Gearing up for Binghamton
-
- July
- 22
The Hudson Valley ESG hockey team will be looking to medal for the third straight year when the Empire State Games get underway Thursday in Binghamton. Western has won eight straight gold medals, while HV is looking for its first. Since the competition began in 1982, HV has four silvers and four bronzes.
There’s a new poll so you can add your prediction about this year. Also, unfortunately (well, fortunately for me) I’ll be in California during the competition, but please feel free to add your thoughts on this week’s event.
All games will be held at Broome Community College. Below is the schedule and the roster (the teams are my best guess). It includes five Section 1 players (Frank Dimaggio of Yorktown, Michael Duffy of Pelham, Alex Hagen of Bronxville, Zac Hiller of Suffern and Sean O’Connor of North Rockland) and three private-school locals (Jordan Gluck and Jake Turrin of RCDS and Rob Molinaro of Iona Prep)
Here is our Empire State Games page.
Thursday
1 p.m. practice
7 p.m. vs. New York City
Friday
1:30 p.m. vs. Western
Saturday
7 a.m. vs. Central
3:30 p.m. vs. Adirondack
Sunday
9:30 a.m. vs. Long Island
Roster:
Michael Beck, Milton/Burke Catholic
Brad Campagna, Monroe/Monroe-Woodbury
Chris Cerbino, Highland/Canterbury (Conn.)
Michael Chiacchia, Hopewell Junction/John Jay-EF
Thomas Clarke, Hopewell Junction/Arlington
Frankie Dimaggio, Yorktown Heights/Yorktown
Michael Duffy, Pelham/Pelham
Conor Frei, Hopewell Junction/John Jay-EF
Joseph Garnet, Monroe/Monroe-Woodbury
Jordan Gluck, Scarsdale/Rye Country Day
Alex Hagen, Bronxville/Bronxville
Jason Healey, Goshen/Burke Catholic
Zac Hiller, Suffern/Suffern
Connor Leen, Chester/Don Bosco
John McMahon, Hopewell Junction/John Jay-EF
Christian Meiley, Highland Mills/Monroe-Woodbury
Robert Molinaro, Yonkers/Iona Prep
Sean O’Connor, Stony Point/North Rockland
Chris Reinfried, Montgomery/Burke Catholic
Jake Turrin, Brewster/Rye Country Day
Coaches: Paul Lloyd, Hopewell Junction and Jim Whalen, Florida
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008 at 5:11 pm by Harold Gutmann.
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Hagen attends Bronxville High School which means he skates in Section 1 for ETB (the combined team of Eastchester/Tuckahoe/Bronxville). I think he goes by Alex, not John, though.
Thanks fanotgame,
I wasn't sure if he had a brother.
hope hv wins it will be though to end that western 8 gold medal streak
Joke. Absolute joke. Four players and the coach just happen to be from Hopewell Junction. What is that, the new hockey powerhouse of the HV area? That explains the exclusion of almost all the top lower-Westchester players. None from Mamaroneck, Rye Town, Rye, White Plains. It's an embarrassment that will only lower the importance of these games if this continues year after year.
This has been going on for years. Lloyd runs the team and is from up there. Gives everyone something to complain about. Most of these teams (Empire,USA Selects) are accused of politics. Way of the world and sports.
If you try out you better be lights out!
not sure about it being a hopewell junction thing, its more like a travel hockey thing. Travel hockey and where you play travel hockey is the passport in
Guys,
Last year there were no kids from Hopewell on the team.And to be honest with you, other than Eck and Conner the other players from Lower WEstchester aren't that good!
And also, a few of those players have been trying out for the empires for at least 3 years. And each year they fell short, but this year they made it because of their skating experience.
Oh,
so the upper westchester kids are all better than the lower westchester kids? Wow. I thought the best high school teams where Mamaroneck Suffern Rye Pelham Iona. Guess there are no good players there? Oh, thats right, I forgot, if they are not in a specific travel program they lose points. My fault
These guys continually pick guys who play at either Brewster or Ice Time because thats where they coach, it has been that way for a while just check past rosters.
The guy Huntington who was the assistant the last couple of yrs would pretty much use his Brewster roster for most of this team.
This team is very political every yr and this yrs team really doesn't stand much of a chance , maybe 5th place at best.
This kid Cerbino has been on the team for at least 3yrs and I dont care what prep school he goes to, he has done nothing during his time here.
Most Putnam and Orange county high schools do not have interscholastic hockey teams. It is all "club" high school hockey. Their is talent there. We do not get to see it because club teams cannot play against NY public school sanctioned teams.
We've seen the the good Monroe kids, Burke Catholic, RCDS kids in non-league matches, or we are aware of how these schools match-up with section 1.
I'd agree that the Hopewell Junction cluster of kids seems a little much, but I'll assume they impressed someone in their midget or junior team years.
I watched the entire Empire process. I heard from many that the selection process is Ice Time centric. True, there are a lot of Ice Time players on this year's team. But, I am not sure there were any on last year's team. The Ice Time kids who made it this year looked during tryouts for the most part to be as good as or better than those that did not make the cut. Thought it was about as fair and objective as any hockey tryout process can be.
"... the Hopewell Junction cluster of kids seems a little much"
A little much? It's a disgrace and an embarrassment for the entire program. Last time I checked Mamaroneck was 4th in the state. Suffern was 5th. I guess the fact that almost none of their players were even invited to the tryouts is just a small factor in the outcome of this selection process? The only Section 1 player worthy of this team is Suffern's Hiller. And without saying anything detrimental about any specific kid, I think it's clear that the remaining Section 1 area players on this team are just not the best players.
And back to Hopewell Junction … John Jay East Fishkill HS? RC Ketcham HS? Do they have hockey teams?
Normal- I think your point is that many of the Sec 1 kids you would expect to try out did not do so. I also found it interesting (and unfortunate) that the likes of Willows, Flory, McCarrick, Altieri, Sganga, Halpin, Meile (all incoming seniors who likley lose eligibility after this year)didn't give it a try. I can understand why most of the graduating seniors punted on this one. It is a big commitment over 1/2 the summer before they leave town for college. Other good Sec 1 skater no shows like Pesce, Prunesti, Olivario, Dzenis, Mearsheimer, Ciotti all have another year of eligibility. Maybe we will see some of them next summer.
To fanotgame
I agree Prunesti and Olivero would have defintly made it and the others would have had fair shots. I did hear though that some coaches actually tried to find out the info for the ESG on when the tryouts are and where and what times and the ES people who run it wouldn't give it to him. It is a shame too, with those two Prunesti and Olivero it looks like a different team they would be the top 5 players on the team the only ones better or close to them are Hiller Hagen O'Conner and Molinaro
" … John Jay East Fishkill HS? RC Ketcham HS? Do they have hockey teams?"
So just because your high school doesn't have a hockey team, you can't be a good player?
To Common sense- From watching the Empire practices, Cerbino (if you like a power forward) and Leen (if you like the small, quick player with hands and vision)are both very strong players. Both stronger than Olivario, who is very good. Have not seen Prunesti that much, but have heard very good things about him. Have also seen Pesce at a few RCDS games last year. Would rank Leen ahead of him too. Still, Prunesti, Olivario, Pesce would have been a pretty good 3rd line this year. Those 3 are simply better players than the Ice Time skaters that comprise lines 3 and 4 on this year's team. But, the southern Westchester guys I mentioned never tried out. Can't blame the Empire selection commmitee for that.
