lferg

For some parents getting into elite programs is not about "elite" but rather about higher level of training and game. Most PAHL Orgs don't even provided ADM recommended level of development. Hence parents are seeking either extra training on the side, or trying to get into programs that offer better training opportunities. Nothing wrong with that.

My personal experience is different. I received an excellent post-tryout written feedback from one of the coaches who took part in evaluation, with specifics on the areas for improvements. I was pleasantly surprised. And contrary to a reasonable expectation, players very rarely get an individual attention, coaching or corrections during the large group tune-ups. Tune-ups are not designed for skills improvement. The objective and benefits of tune up is to prepare the player for the structure, content, pace, and types of drills that will be used in tryouts for the respective age bracket. There are so many kids participating in large group tune-ups, there is simply no time for coaches to do corrections. And if the kid is lucky to be corrected at all, it is not nearly enough to result in a noticeable skills improvement. Therefore, the effectiveness and benefits of a large group tune-up sessions is about the same as tryouts. Just count how many times coaches individually corrected your kid in next tune-up.

Considering that Pens tryouts are right before NP tryouts I would say go for it. Explain to your son that it's at a higher skill level. Tell him upfront that he will likely not make it, but it will help him prepare for NP tryout. This will not be a waste of time or money. Any tuneup at any rink would cost you the same or even more. If he wants to progress to a higher level he needs to be exposed to it. Taking Pens tuneup session is also a good idea, as someone suggested. You get the best value for the money there for sure. Go for it. And it will help him make a better team at NP next year.

Thank you! I see they do Heat Mold Boots and all kinds of stuff.

Bought very nice skates online. Anyone can recommend a good person/place to bake and sharpen them? Don't want to mess them up from the get-go ?

It's a good point. Not sure if the problem is stated correctly though. Or if this is the problem that needs to be addressed at all? This could be a vibrant discussion topic that would bring this forum back to life. Lots of opinions here on what the "problems" and "solutions" are...

Could this be related to the shift toward BY teams in some larger orgs? Looks like two Renegates 12U teams are placed as AA this season. Foxes also have two 10U candidate teams in Group 1 pre-season placement, assuming both teams are going for AA placement.

You don't need to visit to see the teams. There is a TV system, and I forgot the name of it, where you can sign up for $10-$15/month and see practices/games in ringhs that are hoocked up to it. PPE hocked up for sure. If you plan to move here, the best time to visit is late March - April, where your kids can actually go through next season tryouts. Just make sure you plan to be here over the durations of the entire tryout period. It is rarely over a weekend. Usually several days, depending on the Org. One weekend is not enough. Unless your kids are gifted, missing a day of tryouts will likely result in poor placement. Unfortunately, tryout schedules get posted in the last moment. It's hard to plan the visit much in advance. And with the older forum being down, the last spring tryout info is all gone. But other folks on the forum may remeber. Just ask, and specify the BY / category that your kids are.