm new to all of this. My son is 3 years old and I hope to put him in hockey next season. He is learning to skate now so I hope he can hit the ground running when he's able.

As I've started to survey the youth hockey landscape there is the local Association which is Prior Lake. I've also learned there are a lot of other options in the area via web searches, this and other forums. Should I be putting my kid into AAA hockey or stick with the local association?

Can anyone tell me what to look for in an association? I'd really be interested in feedback about the AAA programs as well as any information about the association.

Thanks in advance
Broten7

Real new to hockey are you?

You have little choice during hockey season unless you move or send your child to another school. You are Prior Lake.

Off season, well, if you have a checkbook, you have lots of options.

Good luck!

For the rest of us...

Shinbone_News wrote:You probably know that Prior Lake is turning into one of the best associations in the state for youth hockey. You're lucky to live there! I wouldn't worry too much about AAA hockey (which is usually shorthand for summer hockey programs in Minnesota) for a few years -- until your player shows interest in playing year around.

Unless you move or send your kid to school outside of PL, your only in-season alternative is going to be Minnesota Made, which is great for developing skills at the mite and squirt age. In my experience (just as an observer) Mn Made kids tend to learn skills very fast and thoroughly, faster and better than a lot of associations. That's probably due to high reps and individualized attention,as well as disciplined coaching -- but it's a for-profit business, so they want to make it worth your $$$. By peewees, I think this developmental advantage begins to disappear as other kids catch up.

Opinions on this forum will vary, but I'm of the opinion that the main thing you want to offer a 4 year old is the opportunity to just play, have fun, and learn how to love the game without making it too hardcore too soon. Make some friends in the community, eat hot dogs after every practice.

Again, just my opinion -- but I think you'd be crazy not to give your home association (Prior Lake) the opportunity to work with your player.

I'm not from or in Prior Lake, have never even played there more than once. I just know from their results at Peewee and Bantam, and from their amazing facility, that they've got something very good going on there.

broten7 wrote:Thanks. This is a helpful response. I've been told the Prior Lake association is good but that was by a possibly biased person who has kids in the association now.

Does Minnesota Made take anyone? Looking at the ages on their programs seems like he might be too young unless they'll take even the youngest skaters? Wouldn't high reps and individualized attention be a good thing at a young age?

Shinbone_News wrote:You probably know that Prior Lake is turning into one of the best associations in the state for youth hockey. You're lucky to live there! I wouldn't worry too much about AAA hockey (which is usually shorthand for summer hockey programs in Minnesota) for a few years -- until your player shows interest in playing year around.

Unless you move or send your kid to school outside of PL, your only in-season alternative is going to be Minnesota Made, which is great for developing skills at the mite and squirt age. In my experience (just as an observer) Mn Made kids tend to learn skills very fast and thoroughly, faster and better than a lot of associations. That's probably due to high reps and individualized attention,as well as disciplined coaching -- but it's a for-profit business, so they want to make it worth your $$$. By peewees, I think this developmental advantage begins to disappear as other kids catch up.

Opinions on this forum will vary, but I'm of the opinion that the main thing you want to offer a 4 year old is the opportunity to just play, have fun, and learn how to love the game without making it too hardcore too soon. Make some friends in the community, eat hot dogs after every practice.

Again, just my opinion -- but I think you'd be crazy not to give your home association (Prior Lake) the opportunity to work with your player.

I'm not from or in Prior Lake, have never even played there more than once. I just know from their results at Peewee and Bantam, and from their amazing facility, that they've got something very good going on there.

MrBoDangles wrote:You're already behind the mark. Bernie had a Speed Academy for 2 and 3 year olds this Summer. Poopers weren't allowed!

barry_mcconnell wrote:He's 3 already and you haven't decided on association or AAA program? Get that kid in breakfast club fast! Before its too late.

Actually you might want to just sign him up for basketball at this point.

MrBoDangles wrote:You're already behind the mark. Bernie had a Speed Academy for 2 and 3 year olds this Summer. Poopers weren't allowed!

old goalie85 wrote:Shin-I was being straight up. 4 yr old will be fine in PL mite program w/the kids from school ! As far as the "rat race" thats my name for AAA and 4yr olds don't need that . My opinion. Outdoors w/ the little kids is great. You seem like the kind of guy I don't want to hang out w/@ the rink.

Shinbone_News wrote:

old goalie85 wrote:Shin-I was being straight up. 4 yr old will be fine in PL mite program w/the kids from school ! As far as the "rat race" thats my name for AAA and 4yr olds don't need that . My opinion. Outdoors w/ the little kids is great. You seem like the kind of guy I don't want to hang out w/@ the rink.

It wasn't you OG. It was the other tweakers. I don't disagree with your opinion or the sentiment at all. It's the unhelpful sarcasm of these guys that poisons the scene around here and keeps newbies away.

BadgerBob82 wrote:Sorry hall monitor Shinbone. I read the original post and actually thought it was a "tweaker" pulling chains. Since he was serious. My advice is to video tape the child playing hockey. Send to Mite Director at PL and MnMade. Have them view the video of the kid and have them offer their opinion if the kid should enroll in Association Mites this year, wait until next year or go to MN Made immediately.

We can't speculate as to how advanced this 3 year old really is. And is the child a 2008 or 2009? If 2008, definately Mn Made should get the first look at the child. If 2009, might want to wait until next season to enroll, but again, the video should provide the basis.

If he hasn't done so yet, create a youtube account. Post the child's progress. At this age, their progress can be measured on virtually a daily basis. Programs are contantly searching for these young kids on youtube.

BadgerBob82 wrote:Sorry hall monitor Shinbone. I read the original post and actually thought it was a "tweaker" pulling chains. Since he was serious. My advice is to video tape the child playing hockey. Send to Mite Director at PL and MnMade. Have them view the video of the kid and have them offer their opinion if the kid should enroll in Association Mites this year, wait until next year or go to MN Made immediately.

We can't speculate as to how advanced this 3 year old really is. And is the child a 2008 or 2009? If 2008, definately Mn Made should get the first look at the child. If 2009, might want to wait until next season to enroll, but again, the video should provide the basis.

If he hasn't done so yet, create a youtube account. Post the child's progress. At this age, their progress can be measured on virtually a daily basis. Programs are contantly searching for these young kids on youtube.