The point here is that this whole thing WAS fixed. You're correct that Section 1 coaches could not find out the tryout dates for their players, and that their calls were ignored. And the reason the players couldn't find them themselves was that they weren't published anywhere, including on the ESG site. Go there now and check it out. Nothings changed. It still has tryout dates for every sport for every HV team except Mens Ice Hockey. And those players that did venture up there on their own initiative (after hearing the dates at the last mninute through the grapevine) were greeted with the "who are you?" welcome.
I'm sorry to take this so far and sound like sour grapes. So let's just go back my original point and leave it at that: four players and the coach all from Hopewell Junction. If you can justify that and I'll shut up.
Normal
If you dont recieve a letter as an invite you dont go, they never publish any info about hockey because it is the only sport that invites.
The only other way you get a shot is if the coach or LLoyd know before hand as has been for many yrs.
I can tell you for a fact 2 yrs ago when they won Silver 1 tryout couldn't make it to any of the tryouts except the first night so they made him dress and skate across the ice to the bench and back and that was it he had a spot.
So how political is it.
The impression to many outsiders is that it is political. People dont trust it. Not to say that those on the team do not belong and not to knock anyone on the team but it appears that the tryouts are secret, or under publicized. There is also a cynical element that those running the team are affiliated with certain specific travel programs, have an agenda for that travel program, and things being what they are the impression is that some of those players get an inside track into making the team. Some of the kids that did not try out had tried out in previous seasons only to be cut. So perhaps they decided not to return. I will say that it appears that some of the high school players who made the team are not neccessarily considered the best high school players on their team. That is odd or that the coaches based it on their travel experience and completely disregarded the high school talent.
The team has done well overall so complaints will fall on deaf ears. I look at the roster and I`m sure everyone on it can play at that level, but I doubt it is nearly as strong of a team that could be put together if it was done on a fairer basis. I would go on to say that another team could probably be put together of those not on the team that would be as good or probably better.
As a father of a first time tryout kid who made it this year, I can attest to the fact that it is not very well publicized. We found out by word of mouth in December and then asked for an application. We had to attach a team schedule so my son could be viewed (don't know if they did it). They then sent us an invite for tryouts. Many kids, including Olivario, did not know about it. I agree with Fanotgame that many players did not tryout or left in the middle of tryouts or post-tryout practices due to oher conflicts (showcases, etc.). That is not fault of HV. We don't have the best team we could get, but from sources at LI and NYC teams they have similar complaints about missing kids due to conflicts. Most of the kids are 91s or 90s this year, so many slots will be open for next year now that kids may be more informed.
Many worthy players filled out the paperwork and just never got invited, so i wouldn't call players that weren't at the tryouts no-shows. Sganga, Halpin, Miele, Oliverio, Pesce, along with many others including Mastracola, Dorgan, Sherding, Blatt, and goalies Glaviano, Feliu, and Benincasa are all vipers. Were any of them at any tryouts? I know personally that atleast 5 of these guys filled out the paperwork and didn't get invited. They are not the only team or the only players that didn't get invites. I just wrote this when icetime was mentioned. Their midget teams have been rivals for a while and don't like eachother. Just 1 personal example of politics.
Dont take it personally, unless you are with their travel programs you are not considered as good. It makes sense, and in a way you cannot blame these guys. They are not going to cut the top players on their travel programs, it bad for business to do that. Maybe a selling point for their travel program is that they get a bunch of kids on the team. I think its just one of those things and it is what it is
Wow Western lost 3-1 to adirondack theres a shock
HV 8 NYC 0. lets go HV BABY
Invites
As noted earlier, Oliverio did not know about tryouts and therefore could not go. Blatt was at tryouts and did not make cut. I also don't believe Pesce knew about or could make tryouts. As far as others on your listing, I do not know their stories.
First day's results were somewhat surprising, with Adirondock beating West 3-1, large score with HV over NYC and not so surprising Central beat LI 4-2. Tomorrow is highlighted by West vs HV and Central vs. Adirondock.
Empire hockey tryouts have long been suspected of being biased. This perception is hard to combat with invitation or closed tryouts.
Lacrosse has open tryouts, I don't know about baseball.
I will say this about hockey tryouts. It is very hard to distinguish talent levels with 50 kids on the ice. Their will be a couple of standouts and a couple "ankle benders". Those are the easy ones to see.
It's the 40 kids in the middle that all look the same, and if you attend a "select" tryout you probably have pretty good game at some level.
Drills or scrimmages over a couple of tryouts will not necessarily categorize the players into where they belong. Some better kids may look weak at a certain drill or scrimmage (or make an uncharacteristic bad play) and/or a weaker kid can have his strengths highlighted (great skater, no hands kind of player).
Some times reputation and recommendation are just necessary to select this type of team in such a short period of time. And for better or worse, a coach's familiarity with a player is often enough to get on a team.
first of all HV Father, all those kids you just named suck and wouldnt have made the team anyway so stop making excuses for them. Go HV
The selection process is a sham. Many of these players DID know about the process and DID fill out the paperwork before December and DID speak to their coaches about dates and DID register on-line and DID make desperate calls to ESG and eventually to coach LLoyd. I'm talking about League 1/Section 1 players at the top of the stats leaders. They were ignored. And to say that you can't pick a hockey team from 50 kids on the ice at once is nuts. It's done all the time. You consider reputations and familiarity, sure, but you also get to see everyone. And that means everyone gets at least a shot. That's not what goes on here.
HV will meet an angry Western team later today. Western outshot AD something like 45 to 17 and lost 3-1 for its fist loss in 5 years. AD quickly jumps into the medal picture. Might be a very close and interesing tourney among the top 5 teams. NYC looks to be lagging a bit. Starting HV goalie Gluck better strap everything on tight and get ready to play all world.
Nice job by the Ice Time kids last nite. From the scoresheet, it looks like they played well together. That was one other reason why they made the team. Line chemistry that is already in place from travel hockey is important when putting together a team on short notice.
In all likelihood a worthwhile player probably got cut from the team. Perhas this was undeserved and unfortunately this player will not experience what should be the positive atmosphere of these games.
But except for the kids who did not tryout (i.e., Willows, Natoli, Connors, Eck..) I'm not sure anyone else could have greatly improved the team.
It appears that one name keeps surfacing on this blog as someone who did not know about the tryouts. I assume he is a viper, his name begins with an "O" Not to critique him but he is not even one of the stronger kids ignored here. He is a nice player, my point is many kids, better than him were left out as well. Bringing his name up is fine, but there are at least 20-25 others better that were left out and in the dark
aint that the truth. it's the same story i've heard from every interested family. total exclusion. not just of the registered players but of their top section 1 coaches as well. nobody had a clue. those that went up there on their own were literally shooed away in many cases.
Hudson Valley was one period away from a huge win, but Western scored three unanswered goals to win 4-2 today. Jordan Gluck (RCDS/Scarsdale) made 44 saves, and the first goal was all local, Zac Hiller (Suffern) from Jake Turrin (RCDS/Brewster) and Alex Hagen (Bronxville). Connor Leen put HV up 2-1 with 1:52 left in the second period, but Western pulled ahead quickly in the third.
All the medals are still very much up for grabs, especially if this is a down year for Western. Central is 2-0, and the next four teams are 1-1. If HV can somehow get past Andy Iles and Central tomorrow morning—and that's obviously a big if—it could really finish with anything.
Most of the team is picked from 2 organizations which is out right nuts,for who ever said it makes sense, dont tell me the other organizations in the area dont have the players.
How does it make sense to keep most of these kids and leave better players out just because they dont play at Brewster and Ice Time,they have some good players no doubt but not enough of them to win.
