I posted this message on the Bantam Board but after some recommendations, I realized that this may be appropriate for Mites and Squirts as well. It's just some insight and perspective from myself, and others that took this journey before me. Take it or leave it, but enjoy the ride, it ends quickly...
I have been involved in the sport of Travel Hockey for the past 11 years. I have two boys, and they both started playing hockey at Mite B and currently, the oldest son is completing a successful season at Midget 16AA, while my younger son completes his final Bantam AA season. We have avoided the AAA level due to academic and financial considerations. I have listened to parents that have personally participated, and watched their boys, play at all levels from Mite B, thru Juniors, and beyond. In speaking to these parents, it occurred to me to "work the journey from the destination." Where do you want your son/daughter to finish their hockey career? College, Juniors, AAA, Semi-Pro, Europe, NHL? How much to you want to spend to arrive at that destination? Does your son/daughter share your passion?
In speaking to a informed hockey dad, he had the opportunity to play Juniors as a teenager in Canada. He also had the opportunity to attend College and become an Engineer. He decided to forgo Juniors, attend College, while his friends moved into the ranks of Juniors for the next few years. His friends enjoyed their experience, but only one returned to attend College and did not fully enjoy the experience due to the fact that he was "older" than the incoming freshman. His other friends finished Juniors, lost interest in school and moved into the workforce. In the meantime, my friend finished College and is now working as a successful engineer. He plays hockey weekly with other men that played Youth/Travel, AA, AAA, Juniors, Semi-Pro and in the NHL. ALL of them finish their weekly game and return to WORK the next day. In speaking to a BCHL Head Coach, he informed me that the average NHL career is 3 years and that 90% of former NHL players need to find employment at the end of their careers. Although this may not be indicative of everyone, my point is, everyone ends up at the same spot....
My boys have had an amazing journey playing youth hockey while my wife and I have watched them develop into responsible young men and good hockey players. We have traveled throughout the United States and Canada to participate in Tournaments which enabled the kids to see and experience a world they may never know. Furthermore, they have made amazing friendships that will last long past their hockey careers. Next season, my boys will play together on the same team, High School, for the first time since Mites. I recognize that High School isn't quite the level of AAA or some AA teams but nonetheless, where does their journey end? I fully believe that they love the game and that they can play competitive hockey for as long as they like. The values, ethics and ability to work as a team, that they learned playing this game, will hopefully make them a valuable asset while pursuing any future endeavors. Everyone, including the players, must make their own decisions...These are my thoughts as the boys end their Club Hockey experience.