nemesis8679

There should be icing on a pk. Makes the players get creative and make a play. I can see the NHL going to that someday.

That "no delayed offsides" is the dumbest thing in youth hockey.

Or afraid of being embarrassed.

Well, it's better than "DAWGS".

I've seen him work with kids, looks like he really knows his shit and gets them going. That said, when I've been around, he seems like he's usually working with older kids- maybe a bit intense for squirt or peewee? I only mention it because he seems like a great coach. But if he coaches young kids (that just want to play hockey, or who are there because their parents make them) like the older kids, I could see where maybe they'd get burned out after so much of it? Again, by all accounts he's very good, and I only mention it because as much as I've thought about signing mine up for one of his summer camps, I've also considered 14 or 15 to maybe be a more appropriate age for that type of training? But I don't really know, or any know nobody to ask who's had that experience with a 12 or under kid.

Been going to PIA for several months at least once a week. The rink is pretty segregated from anything, never had a problem there. Surrounded by woods and houses with yards. Troublemakers would have to go out of their way to make a trip to the arena. My easiest way to get around any troublemakers is not stop at the Sheetz or the businesses on that main drag. Driving from the 28 off-ramp to the arena, walking into the arena, and back, I've had no issues. So unless the issue is with the youth hockey teams based out of there, the town of New Kensington is irrelevant.

Sounds like the Marijuana smokers were piss-poor teammates beyond just smoking Marijuana if only 2 kids wanted them back, and 2 players quit the team over it.

Opportunity is Kazakhstan is there, if not bizarre... https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.barstoolsports.com/blog/907141/khl-team-slaughters-a-sheep-on-the-ice-before-practice-hockey-guys

I can certainly see the points about playing the highest level you can, pushing yourself to achieve higher, or simply loving the game so much that you want to learn every minutiae involved- that's a good thing.

I would guarantee that not nearly all the best players would be on a team like that, because of financial considerations, being told where you must attend school, etc. Just consider how many great players never even got to that level to even consider this option because of finances or level of time commitment. Also, if you were moving from Kazakhstan, Canada, Russia, or wherever just to play hockey- why relocate to Pittsburgh to do it? With all the other options available? Just seems weird to me. And for what? A 1/10 of one percent chance you'll ever even see a shift in the NHL, let alone a career?

I think it's pretty jive to expect someone to attend a religious school to play hockey.

All very good information, I really appreciate you all sharing info!

What are the deciding factors of playing Birth Year or, say, 12u?

Thanks everybody, this is a lot of help.

Fafa, I've heard a few good "reviews" of NP. It's definitely a consideration. Butler Valley is probably out, we'd need to know what the schedule is for sure. In addition to the ice hockey team, he has a skills coach once a week and two ball hockey teams that he plays for. So a reliable schedule is a must. And yeah, 9:30 pm is definitely a late start for that age. That rink is a good 30-40 minutes from us (not that some others aren't, but that late start would be a killer) , so I think I can cross that one off the list. Thank you very much for your insight.

Reg- thank you! That was very informative. I really appreciate it.

So my son is an 08 (or 12u) and is currently playing with a devo team. He's looking to play in a more competitive environment. He'll likely be playing middle school PIHL next season but is also looking to play for one of the local PAHL teams. All of the area teams (North Pittsburgh, Vipers, Renegades, RMU, etc.) I pretty much know nothing about. So, I figured I would ask the members here if they've had experience with these organizations, and what kind of experience they've had. Are they organized? How much distance traveling (one weekend a month, or more) ? Do the coaches know what they're doing? Do they have the right balance of seriousness vs. fun? That kind of stuff. What did you like, what didn't you like? Thanks in advance.

Maybe if the schools actually promoted the hockey teams, they'd have an easier time doing NCAA Division 1. Hell, you could get a crowd if it was marketed.

Having to go to a catholic school to make a hockey team would for sure shitcan any ideas I'd of had for playing on that team. Just sayin'.

Why did they shoot it down?

Investigate them for what, exactly? Specific examples, please. I'm seriously asking, I don't understand.

You could say that parents putting their kids on AAA teams that aren't reaallly AAA teams and the coaches/adults leading the charge are the most classless of all.

Shouldn't be game over. That's even more embarrassing. Just don't put it on the board. Or, something like if you go up 10 and you're the coach, don't be an asshole. Pretty simple.

Wow. That report reads like every game is played at Wells-Fargo Arena.

What did he do?