MashedTaters00

That’s the problem with this thread. Everyone thinks their kid is going to the NHL. everyone on here thinks that. Sorry to burst your bubble but that is not the mindset of all. My personal child is a 2011 but know many on this Pens team and similar birth years. I only could hope my child can have a similar experience. Like I said in a previous post, anyone who thinks their kid is going to the NHL isn’t thinking straight. There is so much more to these experiences. What drives me nuts is the disgruntled keyboard cowboys that think their child belongs somewhere they aren’t and blames everyone for their faults. Seems like another jealous human upset their kid isn’t celebrating in a city hosting a national championship. Semi finals 2 years in a row is a great accomplishment for that team and those players and families. NHL isn’t always the only goal. Most know that but won’t accept it. That’s too bad. Hockey is a great sport that offers so much more than just the NHL. Open your eyes.

Pucks11…. You are completely out of your mind. You are the definition of the title of this thread… DELUSIONAL. So fitting. The kids in the high level teams like Pens have earned their spots. Unlike the prep schools, the Pens are majority local and yet they are still competing in North Dakota. Totally shuts your theory and stupid thought process down. Clearly you have a kid that can’t hang with the Pens. That’s ok. Just accept it, move on, and play AA.

There is a lot of negativity on this thread as everyone tries to justify their decisions, both financially and developmentally. There will never be a consensus. It’s what works for your family and ultimately what you want out of the sport. Making it to the show is not a reality for most, but in reading this thread, there is one particular person with hatred for all. I’d be really curious what their goals are (no pun intended). AAA hockey offers way more than jockeying for a National Championship, but that is obviously a perk of playing for the Pens. And yes, if you pay that money, then there is an expectation of top skill development, wins and a chance at a national title. I haven’t researched the past, but would assume the pens are the team that has the best chance to compete at that level. I have researched the cost of other top organizations nationally including prep schools and the pens is a steal in comparison. It’s truly absurd what others cost. But what is often overlooked is what is behind the scenes. Putting the players aside, the skill and professionalism of dads that livestream games is incredible. I was interested in the banter from the pens and esmark arguments earlier so I watched those games. The pens out shot them like 200-25. Probably a slight exaggeration but not far off. The shot attempts almost doubled that number in pens favor. There were a couple questionable Esmark injuries that resulted in penalties and a misconduct only to have the injured players return in 5 minutes. That’s their gamesmanship I guess. Game was not as close as the score. But kudos to the pens broadcasting team. A truly entertaining experience. That alone is worth the cost of the program.