Leaderboard

You exhaust me. And nothing I say changes your opinion. You just skirt around with your accusations. And I’m done trying to converse with you. But I would like to clarify 2 points: 1. Posey was not chased out. He priced himself out. When the board pushed back on a line item he became upset. They were against raising costs any more than necessary due to rising ice costs. Both sides met several times with out an agreement. He choose to leave. End of story. 2. I think you have forgotten what NON PROFIT means. You continue to say “money hungry”. We do not see a dime. What comes in goes out by the end of the season. There is no profit. We are VOLUNTEERS. I did not get paid for any of the hours I put in for trying to help fix Posey’s mess last week. I pushed aside work for my paid job to help. I continued to pitch in even when I’m already overwhelmed with my oldest graduating and throwing his party and getting him prepared to leave for college. We are not all self-serving, money hungry parents. We really do have the kid’s best interest in the for front. Posey leaving does not affect my child in any form or fashion. He’s on the Viper’s end and his team is secure. I could have washed my hands and said, “not my monkey, not my circus” but my concern is making sure that the kids were affected by this in the least possible way. There are several of us working hard on this even though our kids have no ties to Posey. You speak of ethics and what’s good for the sport but scoff at it when it’s demonstrated. There’s nothing anyone can do to help you see past your haze of anger.

Its all in what you and most importantly what your son wants , my son had a offer from a top 5 team and two top 25 this offseason. Because of the recent coaching hire at 15u , he decided to stay. I believe if he played for any other Pittsburgh team aside from the Pens he doesn’t get the exposure and offers.

Peewees and summer hockey. ?

I'll give everyone 1 guess as to what team Hockeyguy, kid31005 and LOLya's kids all play for. I mean, come on folks........ you can't think we're that stupid? We may be idiots, but not stupid.

I do think the playing experience of a coach is very much overrated. I'd take a coach with good coaching history over a good player any day. With that being said, the lack of playing experience isn't what makes Posey a poor coach. I have no problem exposing a bad coach who is overpaid, but I think it's crazy that people come on here to bash board members of clubs. These are volunteers, who almost all have the players best interest in mind at all times. There are always going to be a few bad ones, but the majority are very generous for donating their time just to get bashed by parents who had a bad experience. Maybe those parents should donate their time to help out instead of complaining about everything.

This is the best comment on this entire thread... the term perspective was used and that is 100% on point. Some stuff isn't for everyone, and the player should dictate where they are playing and at what level. Then the ability for a family to allow that to happen comes into play. Let the player "drive the bus" and then use that to help shape the decisions being made based off of an individual situation. My son has aged out, but but started at a smaller organization and was very often the best player on the ice even when skating with kids 2 years older than him, we then made the decision to decline an offer from PPE and play PAHL AA for a few seasons at a larger organization and then he ultimately did move on and play on a few different AAA teams before he aged out. Had chances to play junior at different levels, but we were lucky that he was a good student and he decided to just focus on school after graduation. Very happy with the path he took and the friends both him and our family made through the journey. The cost, which was significant, was more than worth it when you consider the experiences, friends, and other connections all of us were lucky enough to make through hockey.

We played AA from Bantam on. It was appropriate for his dedication level. He had talent to potentially play higher but not the passion. That’s fine with me. He had a blast. Made great friends. Played two other sports. Went to proms and homecomings etc. Hes going to play either D1 or 2 ACHA depending on his dedication level. I’m fine with either one. AA tended to cost us around 3K in fees. A couple years we played independent and PAHL so more travel was needed but everyone understood that. Some years we did 3-4 tourneys with 1 or 2 in town. Some years we did 6-8 mostly out of town. From Bantam to midget we lost about half our kids. Some to whatever AAA. Some to school full time. A few just had enough and focused on other sports. Had my son worked harder and wanted some level of AAA I would have supported it. To me hockey was red about an expectation of NHL glory. It was about the time we spent together. That was worth every dollar. He played travel baseball for a while and my daughter played travel softball. I spent a lot of money. The same I would have spent on a nice vacation every year. Adults make decisions. I’m glad we do have some intelligent discussions that newer parents can get info from. I often wonder why the bulk of this board is slamming PPE or “faux” AAA but to each their own. The fun part is my grandson played his first year of mites this year. I have the experience now. I also laugh at the ridiculous mite parents although my wife reminds me that was us 12 years ago. if your kid is playing now then cherish the time and understand they probably aren’t going to play in the NHL. Understand that there are great camps and skills development but also understand that their are people out there who will tell you anything for dollars. Sit back and get your joy from the joy your kid has. Isn’t that what it means to be a parent? If you are constantly pissed off about coaches/playing time etc. really talk to your kid. Are they really pissed off too? Ultimately listen to your kids. Understand what they really want. Fill that need if you can. If your kids aren’t playing anymore than relax and offer sage advise. Don’t just say xyz sucks. Tell them why and don’t say it if it sucked for you because of whatever. Give them a little more perspective.

Yes up 75 percent before the conflict .

Watch yourself on this with other parents - competition, most are only looking out for their own.

