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Truth is, at every level 95% of players aren't that far apart. Yes, you have the occasional standout, and you have the bottom. If you're in that 95% where you're mostly interchangeable at your position, then yes you need a connection and some luck. In every professional sport I guarantee you there are players on the bottom that could be switched out with players from the next level down, and no one would notice. It's like getting a job- if you or someone you know can vouch for you or recommend you, then chances are good you will get that job over someone with similar qualifications. People go with the "known", and the right connection somewhere can make a huge difference.

Yes. This ^^^ is very true and very important. You can have a great camp or tournament or showcase in front of scouts, but there are a zillion other players in the field as good as you. It is sad to say, but no matter how good you are, to get to the next level, you also need references from connected people. And even then, with good performance and good references, you STILL need a little luck. So, to all these one-off collections of birth-year superstars at PAHL orgs, let me say: if your coach does not have relationships at the tier II level in junior or NCAA D-I, you are already a few steps behind on your path to junior hockey.

PPE & Esmark will get you more looks along with a better chance to be drafted to a junior team agreed. That said getting drafted doesn't mean anything. I have seen multiple high drafts be totally embarrassed because they were drafted because of the high ranked team or Dad played D-1 with connections. There is over 100 Tier 3 junior teams & any above average PIHL player can make a Tier 3 team. Games are over in juniors & it doesn't matter who you know. If your good enough, you move up in Tier when the League above says you're ready. If You're not good enough Mommy & Daddies excuses will not help you. You can either play your Tier 3 career out until your 20 or pack it in. Just in USA not counting Canada there are almost 160 T3 - T1 junior teams. Each Tier there is a noticeable speed & skill difference. A special place where opinions don't matter only your skill.

That lesser player might not have a huge leg up but he might get a few coaches to look at him because of Esmarks connections. Ultimately it comes down to ability and desire no matter where they play. I'll be really interested to see what happens to that 06 SHAHA team down the road. Will they stick together through U18 or is this their last year. The core of that team has played together from U10 with the same Coach. Pretty unique in this day and age!

I don't remember Esmark ever being a huge draw in the younger levels. It was midget up.

Look, I know a lot of Tenders and draft picks never work out. Some are complete bs BUT look how many kids got placed into real junior hockey from last years Esmark U18 team. Last years Vengance ZERO. predators ZERO. Icemen ZERO. So yes, being at esnark matters. Not as much as ppe but it still does. Could that change ? Maybe, but Yuri & Dave have many connections in real junior hockey, they do get their players in front of the right people.

This message board could be renamed Western PA Hockey Gossip Queens.