Any experience with the HSL - Hockey Super League (minor hockey in AB / BC)?

[Yukon Joe]

The drama continues...

After telling the HSL team 'thanks, but no thanks - my kid wants to try out for his Hockey Canada affiliated AA team', we've been told that a couple of spots aren't filled yet, and my kid has been invited to practice with the team in August in the mean time.

I mean - it's nice to be wanted. But we've also been able to check out the roster of the team, and I don't know how great it is (my kid has played with several of these kids). Good to know that defensive D-men can be in high demand though.

Everything is my kids choice at this point though.

 

[cxreg]

What'd you end up doing this season?

 

[Yukon Joe]

What'd you end up doing this season?

My kid made his U13 AA team (SSAC if you know Edmonton minor hockey).

The bad news: most of his friends either didn't try out or were cut. The couple that did make it were placed on the "other" U13 AA team from the same club. So he walked in not knowing anyone.

The good news: I've been super-impressed with the practices so far. Very up-tempo, very little just standing around waiting for your turn. This coach knows what he is doing.

The HSL team kept checking in with us throughout the process. It's nice to be wanted, but it did come across as a little bit desperate. One of my son's friends who was cut at the very last minute decided to go on that team rather than go back to club hockey. We'll check in on him and see how his season is going throughout the year.



But for right now my son is happy that he made the team. A week ago he was called to be told he made the team, but that actually they still had 2 more cuts to make. That first practice he was shitting bricks out on the ice, but he calmed down (mentioned this in another thread). But now those final cuts have been made and they're starting to hand out team swag. So far feeling good about our choices.

 

[Yukon Joe]

Can anyone tell me about the PHL in Alberta? My son will be moving up to U15 next season, and looking at different options for him. One of them is the BCPHL which is affiliated with the PHL in Alberta. I'm wondering how viable this league is.

Sorry, missed this at the time, and obviously won't be of any help to you now, but to answer for posterity:

I have not heard of the PHL. I'm looking through their website. I am familiar with one of the U13 teams as my son played games against them in spring hockey. In spring hockey they were certainly formidable.

It sounds like a very similar business model to HSL - you play showcase games once per month, rest of the time are practices.

What would give me real pause though is it looks like there are very few teams in PHL! Looking at U13 it lists 4 teams in it's major division, and 2 teams in it's minor division. And those teams all seem pretty far-flung.

So my son tried out for HSL, made it, and we decided not to play there, so our experience is limited. But on the surface I'm not sure why you would play PHL over HSL. HSL has more teams and divides kids up by birth year, not just U11/U13 etc.

But I welcome anyone with more info than that,

 

[krown]

Sorry, missed this at the time, and obviously won't be of any help to you now, but to answer for posterity:

I have not heard of the PHL. I'm looking through their website. I am familiar with one of the U13 teams as my son played games against them in spring hockey. In spring hockey they were certainly formidable.

It sounds like a very similar business model to HSL - you play showcase games once per month, rest of the time are practices.

What would give me real pause though is it looks like there are very few teams in PHL! Looking at U13 it lists 4 teams in it's major division, and 2 teams in it's minor division. And those teams all seem pretty far-flung.

So my son tried out for HSL, made it, and we decided not to play there, so our experience is limited. But on the surface I'm not sure why you would play PHL over HSL. HSL has more teams and divides kids up by birth year, not just U11/U13 etc.

But I welcome anyone with more info than that,

We're looking at going with the BCPHL next year... so U15. Do you know if their U15 division is decent in Alberta?

 

[cxreg]

My kid made his U13 AA team (SSAC if you know Edmonton minor hockey).

The bad news: most of his friends either didn't try out or were cut. The couple that did make it were placed on the "other" U13 AA team from the same club. So he walked in not knowing anyone.

The good news: I've been super-impressed with the practices so far. Very up-tempo, very little just standing around waiting for your turn. This coach knows what he is doing.

The HSL team kept checking in with us throughout the process. It's nice to be wanted, but it did come across as a little bit desperate. One of my son's friends who was cut at the very last minute decided to go on that team rather than go back to club hockey. We'll check in on him and see how his season is going throughout the year.



But for right now my son is happy that he made the team. A week ago he was called to be told he made the team, but that actually they still had 2 more cuts to make. That first practice he was shitting bricks out on the ice, but he calmed down (mentioned this in another thread). But now those final cuts have been made and they're starting to hand out team swag. So far feeling good about our choices.