Yes, 100% agree. One other thing I would add is if you are interested in moving to a different organization or a higher level, take the time to talk to another parent who has a kid on that team, or in that organization and see what they say and what their view of that team/organization is. There's always a chance that a given team at a higher level might not be a good fit for numerous reasons, but the biggest issues I've heard about over the years have been: 1. Coach's style isn't a good fit. 2. Player wasn't ready for that level of intensity/commitment. 3. Not a good fit with other players/parents. 4. Financial commitment/travel schedule. Parents definitely need to do their research prior to making a decision because each of those issues can be addressed prior to jumping somewhere. Don't be afraid to reach out to a head coach and ask to speak with them get an idea of their philosophy on coaching and other aspects of what a season would look like.

My kids have all aged out, but here's the advice I would give: Play at the highest level that your player is capable of playing and your personal economic situation allows. If you enjoy traveling on weekends and spending time with the parents, then do it. If you don't or your personal situation doesn't allow it, then don't do it. Hockey has changed, and the correct path isn't always a straight line anymore. Hockey, and ALL youth sports, has become a business and that's not going to change. If your player has the skill to play at a high level, do it... if your financial and social situation allows you to do it, do it... if you and the rest of your family are comfortable with it, do it. All anyone on here can do is give advice based off of what their experience and knowledge tells them. If someone doesn't agree, that's fine, but instead of attacking, share the difference of opinion and debate, no reason to get personal or go on the attack. Ok, back to hockey... With all the tournaments that are available now and with LiveBarn, if a player is really talented they more often than not get noticed. Players from PAHL teams get invited to Mid-Am Evaluation Camp. Very rarely do those kids get chosen, but they get the opportunity. From what I understand from speaking to evaluators the difference tends to come from the difference in the intensity of the game as the level of play ramps up. Regardless of what you have to say about "faux AAA" teams, if they are ranked in the 40's to 60's and the PAHL "AA" team is ranked in the 120's the difference between the teams is usually due to the teams strength of schedule. With a more difficult schedule usually comes a higher level of intensity and can a "good AA player" adapt to the speed, physicality, and intensity of a "AAA" game?

I would say so. If you are still good enough to get to D1, Major Junior, or pro, that will be obvious somewhere along the line no matter where you play.

whole organization

Ever want to meet up for a beer just let me know, you seem like a real hockey guru. by your comments all you do is look at stats and did not watch many games.

takes a real corncob to bash other kids and teams that your kids wont ever play against or be apart of. why all the angst pucks11? my son loved playing for that coach. did he waller out your mrs or something?

I just mean they will be criticized either way. Criticized if they stay PAHL and criticized if they play independent

if they were smart, they would all stick together and continue playing AA pahl and independent AAA teams like the 05 renegades did, chase another tier 2 national championship.. otherwise they will get lost in AAA hockey and never get the chance to experience another national championship run. but parent egos will get in the way as usual..

The true tell is that this team finished below every A+ Black team with the exception of 1 in the MyHockeyRankings. And that was with playing low level teams all year during the season with their "independent" schedule.

Let's wait and see if North Hills survives tryout season. Other that the older Esmark age groups, NHAHA as a whole is on unsteady footing.

Implementing AA Minor PAHL divisions at 12U and 16U would help the issue of better BY teams at the bigger clubs going fully independent/AAA. BY teams make it easier to schedule independent games for good teams Parents seem to gravitate towards BY teams AA Minor division will let the better BY teams in their minor year stay AA, stay in PAHL, and schedule an aggressive independent schedule on the side Not saying BY teams are good or bad. Not saying AA Minor divisions are good or bad. Just saying this would keep more of the good teams in PAHL.

they do have dad coaches there, maybe you should go save the program from ruin?

Because you can get the same or better hockey development while playing most of your games within an hour of your home. Common sense.

Why not go independent and play the top 20 07 teams in the country like they have been? Sounds like a choice for them not for us.

We can all sit in front of our computers and post what the divisions and groupings should be, but it hasn’t and wont happen in PAHL. so why rehash it every season at every age? Unless you’re in the parent/coaches meetings or organization meetings where these things are determined what does it matter? Why no mention of shaha going independent and being ranked below that badger team still. I guess they get a free pass?

Erika Lloyd played in Germany. She gives lessons at Palmer

Congratulations. You're the best team in a weak birth year. Why not join 16uAA next year and play the 06s if you need a challenge?

Some Deep Thoughts from the weekend results. - Cheers to the Pittsburgh kids who won banners while wearing a jersey from another city. That's sad but maybe an indication that the development model in Cranberry needs a tweaking. - In Tier II at 18u, the best two teams both stumbled. Will Mid-Am make a case to get at least one at large bid? - Who would win in a game between the SCIR 05s and the NP 06s ? That would be a good game. - Who would win, truly, in a game between Preds 304 and Preds 18u AAA ? That too would be a close one. - Allegheny 07s congrats on your win but your results 3-1, 3-2, 3-2, and 3-0 are underwhelming. Come back to earth. PAHL will save you a seat in 16u AA next year.

The Badgers parents egos are not big enough to move to AAA, they would much rather play down and win championships against lesser teams. They have racked up 101-16-13 record with a plus +393 goal differential over the last 2 seasons.

I wouldn't let my kid play for that coach but if I had a kid/friend on the team I would tell them to push themselves. What fun is there in killing teams in the regular season games. They could be independent and play whoever they want anyways. After 2yrs of dominating a division they should want to challenge themselves and make their kids better. Some of the best AAA teams in the country don't even have all AAA caliber players. Most teams have 1 or 2 really good lines and the 3rd/4th are there to take up space and a little time. If they want to play as a AA team then don't schedule AAA teams and keep collecting hardware while your kids don't get better.