May 9, 2009

NAHL Announces NAPHL Programs
The North American Hockey League announced today the 20 programs accepted into its new North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL), which will compete at the Tier I Midget AAA level.

1. Boston Jr. Rangers
2. Carolina Jr. Hurricanes
3. Chadders Hockey
4. Florida Panther Alliance
5. Green Bay
6. Indianapolis AAA
7. Lansing Capitals AAA
8. Marquette Electricians
9. Milwaukee Jr. Admirals
10. Nevada Stars
11. Omaha AAA Hockey Club
12. Phantom Fireworks
13. Pikes Peak Miners
14. S2
15. San Jose Jr. Sharks
16. So Cal Titans
17. St. Louis Selects
18. Team Maryland
19. Texas Tornado
20. Thunder Hockey

Comprised of five events in which the 36 teams will compete at the Midget Major (20 teams) and Midget Minor (16 teams) levels for a league championship, the North American Prospects Hockey League season will culminate with an NAPHL Top Prospects Tournament at the NAHL's 2010 Robertson Cup Championship Tournament in late April.

The dates and sites of the five NAPHL events are: September 17-20, 2009 (Blaine, Minn.); October 9-12, 2009 (St. Louis, Mo., or Chicago, Ill.); November 12-15, 2009 (Rochester, N.Y.); January 15-18, 2010 (Ann Arbor, Mich.); and February 12-15, 2010 (San Jose, Calif.).

The five USA Hockey-sanctioned NAPHL events utilize the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program and are designed to maximize the exposure of all the Midget participants through the NAHL's high-profile recruiting events, which attract hundreds of college, junior and professional scouts.
Orchestrated by the NAHL's experienced and professional staff that makes player promotion a priority, the NAPHL provides an organized and competitive experience with an unrivaled scouting presence guaranteed to benefit all of the participating student-athletes and programs.

More opportunities

So much for that whole "not in a league" talk.

Here you go, get the can in your hand, open the top and take a nice, cold refreshing drink of shut the hell up!

Not exactly a Who's Who of hockey.

All they are doing is paying a bunch of money to play in five tournaments. It is not a league where they can qualify for Nationals. Just a money maker for the NAHL. This will just add up the total amount these poor saps are going to pay to say they are "AAA."

Its a great idea Cudos to the new league.

Having 2 AAA Midget teams in the area will only draw more teams to come and play 4 games against 2 teams instead of 1StLouis team constantly kissing butt and having to travel. There are some quality teams in this league and the competition will make the teams better.
Its a great idea, Independant teams unite. If your son has game these teams will provide a alternative AAA experience.

More opportunities, more exposure. 40 more players will now have a chance to be seen, not to mention AAA will now have to offer a better product and not the coaching turnstiles as in recent years.

Do you really think that playing Blues AAA will guarantee you a spot in Nationals? Their not hosting it this year and if they hadn't been hosting it last year neither of their Midget teams would have qualified to play in Nationals.

Besides, what is your obsession with Nationals as the litmus test for whether or not a player can get noticed? While a cool experience and certainly something to be proud of if you get to participate in one, if you & your coach haven't done something to get you noticed before Nationals it's really unlikely to make a real difference what you do if you do get there.

I was at Nationals every day helping and there were precious few REAL "scouts" there anyway and no one they talked to was a surprise for them.

Those five events will at least have Junior A NAHL guys there, it's their league. Plus they're having a prospects tourney during the Robertson Cup Championship and what do you think the Robertson Cup is anyway? It's the NAHL's, and therefore USA Hockey's Junior A Tier II, NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

I have been there the last two years and there were dozens of college scouts attending, and that was before the NAHL gave the non-participating clubs and scouts in the USHL, EJHL & other Junior leagues a reason to be there with U18 & U16 Midgets playing in a prospects tourney during the same event.

You guys going back and fourth on selects or AAA blues getting people noticed. Here's who gets noticed, kids who are really good. Gino is a scout for the USHL. Several of the AAA blues were drafted by the USHL and no one on Ginos team was drafted for the USHL. What does that tell you? It tells m, it does not matter so much where you play, it matters if you are a good player.

Maybe you should look again - Wasn't Sucher on Gino's team. The Bucs drafted him.

Three other players drafted as well.

1257. You state a very good fact that just because you are on the Blues team you GO to nationals. You still have to win to get there. So if a team can not win on the road to nationals, you are in the same boat as a team that isn't "eligible."

I also agree with the fact that having two AAA teams in town helps with bringing in more teams. And not just at a specific age group. If one organization comes here and has some good competition they will tell other their other age group teams to give STL a try.

Not saying that it will happen automatically, but at least there may be more talk about it. Especially with teams that are not in a league but are looking for some really strong competition.

Yeh, don't forget that sandersons teams have never made it out of regionals. And he has had a lot of great teams like last years team.

St. Louis has enough players to make two legit AAA Midget Major teams this year and maybe next, depending upon how many 92s are left in the system. That's it. I said two legit AAA Midget Major teams. The 93s, 94s and 95s are not deep enough to make two good Midget Major teams when the 92s are done.

Your opinion and everyone has one!