That's great, sounds like you made the right choice, congrats to your son

From the other side of the border, mine is on a new team entering the HPL. For us, the situation is pretty much the opposite. There's not enough of a market here to field multiple high level teams, and the associations are all very thin past a couple strong players on each team, at least up through 14U. In pursuit of stronger competition, we are playing in BC this year. It's going to be an adjustment for our kids but we are pretty sure it was the right decision

 

[oldunclehue]

My kid made his U13 AA team (SSAC if you know Edmonton minor hockey).

The bad news: most of his friends either didn't try out or were cut. The couple that did make it were placed on the "other" U13 AA team from the same club. So he walked in not knowing anyone.

The good news: I've been super-impressed with the practices so far. Very up-tempo, very little just standing around waiting for your turn. This coach knows what he is doing.

The HSL team kept checking in with us throughout the process. It's nice to be wanted, but it did come across as a little bit desperate. One of my son's friends who was cut at the very last minute decided to go on that team rather than go back to club hockey. We'll check in on him and see how his season is going throughout the year.



But for right now my son is happy that he made the team. A week ago he was called to be told he made the team, but that actually they still had 2 more cuts to make. That first practice he was shitting bricks out on the ice, but he calmed down (mentioned this in another thread). But now those final cuts have been made and they're starting to hand out team swag. So far feeling good about our choices.

I think you made the right choice and your son will benefit from it. Sounds like there are so many options in the area for development and fun for your son.

I on the other hand live in the rural prairies and am quickly seeing how little chance there is of my son being a top end player at his age for the simple fact of lack of opportunity, costs and a poor minor hockey system.

But at the end of the day, as much as I want my son to make it as far as he can, the life lessons, experiences and healthy aspects of playing the sport are why he plays.

But its WILD to see what so so many parents will do and spend for the chance of their son/daughter being that 0.05% player that makes it in the sport.

 

[Yukon Joe]

That's great, sounds like you made the right choice, congrats to your son

From the other side of the border, mine is on a new team entering the HPL. For us, the situation is pretty much the opposite. There's not enough of a market here to field multiple high level teams, and the associations are all very thin past a couple strong players on each team, at least up through 14U. In pursuit of stronger competition, we are playing in BC this year. It's going to be an adjustment for our kids but we are pretty sure it was the right decision

How is the HPL working out for you so far?

We live in Edmonton and it seems like there's certainly enough talent for high level teams. Or at least high level enough for my son. I can see how that might be different in other areas.

 

[Yukon Joe]

I think you made the right choice and your son will benefit from it. Sounds like there are so many options in the area for development and fun for your son.

I on the other hand live in the rural prairies and am quickly seeing how little chance there is of my son being a top end player at his age for the simple fact of lack of opportunity, costs and a poor minor hockey system.

But at the end of the day, as much as I want my son to make it as far as he can, the life lessons, experiences and healthy aspects of playing the sport are why he plays.

But its WILD to see what so so many parents will do and spend for the chance of their son/daughter being that 0.05% player that makes it in the sport.

Hey I will never (well almost never) criticize parents for making the best choices they can for their kids as they see it.

As mentioned above living in Edmonton there's lots of high level talent to play against. We're participating in a few tournaments but that's just to play some different teams, not that we can't find competition locally.

I did want to ask you about " how little chance there is of my son being a top end player at his age". Is your kid already a dominant player who can't find meaningful competition locally? Or is it that you think he could become a dominant player if only he had more opportunities?

I've commented numerous times that it isn't the price of hockey itself that is expensive - it's the price of elite hockey that is. My youngest quit hockey this year and is doing martial arts. Twice a week martial arts is costing us $150/month. If we put him in a twice per week community hockey program the price would be almost identical.

It's the price of the elite programs, the tournaments, the extra ice times, spring/summer hockey that all add up quite rapidly. Each parent just needs to decide how much they want to spend and whether they think it's worth it.

 

[oldunclehue]

Hey I will never (well almost never) criticize parents for making the best choices they can for their kids as they see it.

As mentioned above living in Edmonton there's lots of high level talent to play against. We're participating in a few tournaments but that's just to play some different teams, not that we can't find competition locally.

I did want to ask you about " how little chance there is of my son being a top end player at his age". Is your kid already a dominant player who can't find meaningful competition locally? Or is it that you think he could become a dominant player if only he had more opportunities?

