I thought his comment odd, too, in light of exactly what you said.
Politics comes into play every where you go. If you are picking between the same level of talent, some other factor comes into play, including I know this kid and his family thus they are a known entity. But it could be lots of things, like ...your kid is a known trouble maker...you are bad in the stands....etc.
This is a small hockey town. By the time your kid hits U18, everyone knows someone who knows your kid.