Or Not Two “A”, That Is the Question by LINDA RILEY

NOVEMBER 2011 Vol. 4, Issue 3

Two “A” or Not Two “A”, that is the Question by LINDA RILEY

Why are the girls’ teams different? They have two unbalanced “A” teams at the 14U level and continue to main- tain one “A” team at the 12U level. In regard to the 14U level, last year the 14U-B team played in their league games with little competition, which does not breed development. The decision was made to have the 14U “B” team play at the “A” level for more competition and consequently better development. However, because there are fewer numbers for girls, the talent gap between player 1 and 30 is greater than in the case of the boys where numbers are much greater, so the decision was made to have the teams be unbalanced in order for the coaches to be able to focus their practices on developing players in the same skill set.

At the 12U level, the talent spread with the competition was found to be competitive so no change was made to that level at this time. here have been many changes this year for Why make the change to the format of The “C” tryouts were eliminated. youth hockey in general and at Wayzata two “A” teams now? Youth Hockey Association (WYHA) in par- Why? Are there other changes to the T According to PD, the foremost reason is that mak- ticular. One of the most visible changes at WYHA has “C” level as well? ing the change is in the best interest of developing all been the team format changes. This year, a change The “C” tryouts were incorporated into the “B” level players at WYHA. The reason WYHA chose to do it was made to two balanced Squirt “A” teams, two bal- tryout process. The evaluators ranked all of the play- at this time is due to a number of factors: anced Pee Wee “A” teams and two unbalanced 14U ers and teams were formed at the “B” and “C” levels “A” teams. The changes to “A” impacts the “B” lev- 1) It’s a concept that is likely to become more based on the player’s performance at tryouts. els with a reduction in teams in that category. In the widespread in the future. Minnesota Hockey past, as most members are aware, there has been only next season is likely to establish two clas- A couple of other exciting changes include skills one “A” team at each of those levels. sifications, “A” and “AA” as they do at the night, which will be incorporated in the “C” league as high school level. This positions WYHA at they are currently at the “A” and “B” levels. Addi- The changes were made at the suggestion of the Play- the forefront of this change and according to tionally, a new option for those “C” level players who er Development committee (PD). The Player Devel- Brandt, “Minnesota Hockey is 110% behind want to increase their skill set, is dryland training and opment committee is chaired by Mark Brandt and is the change.” Acceleration trainers who will work with players to comprised of approximately 10 individuals each with assist them throughout the season. multiple years experience in WYHA from all facets 2) Going to two “A” teams is in the spirit of the of the organization – youth travel, girls and mites. In American Development Model (ADM) pro- Any other changes? addition, the committee garnered input from both the gram, implemented by USA Hockey. As mentioned earlier, Minnesota Hockey is looking at boys and girls high school coaches who attended all 3) Operationally, WYHA now has the structure classifying regional and state tournaments as “A” or of the Player Development committee meetings. in place to support development at all levels. “AA”, based on the size of the high school the associa- WYHA has employed more coaches to facil- tion is tied to. If an association wants to be something The Committee reviewed information for all of the itate on ice skills training and partners with other than the category they are in, they will have the team levels within WYHA. They examined wins, Acceleration to not only manage the dryland ability to do so. So next year for instance, you may losses and skills testing and put in a lot of hours ana- training program, but the facility itself. see changes at the Bantam level. Wayzata currently lyzing the information before making their recom- has one Bantam “A” team (players ranked 1-15) and mendation to the Board. The WYHA Board reviewed Why the decision to have two bal- one “B1-1” team (players ranked 16-30). Next year, and consumed the committee’s information and was the Bantam “A” team could play in AA and the “B1- convinced this was the best plan to develop all players anced, vs. unbalanced, “A” teams at the Squirt and Pee Wee levels? 1” team would be designated an “A” team and play in at WYHA. the “A” classification. The association wants the program to be successful. Of course, with change comes a variety of responses Past experience both internally at WYHA and exter- According to Brandt, “The most important fact is from members. Most of the feedback from the fami- nally, such as at Edina, have shown that having two un- that WYHA has never changed their goal. The goal lies at WYHA has been in the form of inquiries. So balanced “A” teams fails to develop players and creates at WYHA has always been to develop every hockey recently I spoke with members of the committee to dissatisfaction among players and their families. Hav- player at WYHA. The only change is bettering the get more information on the new format. ing balanced teams ensures more competitive games means to achieve that.” ■ and practices resulting in better player development.