I've commented numerous times that it isn't the price of hockey itself that is expensive - it's the price of elite hockey that is. My youngest quit hockey this year and is doing martial arts. Twice a week martial arts is costing us $150/month. If we put him in a twice per week community hockey program the price would be almost identical.

It's the price of the elite programs, the tournaments, the extra ice times, spring/summer hockey that all add up quite rapidly. Each parent just needs to decide how much they want to spend and whether they think it's worth it.

My oldest son is top 5 for his age group in the area, much like yours he is a defensive defenseman, he skates very well and works hard.

Issue is the cost to try and be "elite" and the internal pressure I feel from seeing what other parents are doing to get their kids to play at that elite level.

Would my son benefit from an elite level program....at 12 years old, I'd assume so....what kid wouldn't. But the sacrifices to get there are wild for us. We live 3 hours from the nearest centre that offers that sort of program. And most of those programs are a "who you know" type deal.

One family here, purchased a condo for their 15 year old son, are faking a "divorce" and have the kid living in a city 2 hours away so he can play AAA in that city. So $350,000 for the condo, $28,000 for the academy, living expenses etc etc. All for the chance that the kid rises up to be a 1% elite kid.

All that seems completely NUTS.

 

[Yukon Joe]

My oldest son is top 5 for his age group in the area, much like yours he is a defensive defenseman, he skates very well and works hard.

Issue is the cost to try and be "elite" and the internal pressure I feel from seeing what other parents are doing to get their kids to play at that elite level.

Would my son benefit from an elite level program....at 12 years old, I'd assume so....what kid wouldn't. But the sacrifices to get there are wild for us. We live 3 hours from the nearest centre that offers that sort of program. And most of those programs are a "who you know" type deal.

One family here, purchased a condo for their 15 year old son, are faking a "divorce" and have the kid living in a city 2 hours away so he can play AAA in that city. So $350,000 for the condo, $28,000 for the academy, living expenses etc etc. All for the chance that the kid rises up to be a 1% elite kid.

All that seems completely NUTS.

To the extent that makes any sense at all... it's because your U15 bantam year is your WHL draft year. If you think your kid already has the chops to make it, and you just want to make sure he has the visibility to WHL scouts, maybe that makes a bit of sense. The condo you assume you're re-coup when you sell. Of course it more likely is just delusional parents.

None of that holds true for 12 year olds though.

You say your kid is top 5 for his age group. I think my kid is top 2 D on his AA team. That's pretty good, but nothing that says "spending tens of thousands of dollars per year is a good investment".

 

[cxreg]

How is the HPL working out for you so far?

We live in Edmonton and it seems like there's certainly enough talent for high level teams. Or at least high level enough for my son. I can see how that might be different in other areas.

It's definitely better competition than we'd have gotten staying stateside. The learning curve is high as the kids in that league have played together on full ice since they were 6 or 7, but that's what we signed up for. We're fortunate that its close enough to make weekend showcases a reasonable trip. There's a lot of hostility from the local associations both for us and our BC counterparts but at the end of the day we can each only make the decision for our own family and kids

 

[Yukon Joe]

It's definitely better competition than we'd have gotten staying stateside. The learning curve is high as the kids in that league have played together on full ice since they were 6 or 7, but that's what we signed up for. We're fortunate that its close enough to make weekend showcases a reasonable trip. There's a lot of hostility from the local associations both for us and our BC counterparts but at the end of the day we can each only make the decision for our own family and kids

I don't get involved in the politics much but I know there is grumbling between affiliated minor hockey, and unaffiliated leagues like HSL, JPHL, or whatever.

Since I come at it mostly from the affiliated side I know the grumbles are A: that people going to rebel leagues are just being taken advantage of - that people are making a buck off of you; but also B: that they're diluting the high end talent available to everyone, which just weakens the competition.

As I understand it the grumbling from the unaffiliated side is that affiliated minor hockey just isn't providing a good enough development model for any of a bunch of reasons (more ice time, longer games, full ice sooner, hitting sooner, whatever)

But I agree - you know your family the best and you make the best decisions for you and your family.

 

[LookintheMirror]

Stumbled on this thread. Good read. Want to chime in (involved in hockey for decades, lived in both AB & BC).

