forbin

You're absolutely right, they aren't really accomplishing anything. The way I understood it is that teams will be listed alphabetically but still have their rating listed as well, therefore little Jaxton's dad will still be able to export to an excel file and "rank" them anyway which I'm sure he will gladly do.

I mean I wasn't gonna say anything.....LOL

There are some MAJOR ulterior motives at play with this "fundraising" by one person in particular who has weaseled his way into the program...

There’s one former NHLer in particular I could do without exploiting everyone in Pittsburgh and turning every single thing into a giant money grab….but that’s a different story. I think this is good news for SSA. Might help get more talent in the door.

I see on their site that the Vipers aren’t fielding 10U or 12U teams, but the Viper Stars are….what’s the story here?

Unfortunately that is EVERYWHERE with mites these days. Coaches and parents are completely nuts. I first hand saw the following this past season: -SCIR coach jumped over the boards to yell at ref -66er parents ridiculing players and making fun of opposing teams parents in stands at tournament -PREDS coach tossed for stepping on to the ice to yell at ref -SHAHA Dad tossed for walking onto the ice and pushing ref - Allegheny/SCIR coaches screaming at each other on bench - Allegheny parents calling player multiple obscenities' repeatedly -LCL coaches instructing their kids to take out opposing players (confirmed to be true after speaking with players after game) -RMU coaches getting tossed for arguing with ref -SCIR dad getting tossed for screaming at ref All of these at the red level and are 100% true. It was absolutely insane and it's no wonder why nobody wants to ref mite games anymore.

Locked to prevent any type of slippery slope from happening. I understand the Athletic is website that anyone can access (if you pay), however this player is still underaged and therefore it is against this websites rules to discuss him by name.

100% agree. This is the reason we left.

Wow I have never seen someone downplay the development model of NCAA D1 programs ?

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.

Do players develop more during games or at practice?

Those are some deep thoughts…. ill see myself out

Are these people seriously driving the 4hr plus round trip from Pittsburgh to Cleveland 2-3 times a week for Barons practices? That seems insane to me

Can 100% confirm this happens even at the younger age groups (10U). We were approached about my son and asked to come to team practices starting in Feb and talk with the coaches. We really liked what we saw and my son felt super comfortable. Coaches said he a great tryout and made the team. I don't see a problem with this, because we are on the "winning" side of the situation this time. Now the kid who had his spot taken because of my son, I'm sure his parents hate me.

Why is every thread turning into a pissing match lately? I feel like we are back in the days of The King ? @Pucks11and @hockeydadlife I'm all for debate and heated discussion, but lets keep it civil and leave peoples spouses out of the conversation, ok?

Is this the WBS Knights team?

unless you're PPE....

This is the understatement of the year. The problems start from the top down. Good luck to those younger teams this season, they may have some talented kids, but it's my understanding that some of those teams don't even have coaches yet....

Apparently just a different logo and more money?.... which is a shame.

I have without a doubt seen Viper Stars teams placed in PAHL A divisions, so just because they are a AA program doesn't mean they will be automatically placed in AA.

So you were specifically looking for A Major it sounds. Isn't that decision made based on PAHL placement games and not at the time of tryouts? How was it determined that the next team available to your son would be A Minor without playing any games? I'm not trying to belittle your decision to change organizations at all, I'm just wondering why you think it was predetermined as it sounds you do.

Curious as to why you word it as being "forced" into AA Stars?

So now PPE has dad coaches?!?

Did they bring in kids from other states to fill these spots?

The 2011 birthyear IS rather deep with talent all things considered. Does it warrant 5-6 "AAA" teams in this area? No, of course not, but that's not stopping people from doing it.