FUNdraisers Concusssions IN THIS ISSUE… Opportunities to support WYHA ...... 2 How to Know and Where to Go...... 3 If you have an idea for an article, would like to submit a story/photo or have any general Hat Trick Sports Progressive Checking questions regarding the Blueline Bulletin, please email [email protected]. A New WYHA Sponsor...... 2 Skill Development Program ...... 3

“Did you know?” Back to the Future Interesting factoid...... 2 2011 End of Season Tournament Winners. . . . 4–81 Hat Trick Sports NEW WYHA SPONSOR Support our partners for the 2011-2012 hockey season! Patronizing those companies that support WYHA results in funds coming back into the program which helps offset your costs, provides scholarships for those kids who otherwise could not afford to play and provides equipment for the association!

Visit Broadway Pizza 13705 27th Ave North, Plymouth!

Support our charitable gambling partner by visiting Broadway for a night of pizza and fun. And purchase a few pull tabs or play Bingo on Tuesday nights to support WYHA! One facility in the world offers both been through one of these sessions it straight away and lateral acceleration progresses to high performance training hockey skating training on treadmill meaning it is adjustable from beginner Sponsor a Team devices. That facility is the Hat Trick to pro. Competitive Edge’s trial session Sports facility (www.hattrickarena.com) rates make it easy to try. Go to www.wayzatahockey.org then click on the “Sponsors” located right off of 394 in St. Louis Park. tab on the home page to access our sponsor form. Yet this facility does not stop there. It Parents can also expect their player to also features two purpose built 3v3 rinks, enjoy the training process. While not a Hockey Specific workout room focused all players enjoy this style of train- Eat Dinner at a Local on explosion, athleticism, and appropri- ing, many measures have been taken ate strength development, a synthetic ice to ensure that players have fun. This Restaurant Sponsor shooting and hand skills instruction area, is worthwhile in its own right, but it WYHA is partnering with local restaurants who will donate and hockey footwork development area also impacts the training as the engaged money to the association on a certain designated night. that once again features synthetic ice. mind learns fastest. Notifications of the event will be on the home page and within This amounts to a phenomenal number our calendar listing of www.wayzatahockey.org. Let’s all get of exclusive hockey training possibilities Facility training is available to be sched- ready again for some Great Food and Fun! Stay Tuned! built on top of tried and true methods that uled year-round. In addition, Com- can be found petitive takes elsewhere. registrations for pre-tryout camps. Seeing this fa- These include cility in action three 90 minute is interesting in training sessions its own right, and 12 hours of but experienc- ice. Check out Order Hockey Pictures ing the training the following it can provide link for more info SportsStar is back as the official photographer for WYHA this sheds a lot of light on how unique, effec- on these pre-tryout camps and other year. The association will receive 10% back on all sales made camps we offer throughout the winter on picture day. tive, and versatile it is. While the facility is known as Hat Trick Sports, the entity and summer seasons. that operates the training there is Com- petitive Edge (cesnetwork.com). Com- For more information, visit: Purchase a Hitch Cover petitive Edge always seeks to have the http://www.hattrickarena.com/page/ They are available at the Central Middle School(CMS) uninitiated do “trial” sessions of train- show/354587-mite-squirt-and-peewee- concession stand. ing with their Bullet Skating Treadmill, camps-designed-to-prime-players-to- Crossover Flywheel, and hand skills perform-during-tryouts development in skates. If you have not ■ Make Purchases at the CMS Concession Stand

Your food and beverage purchases support WYHA. Have you ever wondered how many people visit the Plymouth Ice Center Sign Up for Food Perspectives! each year?

Go to www.fpitesters.com to register as a tester. WYHA receives Last year a counter was $10 each time you participate in a test. placed on the doors at the arena to track the number of visits . In 2010, there Gopher Hockey Night were 412,000 visits to the University of Minnesota Gopher Hockey / ice center . Combined with Wayzata Youth Hockey Association Night the 1,000,000 visits to LifeTime Fitness each year, Discounted tickets for a U of MN Gophers is in the works! Stay the grand total visiting the tuned for more information to come! site is 1 .4 million each year!

