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And yet the NHL has a three week training camp. Practices on off days and morning skates. But hey they are only the best players in the world so they do not need to practice that much. It's about 2.5 practices per game. But our young amateurs can really grow with the 1:1 ratio.

it depends on how you SAY it.

All I have seen black bear do is come into town and buy as many rinks as they can to create a monopoly. They seem to raise the cost of ice time as soon as they buy the rinks. Once they control most of the ice rinks in the Pittsburgh market they will have a monopoly on ice time/rinks and continue to name there price. That is never good for the consumer. Most of what they do does not seem good for the sport including a league that requires more travel for a similar level of competition. They seem a lot like our local mlb baseball teams owner. Squeeze as much profit out of the consumer as possible. Good business but not good for the sport locally as high costs pushes athletes out of the sport.

Its only matter of time until AHF is in Pittsburgh and personally I see it as a good thing. Strong rumors that BB is looking at buying up a couple more rinks in Ohio and Buffalo area, so I could absolutely see an AHF West division happening. Maybe it will force PAHL to restructure a bit, or teams could probably play in both and get a nice variety of opponents and a hefty schedule.

Perfect. They'll be ready for beer league.

And another group - NCAA's have 4 practices a week (with off weeks and pre season practices about 2.5:1 ratio) but they are also horrible a record of developing players. Need to go to the 1.5:1 ratio since it is working so well with the WPA kids.

It's just another money grab but by black bear to make them more money and will and a lot more travel/expense. They are in it to pad their pockets.

the half season sounds like it could work in PAHL’s favor. AA teams cut down tournament costs, travel etc. maybe develop rivalries with teams across the state or Ohio line. In theory it looks like a good thing. Time will tell how it’s executed.

This is probably the easiest fix. Agree High School should only be 4 months long. amateur teams would just have to lose a few practice slots along the way in those months. You could bounce mid-school to spring. still buy same amount of ice, and amateur teams could have more ice for early season prep, and more practice and prep for playoffs/nationals.

lets be honest here. unless a team is in the top 40 of tier1 hockey they ARE NOT true AAA. yes there might be a few really talented kids in that mix. BUT team skills set wise no one below 40 is really a true AAA team.

Over 50 players. Took 17 best. Great turn out. Thank you to all who came.

wow so that makes 3 teams in PGH trying to field teams to go to this showcase now.....