St. Louis has enough players to make two legit AAA Midget Major teams this year and maybe next, depending upon how many 92s are left in the system. That's it. I said two legit AAA Midget Major teams. The 93s, 94s and 95s are not deep enough to make two good Midget Major teams when the 92s are done.

The 95 Affton Central states team (ranked #4 tier 2)was as strong if not better than the 95 AAA team last year.They won their bracket at the Nike Bauer and only lost in OT to the AAA Barons who won the tournament. To base your statement on squirt peewee years is misleading. The 95 AAA will be very strong this year as they have the deepest tryout yet. bad coaching decisions by AAA have stunted the AAA team but this year will be different wait and see. There are some upcoming players that have never even gone out for AAA that would have a legitimate shot at a AAA team. The class is getting deeper and will be developing in the years to come.

the bauer division, you Affton guys keeping drinking the kool aid

The point of that wasn't what division. The point was that since there is a different coach at the 95 level AAA this year, more kids will be at the tryout than in years past and there are some good 95 players that have not
played AAA before. Wait and see at the tryout, there will be some spots upset.

So what is status?

First two tryouts were had this weekend and there was a lot of talent. A lot! It will be very hard to pick the team. Glad it's not me.

Don had a lot of kids at tryouts and his team still stunk. You want quality not quantity. Now at least with Affton kids coming the bottom players won't get a free ride anymore.

Correct me if I am wrong, but aren't the 95's still bantams? Is their going to be a bantam team as well as a midget team?

10:28: as they always do, the topic of this thread changed. apparently, it's now about 95AAA vs. Affton 95 CS

1995's are just a weak bunch. No matter aaa, aa, a, roller, etc.

They now have more than enough to make a very good AAA team. Wait and see.

With two well respected & objective coaches (MG & RB) on the evaluation team, I have no doubt the 95s will continue to improve(as they did the last season). Last season they traded up and this year they will again take the best talent available. A lot more talent trying out this time. Moved from 86 to 22 this past season and can make the top ten (IMO) next season, with increased talent and coaching.

The 95 birthyear as a whole may not be very deep, but the top players
will make a very good team. All the good 95s finally trying out for same
team. Tribute to Matt Gornet.

that Matt Gornet is a great guy is clear but whether he should be coaching a triple A team is not so clear

I thought this was a Miget Minor/Minor thread, where do the 95 AAA fit in here? You guys seem to be every where, very full of yourselves.

wasn't matt gornet a weatherman that was fired bt channel 4?

95 Affton central states was 1 of only 2 teams all year to beat the super 96 Macinnis machine{96 AAA Belle tire} being the other team

and that has what to do with midgets?

The 96 kids are all on the short side I've heard.

96 AAA only lost to Belle Tire and the Mission

96 AAA also lost to Affton 95 CS, but that result was not posted on sources like myhockey because the game was between different age levels (Bantam & PW).

as for 95AAA evals, I suppose 3 spots are locked (sons of MG, RB, and GJ).

well deserved spots that are locked for good reason

are all three '95 goalies that played Affton CS last year at AAA evals? one of them played Bantam Major. that would make four good goalies (assuming JO is also there) competing for just one "opening". I'm sure MG's son is happy to not be feeling the heat this week.

RB?

Only the Affton Goalie who played with the 94's CS is at the tryouts.

NAHL Announces NAPHL Programs - What does this mean for St. Louis Hockey?
May 11 2009 at 2:32 PM
Anonymous (no login)

-
May 9, 2009

NAHL Announces NAPHL Programs
The North American Hockey League announced today the 20 programs accepted into its new North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL), which will compete at the Tier I Midget AAA level.

Tier I Midget AAA level.

1. Boston Jr. Rangers
2. Carolina Jr. Hurricanes
3. Chadders Hockey
4. Florida Panther Alliance
5. Green Bay
6. Indianapolis AAA
7. Lansing Capitals AAA
8. Marquette Electricians
9. Milwaukee Jr. Admirals
10. Nevada Stars
11. Omaha AAA Hockey Club
12. Phantom Fireworks
13. Pikes Peak Miners
14. S2
15. San Jose Jr. Sharks
16. So Cal Titans
17. St. Louis Selects
18. Team Maryland
19. Texas Tornado
20. Thunder Hockey

Comprised of five events in which the 36 teams will compete at the Midget Major (20 teams) and Midget Minor (16 teams) levels for a league championship, the North American Prospects Hockey League season will culminate with an NAPHL Top Prospects Tournament at the NAHL's 2010 Robertson Cup Championship Tournament in late April.

The dates and sites of the five NAPHL events are: September 17-20, 2009 (Blaine, Minn.); October 9-12, 2009 (St. Louis, Mo., or Chicago, Ill.); November 12-15, 2009 (Rochester, N.Y.); January 15-18, 2010 (Ann Arbor, Mich.); and February 12-15, 2010 (San Jose, Calif.).

The five USA Hockey-sanctioned NAPHL events utilize the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program and are designed to maximize the exposure of all the Midget participants through the NAHL's high-profile recruiting events, which attract hundreds of college, junior and professional scouts.
Orchestrated by the NAHL's experienced and professional staff that makes player promotion a priority, the NAPHL provides an organized and competitive experience with an unrivaled scouting presence guaranteed to benefit all of the participating student-athletes and programs.

