Wow this team is a power house. Just looked at their calendar and boy do they have a full schedule. I have a question it looks like the players are going to miss apx 23 days of school, is this normal? Is this good for the kids to miss so much school?

Dad, you signed him up on the team after all. Did you not know about the schedule before hand. Are you really concerned about the missed school days or are you just fishing for team complements so you can show little billy the thread while you pat him on top of the helmet.

It does sound like a lot of school to miss

People are free to do what they want. When my sons started playing hockey my wife told him he could miss one school day per year for hockey. Non-negotiable. School was way more important.

The amount of school kids miss for a childrens activity does seem boderline insane to me. But it is a free country.

What if your kid still gets straight A's?

What if he is home schooled? What if he doesn't like school? What if he took a job with the Bandits?

No eductaion needed going straight to the SHOW

Someone made the statement it is "borderline insane" for a kid to miss so much school. My point is that it depends on the kid. If your kid thrives in school and can easily handle the school workload even when missing a lot of class, what's the big deal? If the kid is struggling in school, I would tend to agree the priorities are out of whack.

and I would tend to agree your statement is just whack.

School is supposed to be more important. School isn't just about the grades even though that is the final measuring stick. Would you justify your position by saying his team is winning and he is a top scorer so he needs to be at hockey?

School attendance is important for lots of other reasons besides just grades. Your statement makes me think of the guy who thinks it is great his kid made the AA team because they won all their games even though his kid didn't get to play very much.

Huh? The whole point of grade school is to learn so your kid is prepared for high school. If a kid is aceing his homework and his tests, he is learning. AAA teams generally go out of town 8 times a year. Missing 8 -12 days of school is not going to affect these so called intanglibles you are now pushing.

You just can't stand the fact that some kids are smarter, more socially adjusted and better athletes than your kids and so you feel the need to rip on them and their parents.

9:43

You are exactly the type of parent who gives AAA a bad name.

Which makes dad feel better about himself while bragging around the water cooler during break time? 1. My kid is a straight A student. OR 2. My kid plays for the 96AAA team. They are a youth hockey powerhouse and I get to see Big Al and he said HI to me yesterday. The answer to this question is the determining factor in deciding how important the kid's education is to dad.

OK, you guys are right. You are the best parents in the world. If anyone does it differently than you, they are wrong, immoral and idiotic.

You forgot selfish.

9:43

"You just can't stand the fact that some kids are smarter, more socially adjusted and better athletes than your kids and so you feel the need to rip on them and their parents."

I suppose their "socially adjusted" skills were gleaned from you?

I always laugh at the "bragging at the water cooler" statement. Not that I disagree that it happens, but do these people really think anyone outside of the hockey world knows or cares what AA, AAA, etc even are? I don't think so

WOW 9:43 are you for real???

9:43 is all too real.

Just like the zoo on any day you can go out to the Valley and see them on display. Two big differences though are there are no cages or signs explaining their origin like the zoo.

this sound like an episode of Dr Phil...

Your kid apparently can't spell the word cat yet you are giving my advice on schooling decisions. And then are asking if I the one who is "for real." LMFAO. I love the line about grades not meaning anything!

By the way, my kid doesn't even play AAA and we aren't from "the valley," but he does travel quite a bit for hockey. He likes it, and I like it. So go shove it.

96 AAA tournament this weekend at Hardees. high quality 12yo hockey. Blues play Mission on Friday, their third clash in seven days. both games in CHI were hard fought.

11:10 try again you look like you missed too much school on your hockey trips

Looks like a lot of AAA kids will be in summer school next year.

No need for summer school Dad already has the NHL contract ready to sign. That is if they can write.

The original poster is obviously some jerkwad trying to get things all stirred up and the usual suspects are only too happy to take the bait. The fact is that all of us whose kids play travel hockey are squandering a college education over the course of 10 or so years. Some more than others but still a pile of $$$. Why? it's fun, keeps kids involved and active. lots of life lessons learned in the process. If we didn't do this we'd blow the money on something else. As long as my kid loves to play I'll fork out the cash. For me, the experiences gained while missing a few days of school for road trips is a good trade off as long as the grades don't suffer. So far so good. maybe different with your kid but that's YOUR CALL.