2 Concussions How to Know and Where to Go by LINDA RILEY

Before the season gets in full swing, it’s a good time to bring up the topic of A way to really know if your child has an injury is to get a baseline concussion concussions. By now we’ve all read and heard about concussion prevention. evaluation before the season begins (now would be a great time) to establish a But how do you know if your child actually has a concussion? Speaking from reference point of your player’s brain function and functional abilities prior to experience, my son had a couple of instances last year that left us wondering if a concussion occurring. Baseline testing (ImPACT) proves an objective evalu- he had just taken a hard hit or if he had a concussion. It’s hard when it’s not an ation of your player’s post injury condition and assists in tracking a player’s obvious injury like a bleeding nose or dislocated kneecap. recovery. Doctors compare the baseline testing with post injury scores to deter- mine with certainty when your player is ready to return to action. The American Academy of Neurology defines a concussion as “trauma induced alteration in mental status that may or may not involve a loss of consciousness”. The National Dizzy and Balance Center has an office in Edina at 3400 West 66th Hmm. Not sure asking my kid if he has an alteration in mental status is going Street, Suite 300. Baseline evaluations range from $35 to $75 for individual ap- to work. pointments. Groups of 10 or more drastically reduces the costs to a range of $15 to $35. If interested, contact Jennifer Ginkel at 952-913-2907. ■ You may be able to tell by the symptoms:

Physical symptoms Headache, dizziness, imbalance, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, double or blurred vision and sensitivity to light and sound. Perhaps clearer but if your player has a headache 24 hours later, does that mean he/she has a concussion or just a headache?

Emotional symptoms Irritability, restlessness, anxiety, depression, mood swings, aggression, or decreased tolerance of stress. My 16-year old displays several of these with some frequency and yet does not play any contact sport.

Cognitive impairments Memory difficulty, confusion, slowed processing, “fogginess,” and difficulty with concentration. Mine cannot seem to concentrate on any- thing I say and regularly forgets to load the dishwasher despite repeat- ed requests but I’m pretty sure that has nothing to do with a head blow.

Progressive Checking Elements of the program include:

• More body contact in the pre-body checking age categories by provid- Skill Development ing more training and support for coaches and referees; and encourag- ing more legal body contact in the pre-body checking age categories Program through “Point of Emphasis” rule #1 passed by the Board . by LINDA RILEY • It tightens the standard of play for intimidation hits in the legal body checking age categories . Beginning in the 2011-12 season, legal body checking in games will begin at the Bantam age level (ages 13-14) . If you just look at the surface of the during this window of opportunity to • Beginning in 2011-12, each USA Hockey coach will be required to take change, people may think checking be more worried about avoiding get- an age-specific training module which will provide training information has been eliminated at the Pee Wee ting killed in the corner than about consistent with long-term athlete and childhood development princi- level. But if you take just 15 minutes, how to skate with the puck. They ples for the age category the coach will be engaged with . Each module you’ll realize that is not the case. In want to keep kids safe and healthy will include training information for body contact and checking . reading the information published on while learning to play hockey. In www.usahockey.com and listening to fact, the intent is to teach players • Each season, USA Hockey officials attend clinics that review points the Podcasts, checking has not been from Mites through Peewees proper of emphasis relating to the standard of play . These 2011-12 clinics will eliminated at the body checking focus on allowing more body contact consistent with the rules in pre- Pee Wee lev- over a period of checking age categories and a tighter standard of play for roughing, el. Hence, the time so they can cross-checking, boarding, charging, high-sticking and other intimidation hits in the legal body checking divisions . program name learn how to do a - Progressive full body check, • USA Hockey will monitor the on-ice management of games with regular Checking Skill body position- reports from local referee-in-chiefs, coach-in-chiefs and Association Development. ing and angling Coaching and Education (ACE) administrators to USA Hockey’s national while develop- office staff in Colorado Springs . USA Hockey ing their other wants young hockey skills so • USA Hockey will conduct research on the effect of the Progressive players to be by the time they Checking Skill Development Program on risk reduction and skill development . The results of the research will be published when completed . able to focus reach Bantams on their hockey they are profi- • The Board also passed rules that prohibit any check that comes in con- skills of skating, puck handling, cient at both. Bret Hedican, a Minne- tact with the head or neck . The goal of this rule is to make the player shooting and passing during their op- sotan, former NHL player of 17 years more responsible for actions that make contact to the head or neck timum development period of 9 to 12 and two time Olympian said, “With similar to rules now in place for stick infractions to the head . years old. Hockey is a tough game the knowledge base we have on child and when you hit the learning curve development this is without question For more information on USA Hockey’s Progressive Checking Skill Development Program, visit usahockey.com/bodychecking. can be painful. They don’t want kids the right way forward.” ■

