All that glitters....

[Gerard]

My son's one (and only) year in AAA hasn't exactly made him all bubbly. He's learned the politics of high-level hockey and, while it didn't effect him directly, it made him realize that all things are not equal. On or off the ice.

Next year he's done with 'regular' hockey and will hopefully be playing high school hockey in grade 12. He really missed it this year (school hockey) as he was caught in the glamour of AAA compared to the school team and, as a result, didn't really try during camp for the school b/c he wanted to see how things were at the AAA level. Thing is the better players actually stayed in the HS league!!

Next year he won't have the distraction of playing rep hockey as he'll be out of that age bracket. Here's hoping he makes the HS team. He said this year watching their games, in front of a packed arena, was tough as he knew he could have been there. Let's hope he uses that to motivate him next fall. Ahhh, the politics of life!!

[stugats1]

All the best to him OM..

[Leafs_Pam]

OM, I wish Matt the best of luck making the High School team next year.

[freshwind]

OM<
tell him not to let the politics sour him on the game.
My son is also not happy with the politics. Remember he packed it in at Christmas as he said the 2 VP's son's team was stacked and would "obviously" win?
Well, I was hoping his team would actually end up winning the championship, he'd miss it, and rush back to play. Well, the stacked team won, didn't have a great challenge. He has talked about possibly switching leagues, and/or playing high school as well.
I have told him if he truly loves the game, he needs to be involved, don't let the bad guys win!
OM, your son and mine are part of the potential future of this great game, let's hope their love for the game helps make it better than it is. Wish him all the best!

[Gerard]

Thanks for the words. I never worry about his enjoyment and know he'll be playing loads of hockey thru his lifetime. Nothing like hot fries from the canteen!!!! ;D