11:10- nobody ever said grades didn't mean anything. It was stated that grades aren't the only reason a kid needs to attend school, it is the final measuring stick but it isn't the only reason. Grow up.

and one other thing 11:10- my kid knows how to spell cat, he spells it P-U-S-S-Y.

11:10 whats the problem did your mom not hug you enough or was it too much, Relax life is short and no one wins

I have a game in the mens league out of town. I think I will skip work, heck i did it when I was a kid no big problem right? Someone else will pick up my slack.

Pick up what slack? It is grade school. It is an individual endeavor. And yes, you can tell if your kid is doing well in school by his report card. That's why they issue it.

Sounds like your business would be better off if you did take off more.

Now get off the computer and go teach your little Einstein how to add those two big numbers together. I am sure he will get it at some point.

I guess you don't get any vacation or personal time at your current job? Your analogy is pretty asinine. When you are in school other students are not responsible to complete your work. Depending upon your job, other workers may or may not be responsible to complete your work in your absense. Bottom line - it is up to each family to decide what is best for their children. You don't have to agree.

Congrats for winning the labor day classic there were some great teams on the tournament like the Minnesota Machine

Machine went 3-3 and placed 4th out of 6



There were 6 outstanding teams, but the fact only the Machine is mentioned is laughable because 3 teams beat them.

Hey you wanna know something. i have a brother on the 97 machine and im am foruante to watch the 96 machine alot in games and practices and if we had a rematch i would say the machine would win more than 3 games in this tournamnet

I think you guys do have an outstanding team. But the Machine 96 parents just need to realize to tip their cap when the other team is better. They spent all summer promoting their team on numerous message boards (I've seen them on at least 4 of the boards listed on MyHockey). Then, you guys play some of the best teams in NA and go 3-3 losing to 3 different teams.

I saw on your Minnesota board your parents had nothing but excuses for the performance in the tournament. No credit given from your parents to any of the other teams. And don't give me the BS "not playing with each other enough". I know for a FACT that at least half (3) of the teams in the Tournament had played with each other less in the last 1/2 year than the Machine. And it's probably 4/5.

There were a couple better players in the tournament not on the Machine, and a couple teams for sure on the same skill level. Enjoy the fantastic team you have, but your parents need to lay to rest the excuses.

I was there and saw all of the games, even though the Machine lost 3 games it was clear they had the most talent on an individual basis. The Machine is only together for the summer and they concentrate their training on stickhandling and skating, of course this tends to create individual play and when your playing teams like the Blues who play the game like the NHL with systems, breakouts and neutral zone traps it's tough to beat them. But really it's all about top level competition win or lose and it was sure entertaining hockey to watch.

3 games this weekend with Russell Stover '96AAA - Where's Vinnie - I got Blues -7 any takers?

the 96 blues are not playing NHL systems like the neutral zone trap, Al does not believe in that as it hinders player development, say what you want, they beat the Machine with one of their best players playing for the machine. A good team will always beat a talented group of indivduals, it has nothing to do with systems and a lot to do with moving the puck.

the 96 blues are not playing NHL systems like the neutral zone trap, Al does not believe in that as it hinders player development, say what you want, they beat the Machine with one of their best players playing for the machine. A good team will always beat a talented group of indivduals, it has nothing to do with systems and a lot to do with moving the puck.

the 96 blues are not playing NHL systems like the neutral zone trap, Al does not believe in that as it hinders player development, say what you want, they beat the Machine with one of their best players playing for the machine. A good team will always beat a talented group of indivduals, it has nothing to do with systems and a lot to do with moving the puck.

1:17, 1:17 & 1:20
So you say they move the puck? Now I guess we know dad.

Hey all these kids are going to the show, they dont need school

How is the 96 kid, who sliced his leg in practice last week, recovering?

Fine.....he actually played in a couple of the games this past weekend.

who is the best player on this team

what

I would say the Calgary team had as much talent as the Machine
St louis played a great team game the machine are fun to watch.
I would like to see the result if st louis came to Calgary for 6 nights?
They are all very good teams

Any one of them on any given day.

The tall, short kid that walks with a stutter and speaks with a limp. I think he is an offensive defensemen or a defensive forward. I have seen him in goal also. They are 12, all will change in the next 4-5 years.