3 End of the 2011 season tournament winners offer a future glimpse of Wayzata Youth Hockey.

Wayzata U12 B Blue State Champions!

It began back in September when 15 girls the region title and the top region seed into The championship lived up to its billing with joined the Wayzata U12B Blue hockey team . the state tournament . Facing an aggressive Wayzata dominating the first period but only Many of the girls had been teammates in past and balanced Chisago Lakes team, Wayzata coming away with a 2-1 lead after 1 . Chisago seasons and some not, but one thing was evi- played with a full team effort and defeated Lakes regained its footing in the second period dent…the team did not have a dedicated goal- Chisago 4-0 to take the region title . and came away with the only goal knotting the ie . With one A and three B teams, but only score at 2-2 . A back and forth third resulted three dedicated goalies, this team was the one The next two weeks were filled with prepa - in no scoring so the game went to overtime . that did not get a dedicated stopper . It took a ration for the trip to Grand Rapids and sev - About six minutes into the first overtime, Way- few months of position rotations and four girls eral hard-working practices . Finally, the day zata entered the offensive zone and threw a trying goalie before the players settled in to came when the team, parents, and siblings puck towards the net and it found its way past their strongest positions . boarded the team bus for the weekend trip the goalie and into the net for a Wayzata 3-2 to Grand Rapids . victory and the State U12B Championship! The team finished district 3 play in eighth place, just behind the other Wayzata teams . Despite Friday afternoon opened with an unfamiliar The team would like to thank several compa- the seeding the team played with confidence opponent in Mankato . As had been the case nies that provided support during the season – and knocked off top seeded North Metro and for the past few weeks, a balanced team ef- Broadway Pizza, Letterman Sports, and Sports arch rival Wayzata Gold among others to ad- fort led to a 4-1 victory and an opportunity Hut . Thank you everyone who supported the vance to the finals versus OMG Orange where to play in the semi-finals on Saturday versus team this season! the team fell short in a close 3-1 game . Red Wing . This time Wayzata got out to a 3-1 lead after 2 but a determined Red Wing team Wayzata U12B Blue - Lizzie Rude, Maddie Wayzata Blue took the #2 district seed into fought back with an early third period goal and Wolsmann, Ruby Stauber, Clare Carlson, Ellie the regions and opened with Elk River a team the tying goal with slightly more than a minute Rod, Autumn Freng, Torie Schmidt, Ellie An- they had lost to twice during the season . A full to play in regulation . This time Wayzata had keny, Sydney Hindrichs, Caroline Davidson, team effort was needed for a gutty 3-2 victory . to go to overtime before they defeated Red Jackie Russo, Mandi Rezabek, Emma Stern- The team returned to Sartell the next day to Wing 4-3 for an opportunity to play in the state berg, Courtney Keuer, Mallory Marsherall, and defeat a tough River Lakes team 1-0 again re- championship game on Sunday in a regions re- coaches Rob Rude, Robb Stauber, John Russo, turning to finals . Despite a trip to the state match with Chisago Lakes . Tov Rezabek, and Mike Rod . tournament assured, the team wanted to take

4 End of the 2011 season tournament winners offer a future glimpse of Wayzata Youth Hockey.

Wayzata 14A Girls Finish on a a Note

Trojans Take 3rd in the Peewee A State Tournament!

