PghHockey21

Thanks all for the insight it is very helpful.

Just for clarification my son was in a AA org but in his minor birth year and thus they placed at single A level. Not saying that is an issue as they were placed in the right spot. My son at times did seem to shine, obviously I am biased, so I thought it worth the shot to let him try. At the worst he now knows what the kids there look like on the ice.

1 hour ago, fafa fohi said:

Does anyone here really believe paying for the PPE PR machine and money game for their 9-10 year old squirt actually thinks "if my 9 year old kid gets into their system he has a great shot to make all of their future teams?"  Even after countless comments from those on this forum countering this?

Or is it about the dad being able to tell all of his friends that his kid plays for PPE while buying all of the hoodies and car stickers that let everyone know where his kid plays.  When checking comes into play everything changes for these kids.

It is pathetic and sad as there are so many solid youth ( yes, youth ) programs out there where you can get plenty of ice time and solid coaching at a fraction of the cost. 

I dont believe that I am actually asking the opposite. My question was is there any chance going forward aside from your kid being a superstar. I don't want to prevent my kid from striving for what everyone considers the top program in the area but I also don't want to fight against a made team year in and year out.

He has played for 3 years and is a 2013. He played last year at the A Major Black level and seemed to gain a good understanding of full ice. I agree that it is hard to understand where he stands in comparison with the tryouts being closed. Just seems like they mostly take kids from 66ers for the 9u team and then continue to mostly keep the same kids. Not saying those kids aren't deserving just wondering how likely it is for someone new to unseat them.

I know that there are many quality teams in this area but my son insists on trying to make it to the Pens Elite. The question I have is how likely is it to be able to make that team after not being a part of any of their teams? My son tried out and did not make it. Is it now near impossible to displace an existing kid the following year? I fully understand that the kids there are high level players, I am just trying to level set on whether it is worth trying in the future.