I follow this team as an outsider and can't believe how the St. louis locals talk this team down. Do you realize this is probably the best team in the world at this age group. You should be praising and glorifying this outstanding assembled group of mostly St. Louis kids, they play hockey the way the game is meant to be played. You are so fortunent to have a coach of the abilities of Mr. Macinnis. Instead of your petty jealousies you should watch and learn and pass this knowledge on to the future players of St. louis and create a national fly over country dynasty.

I could not agree more with you. You have to realize that some people hate success in any form because they are such complete failures in life.

thanks for responding to your previous post. douche.

What was the result with Russell Stover 96 over the weekend.

I was out at chesterfield and last night and they were playing "Team NPI" or at least that is what I thought the jerseys read. They were read jerseys with a maple leaf on the front. Blues were up in the second period.

NPI is the "Des Moines Russell Stover" (all but two kids from Des Moines) Stars Pee Wee AAA team. They were pounded by the Blues 10-0 in the first game, lost the second 3-0 and the finale on Sunday 5-2 for the sweep.

Thanks Mark. Gobes may need an attorney.

who the hell is Mark?

One of the 12 apostles of Uncle Al

Uncle Al may only have 12 apostles; however, he has thousands of fans and followers. He is a class act and you should be thankful he chose to stay in St. Louis and coach hockey.

Just saw this team playing in London, ON.

Beat Kitchner 7-0.
Looks like another easy tournament for the boy's.
Good luck guys, by the way, love the new sweaters.

looking at the scores from the weekend in London, "easy" is right. They smashed everyone (38-2 total) and are now 18-0-1 overall. No doubt they will be ranked #1 when myhockey debuts next week.

Why is the Russell Stover team wearing NPI jerseys?

Those are their team jerseys from last year. Can you say "Dad's getting publicity" and a tax writeoff?

Heard the Des Moines players/parents wouldn't wear the Russell Stover sweaters.

From this past weekend @ the London Jr. Knights Tournament.
Out scored their opponents 38 - 2 in winning another tournament.

A great team and a good bunch of kids...Congrats!!!!!!


St. Louis 7 Kitchener 0
St. Louis 7 Lambton 0
St. Louis 8 E.M. Chiefs 0
St. Louis 3 Oakville 0
St. Louis 7 Hamilton 1 (Semi Final Game)
St. Louis 6 Sun County 1 (Championship Game)

Played teams that AA teams beat this summer. Thanks Mark for the update.

Wish I could play for Uncle Al. Oh My! Off to Shattuck St. Mary's What to do without the Hall of Famer

quit double posting and make sure that 7-11 coffee is fresh. the customers will be in soon.

waut iz u peeples prublem?/ U pulay hoky,u misc a liddle skool. Whuts da bieg diel?

It's been awile since this team has been mentioned. they still continue to amaze. They have beaten the two top teams in Canada, have lost only one game, to Belle Tire even though that game was in question, Blues scoring with two seconds left only to be denied because of a very quick whistle by the ref. This team has it all, 3 lines that can score, solid steady defencemen and two solid goalies and some mighty fine coaching. The Blues have a couple of tough tournaments coming up that really will tell the story. I have seen most of the top teams play and the Blues have the best talent around and this coming from basketball country, this must really piss off our friends to the north. And no I am not one of the dad's.

team is way too good for excuse making. they all lose sometime and I'm sure they won't run the table from here. bring home PW Quebec and USA Tier I Nationals. nobody will care if they have a few losses if they get that daily double.

They are taking no prisoners as tournament host this weekend, outscoring the opposition 41-2 in their four round robin games.

Were any of the teams worth a damn?

4 of the 6 teams rated in the top 30.

* W 11 - 0 20081128 California Wave AA (Rated 4th in AA standings)
* W 6 - 1 20081128 Dallas Stars 96 AAA (Rated 21st)
* W 8 - 0 20081129 NPI Leafs 96 AAA (Rated 23rd)
* W 16 - 1 20081129 Ohio Blue Jackets 96 AAA (Rated 62nd)
* W 5 - 2 20081130 Dallas Stars 96 AAA
* W 9 - 2 20081130 Madison Capitols 96 AAA (Rated 72nd)

What a bunch of crappy teams, looks more like a wasted trip

Tournament director worked hard to get best teams, just not available this year. Other than the lopsided wins by the Blues it was a good tournament: other teams were all competitive vs each other; six game guaruntee with 16 minute stop time periods. Think everyone got their money's worth.