Also if your coach does not contact LLoyd you wont get an invite(not guarenteed) unless he or the coach knows you from their past,period
Some choose not to tryout for what ever reason, but that doesnt mean they should blow off other good players because they dont play for their organizations.
This is past practice for yrs,I know first hand, my son played on the team 2 yrs ago when they won SILVER and lost a tough 3-1 game to Western.But 70 -80 pct of the roster was from those 2 organizations.
Final Score:
Western-4
HV-2
West beat HV today while out shooting HV 48-15. HV had 2-1 lead going into the 3rd but couldnt hold off a strong Western attack. We should be proud of our HV boys today
The boys hung tough, but were outshot badly. It looks like West has weak goaltending.
Very tough games for the HV kids. Outshot 18-1 in the first, but scoreless. We had about 7 penalties in first and 14 for the game. Down 5-3 twice in first. Up 2-1 after two with shots at 37-7. After they cut the ice, Western caught a few breaks including one misdirected puck off of a stick. Still time to capture a medal if we be AD and LI (even if we lose to Cen). We even got them to change goalies after two. Hope for the best.
WESTERN 4 HV 2
shots 48-15
To HV why should you be proud you got out shot 48-17 if it wasn't for our week goalies we would have won 4-0 it was a dominated game by us i still don't know how you even had the lead, wow if you guys are proud over that you must have been going crazy yesterday
Medals
Five way battle now for medals. LI beat NYC 17 zip in last game of day. 3 teams now 1-1 with Central 2-0.
Another tough game. Lost to undefeated Central 2-1. In better shape than yesterday, although outshot again 32-21. Almost put in tying goal a few times. Need to beat AD and LI for medal.
Too bad, if HV put out the best team possible they`d have a chance for gold. NO QUESTION. Too bad its a flawed system. They are playing as good as they can, and they work, but they are short on talent and depth due to the administrations committment to politics and travel hockey.
Good luck this afternoon, I`m rooting for you guys!
Too bad HV didn't have Salt, King, Ruthberg, Touhey, Willows. Could of had a real competitive team.
By the way, I can't believe ALL THE WHINERS out there! The Empires have been taking place for years. I can't accept the excuse that kids did not know that tryouts were taking place. Anyone that has been doing Travel KNOWS THE PROCESS!
Your Scanga's, Halpin, Miele, Oliverio, Pesce, Mastracola, Dorgan, Sherding, Blatt, Glaviano, Feliu, and Benincasa are just OK players. The only player that that might of had a legitimate shot was maybe Halpin. This is high level hockey, do you really think that any of the players just mentioned are even close in hockey ability to Salt, King, Ruthberg, Natoli, Reagan,and Willows. I don't think so. And I doubt they excluded these kids because they played for the Vipers.
King and Ruthberg are not even good, stop praising all these section 1 and CHSHL high scorers, section 1 is a joke
Agree with you Imagine, Halpin probably could have helped this team as one of the best pure breakout defensemen, they probably could have used his clearing the zone skills in the lopsided shot game. I think Olivero's work ethic and hustle could have helped too.
But, I think these 2 play on a bunch of different summer travel teams as it is. And why not, as we see there are many flaws in the whole Empire process and have been for the past 20 years, so who needs it.
Don't you think there is a reason why the other teams can attract and roster the area's best players and we never could here in Hudson Valley,
So good luck to the this years HV team, lets not disrespect those players that make up this years squad, as there are some good ones, and heres to hoping one of these years HV finally figures out a good process, its been a long time coming
wow,
Looks like you have no idea who is considered good. I have played against and watched these two players for years. They are both VERY good players who have excelled at this sport for years. If you don't think that these two players are good, I would like to know what you have been drinking. Especially these two players who have had unbelieveable success in travel, Juniors and High school.
AMAZING! Looks like we have someone who is a little jealous?
who cares about the ESG look what is happening this year we are getting beat bad and dont say oh 4-2 and 2-1 are close conssidering combined we were outshot 80-36 and NYC is just terrible so we will get 5th place this year and yes we are missing some good players Willows, Olivero, Halpin, Pesce, Prunesti, Ruthberg and many more.
wow,
It's clear you have "NO" idea what you're talking about. If we had Ruthberg, Salt and King on this years Empire team. WE would of been very competitive.
For you to say that King and Ruthberg aren't good makes me think that you're a FRUSTRATED player who gets No recognition. To pick on two players who have been very dominate in travel and high school hockey for the past three years makes me think that you have no idea what you're talking about.
Didn't King and Ruthberg make 1st team ALL COunty this year. ANd if I'm not mistaken, I think King made 1st team All COunty in his junior year. How many players do you know have made All COunty two years in a row.
But you sit there and say that these two players aren't good. Who are you comparing them to? I guarantee you that there's not a High School coach or Travel coach out there that wouldn't want these two players on their team. Believe me, I know them both and they are two of the top players in the area.
Don`t sweat it, you know the routine around here. The only good players in this area are the travel players. Nobody else is any good unless you play travel. Those playing and $$$ paying for travel have to justify all that running around. So therefore only the travel are gifted, everyone else stinks.
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ive spoken to players from both of their teams and they say that both of them are overrated..im not saying they arent good, they just arent elite players
Hudson Valley with BIG win against Adirondack
Score:
HV: 3
ADK: 0
Big game for HV today, the goals were all local. The first coming from Zack Hiller. The second was a rocket by Frank Dimaggio. And the 3rd goal was an empty netter by Jake Turrin. Big shutout for another local, Jordan Gluck, he made 40 saves.
I guess this team is legit?? Going for the Bronze tommorow against Long Island.
jordan gluck is god – zack hiller
The most exciting game for HV so far in tournament. Game was scoreless going into the 3rd. Zac H scored in third followed by rocket by Frankie D and then the open netter by Jake T. We had two man advantage in third and then were shorthanded. Very exciting ending. Ad outshot us 40-32. Tomorrow is now meaningful.
cerbino is a herb
Jordan is good, but if he is God what is Natoli?
Poster Wow,
you are discussing Ruthberg and King correct? Well, there are two players on this years ESG team that were team mates of Ruthberg and King last year. While both ESG players are good, the BEST player or most valuable forward on their teams were Ruthberg and King. So therefore, the two that are on ESG (and they are great players) are arguably the second best forwsrd on their team. So to say that Ruthberg and King arent elite players, well, they are certainly better than many of the forwards on the current team.
Their two teammates are two of the top forwards on ESG, I am sure Ruthberg and King would have been in the top 4
If Glaser was the Goa;ie they would be playing for Gold tomorrow Go HV
I think they would be playing for Gold if they had the best kids from our area. They have some good ones, but there several secondary type kids on the roster. Its missing some of the top players in the area. I think the goaltending has been pretty good. I think the forwards and D have done fine, but clearly the roster could have been much stronger than it is
you clearly did not watch a suffern hockey game once this season
i was messing around person who took the comment as if he was actually god. But Cerbino is definitely a herb
The Mamaroneck coach has to stop posting ehre about Glaser. Glaser is not good. Gluck is better. This is straight from the dorms up at Binghamton room 305 represent
If Central beats Western to remain undefeated, isn't the HV/LI game for silver? If HV wins, both HV and LI would be the only 3-2 teams and HV would have won the head to head. If HV/LI tie, I think LI (3-1-1)gets silver and HV (2-2-1) gets the bronze. If HV loses and AD beats scoreless NYC, then you have some messy tiebreaker between three 2-3 teams (HV, Western, AD)who have beat each other for the bronze. HV probably wins that tiebreaker as they lost to Western by 2 and beat AD by 3 (+1), while Western beat HV by 2 and lost to AD by 2 (E)and AD lost to HV by 3 and beat Western by 2 (-1). Turrin's empty netter vs. AD might be medal clutch.
