| Original Message |
Anonymous (no login)
Posted Jul 8, 2009 11:49 AM
Yes, there are way too many teams, and MAA is more watered than it should be. I agree there are not enough quality MAA programs, which does unfortunately add too much incentive for good young players to move up too soon.
Yes, the current system should be fixed to encourage more quality players to remain at the MAA level and help in the longer term development of players.
Yes, IAA coaches are picking these young players because they are capable of playing at the IAA level now.
However, what you are failing to grasp is that every player has a choice. Do you want to choose what will develop your abilities to their full potential when you are 18, or would you just prefer to play IAA ASAP because you can? You can bitch that it's the fault of the system, but ultimately you (and only you) still should have an interest in what's in your own LONG-TERM development best interests as a player.
That IAA coach is not. He needs to fill this year's roster with the best players possible to field a competitive team RIGHT NOW. So if you are currently equal or better than the 17 year old he could have taken instead, you get a roster spot. If that means you warm the bench in key situations, so be it. Your primary unstated role may well simply be to provide valuable rest time for the stars. He may not even be coaching that IAA team by the time you graduate, so what would have been best your long term development is really of little concern.
Fortunately, more young girls are realizing this and playing MAA first, given the disappointing track record of progress of 15 year olds in the PWHL before them as a whole. Contrary to your belief, fewer 15 year olds are actually making the jump directly to the PWHL than was the case 3-4 years ago. And many of the very best young players over the last couple of years DID NOT play in the PWHL. For example, on last year's Team Ontario roster, 12 of the girls selected had not played in the PWHL the previous season. MAA obviously did something for their development, despite whatever problems in the system which exist.
It's your choice. Their really is no reason to rush. |
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