BeaverFalls

i think there is a clear difference in being able to field x amount of AAA teams vs the Pittsburgh area having the talent to field x amount of players. Theoretically Pittsburgh could field 100 AAA teams. But the number of kids in any give age group that are legit AAA talent from the Greater Pitt area are probably closer to 20-40 at most. Some would argue far less. Not 100+ that would be indicative by having 5-8 AAA programs. Hey, people have the right to do whatever they want with their money. They just need to make sure they aren’t being bamboozled and flattered into something that isn’t reality.

True. I’ve been on that side of the coin at a different level (tier ii vs HS). That being said, I could understand missing our games for theirs. Im not going to hold a kid back in that regards. Their program’s insistence on skipping our games for their practices is what frosted me a little at the time. But hey, its in the past now and everyone’s got to make their choices; and im out of the coaching game so its not an issue for me anymore.

I think typically the hierarchy is PPE, then PAHL. Most programs i know go out of their way to adjust schedules so they don’t gave girls and co-ed the same dates and times. It does suck as a coach, but i think most of them at the rec team level are willing to take them for the 15 games they get them and not sweat the 5 they miss.

I’ve seen this as well, especially in the 12u ranks with higher end girls. So basically is it legal, yes. Do the programs have an issue with it? It appears not. Is it feasible? I have no idea how some of these families do it, playing 6-8 games a weekend in 2-4 different locations, but the only limitation appears to be money, time and caffeine.

I know of a couple individuals about similar age who played PPE girls, PAHL girls, and PAHL 10u/12u and Middle School. So, at that age group at least its allowed in that scenerio of teams.

My initial point is this generated “arms” race created by pushing dates earlier and earlier for fear of missing out on the “good kids.”

And your argument for?

Is incredibly stupid, but makes complete sense given the decision making in local hockey rn.

this should fall on midam; not pahl

I know playing in the OHL removes their NCAA eligibility but I don’t think that impacte USA Hockey eligibility.

So then this discussion begs, is it worth it for AAA or better to dominate in AA at probably substantially less cost/travel. Just a question. I have no dog in the fight. I’m sure there are advantages and disadvantages to both.

That also is huge. Small programs that usually are only able to field 1-2 teams in a division usually thrive in the below AA and High A major levels just because of that. Larger programs usually are stronger up top but more uniform in skill as you go down the teams and usually struggle a little more against programs with solo teams.

Also, let’s not understate the power of coaching and ice time especially if you’re questioning this point of the year. Good coaching and lots of practice can definitely cause a team to + up multiple goals per game. idk in this particular situation but I’ve seen it happen more than once that you get to see who is developing and who is stagnant.

It’s pretty much up to PAHL where teams are placed. I’ve seen it work where teams begged to be place lower, were refused and got smoked all year and vice-versa. Unless a team goes bonkers in pre-season or gets constantly crushed (talking 15 goal difference), then they end up where they are originally placed. To be fair, despite there being some lopsided scores, it’s a heck of a lot more competitive than it was 15-30 years ago.

From my experience PIHL has been more willing to discipline. Lets me honest. I can see the goalie getting away with a whack right after it happened. The 2nd and 3rd were definitely excessive and an intent to injur.

Womp womp. That one slash happened literally in front of the official lol.

I honestly think the game is way too fast now for most of these guys. Not their fault. But I think they’re overwhelmed.

I don’t have any issue with girls hockey in general. It’s just that regional teams and co-ops aren’t really scholastic hockey. I feel the same way about boys.

Let’s not fool each other. A girls PIHL division is an afterthought at best.

We’re getting to the point where we need to ban spectators due to viral assholeness.

I remember seeing Jagr in the first few weeks in Pittsburgh with Jay Caufield at the Golden Mile. How or why they were there is beyond me but they were on ripping solo. Jagr literally was the fastest thing I’d ever seen on ice and since in person.

How do you find these game sheets?

Also acceptable is having them play another sport or taking a break from competition in general. Wolves get more aggressive when they haven’t eaten in a while.

16u and above is a shit show in general.

At this point it truly is moot. Nothing can nor will be done about it. Continue to chat as you wish but just know it’s just banter at this point.