In short, HV gets silver with a win vs. LI coupled with a Central win vs. Western. HV gets bronze as long as Western wins.
Hasn't Central already clinched a gold? They can finish no worse than 4-1 and LI no better than 4-1 and Central beat LI. For HV sake, lets hope Central plays hard vs. Western.
Heck of a tourney.
Fanotgame
I think you are right. There are possibilities of silver, bronze or nothing. Obviously, a win assures a medal. A loss could mean nothing or bronze, depending upon West game. Let's hope for the best. Hopefully the third period HV team of yesteday shows up.
LI-4 HV-1.
What can you say…... They tried.
Seems like they just didn't have enough scoring threats against the the top teams….If you had Willows, Salt, Ruthberg, King, Eck and one of the goalies (Natoli or Regan), they would of won it all. Oh well, maybe next year.
I was wishing hard for the team this weekend. They played tough. It looks as though the politics did in fact backfire on the administration. Giving your travel kids a leg up on the tryout and having them get in on the ground floor certainly helps these specific travel teams. Its now obvious by the finished product that some strong players were omitted and thats why the team did not medal for the first time in a long time. Maybe the politics will go away next year and the team is more representative of the areas talent regardless of wheather they play travel or play on the favored travel teams
Our boys took home the bronze!!
Goaltending was definetly not an issue
Empires,
Looks like goal tending was good. Big problem was scoring. If you pull out the NYC game, the team Averaged less than 2 goals a game.
TOO bad a few of our top scorers in the area didn't play. They could of helped. But I understand if those seniors didn't go out because of the committment. Also, I hear a fws of them were playing in the Chowder Cup.
Wonder how they did?
I thought they played fine. Now that the games are over, heres a point I would like to make. I am a private school fan. So I follow Rcds the league Iona and Fordham are in and I follow the Section 1 stuff. I have no idea about the prep school players on the roster. It seems to me that the ESG roster for HV had about 8 players from a combination of Section 1 and the local privates. Those eight are good players but not all were even the best players from those leagues or schools. That was puzzling. Without mentioning names the Section 1 players were great but not the best the Section 1 has. Same with the privates, those kids are great but there are other talents that could have been there and assisted in winning this tournament. Maybe a series of tryouts needs to take place? I`m sure much of the problem is logistics of getting so many candidates in a tryout. Although it is odd that some players selected are not the best players on their own high school team, thats something I cannot understand
By any chance does anyone know where i could find statistics for the games to see who played well and what not? I am also very interested in seeing if +/- was kept and how each kid did with that stat.
HV supporter,
If you go to the Empire States Games in Yahoo, and then press Summer games. Then go down to Results and click on Ice Hockey. You will find some stats. Just basically goals and assists for all games, They don't keep track of +/-.
From looking at those posted stats, Zac Hiller had a very strong tourney. His line will be difficult to manage this coming season. Also looked like Gluck played very well in goal. He is a '92 and eligible again next year. Congrats on the bronze. Just what I thought would happen, except LI a little stronger and Western a little weaker than expected.
HEY WESTERN
how does it feel to be on THE first western team to NOT win a gold medal??
wait wait did you guys even win a medal at all… oh that right, you blew it with 11 seconds and gave HV the bronze
hahaha way to go western, maybe you shouldnt talk about how much better you are then us considering you didnt take anything home
GO HV 305 represent
and also to whoever is blowing glaser..
gluck is by far better than him and maybe you should watch him play before you say glaser is better, gluck stood on his head everygame and you need to shut your mouth
What was HV record in the games? 2-3? boy, lucky that was good enough to qualify for a bronze
Maybe the record wasn't the best, but the tourney was very even. HV played gold medal Central very tough, losing 2-1 on a third period goal. HV had a tough game vs. Silver medal LI, but LI returned 11 players from a team that played well last year. Good for them. The big game for HV ended up being the 3-0 win over AD. Without Gluck's shutout and Turrin's empty netter a the end, there is no medal. So much for bashing RCDS. Those 2 played well in Binghamton.
How does an empty netter in a 3-0 game save the bronze medal?
Makes the goal differential between the three 2-3 teams tied for a bronze (HV, Western, AD) for HV go from an E to a +1. Just enuf to break the tie in HV's favor. Western was E and AD was -1. So, without the empty netter, HV and Western are both E and Western beat HV head up. Western also would have won bronze had they held on for the tie vs. Central instead of giving up the losing goal with 12 sec left in the 3rd.
With the exception of a weaker NYC team, this was a very good 5 team tourney with lots of competitive games.
Fanotgame
You are totally correct. It was very exciting and we missed you. Maybe next year we all go back and change the color. I think about half the team is still eligible. See you soon.
Yes, those two played well, but so did others, and the others are mostly complimentary players on their teams, not the stars.
is there anywhere where we can find pictures from this tourney?
Thank you. Unfortunately there was no +/- stat but looks like the section 1 line led the squad to their bronze medal. I believe Hiller led the team with 6 points followed by his linemate Hagen with 5 and Canterbury star Cerbino with 4. Great Job to the whole team.
Yes, maybe with the success of the Section 1 kids will allow the ESG coaching staff to actually give some of those bottom feeders a shot at the tryouts next season.
There is a lot of talent that could have helped the cause if only they were given a fair chance. Talent is not exclusive to travel hockey
All of the top hockey players are probably playing travel hockey, unless they go to a prep school and may not be able to play. What players are you thinking of that could have made the team that don't play travel hockey? It does not sound reasonable that they could find the competition they need to get better without playing a travel program.
somebody
I have not seen any pictures in Journal News. I have some personal pictures I took.
Kudos to the Hudson Valley team for taking the Bronze. Congrats to all the players. Seemed like Suffern's Hiller was one of the best forwards on the team, and his name came up in a lot of the stats. Hagen also did well stats wise. Those 2 should be two of the top players in Section 1 this year and be the go-to guys on their team.
Once again, congrats HV!
Hopefully they keep the same age eligibilty as this year for the teams sake lol
HEY WESTERN
how does it feel to be on THE first western team to NOT win a gold medal??
wait wait did you guys even win a medal at all… oh that right, you blew it with 11 seconds and gave HV the bronze
hahaha way to go western, maybe you shouldnt talk about how much better you are then us considering you didnt take anything home
GO HV 305 represent
and also to whoever is blowing glaser..
gluck is by far better than him and maybe you should watch him play before you say glaser is better, gluck stood on his head everygame and you need to shut your mouth
HELL YEA TO ALL OF THAT
Glaser is better. He doesnt jump from high to high school either
To ESG player- The Empire eligibility rules say that next year's cutoff date is Aug 31 (like all other sports except boys ice hockey this year). So, to be eligible next year, you must not have turned 18 years of age by August 31, 2009. Need to have a late '91 birth date or later to be eligible.
yea i no..thats why im saying they should keep it as this year with april lol
I think that is what a bunch of posters said on this blog once they understood that '91 birth year kids born between May 1 and Aug 31 would have the double whammy of having to compete this past year against '90 birth year kids born between May 1 and Aug 31 and then lose the chance to try out next year. The only way to get boys ice hockey back on track eligibility wise (so they have the same rule as all other sports), is to make that switch sometime. The Empire games have decided to make that switch next season. If, for example, they waited another year and let '91s born between May 1 and Aug 31 compete next year, then the '92s born between May 1 and Aug 31 would have the disadvantage. Some age group has to have the disadvantage sometime if you make the switch. Without a switch sometime soon, you have one rule for boys hockey and another rule for everyone else. And that seems a little strange.
gluck switched high schools once…many people have done this. and hes just all around better so watch some real hockey and stop blowing your towns kids
He was in Scarsdale first. Then went to Iona. Now he is at RCDS.