The Wayzata Trojan Peewee A team who took play, but the goal was waived off by the ref- son, the Irish had handed Wayzata one of their third place at the State Tournament held at eree as the net had come off . With Farming- only 10 losses in the entire season, defeating Bloomington Ice Gardens, March 18-20! ton in the lead, 3-2 with less than two minutes the Trojans in a scrimmage, 6 to 5 . But this to go, Coach Fleming pulled the goalie . The time, Wayzata had their number . With pres- The Trojans first contest was a come-from-be- Trojans were unable to keep it in the zone and sure off, the Trojans came out and played their hind victory against the Elk River Elks . Down Farmington scored an empty net goal . With game . They were fast . They were physical . 3 to 1 about halfway through the third period, confidence that his team still had a chance to They moved the puck . And they won, 4 to 1 . Wayzata scored three unanswered goals, the score two goals, the goalie was pulled again . Congratulations on a great effort and season! last with just over a minute left in the period, Wayzata had several chances but was unable to defeat Elk River, 4 to 3 . to put the puck in the net . Farmington finally Members of the Wayzata Trojans Peewee A cleared the zone by lofting the puck over the team are the Goalies: Bill Arndt and Alex Schil- In the semi-final matchup, Wayzata took on defense and with a lucky shot scored their sec- ling; Forwards: Max Zimmer, Mack Byers, Ed- the Farmington Tigers, a team that was ranked ond empty netter with 1/10 of a second left to die Chute, Cole Dougherty, Billy Duma, Jacob #1 or #2 throughout the season . The stands win by a final score of 5-2 . Holmers, Dylan Hewitt, Luke Paterson and were packed with fans and it was practically Mark Senden; Defensemen: Carter Fallen, Dan standing room only . In the battle for third place, Wayzata had to Myhra, T Moss, Dillon Riley, Noah Fuhrmann take on their nemesis, the Rosemount Irish . and Hank Sorensen . The team’s head coach Wayzata took an early 1-0 lead but the Tigers Two years prior at the Fargo International is Josh Fleming . He is assisted by Jon Dubel roared back and by the end of the second peri- tournament, many of the Peewee A boys were and Levi Arel . The team is managed by Becky od it was tied 2-2 . Early in the third, the Tigers on the Wayzata Squirt A team that lost to Arndt . scored to take their first lead of the game . The Rosemount, a win that took the Irish to the il- Trojans battled and scored on a nice passing lustrious final four bracket . Earlier in the sea-

5 End of the 2011 season tournament winners offer a future glimpse of Wayzata Youth Hockey.

Wayzata 14A Girls Finish on a a Note

Wayzata 14A Girls Finish on a High Note

The Wayzata 14A hockey team ended its sea- in a 1-0 loss in spite of outshooting their oppo- great memories created throughout the year son with a 3rd place finish in a very strong field nents 31-12 . They had many excellent scoring both on and off the ice . at state tournament in Woodbury the weekend opportunities throughout the game including of March 18-20, 2011 . a waived off goal near the end of regulation The Wayzata 14A team members are Hannah that could have sent the game into overtime . Bangen, Abby Croal, Courtney Halverson, Hal- They opened their tournament run with a ey Hobday, Morgan Hoglund, Kaitlyn Klein, Ava game against one of the top teams in the state, As a result they found themselves in the 3rd Lambert, Sophie Leininger, McKenna Lorenz, Edina Green . It was a well played game by both place game with another formidable team Brooke Nelson, Carly Noble, Becca Senden, So- teams with Wayzata coming out on top 4-2 from Eden Prairie . It took an overtime ses- phia Shaver, Maddy Skoglund, Paige Sorensen, and advancing to the semi finals against North sion for this game to be decided in favor of Katherine Spurlock, Ellen Winderl . Team is Wright County Red . Wayzata had played them the Wayzata Trojans 3-2 . Both teams played coached by Keith Radloff, Steve Persian, Beth twice during the season as they were both in extremely well considering their disappointing Brown, Jon Radloff and Jim Smith . the same league and therefore were familiar losses in the semi finals . Even though the girls with each other and knew it would be another would have rather been part of the champion- excellent game . ship game it was hard to be too disappointed with a final season record of 50-5-0 . The Unfortunately for Wayzata they ran into a very girls, parents, and coaches would like to thank hot goalie who dominated the game resulting all their fans for a rewarding season and the

6 End of the 2011 season tournament winners offer a future glimpse of Wayzata Youth Hockey.

Wayzata 14A Girls Finish on a a Note

Bantam C Blue: Full-on Hockey Fun!