HSL draws some talented kids because parents love set schedules, non-game weekends to go skiing, etc. Parents also like that their kid doesn't play with younger kids (every other year), the earlier intro to hitting with same age, etc. HSL seems to put an emphasis on development over winning. Prefer sanctioned hockey myself, but appreciate that "rogue leagues" can maybe push Hockey Canada to make positive changes.

You sound happy with your choice, but there's no right or wrong "path" because because 99% of kids won't play competitively beyond high school. It's what works for a family and makes a kid happy.

Most parents wear biased glasses and many don't necessarily know how to judge hockey abilities/talent, but that's awesome if your son is indeed the "top 2 D-men" when he didn't make AA his first year. Typically, the future junior, college and NHL players have always made the top teams for their age, but there are late-bloomers. There are also many kids who are not as naturally-gifted at a sport, but work very hard to compete with more talented kids (where all that extra development you talk about certainly helps).

Still, the game DRASTICALLY changes at U15 with body-checking. A lot of kids who excel and have a ton of confidence in their game at U9/U11/U13 will struggle to adjust to U15. The kids who are smaller than average obviously have a physical disadvantage and will need exceptional speed, skill, and hockey sense to make up for the lack of size. Confidence is always vital is sports and being afraid of hitting can shatter that.

The kids who are bigger than average obviously have a physical advantage and usually aren't as afraid of the hitting, but they're often not as good at skating. They may skate too hunched over or too upright, and they don't have a good stride - shuffle or kick feet behind them, instead of pushing out from hips. Whether that's adjusting to their body after a growth spurt or just their body mechanics, I don't know. I just know that skating is THE #1 SKILL in hockey and gets more important with age. If you look at U18AAA and above, some may have better puck skills or a harder shot or more hockey sense than others, but they're all great skaters.

Your son might indeed be "very good", but remember that it's still completely relative. There are so many strong players for each birth year in one Canadian city, let alone the rest of the country and hockey-playing world. The most important thing is your son continues to love to play the game, makes lots of great memories, and learns all the valuable life lessons that come with playing a team sport.

It's not just non-athletic parents who live vicariously through their kids sports, plenty of parents who had some success in sports do the same because it's only natural to want our kids to succeed and we enjoy seeing them improve and cheering them on. It's just VERY easy to get caught up in the "arms race" (as another poster said), lose perspective about what matters, and become delusional about our kids.

 

[Yukon Joe]

Most parents wear biased glasses and many don't necessarily know how to judge hockey abilities/talent, but that's awesome if your son is indeed the "top 2 D-men" when he didn't make AA his first year. Typically, the future junior, college and NHL players have always made the top teams for their age, but there are late-bloomers. There are also many kids who are not as naturally-gifted at a sport, but work very hard to compete with more talented kids (where all that extra development you talk about certainly helps).

Still, the game DRASTICALLY changes at U15 with body-checking. A lot of kids who excel and have a ton of confidence in their game at U9/U11/U13 will struggle to adjust to U15. The kids who are smaller than average obviously have a physical disadvantage and will need exceptional speed, skill, and hockey sense to make up for the lack of size. Confidence is always vital is sports and being afraid of hitting can shatter that.

"Modified contact" was definitely a positive point for HSL, but I think we're happy with my son's decision to play in affiliated hockey.

When I mentioned "top 2 on his team" that I think I made it clear that was my own assessment, not anything that someone independent told me. But still I've watched enough hockey I think that assessment is accurate - in particular I think he's better than the two returning kids that played AA in their first year of eligibility. Coach just roles lines (as he should! these are 11-12 year olds), but my son seems to be on the ice to start almost every game.

But I also know "top 2 on his team" isn't saying all that much - there are 29 AA teams in the northern half Alberta after all. And "top 2 on his team" also means I don't think he's the best D on his team either.

He hit a big growth spurt this year so right now he's one of the biggest kids on the ice, and he's looking forward to full contact in U15. We'll see if he still feels that way when some of the other kids start catching up to him in size though. You can definitely tell that some kids are going to have a rude awakening in U15 though.

His club has two U13 teams, but goes to four teams in U15: three AA and one AAA. With four teams and as a returning player I would expect him to make one of the teams. He'd be extremely unlikely to make the AAA team as a first year, but supposedly the team takes one of the three AA teams as a developmental team - stocked with first year players with an eye to them making the AAA team the following year. So that'll be the next challenge.

