RelaxItsJustaGame

In addition to Esmark 16's beating PPE, the 18's also won their match up, 1-0 in a shoot out vs PPE. Pretty strong weekend all around for Esmark as the 11U and 12U teams each won their respective championships while the 13Us look to have lost in the finals.

If the location was such an issue, why try out for the team? Seems odd a family would decline a spot after it was offered for this reason.

Real interesting take on this chart at the 33:15 mark of the video. I think he does a good job of interpreting what these numbers really are, while also pointing out many things continue to be out of whack due to canceled playoff season 2020, additional eligibility for players etc. nothing is ever cut and dry, especially in youth sports. There are plenty of spins to be had, but what I can safely say is there is not one path that is the best fit for everyone. Sadly, sometimes skill and being a great player is just not enough to make it through....many times it is the things out of players control that ultimately decide who moves on and who does not......being at the right place at the right time, who you know, who is fighting/politicking on your behalf.

I admit, the first two are bad for the area.....the PIA thing is actually great for that rink as lifelongbender is right, it needs TLC. BBS appears to have a great model and can absolutely provide stability to the rink....the question would then become if one group controls too much of the ice our area could that be a bad thing, rates are already pretty high.

Pittsburgh Hockey has suffered two big blows this week, and rumor now is we are about to get another. First up is the Pittsburgh Penguins first round elimination from the playoffs. Fan opinions aside, this likely has a significant effect on enrollment numbers. Make no mistake, a deep run in the playoffs would absolutely produce a small spike in youth enrollments in the various learn to play hockey programs & little penguins programs across the area. Next up would be the shocking announcement out of RMU canceling Men's and Women's D1 Ice Hockey And now there are rumors that Pittsburgh Ice Arena sold this week to Black Bear Sports.... Lots of action in PGH this week!