Nobody does that
3 high schools and he is a 92 birth year? Is that possible. Did he play (scarsdale?) varsity as an 8th grader?
Any way it shouldn't matter. They are all good schools and it is very common to switch schools to improve your hockey situation. That could be a player going to private or prep for more difficult competition, or players leaving private and prep for more playing opportunities in public school.
Based on his showing in empires, he probably has a good hockey future..if not in D1 or D3, certainly at a good college club level..
Iona and RCDS??
improve your situation? You want to improve your situation? go to Suffern, Mamaroneck, Pelham or Rye. Or better yet go to Prep school. I`d hardly call moving to RCDS improving your hockey situation
That would require his family to sell their home and move to those districts. Quite a sacrifice, when it is easier to just go to one of the local privates.
Scarsdale is a very good school with a respectable hockey program, but like most public schools its competitivenes varies year-to-year. It's only my opinion, but I'd place Iona and RCDS on a hockey level above Scarsdale.
Not sure if he would have played a lot in 9th grade at Scarsdale as they had a pretty good upper classman goalie.
At Iona he was a JV kid, but right now he`d be the guy. At RCDS that team is not that strong and is on the down cycle especailly losing another strong player this year. Plus, they play nobody.
Out of the three RCDS will give him the most practice ice. Iona does not practice that much and Scarsdale would be a place where he`d be the #1 guy now
YOU are wrong he never attended scarsdale high school u dumbass
RCDS plays nobody? they play prep schools liek Brunswick, Worcester Academy, Kents Hill, North Yarmouhth…etc. these schools honesty would beat most publics schools if not all. Brunswick played Trinity Pawling this yea which is a D1 prep school and had a good game, and Worcester BEAT Andover this year which is a very good D1 team, and then RCDS beat Worcester. So i suggest you learn about the topics you are discussing before posting on this blog.
RCDS plays the lowest level of Prep schools. Have they beaten Suffern or Mamaroneck yet?
Regarding the goalie, he went to Scarsdale middle school, and left the Scarsdale school district going into 9th grade to go to Iona, which is puzzling since Scarsdale high school is one of the top schools in the nation. He was at Iona for a year, then went to RCDS. So thats 3 school districts.
All 3 of those high schools are good academic schools, even the one he never attended, which you inferred earlier that he did.
As a hockey player, and apparently a good one based on his empire performance, going to a private school is very common. Him and his family felt perhaps that hockey-wise Iona and/or RCDS were a better fit and the academics were still good.
Even if IP and RCDS are not Mamaraneck or Suffern, with all due respect Scarsdale is also not in there league also.
Not that i am in love w/ glaser but why are people knocking him considering he was on the team that won the section when you knock him your knocking the whole section now i haven't seen gluck play but i think it's safe to say natoli and reagan are better then both of them hands down well at least travel wise
To common sense- Time will tell. Natoli and Reagan are '90 birth year kids. Glaser is a '91 and Gluck a '92. Glaser is a multisport player. Hockey may not be his primary focus. I have heard he is a very good baseball player. If Gluck grows and fills out, and continues to work hard, he could be a top notch goalie that plays at the Natoli/Reagan level.
High school wise too.
Talked to some college and Junior scouts who were at Empires last weekend. Three promanent guys suggested that this was one of the weakest games in quite some time. So basing anyones success on this years games is probably irrelevant
mr.or mrs. "scarsdale schools".
..somehow i don't get the feeling your disappointment with the goalie is not in him getting the best education he possibly could..
Well,
now that you brought it up, anyone who thinks Iona Prep or Rye Country Day are better schools than Scarsdale really does not know much about education. I think its sort of ridiculous to base your choice of something as critical as high school on sports. Academics should come first. Unless you are an Olympic claibre athlete. Especially in hockey where you can always find good quality travel teams to play for
off the highschool topic, Who would you say was HV's MVP that led them to Bronze?
it is "Zac Hiller" not "Zack Hiller"
Rye Country Day is a much better school than Scarsdale. RCDS is one of the most well respected schools in the country.
when Scarsdale High School recieved national attention for being on the front page of the New York Times for their homecoming dance…
Just the fact that gluck moved to 3 different schools it shows that he either has a problem every where he goes wether it be on or off the ice or he maybe just like hoping schools for education reasons which i doubt
to fanotgame
your right time will tell for gluck. Glaser i doubt just because he plays another sport it is hard enough to focus on one. Gluck might have a shot but needs to stick at one place for more then a year or however long he stays
he MOVED to 2 different schools. he moved to iona for hockey. he moved to RCDS for hockey+education
You guys are jokers, especially the one about RCDS being better educationally than Scarsdale. That is so dumb it doesnt even warrant a comeback
Get real. Gluck is just OK. It's amazing anyone is talking about him. He's no Bennacasa, Reagan, Natoli or McIndoe.If that's who you think is the top goalie around here then the Hockey season is going to be a long one!
When he was at Iona, he played JV. And was terrible. Then he left and went to RCDS. He changes schools like he changes travel teams.
Jordan Gluck has verbally committed to Uranus University for the fall of 2014. Most likely will play one year and then sign with the U 46 universe team and compete in senior good will games.
How was he terrible at JV…you people who have never seen him play have no idea what youre talking about at least give the kid a chance. This is High School hockey stop making it into a fight. These kids are all from our area and we should support them
Honestly Section 1 is right he is not even in the class of Reagan, Natoli. I still don't see why people like him so much I mean he had a good empires but they still had a losing record. Also RCDS is a good school but not great I mean if its so great why did Pesce leave and they would be in the middle of league 1 if they played their. If you look at the schedule they lost to Mamo 6-3 however they did shutout IP and CN
When Iona Prep or Suffern or Mamaroneck play a team like RCDS they have xertain goals and things they want to accomplish. When RCDS plays Iona Prep Suffern or Mamaroneck they have an entirely set of different goals. They are and have been on a mission to prove that they are the top hockey school in the area. They are always looking for publicity and always looking for respect and approval from the hockey teams in the area. Therefore, these games become big and they play their best against those teams. Its a recruiting tool for them. They want to be able to gain respect by saying they are better than the top teams that are getting all the attention. Keep in mind Rye Country Day really has no exciting playoffs like Section 1 or Iona has that are covered in the papers. They also have no really big games on their regular schedule that would draw attention. They also have a long break during mid December to early January which keep them in the background.
The Section 1 teams and Iona play them but really get nothing out of it other than a non league game. So theres not that much incentive there. They try to win I`m sure, but I had two coaches who play RCDS tell me they do it to get good competition as RCDS is usually competitive with middle league 1 teams, and they play them to look at other players and get some guys more playing time.
One indictment I always thought of was that for a school that is supposed to be so strong academically and I think its above average and for a school that has its own rink why do they not draw that many players from Rye Mamaroneck and that area? Its right in Rye and its a day school. That tells me a lot about it right there. I think when Effinger was there the hockey was extemely good now its watered down quite a bit.
He left because he hated the school not because of the hockey
Wow,
tells you alot about RCDS
Pesce is going to one of the areas top public schools for academics in Irvington, he will also be reunited w/ his little bro who as an 8th grader and had a big impact on the team after playing only about half the games due to a broken bone he got in travel. Then you add Halpin, and their other young players (I don't think they lost too many seniors) and SH/I may a great team next year.
mark my words, mamaroneck will win section 1 again next year…
Section1,
You're right about Gluck. Not only does he change schools but he rotates travel teams. ANd he can't make any of the good ones! So what does that tell you about him.