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Anonymous
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Re: NAHL Announces NAPHL Programs - What does this mean for St. Louis Hockey?

May 11 2009, 2:48 PM


More opportunities



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Anonymous
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Re: NAHL Announces NAPHL Programs - What does this mean for St. Louis Hockey?

May 11 2009, 3:04 PM


So much for that whole "not in a league" talk.

Here you go, get the can in your hand, open the top and take a nice, cold refreshing drink of shut the hell up!

Anonymous
(no login)

Re: NAHL Announces NAPHL Programs - What does this mean for St. Louis Hockey?

May 11 2009, 3:32 PM


Not exactly a Who's Who of hockey.



Respond to this message
Anonymous
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Re: NAHL Announces NAPHL Programs - What does this mean for St. Louis Hockey?

May 11 2009, 6:36 PM


All they are doing is paying a bunch of money to play in five tournaments. It is not a league where they can qualify for Nationals. Just a money maker for the NAHL. This will just add up the total amount these poor saps are going to pay to say they are "AAA."

Anonymous
(no login)

Re: NAHL Announces NAPHL Programs - What does this mean for St. Louis Hockey?

May 11 2009, 9:16 PM


Its a great idea Cudos to the new league.



Respond to this message
Anonymous
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Re: NAHL Announces NAPHL Programs - What does this mean for St. Louis Hockey?

May 11 2009, 10:01 PM


Having 2 AAA Midget teams in the area will only draw more teams to come and play 4 games against 2 teams instead of 1StLouis team constantly kissing butt and having to travel. There are some quality teams in this league and the competition will make the teams better.
Its a great idea, Independant teams unite. If your son has game these teams will provide a alternative AAA experience.

May 11 2009, 10:07 PM

More opportunities, more exposure. 40 more players will now have a chance to be seen, not to mention AAA will now have to offer a better product and not the coaching turnstiles as in recent years.

o you really think that playing Blues AAA will guarantee you a spot in Nationals? Their not hosting it this year and if they hadn't been hosting it last year neither of their Midget teams would have qualified to play in Nationals.

Besides, what is your obsession with Nationals as the litmus test for whether or not a player can get noticed? While a cool experience and certainly something to be proud of if you get to participate in one, if you & your coach haven't done something to get you noticed before Nationals it's really unlikely to make a real difference what you do if you do get there.

I was at Nationals every day helping and there were precious few REAL "scouts" there anyway and no one they talked to was a surprise for them.

Those five events will at least have Junior A NAHL guys there, it's their league. Plus they're having a prospects tourney during the Robertson Cup Championship and what do you think the Robertson Cup is anyway? It's the NAHL's, and therefore USA Hockey's Junior A Tier II, NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

I have been there the last two years and there were dozens of college scouts attending, and that was before the NAHL gave the non-participating clubs and scouts in the USHL, EJHL & other Junior leagues a reason to be there with U18 & U16 Midgets playing in a prospects tourney during the same event.

You guys going back and fourth on selects or AAA blues getting people noticed. Here's who gets noticed, kids who are really good. Gino is a scout for the USHL. Several of the AAA blues were drafted by the USHL and no one on Ginos team was drafted for the USHL. What does that tell you? It tells m, it does not matter so much where you play, it matters if you are a good player.

mean for St. Louis Hockey?

May 12 2009, 6:52 PM


Maybe you should look again - Wasn't Sucher on Gino's team. The USHL Bucs drafted him. USHL also Drafted Warning & Frick from Gino's team.

ay 13 2009, 12:56 PM


1257. You state a very good fact that just because you are on the Blues team you GO to nationals. You still have to win to get there. So if a team can not win on the road to nationals, you are in the same boat as a team that isn't "eligible."

I also agree with the fact that having two AAA teams in town helps with bringing in more teams. And not just at a specific age group. If one organization comes here and has some good competition they will tell other their other age group teams to give STL a try.

Not saying that it will happen automatically, but at least there may be more talk about it. Especially with teams that are not in a league but are looking for some really strong competition.

Yeh, don't forget that sandersons teams have never made it out of regionals. And he has had a lot of great teams like last years team.

Thanks for the recap bud.

Anyway this thread has been interesting but for those who want to talk about the 95s, start a new thread. Not relevant in this one.

nothing like copy and paste after a long nite of raping.

Or getting raped.

what does everybody think about the u 16 stl selects

Have they put the complete roster together yet?

The Selects and AAA Blues are offering opportunities to even more players in St. Louis. Kudos to both for offering AAA programs.

This is what it is about. Giving kids opportunities, not winning championships.

It is what it is. Kids will go to the best coach or program. Now it is up to both programs to build the best product possible.

Let's face it, no one is scouting Central States. It is glorified AA hockey. The league has gotten considerably weaker because Madison is no longer in it. Also, the Chicago kids that are top players are choosing to play on one of the many AAA teams (Fury, Mission,CYA, Team Illinois) Kids are also choosing to play High School.

Good luck to the Selects and Blues this year. May each program succeed!