AAA Teams

[nemesis8679]

1 hour ago, stickboy said:

Bingo!  Mom and dad finally realize the dream is not attainable and pull back. 

 It’s the same thing every year. We never listen to those ahead of us that tell us exactly how it is. We think they are just bitter and it’s going to be different for us.  But in reality it is the same:  If at 15u/16u you aren’t a top player on Pens or at a top nationally ranked out of town program, Tier1Juniors/NCAA/pro hockey isn’t in the cards.  Yes, there are a few exceptions, but be honest: is your player the exception?
 

 

 

Not even that so much about the parents seeing the dream isn't attainable. But where before the parents gotta get Little Johnny to the Vengeance tryouts because those kids are "better" and clearly Little Johnny is better... At 15, 16 years old Little Johnny is now Adolescent Johnny and he's saying, "I want to make extra money, I want to hang out with friends, I like hockey but it's not the only thing I'm interested in that I want to put all this time and effort into when I have a bunch of homework and a part time job and want some video game time, etc."

 

And for the dreamers- I don't think most people realize what that dream really takes. Meaning the work, time, money, and commitment that is in your control nor the "have-it-or-you-don't" genetics and mind for the sport, and luck that is not even in your control. 

[Law]

5 hours ago, nemesis8679 said:

Not even that so much about the parents seeing the dream isn't attainable. But where before the parents gotta get Little Johnny to the Vengeance tryouts because those kids are "better" and clearly Little Johnny is better... At 15, 16 years old Little Johnny is now Adolescent Johnny and he's saying, "I want to make extra money, I want to hang out with friends, I like hockey but it's not the only thing I'm interested in that I want to put all this time and effort into when I have a bunch of homework and a part time job and want some video game time, etc."

 

And for the dreamers- I don't think most people realize what that dream really takes. Meaning the work, time, money, and commitment that is in your control nor the "have-it-or-you-don't" genetics and mind for the sport, and luck that is not even in your control. 

Really well said. And all true.

[Whyyyy]

On 4/19/2024 at 9:45 AM, Pucks11 said:

Serious question, what is going on with all of these 09 teams folding or not having enough kids? It's not a deep birth year as it is but reading everything on here it's anywhere from 2-4 full teams folding. There is no way that many parents are okay with their superstars playing on a mixed team.

Hotels are up, food is up, coaches are all wanting you to do private lessons. Are parents finally realizing Bob is not going to the NHL and they don’t want to travel? For the 2009, 2010 & 2011 the coaches  did not stand out so why keep paying these prices maybe?

[RefHannah]

Five Pens Elite players were drafted into the USHL yesterday. Most impressively they are all locals, not the usual out of towners we often see coming in for one or two years of exposure at Penns then leaving.  

Three former Vengeance players were also drafted.  All players who followed their ring leaders out of Alpha last year when things fell apart there. Doesn't appear any of the remaining vengeance players were picked. Would they have been picked if they stayed there, would others have been picked if they left, I guess we will never know.  But I'm sure there are more than a few options on this board.

One of those players counts in both categories, HMMM, so I think a total of 7 local kids picked. Probably a record draft class for the area. Kudos.

[twoboys]

40 minutes ago, RefHannah said:

Five Pens Elite players were drafted into the USHL yesterday. Most impressively they are all locals, not the usual out of towners we often see coming in for one or two years of exposure at Penns then leaving.  

Three former Vengeance players were also drafted.  All players who followed their ring leaders out of Alpha last year when things fell apart there. Doesn't appear any of the remaining vengeance players were picked. Would they have been picked if they stayed there, would others have been picked if they left, I guess we will never know.  But I'm sure there are more than a few options on this board.

One of those players counts in both categories, HMMM, so I think a total of 7 local kids picked. Probably a record draft class for the area. Kudos.

Think you missed a few.  I came up with 9 that have ties to Pittsburgh.  Although, I think one is an out of town PPE kid. 

Edited May 7 by twoboys

[Puck01]

I 2nd this comment so good to see this. Great to see this talent from the area. Let's try to be positive instead of being so mean to each other. 

 

[stickboy]

The 08 BY was one of the most talented to come out of Pittsburgh. It was one of the rare BYs where they had enough talent for 2 nationally competitive AAA teams of mostly local kids.