But then again, what goalie around here, is playing for any good travel teams. Is any off them playing for any Junior teams?
By the way "CHAMPIONS" how many of the Tigers made this years Empires?? I think the answer is "0". LOL
Wait how did Gluck not make any good teams???
He played AAA hockey in Long Island for 2 years, and then chose to come closer to home for commuting purposes. you people truly have no idea what youre talking about.
not sure??? ,
And did he play? Answer "NO"! GOt lit up like a Birthday cake…. ANd can't make any top teams around here! Who is he playing for this year?????????
not sure,
You must be Gluck's parent. Tell me this, in all his travel days, what championships has he led his teams to? From the people I know in Long Island and around Westchester, they never heard of him do anything.
Please enlighten us? And I think he came closer to Westchester, because he couldn't make any other teams…..
Besides a state championship last year…im not sure. But i know he has succeeded at this level. And this year he is playing for the Westchester Mariners 18UAA
why do you hate Gluck so much? And what top teams are there to make around here anyway. And what teams did he tryout for, and not make?
Those who are on this blog pumping up the ETB forward and the Scarsdale/Iona/RCDS/whats next? Empire players have missed their calling.
They should go into Public relations or become agents. The stuff and the hot air about these two ordinary hockey players is actually funny.
The forward is on the small side but is a nice high school hockey and solid travel player who looked like he was in the top 25 of Section 1 forwards. The goalie is a solid high school goalie. Neither is in the top ten in the area at their position. I wish them luck, will root for them to accomplish whatever goals they seek, but they right now are facing a situation where there are PLENTY of players just in the metro NY area as good or better than them. Once they master this area, which will be tough and certainly not guaranteed they then must take on the State, followed by all the hockey hot beds in the US, then Canada and the international students from abroad.
Those pumping these kids need to get out of the house more and truly gauge the competition outside of the metro area. Believe it or not there are thousands of players all over the world that can play, and their are only a certain number of spots available. You need to be CLEARLY the VERY BEST in our little fish bowl, and even if you are, there are no guarantees once you step outside of our little area. Respect what outs there, don`t be foolish and drink all the kool aid
SH/I should have a good team next year and should be the League 4 favorites.
I'd wish the section could wait longer to decide the league set-ups. SH/I would be better off competing in league 3 and Clarkstown South might be better off in league 4.
Both Gluck and Hagen are in the top 10 in their position in the area
Yeah can somebody name 10 high school goalies goalies better than Gluck? I dont think i can
gluck,glaser,delavergne all seem to be on the same level with delavergne and gluck both being 92s. Dont say Reagan or Natoli because they no longer qualify as High School goalies. Benincasa is good. McIndoe is also very solid may be better than Gluck im not sure. But I can highly doubt that anyone can honestly name 10 better high school goalies in the area.
can u play on the empire team next year if u turn 18 in sept, oct, nov, and dec
empiers
Based upon the rules going back to prior age limits, the players in 2009 who turn 18 after Aug 31 of 2009 are eligible to play in ESG.
Yes, I meant to say that the RCDS goalie is not at the highest level. I guess he is in the top ten in high school, but not at the highest level.
The ETB forward was has a pretty good PR machine behind him, heres the dilly on that.
without mentioning names as thats not what I do
here are the teams with forwards just as good our better. If you know the league you`ll know who I mean
CLarkstown North has 1
John Jay has 1
Mahopac has 1
Mamaroneck has 2
Pelham has 1
Rye town harrison has 1
Rye has 1
Suffern has 2
Scarsdale has 1
Yorktown has 1
New rochelle has at least 2
Iona has 2
Pawling has 1
Somers has 1
North Rockland has 1
Hagen was at the usa hockey u 16 national camp a few weeks ago getting 3 assists in 4 games. Prunesti is at the u14 national camp now with 1 goal in 1 game. I looked but didn't find Willows in the u17 camp. The point of that is to show these players are impressing people that actually matter, not parents and players in section 1 like me and you (and most of us have no idea what we're talking about). Besides, the reason so many people dislike Hagen is because he missed like 10 games or something this year for travel and people were offended and saying he should care more about high school then travel and some people even said things like "he doesn't want to play travel, his dad is forcing him". People just want to downplay his abilities to make it seem like they or there kids can play at the same level as him.
Prunesti has not had the same criticism as hagen, but he was at most of his highschool games. Also the fact that he was a freshman that came out of nowhere (Nobody on New Ro knew about him till he came to practice and sniped the goalies pants off) helped him. He may have to start missing high school games for travel stuff like Hagen and Rui did last season, but hopefully not.
Anyway, people that see them play high school will always say they are overrated, but scouts dont seem to think so.
Many people believe Hagen is overrated but he is a very good young player. And as for the RCDS goalie, most people dont like him because he switched schools more than they think is right to do.I say, WHO CARES. As long as hes getting better and trying to improve his situation why do you all care what school or how many times he changed his school. Hes a very underrated goalie who I think many people should go see play before criticizing.
I don`t dislike either player. I just come on here and read a load of stuff of other people pumping these guys up like they are clearly separated from the rest of the strongest players in our area. The ETB forward and the RCDS are great players no question. but to suggest they are separted from the pack of the best in the area is false.
I see both play, and against their peers in high school games they look ok, but they do not look like the absolute best at their positions. The times I saw the forward against good high school competition he looked awfully ordinary especially on the defense side of the game.
SUFFERN WILL BE SECTION CHAMPS THIS YEAR FOR SOMETHING LIKE THE 30TH TIME!!!!!!!!! I HOPE MAMARONECK ENJOYED THEIR VICTORY, IT WON'T HAPPEN THIS YEAR. AND LETS PLEASE STOP TALKING ABOUT PLAYERS ON LEAGUE 4 AND HALF ASS PREP SCHOOLS, THEY AREN'T NEARLY AS GOOD AS ANYONE ON SUFFERN!!!! GO MOUNTIES!!!!!!
champs brings up a good point. None of these players play for suffern so why do we care about them? If there parents were smart, they would have moved to suffern so they can actually become descent hockey players. Its about time somebody said what everybody else is too stupid to understand. Thank you champs. You are the reason everybody likes suffern.
If champs was really from Suffern, the would know exactly how many section championships have been earned. My guess it's someone from another school-usual attempt at haymaker stuff
gluck played with the mariners u18 at a tourney up in marlborough back in the beginning of may. had a real strong showing there also beating the new roc patriots in the semi finals and then losing a nailbiter in the championship. that mariner tournament team was also an excellent team that weekend with many talented players
To champs and good point
people should go to suffern to become better hockey players? well those 2 kids mention by national camp hagen and prunesti they are being scouted by USA Hockey guys and playing at select camps and AAA Hockey tell me how many players on Suffern are at USA Hockey national camps and playing for good AAA teams
cant wait till suffern plays mamk this year. suffern is looking for big revenge
good point was being sarcastic.
you continue to impress me. i like you 'common sense.' you're the kind of person that I wish I had as a consultant. whatever you recommend, I'd do the exact opposite and as a result, would lead a life full of common sense.
to common sense has none
how do I have no common sense is what I said not true and if it is tell me how
to champs
u r a flippin retard
those half "good prep" schools can and will beat u… RCDS has plenty of players that r as good as or better than ur players… suffern LOST this yea—- just get over it.. and they wont beat rcds next year wen they play them
RCDS probably wont play Suffern this year..but lets get off this RCDS fight…nobody will ever agree on them so just leave it
Jeez Champs, its pretty sad when your whole town lives for High School Hockey
mamaroneck will win section 1 with ease. they will have the four best d in section 1 – hagan, zweig, gardiner, christiansen. their first 2 lines will be stacked with jackson, fine, glaser, marr, and has anyone seen conners brother play recently, wow is all i can say. all of that on top of glasers great goaltending. who does suffern have?