"wasted trip" for the other teams? Blues hosted the tournament at Hardees

other teams competitive with each other, but it makes stl. look like they have to sandbag to pad their ego. and maybe they do.

another jealous idiot..

It's tough to find competition when you're the best.

Face it, pretty much nobody wants to come to St. Louis to play even against Al's team. Not being in a league takes away some of the fun as well.

Puck Pirates!!!

BUTT PIRATES

another tournament sweep, including a pair of wins (6-0 & 5-2) against #2 Belle Tire.

Yep, I guess they proved that the loss at NB was a fluke.

50-1-1 how's that for a start, and not one kid has flunked out because he missed a few days of school.

Since D- is considered passing or not flunking, great job.

Thanks for the updates. Always makes my holiday season to hear from those nutjobs. Hopefully Uncle Al has been on the recruiting trail for next season. He hasn't been able to help improve the slumping Blues. How many ex-players' sons can he find?

Not to be confused with the nutjobs like you.

11:59 Do you have any idea what you are talking about? What a moron.

I'm the Cliff Claven of hockey, I know all.

Dont have a kid on this team or any AAA for that matter. This team does a great job on the ice and is a great representation of St. Louis. There are people that hate AAA for whatever reason but the amatuer blues are among the premier organizations in the country. Hate them if you want.

sure you don't.

I am sure in your world it is beyond the realm of possibilities that someone not involved in an organization is happy for that organization.

2 teams ranked number one in their age group
2 teams ranked number two at their age group

Damn happy for them.

You got to love the Uncle Al show

If only Al could work some of that supposed magic on the NHL Blues. Now that would be nice to see!

Do you think losing 4 top players to injuries might have an impact to this years success of the pro Blues squad?

Yes, I know exactly what I'm talking about. A D- is considered a passing grade in school. So if these children made grades of at least a D-, then they are not flunking out of school as you had stated in your 10:25 post. I have no idea how many days of school your child missed in order for this to be considered an accomplishment worthy of Network 54, but in your mind it is news. I commend you again, great job dad!

The Blues have put themselves with their backs against the wall with some poor decisions on player movement, free agent signings, and draft day pick ups that will hurt their depth down the road. Their goaltending has not reached top echelon NHL teams in depth and ability, ( the Blues have four minor league goaltenders under contract that are marginal NHL candidates at best) and last years pick Allen that has struggled all year at juniors. On defense the future is bright with top draft choices ready to play in a couple of seasons. At forward they have to acquire skill and playmakers at center to reach NHL quality. Bottom line dump players like Walt, Hinote, and other veterans to continue to rebuild with NHL type players, not retreads we have seen brought in to fill holes. Teams that have rebuilt through the draft have drafted talented offensive players, but St.Louis has missed the boat with high picks not in the skill level of other teams recent draft day pick ups. Too many players of the same build and skill, more young players like Berglund and Perron that can execute.

I heard the 96AAA Blues were doing well. You are suggesting that they dump some of these kids and draft others to take their places? Is this Al's plan or yours? Or are you just a flunk out that doesn't know what thread he is posting on today?

Another great weekend by the 96 Blues. Taking the 4th rated Chicago Mission 5-2, 10-1 and 5-1. Balanced scoring, solid defence and great goaltending, the perfect combination to be national champions. They are fun to watch, that is for sure.

Has AAA ever won a National Championship?

Yes- the 90's did in 2005.

The perfect combination for a national championship is get out of regionals first. That is your ticket to the national tournament and beating the Mission in a "big game" may be required. Don't be so sure they will lay down after a big win over Uncle Al in Silver Stick quarters. Great season but being humble sometimes is the best ticket to the finals.

Hockey is a game of bounces. The blues had just previously completely dominated the Mission at a 3 game home series, so motivation may of not been where it needed to be, never the less they what out shot them 16-2 in the 3rd period and the Mission get a goal off of a helmet, not to mention the 7 posts and 2 croossbars the Blues had hit thoughout the game. I don't know about everyone else, but this loss could do more good then bad.

McGriddle advising people to be humble. Huh?

To see the future of AAA Hockey go to the Chicago Tier 1 site (USA Hockey).

How about a link. there is no worse site to search than USA Hockey's.

It's a Midwest Youth Hockey Forum.