I am hearing the Blues mite team will be the team to beat at the mite level! Stan Luberda has a dozen or so kids returning this year and all are excellent skaters. Couldnt ask for a better coach, im sure this team will be at the top.

I wonder if there are any Mite recruited teams forming this year like last years (Hawks, Falcons). The new rules restrict it but will they be enforced. Are the Blues kids home grown or plucked? Sounds like you tooting your own horn. No offense the Blues might be the team to beat but have they already selected the team before tryouts.

The "2 choice" rule has not been enforced so there is no way to track this one.

Think about this thread. Your talking about 7-8 year olds.

Of all the the teams that qualify for "elite" (in other words the teams that have done a good job of teaching kids how to skate well and have the taught them the basics of the game), the team that has 1-2 players who are mature for their age will be at the top of the field. Literally the difference between the number 1 undefeated team and the number 6, 3-10 team may be having that player or two - or not.

To even talk about who will be the top though is WORSE THAN MISSING THE POINT. You are ruining hockey for a percentage of these kids whether you want to admit it or not. Its not about being the top at this age because you are putting too much emphasis on things outside MANY 8 year olds ability to control. When you focus on this (and then get down on them for "not winning...or better yet the euphamism...not playing up to their potential" you make them feel like crap about something they are spending many many hours doing.

Let them skate...heck let them skate ALOT. Work on the basics but let them have fun with the game. Stop worrying about being the "the team to beat". If you like your team's development of skating skills, if your kid is happy going to hockey every day, if you see positive traits being developed in your kid. Shut up and realize your money is well spent.

They will all have enough of "winning is the goal" as they mature in age and at least then they will have the physical or mental ability to actually do something about it.

Heres the final thought...maybe your kid can either handle your crap about winning or at least knows better than to voice a concern about your rants but its possible that other kids around them can't. Give them a break. They have a right to enjoy the game too.

I agree with above. All you need are 1 maybe 2 kids and you can dominate at Mite. I remember when my son was a Mite, 2 kids scored almost 100 goals a piece and the team dominated.

Stan will do a good job