to champs and common sense has none
whats the matter why arent you saying anything back because what you know you said was wrong
mark your calenders.. 1.10.09 suffern vs. mamo 8:10
hommocks...... 2.20.09 7:00sportoramaTo gearing up
Did the coach of your team give you the schedule or is there a website that has all the teams schedules
to common sense
go to sportspakdb.lhric.org/gameschedules
its only the scheduled league games
to common sense
sorry its actually
sportspakdb.lhric.org/gameschedule.asp
mamaroneck will deffinetly not have the best 4 defenseman in section 1. besides hagan, kevin norwin is the next best in section 1, he had an outstanding year last year and i thought he was sufferns top defenseman after ojeda. this kid is something special and he was also on the empire practice team but was probaly better than one or two of the defenseman on HV. he is a great all around player and look for him to make an impact this year
suffern also has Hiller who is better than anyone on mamaroneck without question. He is probaly the best player in league 1 this year. Johnny Hill is also better than anyone on mamo and has a awesome shot. also from what ive seen and heard, jackson isnt good and will not make an impact this year. hes nothing without conner just like every other player on mamaroneck
Nice to see the Mamo /Suffern back and forth banter. But, this is not a two team league. All of league 1 will be pretty tight this year. RTH seems a bit behind, but they will find a way to be competitive. They always do. My vote for best defense is Pelham. Their first pair (Duffy/Dzenis) both play jr B (Apple Core and PAL). Duffy was on Empire team. Dzenis would probably have made it had he tried out. The Pelican second pair (Mamone/ Harms) is solid if not spectacular. Would be first pair on a lot of teams. Expect Pelham to keep all games close with those blue liners.
thanks gearing up
And wow still no comments from champs or from common sense has none
To number 1 and mamaroneck, I like the young players Norwin, Gardiner and Christiansen. They will all be impact players. But, there are a bunch of pretty good D men you may not know that much about lurking in Section 1. Other than the aforementioned Hagen, Duffy and Dzenis, there are Sganga, Meany, Halpin, McNamara, Ciotti and Meile who all currently play at a level above the younger kids from Suffern and Mamo.
To Everyone
Just a little tidbit for you all, I have read this blog for a while and while their might be plenty of what you people call good players in the area weather its Sec1 LG1 OR LG4 or Prep school or what many think is good Hockey in the Catholic League(not),their wont be many playing in College at D3 or D1 which out of reach for pretty much anyone down this way.
Playing club will be where they finish and for most it will be lower club teams at what ever College they go to.Their will be a few who get a shot at D1 club which in most cases is very competitive as are some Good D2 programs.
So stop debating where kids are going and at what level College they will play at.
Their have only been a hand few of these kids play at the next level weather it was D3 OR D1(which their has not been a handful).
I have personally gone through this with my son, who I will only say played in Sec.1, these are facts believe them or not.
PS Most of the players down this way rarely get any looks unless they play in a great travel program.
So when you bring up the name of some freshman who lit up LG4 and then say he has a shot playing college,take a good look at what is out there ,their is always someone better,this is also a fact believe it or not.
Making it to either D1 or D3 in any sport is difficult. I think anyone who frequents this blog is aware that only a handful at best get to an NCAA varsity program. What I think should be even clearer is that it is not for any of us to discourage any of the HS players from attempting to attain this goal. None of us are qualified to determine who can or cannot make it. If anyone chooses to post positive support for a local player…..good. Most of the players have worked hard and deserve the recognition and support.
Constantly reiterating how difficult collegiate hockey is to attain is merely restating the obvious.
to number 1
just wait and see what mamaroneck does next year and u cant say we are nothing without conner. jackson is good and can score same with glaser and fine. where also going to get scoring from hagen and zwieg at the point. they also have one of the best goalies in the league to so if they score 3 goals a game they will win since they have good enough defense.
I am a little late on this posting but I would have figured that the moderator of this blog would make sure that a player's H.S. team would be accurately reflected when reporting. Alex Hagen plays for ETB, not Bronxville. A little school recognition would be nice . . .
to for the record
you are absolutly right, however some kids mentioned in this blog are pretty good players travel wise like Hagen I know is playing for the Bobcats junior A team next year Cambria is playing junior B this year, Prunesti is playing Junior A next year and some kids last year who graduated are playing Junior A [rui reagan natoli]
Don't forget about CN. CN could take down Suffern or Mamaroneck on a good day next year for three reasons: Willows, Shuman and McIndoe
Just so everyone knows you will see a lot more players stand out on Mamk, because last year Conner completly took the spot light and Hagan usually got the credit on D, so quiet but deadly players like C.Glaser, Fine, Zweig, Jackson(out most of last season) will stand out more a get the credit they deserve, all of these key Mamk players were hiding under the shadow of Conner. Last year it was conner,conner,conner all year, so Mamk has some very underated individuals that will combine for a great team.
To Sec1fan and good players
I undestand what you are both saying and my point wasn't to discourage anyone from trying to play at a higher level but that the way many people on the blog talk its like everyone who gets a all county award etc. will be playing college somewhere,Same goes for playing JR A OR B, their are many good JR A and B players that dont get a shot.
From what I have seen personally it sometimes becomes a right place right time senario.
Since NCAA varsity hockey is such a long shot, lets just concentrate on and enjoy the upcoming HS season. Can't wait for the big crowds, great rivalry games and the bloggin. It really doesn't get much better than that.
for the record
Everything you've said in your last 2 posts is fair and accurate. There are alot of boastful postings that don't have much merit or are being made very prematurely. My point is that there is no need or purpose to dispute any of them. Maybe one of them will turn out to be true.
As for the right place right time, it might hold true in certain instances. The top players will make their way. Its the border line players that might need to be at the right place and time. The D1 guys get there. The D3 guys usually get there also. There are a few that might have gotten chosen over another borderline player if they had been at the right place and time.
I'm amazed at how these blogs continue to get attention. Here it is just about the slowest hockey time of the year.
In contrast, due to my interest in hs football, I also check up on the "VarityCentral" blog and it's very quiet. This is during camp and pre-season scrimmage time, and just weeks before the season. The same low blogging occurs during basketball time.
I think the Journal News just continues to underestimate the popularity of hockey in this area.
To Travel Team- HS hockey has the benefit of grouping teams by talent level, not size. Like HS LAX does. Far to often, HS football games are a complete mismatch. I am a Rye HS fan. Their football team has not lost in Section in like 6 years. But, except for a special out of league rivalry game with Harrison, Rye football doesn't get the chance to test themselves against some of the better football teams in the Section. So, not much to blog about.
Hiller and Hagen will be the two best players in the section hands down and they both are being recruited by NCAA teams.
highschool hockey
Which Hagen do you mean and what NCAA Teams are recruiting them.
yes I would also like to hear these NCAA teams lokking at Hagen and Hiller
sean hagan has been recruited to st. johns for baseball… but i havent heard about anyone else
Hagen for Baseball is fine,but you have to be honest he has a very hard shot but there is not much more to his game.
Hiller will be one of the best players in Sec.1 without any doubt but the problem is there have been many players over the yrs who were just as good and racked up points and did not go anywhere near playing college hockey.
This is not a rip on anyone,just fact.
