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Guest wrote: ↑Sun Mar 16, 2025 12:39 pm
Question from outside the 09 age group.
Let’s say you’re on a mid pack team. Youre considered a top player in your age group. Top on your team. Coaches love your kid. Solid parent group. You’re developing and you play lots. BUT, there is a lack of solid team structure, team systems and half your team is made up of lower level talent. Program is maybe run a little less professional and not much video review.
You’re being offered to play on a top 2 team as a top player and play first line minutes. Coaches also love your kid. Parent group is not so great. Team has a lot more talent than yours and they move the puck well. Play more possession hockey than your team. More opportunities to win but probably some easier games along the way.
I’m sure you’ve been in this place before and assume you might have advice. Leave a current mid pack team and good situation to play on a top team with more wins, better jersey and maybe better exposure.
Thoughts?
First thought is that coaches will say whatever they need to to get what they want. You can't trust them when they say your kid will get top line minutes.
Keep your kid on a good upper mid pack team. Having fun and developing, including learning how to win and lose well is more important than winning. Your kid will remember the environment and the fun, not the wins.
Email EVERY single coach and go to all the tryouts. Year after year. Coaches really like and respect that.
If you get on a team, complain about ice time. Coaches love that. It’s also a great look if you team hop.
He should work on building the muscles in his knees eh?