To: ForestLake Hockey Association BoardFebruary 6, 2008
Parents of ForestLake hockey teams
Fr:Steve Bakken
Forest Lake Peewee-C Coach
Re:Alignment of the Peewee and Bantam teams
I would like to address the current structure of teams that presently comprise our Peewee and Bantam programs. I do not feel as an association that we are doing anything wrong or incorrect; however I do feel we can set up these programs better and enhance the experience for the young hockey players and parents alike.
Below is how our current team structure is for our Peewee and Bantam programs
With structure like this, the B and C level players are placed at a disadvantage.
1)This structure places all four teams at a separate level.
2)Following district-2 rules teams can only in house scrimmage teams that are at the same level.
3)Does not allow for full ice practice or in house scrimmages.
4)Scrimmaging gives the players real game scenarios and would better prepare them for league and tournament play. The current structure does not allow for this.
5)By creating a B-2 team you weaken the C-program creating frustration as these teams face other programs that are set up differently.
6)This structure gives less pride to those who try out and make the B level as half of all the players will be skating at the B level. At the same time it pushes the C players farther away from the rest of the player in their age group.
7)This structure severely weakens the C-level as ½ of the players that should be skating at the C-level have been pushed up to create a B-2 team.
8)This setup will only frustrate both the players and parents at the C and B-2 levels. With frustration comes the likelihood that the player may not continue to play this great game.
Here is how I propose that our Peewee and Bantam structure should be using the current four teams that we have.
1)With structure like this, the B and C level players are placed where they should be and will strengthen the C-program by allowing shared ice practices and scrimmageswith the same level players thus allowing important positioning and game scenario practice for the players that need this training the most.
2)The A and B program would essentially remain the same and in fact add more credibility and lend pride to those who make those teams.
3)The B-level would no longer be washed out andthose players making this team would have more pride as they have truly achieved something.
4)This alignment would strengthen both the B and C programs and heighten the level of competition at these levels.
5)This will create more competitive teams representing ForestLake. With the heightened competitive level would come greater success, pride and enjoyment for the players and parents, thus in the end creating more participation.
6)Just as you build any structure beginning with the foundation, I believe we also must build our hockey program in the same manor. By creating a strong base at the C-level and building up from there I believe we will have a much stronger presence in District-2 and will see players more excited about playing as they will experience more success throughout their season.
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