Let's also not forget the time commitment that a student athlete has to make to being a Varsity College Athlete. There have been several players with the possible talent that have decided not to give up the time needed at that next level. Being a Varsity Collegiate Athlete is a full time job itself and then add in academics and a social life. Only those truly committed take that next challenge. These days, it is simply not enough to be a stand out HS athlete but almost all US based hockey players need a year or two of Prep School or Junior Hockey (Real junior hockey such as the USHL) to complete. College coaches are looking for athletes who are willing to sacrifice for the sport and who have made that commitment. Graduating from HS and straight into college usually assures that athlete to compete against guys who are 19, 20, 21 years old Freshman.
Saying that guys in this area dont have the talent is in accurate. Saying that they (like almost the entire country) need more development is more accurate.
With regards to travel hockey… Yes, it is an excellent way to compete with top players and play another system of hockey. However, unless well scouted (which is rare) very few hockey players can truly point to that to moving along their careers. Despite what the travel coaches, parents and players want to believe… talk to a college coach.. the High School coaches and league play still is the predominant way that kids move up the ladder. This statement is not intended as a dig or slight on several of the excellent programs, players and coaches involved in travel hockey. In fact, the extra practice time and game time is essential for development… so please dont take it as an insult.
As far as the season coming up.. it should be interesting to see how the teams and leagues play out. It is a wonderful testament to the hockey fan base that this board is still so active!
WOW, Did Playland Balcony just say that HS hockey league play is the way to move to the next level? Was that post meant to address the sport of hockey? I hope not.
What player made it to the D1 collegiate level by making an impression on a college recruiter in a HS hockey game? Has anybody seen a D1 recruiter actually at a HS hockey game?
Travel hockey is a must. Thats where you develope the skills to compete at the levels where the scouts can be found.
I agree with the commitment to play college athletics,I know of a kid that played 2 sports as a freshman and at 18 was the youngest by 3 yrs on the hockey team,but his commitment was using up all his non class time to play 2 sports.
Never coming home on breaks for one,missing class for road trips etc.
Like you said if thats what the kid wants he will find a way.The kid above did.
I agree with sec1fan
High school hockey is supposed to be fun, and for kids who play competitive travel to relax and have fun representing their schools and it is not rare at all to see scouts at travel games ,maybe there won't be scouts at a Rye Mariners game but at real travel hockey games there are always scouts and for those kids who don't play travel, high school season is like travel to them which is fine, some kids might not want to commit to travel or some might not be good enough which is fine too
Sec 1 fan, I believe you missed the point of my post. With all the talk on the board of who playing ability and who is going D1 or D2, my posting was to highlight the fact that nobody from the area is LIKELY (not impossible) to play hockey without the extra years of Prep or Junior. That most college coaches want a player older, more mature and who has made a commitment. That said, my point was also, that while travel hockey is a great resource of playing and improving… that most college, prep and USHL coaches go through the high school coaches. And to answer the question, Yes, there have been college coaches many nights at Playland and Sport O Rama. Very often because the HS coaches have coordinated it or facilitated it. Three of the coaches in the area have done that and some of players have played as a result. Even players not expected to do so.
I did not say that travel hockey was bad. I said college coaches, real junior coaches and prep coaches tend to go through the high school programs as the level of travel hockey is inconsistent. I do not included the spring and summer showcases which several coaches are at.
Balcony
I am familiar with almost all of the local players that have moved on to Prep, Juniors and College. Most of the top players never played or played just their freshman year at a section 1 HS. I have been to many HS games at sporto and playland and have never seen a D1 college recruiter at any HS games…..NEVER. I've seen and spoken to several of them at travel team tournaments. Of course those tournaments are for AAA teams only and are held in new england (nationals is loaded with scouts including NHL). How do you even mention the USHL? What recent (recent is being loosely applied here) section 1 kids other then Foster and the Daniels twins have even flirted with the USHL? Only Foster's placement in that league may have involved a HS coach or program. It is mind boggling that you infer that a USHL scout would be at a section 1 HS game, never mind a D1 recruiter.
There have been a few (very few) players that have gone on to a D3 program which was tied to their HS participation. Its not a significant number however. There is a small possibility that a prep coach might scout a HS game because his schedule made it convienient. They prefer to scout travel games (usually AAA or juniors). The competitive level of a HS hockey game is not a benchmark to evaluate talent!!!
I can continue with the discussion by pointing out the local talent that has moved on and what road they traveled on to get there (section 1's best players moved on through other avenues besides HS hockey). I'd like to know from you what players have been recruited to D1, D3, USHL or Prep through their section 1 high school performances. I'm willing to bet this is going to be a short list.
C'Mon guys. This is a HS hockey blog. Whenever travel hockey gets discussed, people get really worked up. I think everyone knows that the travel teams the top HS kids play for are better teams than the best HS teams. Lets direct the attention towards the upcoming HS season, even if it does involve less consistent talent. Not a discussion about how much faster and better high level midget and jr hockey is. I bet most players who play both HS and travel enjoy the HS games more, especially if they play on a HS team that has significant student support. The faster travel game is watched mainly by parents (sometimes just one parent b/c the game is often played in another state with the other parent at home tending to the rest of the family) and (hopefully) a college coach or two. When was the last time a travel hockey admission was sold out like at the Ice Hutch and SOR for last year's CHSHL, DI and DII finals? Both types of play have their plusses and minuses.
Nyack and Tappan Zee?
Was that hockey merger ever completed? In looking at the Section 1 website for the upcoming season I could find games for Nyack but not for TZ.
fanotgame,
You are 100% correct! I have been involved with Travel Hockey and High School hockey for years. My boys have gone to States and Nationals. They have experienced alot because of hockey. BUT it's the High School games that they constantly talk about. It's those games that they will always remember because they played against their travel team mates. It's almost like they had bragging rights over their friends. Very seldom do I hear them talk about their travel days (11 years ) but they always talk about High School.
So all I can say, is sitback and enjoy! Eventually they will go off to college and hopefully continue to play at some level, but enjoy while you have it, because once it's over you will start going through "Hockey Wilthdrawals". Have fun with it and make sure your son or daughter enjoys themselves, because bottom line, that's what's its about!
Also,
Where it's important for the kids to have fun, it's very important for the parents to enjoy themselves, epecially if they're going to be a senior.
Believe me when I tell you this, once the season begins, then the count down begins. That is, you start counting down the games and eventually they're done. So if your the parent of a Senior, sitback and really enjoy the season and try to get more involved with your son or daughter, because it will be a season that you will never forget!
HAVE FUN AND ENJOY!
THE PROFESSOR
High school is fun because you play with and against your travel mates?
Uh I think its playing in front of your family, friends, and school mates. Playing and representing your high school and community.
This thing that travel hockey is a bonding thing kills me. Travel hockey players have no allegience or loyalty to their travel teams. Many players jump teams and change sweaters based on so many different factors. Travel hockey is more individual, as the travel player is looking for PERSONAL exposure and improve himself personally to move to the next level.
To the Professor- I have that empty feeling at the end of each HS season when the seniors I am not related to have played their last game on HS ice. Can only imagine the feeling when it involves a member of your family.
Nothing like a HS season. The game is fun for everyone, parents, players, school mates and fans. Even reading about the games in the journal news is part of the experience.
Travel hockey is work. Its fun but players have responsibilities and will answer for failing to meet them. There is some bonding but mostly an individual experience. I think most of the players will say they forged some lifetime friendships thru their travel years.
Wasn't making an argument travel vs HS. Just trying to make a proper distiction as what to expect out of each in terms of moving to the next levels. Misinformation doesn't help the players or their families.