Eh, whatever happens it'll be fun to watch.

 

[LookintheMirror]

"Modified contact" was definitely a positive point for HSL, but I think we're happy with my son's decision to play in affiliated hockey.

When I mentioned "top 2 on his team" that I think I made it clear that was my own assessment, not anything that someone independent told me. But still I've watched enough hockey I think that assessment is accurate - in particular I think he's better than the two returning kids that played AA in their first year of eligibility. Coach just roles lines (as he should! these are 11-12 year olds), but my son seems to be on the ice to start almost every game.

But I also know "top 2 on his team" isn't saying all that much - there are 29 AA teams in the northern half Alberta after all. And "top 2 on his team" also means I don't think he's the best D on his team either.

He hit a big growth spurt this year so right now he's one of the biggest kids on the ice, and he's looking forward to full contact in U15. We'll see if he still feels that way when some of the other kids start catching up to him in size though. You can definitely tell that some kids are going to have a rude awakening in U15 though.

His club has two U13 teams, but goes to four teams in U15: three AA and one AAA. With four teams and as a returning player I would expect him to make one of the teams. He'd be extremely unlikely to make the AAA team as a first year, but supposedly the team takes one of the three AA teams as a developmental team - stocked with first year players with an eye to them making the AAA team the following year. So that'll be the next challenge.

Eh, whatever happens it'll be fun to watch.

There can be more than one factor in who is on the ice to start games. Not necessarily who they think is "the best", but it certainly could be. If the coach considers your son (and presumably his D partner) the Top 2, that understandably makes you very proud. If he truly is "better than" kids who played a higher level before him, it proves that development isn't a "linear" process and that could EASILY change again next year.

It's often very obvious what kids are "better", but it's often very hard to compare kids at that age who are similar-level. It depends on how you define 'better" too. The one with more points (not necessarily indicative of good D-men at 11 & 12)? The one who *usually* makes less mistakes vs good plays in games (reaction/IQ)? The one who is clearly better overall with skating, puck-handling, shooting, and passing?

Some kids who are closer to the "total package" with the core skills could have more "potential" (higher ceiling), but also lack confidence. Those are often the kids who look the strongest in practices, but not necessarily in games. Confidence is derived both internally and externally (coaching, parenting, etc.) over time. With more confidence, comes more success. Of course, even the most talented and most confident kids can make bad decisions, bad passes, whiff on the puck, miss the net, take bad angels, get beat, randomly fall on their butts, etc. because it's a game of mistakes. Inconsistency is very common at that age too.

If judge your son and other players objectively (without the inherent parent bias) and he truly is as good as you think he is, then hopefully he will make the "developmental team" he (and you) desire. As mentioned, skating is THE #1 skill and keeps getting more important at older ages/levels. If your son is a VERY good skater (noticeable to everyone), has other strong skills as well confidence and he handles the extra pressure and physical side of the game, then he'll probably be AAA one day too.

Any parent willing to shell out a lot of $ for "high-level" hockey is very invested in their kid. I think it's important to teach kids to set goals and work toward them, but it's another thing to hang the entire minor hockey experience on an expectation that they'll play on a certain team each year. It can cause unnecessary stress, regrets, and taint the overall experience. Trust me.

 

[Yukon Joe]

There can be more than one factor in who is on the ice to start games. Not necessarily who they think is "the best", but it certainly could be. If the coach considers your son (and presumably his D partner) the Top 2, that understandably makes you very proud. If he truly is "better than" kids who played a higher level before him, it proves that development isn't a "linear" process and that could EASILY change again next year.

It's often very obvious what kids are "better", but it's often very hard to compare kids at that age who are similar-level. It depends on how you define 'better" too. The one with more points (not necessarily indicative of good D-men at 11 & 12)? The one who *usually* makes less mistakes vs good plays in games (reaction/IQ)? The one who is clearly better overall with skating, puck-handling, shooting, and passing?

Some kids who are closer to the "total package" with the core skills could have more "potential" (higher ceiling), but also lack confidence. Those are often the kids who look the strongest in practices, but not necessarily in games. Confidence is derived both internally and externally (coaching, parenting, etc.) over time. With more confidence, comes more success. Of course, even the most talented and most confident kids can make bad decisions, bad passes, whiff on the puck, miss the net, take bad angels, get beat, randomly fall on their butts, etc. because it's a game of mistakes. Inconsistency is very common at that age too.

