I have defended the organization based on the posts regarding the U18 coaches And teams specifically at the AA level, where there has been success. so I do give kudos to the Predators organization for that. And I do believe returning players will try to be convinced to play “AAA” for Gary. I do not think it’s right to pay gym fees or lessons fees as others have pointed out, but there’s inherent costs at AAA that are higher (more practice ice, more games, longer game, travel) which are advertised in the the registration (or should be). The added costs I feel that are acceptable are tournament fees, lodging, incidentals relating to travel, practice jerseys,etc. But I don’t feel that any player should be required to join a certain gym or go to private lessons as an added cost to be on a certain team. I also know there are coaches fees. But I really don’t think those are hidden? I don’t think parents are naive but I do believe that parents are willing to pay whatever they are asked so that there son can play “AAA.” So they are “AAA” on paper. But parents chase the extra “A” for the kid just so they can say he plays AAA. That’s what I see wrong with it. Bottom line, it’s a lot of money to play AAA hockey for a team that won 8 games all year.