Hanus

[Puckguy]

What a sad state of affairs, unless Coach Hanus was doing something behind the scenes that most of us aren't aware of. He built a strong program out of the remnant's of Tonka's talent. Is it just his fault that players looked for other schools to compete at, or did it have to do with the size of the mountain to be climbed in order for Minnetonka to succeed. Looking at Edina, Eden Prairie and Wayzata every year is a daunting task. Now throw in Jefferson, and the obstacle may look insurmountable. Here's hoping Tim lands on his feet, if he chooses to, and continues to coach with class. <p></p><i></i>

[Eddie Shore]

Well said, Puckguy.<br><br>Unfortunately, in the world we now live in everyone wants immediate gratification. Expectations in most programs outweigh the reality of what can be accomplished. Parents then point the finger at the high school coach because, well, the grass is always greener on the other side and it can't possibly be their fault that little Johnny is not a superstar going on to play in the NHL.<br><br>In affluent communities like Minnetonka, Wayzata, EP and others, soem kids will always leave to go to private schools. Why? The anser is twofold. First, they can afford it. Second, Dad or Mom may have gone to that school. Combine that with the perception (whether reality or not) that the privates offer more exposure for their young hockey player and it makes the decision rather easy for some families.<br><br>As we've seen on this board, people find it easy to take potshots at players for leaving and at coaches for not retaining players. Many of these people have coached these kids coming up through the youth ranks and now they are not seeing success at the high school level with players that have chosen to remain at the school. God forbid anyone take a look in the mirror. Were the kids well coached at the youth level? Were they taught the skills needed to succed at the high school level? Or was it simply a "let's win now" mentality from Mite through Bantam? Does anyone else notice that there are several programs in the state that have consistently great teams at Squirt and Pee Wee that are still good at Bantam (but not great) and then are average at high school?<br><br>It goes back to immediate gratification. My little Squirt is better than yours and will beat yours. Than when that little Squirt gets to high school and doesn't have the necessary skills to compete (sorry folks, 110 games a year doesn't do it), it must be the high school coaches fault. Genetics also plays a role. Not all kids will be great hockey players. My kid most likely won't because it looks like he got my hands. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :D --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /happy.gif ALT=":D"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> I just hope he continues to love the game and works at it as hard as he can. If only money could buy God-Given talent. <br><br>I'm rambling, so I'll stop writing. All I meant to say was "Well said, Puckguy."<br> <p></p><i></i>

[skipper]

the parents of kids on the team did not get Hanus fired, the Players did every single senior except for 2 and a few juniors were in the AD's office after the season telling him how horrible of a coach hanus is. nice guy though. <p></p><i></i>