3 Boys

I think that is possibly a typo mistake, I believe the 16U team listed under Dean (coach) is actually the 15U team. But who knows. I just know the definitely do not have enough qualified AAA players there, possibly a few. More than likely those teams will still be ranked in the bottom 5%-10% of Tier I. I know the 18U team will definitely be down there considering who made the team.

Yes, He even got lots of Powerplay/Penalty Kill time last year and the powerplay gave up more short handed goals than goals scored. It was truly sad. The problem was the skating (especially for this kid) , alot of those kids could not keep up with the speed of the better, or I should say true AAA teams.

Yes! Crazy, his skill set is not at a AAA player. I can understand if he was even an ok player including the politics but that is not the case.

Again, so true. The U18 passed on what would have been one of the best forwards on the team because he went to the call back day for Vengeance tryouts which was the first day of the Icemen tryouts. That association is so petty and care only about making money rather than having competitive teams. Save your money, play on a good AA team that has a chance of winning games. Your kid will have much more fun.

Well, I believe the season fee is around $4,200 PLUS the coaches funds, usually another $500 to $700. Definitely not worth the money.

Very true... The Icemen will never field a competitive team due to the heavy politics. They kept 3 defensemen that can't skate with AA skaters let alone AAA. The one defensemen, he has no business playing on that team but his mom is heavily involved and close to the management at PHA, so he will make the team no matter what. It truly seems that PHA does not care about having good teams, only about taking everyone's money letting them think their kid will be playing competitive AAA hockey.

They should declare Tier II, all the Icemen teams should declare Tier II. Until they actually start beating the better AA teams that end up ranked higher than them in the final rankings, why would you play Tier I? Possibly for a money grab by the ownership? I would think you would want to start with having/creating a solid foundation in Tier II then make a move to Tier I.

Agree. This happened at the PHA Icemen team my son was on. None of the kids enjoyed the season whatsoever, it was truly sad. The coach did nothing to help bring these kids together and actually contributed to the division. Was a lot of money and travel to play "AAA" when you actually could barely beat any of the AAA teams and lost to the better AA teams. Hard lessoned learned. Definitely the PHA program is NOT worth the money. If you can find a better AA program around, like NP or Armstrong NB program your pocket and kid will be much happier.

Agree! If you want an instructor(s) that care about your kid and their development then Bruce and Ben Hanus are what you are looking for! My oldest started playing hockey at the age of 11 and after 5 years he was able to play at the AAA level and was invited to tryout at the 17 Boys Select Team for Mid-Ams. My other boy also plays at the AAA level after 4 years of playing hockey. They both are always complimented on their skating by all coaches/parents. I contribute their success to Bruce and Ben Hanus. Now as the above poster stated, your kid has to be in the effort and WANT to get better to get the maximum amount of growth. But I firmly believe that Bruce and Ben have the formula to make your boys better. In saying that, it is a huge financial and time commitment because don't expect your child to get better and grow to their full potential by only attending powerskating lessons one time a month, it won't happen! You have to have the kid there once a week or at the minimum 3 times a month. I guarantee your kid will get better and if he/she wants to get better you will see even more growth! Of course, just my opinion and what I have experienced and learned over these past years.

Agree! My Boys WANT to play. Let parents be responsible for their kids.

And I do believe the 16U Icemen team is going to be very competitive and MUCH better this year.

I know for sure that the 14U and 16U Icemen are playing AAA not AA.