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as far as i know all but 4 kids remain 2 kids never showed up of which one was from the cleveland area so thats understandable and 2 got cut thats hardly a lot of kids... as far as not playing for yuri are you kidding me? that man is one of the top coaches in the area my boy played for him years ago and im not going out on a limb here and saying he is the best coach my kid has ever had and that includes jrs ..never seen a coach so dedicated to his players and helping them move on also seen him help other players even when there was no chance of them playing for esmark the guy is all about hockey so anyone saying they dont want to play for yuri is just hog wash.. 20000 dollars where did you pull that figure from surely you have evidence to back that statement up...i never came close to that figure and all top tier teams travel thats part of the gig but $ 20000 thats just laughable and as far as tuition esmark has the lowest fees in pitt and they dont come after you later in the year for a slush fund... as far as shenanigans thats a blanket statement ..really ? what shenanigans?any one above please back up your statements i can guarantee you cant... this board is and always has been a cesspool of negativity and jealous and disgruntled parents players towards both esmark and pens elite organizations quite frankly its a testament to both organizations how relevant and competitive they are year in and year out in districts and nationals despite playing in a small market and that should be celebrated

Nothing within this topic is remotely accurate. There is often a false belief that the majority of the team always remains as tryouts are approaching--from rumors--and therefore players don't think they have an opportunity/or that there is not open spots. A LOT did NOT leave for the Barons. Players were cut. It happens. The majority of the core remains. I see no reason NOT to want to play for Coach Yuri. Those are your issues, not his OR those who have chosen to play on his team. The Esmark travel schedule is not $20K and the NAPHL has worked to REDUCE the playing days in a weekend. Russian imports DO NOT come to fruition UNTIL all other avenues have been exhausted. But I have heard that Arizona, Alaska & Illinois are A-OK! NO players were cut before or at Dec 31. Stop spreading rumors. Any shenanigans that occur are directly from sneaky parents/players. The Barons were recruiting long BEFORE any Mid-am team try-outs occurred...FACT! Board Moderators: STOP allowing folks to drag coaches, players, or organizations through the mud!

There is some truth to both sides here. Here’s the real facts. Esmark U16 (2003) had 16 2003 birth year players at tryouts. That’s it. 12 forwards 4 defenseman. The best 2003 esmark player did not sign up. He left on his own for the baron’s. 3 other players also did not sign back up. Yes, the core of the same 4 players are still there. Yuri in a attempt to fill the team is contacting any 2003 parent that will listen to what he has to say. I was one of them.

@Hoomie This was an unnecessary post. The only people banned were doing personal attacks and had been repeatedly warned. People post their own thoughts and experiences here. We can’t validate the truth of every post. A community like this will tend to self balance itself by people posting on various sides of a topic. If we know something (by our own experience) to be not truthful, then we will act accordingly. But we don't have the time, means or knowledge to police and investigate the validity of every single comment on this forum.

Yes, you allowed to spread lies on here. Don't call them out or you'll get threatened with a ban.

Moderators prohibiting negative comments would lead to a virtual elimination of discussion. For obvious reasons, we disallow criticism of kids as well as potentially libelous accusations against adults. And sometimes individual trolls. That's pretty much it. You, on the other hand, are always welcome to "correct the record" yourself, as you did above. I don't have the omniscience to do so myself, nor does @PaulBaxter