If judge your son and other players objectively (without the inherent parent bias) and he truly is as good as you think he is, then hopefully he will make the "developmental team" he (and you) desire. As mentioned, skating is THE #1 skill and keeps getting more important at older ages/levels. If your son is a VERY good skater (noticeable to everyone), has other strong skills as well confidence and he handles the extra pressure and physical side of the game, then he'll probably be AAA one day too.

Any parent willing to shell out a lot of $ for "high-level" hockey is very invested in their kid. I think it's important to teach kids to set goals and work toward them, but it's another thing to hang the entire minor hockey experience on an expectation that they'll play on a certain team each year. It can cause unnecessary stress, regrets, and taint the overall experience. Trust me.

Just wanted to chime in on a couple of the points you made:

-development is not a straight line - absolutely! Some of the top kids my son played with 2-3 years ago are no longer the top kids. My kid tried out for a spring team several times, and deservedly did not make it up until he did. My kid noticeably picked up his game relative to his peers in the last 1-2 years, but no reason to think that will continue.

-I think my kid is good because he has good positioning, really good skating and rarely makes a bad mistake. But what do I know I know I have rose-colored glasses when it comes to my kid.

-confidence is absolutely key. I've actually noticed it with my middle kid playing U11 this year. He's feeling so much more confident out there to go and make plays happen, instead of just reacting and following.

-I hated seeing my U13 put so much stress on himself during tryouts though. I think I mentioned somewhere that he was told he made the team - but there were still 2 more cuts to come. He was just so visibly uncomfortable and nervous out there. I really would have been just as happy for him to go back to club and play with all of his buddies. He did start to relax after the first practice, and once he made the final cut he was flying.

 

[LookintheMirror]

Just wanted to chime in on a couple of the points you made:

-development is not a straight line - absolutely! Some of the top kids my son played with 2-3 years ago are no longer the top kids. My kid tried out for a spring team several times, and deservedly did not make it up until he did. My kid noticeably picked up his game relative to his peers in the last 1-2 years, but no reason to think that will continue.

-I think my kid is good because he has good positioning, really good skating and rarely makes a bad mistake. But what do I know I know I have rose-colored glasses when it comes to my kid.

-confidence is absolutely key. I've actually noticed it with my middle kid playing U11 this year. He's feeling so much more confident out there to go and make plays happen, instead of just reacting and following.

-I hated seeing my U13 put so much stress on himself during tryouts though. I think I mentioned somewhere that he was told he made the team - but there were still 2 more cuts to come. He was just so visibly uncomfortable and nervous out there. I really would have been just as happy for him to go back to club and play with all of his buddies. He did start to relax after the first practice, and once he made the final cut he was flying.

I’d say most parents wear rose-colored glasses, but if you’ve been told by knowledgeable coaches or skating instructors that your son is a “really good skater”, it must be true.

I remember a kid I coached who was the best player in the area from U9-U15 because he had incredible hands. I was in awe with his ability to shoot and handle the puck at a young age.

However, he was also the kid who looked like he was “running” on ice - swinging his arms and kicking his feet behind while skating upright. He’d get some speed, but looked clunky/heavy, never smooth & natural. By U15, he wasn’t a star anymore. It was a big shock for him and his dad.

As for the pressure, it happens everywhere in every sport… Kids might put a lot pressure on themselves because they love the game and want to compete as high as they can, but it’s often at least partly because of the parents who live vicariously through them or for bragging rights to say they made a certain team.

If you talk to parents of kids who are now grown up and (like 99% of players) never went far with hockey, despite the fact that they showed some talent or played “elite” hockey as a kid, I bet many would tell you that they wish they could go back in time and not take it all so seriously.

 

[Yukon Joe]

I’d say most parents wear rose-colored glasses, but if you’ve been told by knowledgeable coaches or skating instructors that your son is a “really good skater”, it must be true.

I remember a kid I coached who was the best player in the area from U9-U15 because he had incredible hands. I was in awe with his ability to shoot and handle the puck at a young age.

However, he was also the kid who looked like he was “running” on ice - swinging his arms and kicking his feet behind while skating upright. He’d get some speed, but looked clunky/heavy, never smooth & natural. By U15, he wasn’t a star anymore. It was a big shock for him and his dad.

