Hockey Discussions > Bantam Hockey

Bantam A or AA vs High School

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lcadad:
LAKSHL for what it is, is too expensive in my opinion.  The Kings have pulled out all their subsidies, and there has been a revolving door of disinterested management of it.   The league itself is on fumes -- 8 Varsity teams (with the weakest of the teams not having a JV) does not bode well for competition.

There are kids who are playing club hockey AND high school, and especially in the Ducks league these are the kids that make the difference.  The past few seasons Burbank has emerged as the strongest LAKHSL team, due to the large number of kids who previously played at the Bears.  After a number of seasons without a U16 option, the Bears have resurrected a U16 AA team, so this might put a crimp in that pipeline, but the connection is clear.

Now before we talk about Varsity vs. JV, it seems your kid is not that experienced.  They will be most likely overmatched in Varsity, and if they are easily making your local Varsity team, then that should tell you something about the talent level.  The physicality in both JV and Varsity is a real crapshoot.  Believe it or not, there are Sr's playing on JV teams. 

I would highly recommend playing club hockey if you have to make a choice.  Look at the clubs local to you, seek out the Bantam coaches and get your kid on the ice with them.  This is going on as we speak -- clinics, scrimmages, coaches times, camps etc.  You need to find out where your kid is in comparison with other players his age, meeting coaches and figuring out your plan A,B and C options.  There are kids on the ice 3+ times a week right now, preparing themselves for next season.

Ideally you would like to see a progression to AA, but only if your son will be competitive, and will be playing for a coach that is going to develop them and give them opportunities. 

toma_13:
Very good info Icadad.  Have seen your posts and you seem well informed.   My son is on the ice twice a week right now so he is definitely not inactive, but can do more.   I would say his arrow is pointing up so that's why I love getting info from people like you and I'm doing my best to get him where he needs to be and doesn't regress.    Hopefully we can chat a little more soon. 

lcadad:

--- Quote from: toma_13 on July 08, 2020, 11:34:45 AM ---Very good info Icadad.  Have seen your posts and you seem well informed.   My son is on the ice twice a week right now so he is definitely not inactive, but can do more.   I would say his arrow is pointing up so that's why I love getting info from people like you and I'm doing my best to get him where he needs to be and doesn't regress.    Hopefully we can chat a little more soon.

--- End quote ---


Just to be clear, it's really more about kicking the tires on clubs and coaches than anything.  I'd have preferred my kid did played another sport for much of the spring and summer, but COVID19 made that impossible this year.  It also killed all the traditional tournaments, which was a good way to get some experience with a team and a coach you might not know real well. You will unfortunately have to take a more direct approach this year.     

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