John Russo
The last of community-based hockey
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist
Most of us in the upper Midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota) don’t really understand the difference between community-based hockey (CBH) and non-community-based hockey because we have never seen the non-CBH. Our kids grow up in their association, then play for the local high school (or a few for a “local” private school).
For most of the U.S. there are mostly for-profit youth “companies” that charge large amounts of money to play. There may or may not be youth associations at the Mite and Squirt levels.
End of season topics
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist
• Gopher Ticket Ransom
It appears that the University of Minnesota will be going through with their ransom of seats for next year. That will make them the very very highest priced hockey ticket in all of college hockey (they already are before the extra cost).
It is interesting that Pat Reusse had an article recently in the Minneapolis Star Tribune bemoaning the same issue for basketball. He also called it ransom; and noted that many long-term season ticket holders would not be renewing. It looks like nobody likes to get fleeced!
Concern for hockey’s future – Part I
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist
I think I’ve written about Mites in each of the past several years. The reason is that I have great concern for our great sport’s future in many areas – and I have some concern for how young players are developing. I want to comment about both. While this is mostly about Minnesota, it applies most everywhere.
Concern for hockey’s future – Part II
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist
Last week I expressed a great concern for our sport’s future in many areas, especially southern Minnesota and northern Minnesota. I believe the answer is at the mite level. I listed and discussed:
• Costs as a deterrent to parents signing their youngsters up. Sticks at $200 each, for example, as well as other equipment, fees, etc. We are becoming a rich family sport.
• Population decline in some areas, especially northern Minnesota. We need to renew our efforts to increase the percentage of players choosing hockey.
Coaching defensemen
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist
Most defensemen coaches are assistants at almost all levels. While they may also be in charge of the penalty kill and/or some other aspect of the team strategy, their primary duties are working with and directing defensemen, including during games.
Consequently, there are several pretty specific and a few more general things that they must do to optimize the defense group.