I'm not here to brag about my kid. A couple different coaches told me he was a really good skater last year.

Of course what he definitely does not have is "incredible hands". He rarely scores goals. He has developed quite a hard and heavy shot that he didn't use to have, but it's frequently high and/or wide of the net. We'll see how his development goes.

Like I said I totally agree that the best kid at age 8 isn't necessarily going to be the best kid at age 12, or age 16.

 

[LookintheMirror]

I'm not here to brag about my kid. A couple different coaches told me he was a really good skater last year.

Of course what he definitely does not have is "incredible hands". He rarely scores goals. He has developed quite a hard and heavy shot that he didn't use to have, but it's frequently high and/or wide of the net. We'll see how his development goes.

Like I said I totally agree that the best kid at age 8 isn't necessarily going to be the best kid at age 12, or age 16.

Right on. I’m sure those coaches know what they’re talking about… and really good skaters are usually obvious to everyone anyhow.

Defensemen certainly don’t need incredible hands. Shot accuracy will improve with age.

Yes, the star players are often dominant from an early age, but the rest of kids can develop at such different rates.

No matter where your kid ends up playing next year and beyond, enjoy the ride! It goes by fast.

 

[grampsknows]

This is a bit of a long shot but I'll throw it out there - does anyone have any experience with the HSL (Hockey Super League) in Alberta or BC?

It's not recognized or supported by Hockey Canada. It's supposedly an "elite" development option for kids. Kids play "showcase"-style games where they play 4 games over a weekend once per month with practices the rest of the time. Sounds like lots of travel is involved.

I ask because my kid has gotten invites from a couple of different teams to come and try out. I know it's grown a lot, but because we've always been in Hockey Canada accredited programs I don't have any first hand experience with it. I'm 95% sure we'll stick with what we know, but curious if anyone did have first-hand experience.

HSL - Hockey Super League : Website by RAMP InterActive

Website by RAMPInterActive.com

hockeysuperleague.ca

So far it’s been a positive experience for my grandson. Excellent coaches who have played and been trained, team trainers nutrition and education clinics dry land, gymnasium workouts, concussion clinics, refs overseen by mike civic former nhl referee, non parent coaches which has been great away from the clubhouse dynasties of same coaches with their kids moving up inspite of ability. It’s bees teeth r a fresh air back into his interest in playing. Sure it costs more but their are pluses no cash calls no bottledrives. Some big expenses coming up for a trip to Vancouver and Merritt for showcase tourneys but if yer in a association and do two out of town tournaments thst adds up

 

[Yukon Joe]

So yesterday I learned that the HSL (together with the JPHL) is building their own twin rinks in Nisku (south of Edmonton, by the airport).

This is pretty remarkable, all-in-all. Invariably rinks in Canada are owned and operated by the local municipality, and are operated at break-even or operate at a loss. But because the rinks are for the benefit of the entire population ice time isn't necessarily kept for the top-level teams. They tend to prioritize the best ice times for young kids, public skates, and learn to play programs. That's also why my ice times are all for 10pm or later.

So on the one hand, this gives HSL quite an advantage (in the Edmonton area at least). They won't have to fight for ice times with Timbits and seniors. Although even then only 2 sheets of ice - there are by my count 30 sheets of ice in Edmonton proper - may not make as much of a difference as they think.

But on the other hand - as a parent I'd be wondering "so this is where my hockey fees are going?"

 

[Pez68]

What a racket. I hate the money grab that youth hockey has become. It's disgusting.

 

[Yukon Joe]

What a racket. I hate the money grab that youth hockey has become. It's disgusting.

I hate to call it a "racket". The teams tell you what you're paying for and seem to deliver on it. The one parent on an HSL team my wife talks to doesn't regret their decision.

It's just that one of things your hockey fees are paying for is a mortgage on a new rink. Even if they fully disclose that - is that really a good use of money?

 

[Pez68]

I hate to call it a "racket". The teams tell you what you're paying for and seem to deliver on it. The one parent on an HSL team my wife talks to doesn't regret their decision.

It's just that one of things your hockey fees are paying for is a mortgage on a new rink. Even if they fully disclose that - is that really a good use of money?

Absolutely not. I've been around the game for 35 years now. I've seen way too many of these individuals that open rinks arrested for embezzlement and fraud to trust any of them. Most of the rinks that were built when I was a teenager involved some kind of crimes being committed.