Although we started out the season with a rocky, not-so-pleasant beginning, we ended our season with the feeling that we had a great year . We had a big team – 19 boys – with a real range of experience and skills . Some guys were relatively new players and others were long-time vet- erans . Everyone got the opportunity to play and every boy contributed to the full-on fun! We experienced everything hockey is about .

Highlights (and low points) included:

• Winning the Battle of the Blades Tournament in Eau Claire, WI! Yes, we were the champions! It took overtimes and shootouts but ended with a big trophy! • Winning the Consolation game in the Wayzata Goldstar Tourna- ment after persevering in two overtimes and shootouts . • Getting third place at the South St . Paul Cowtown Classic Tour- ney . Again, OT and shootouts . • Penalty shots • Shut-outs (Dann “the Man” Rezzabek was awesome!) • Fights and suspensions • Outdoor ice skating – yes, kids still do that in MN! Sometimes I think we forget what hockey is really about…or should be about . It’s about kids having fun playing a game they love . It’s supposed • Team outings to SkyZone to be fun . Our team had fun . Thanks to the Coaches, Manager, Parents • Having parents get warnings from the referees and Players for making this year a success . Thanks for a good season . • Broken bones • Driving through two blizzards (December and February) to get to and from tournaments . Seriously, nothing stops a hockey mom! • Ended with friends – boys and parents

7 End of the 2011 season tournament winners offer a future glimpse of Wayzata Youth Hockey.

Wayzata Sweeps Moorhead Northern Lights Invitational

Wayzata Pee Wee B2 Yellow won the Championship of the Moorhead Wayzata Bantam B2 Royal won the Championship of the Moorhead North- Northern Lights Pee Wee B Invitational Tournament over the weekend ern Lights Bantam B Invitational Tournament over the same weekend! of Dec 18-19. . The team won three spirited games over a very competitive field including The team faced the Fargo Angels, West Fargo and beat a very tough West Fargo, Roseau and a previously unbeaten Edina Green Squad 6-1 to win team from Mitchell, SD 6-2 to win the Championship . the Championship .

FRONT ROW: Jason Prochaska (Goalie) FRONT ROW (L-R): Matt Soltis, Chris Olson MIDDLE ROW (L-R): Ian Johnson, Matt Hagan, Jake Wolfe, Hunter Madden, Phillip Renslow, Nick Nelson MIDDLE ROW (L-R): Charlie Gamer, Andrew Scattergood, Carl Rudin, Jake Friedenfeld, Maverick Johnson, Karsten Salveson, Aaron Peterson BACK ROW (L-R): Sam LaRose, Daniel Bye, Jordan Stephenson, Cole Smith, Ty Williams, Matt Pruden, Joe Maney, Derek Feriancek, Sam Simon (not pictured) BACK ROW (L-R): Isaac Foote, Jack Lehmbecker, Karl Pearson, Thomas St. Martin, Jack Buan, Grant Johnson The team is coached by Steve Bye, Tom Renslow, Steve LaRose, Brent Nelson and Jack Sullivan (not pictured). The team is coached by Rich Scattergood, Ken Gamer, Tracy Johnson, Joe St.Martin and Peter Friedenfeld

Rookie Mite 4 Rock Mite Madness

Mite Madness was the highlight of the season for Rookie Mite team #4, a .k .a . The Bluejackets! The team played four games throughout the weekend and they did a great job! They played an evening game on Saturday night, then turned right around and played an 8:30am game on Sunday morning (don’t forget it was daylight-savings weekend so everyone was short one hour of sleep)! Their energy and enthusiasm was outstanding . They skated as fast as they could, and when they fell they got up as fast as they could . The stands were packed with family and friends and the fans enjoyed every minute of it! It was a great end to a great season! Head coach: Brian Schneider, Asst Coaches: Chip Brixus, Jeff Hansen, Paul Penningroth, Amy Rychlick ”.

Congratulations to all Wayzata Youth Hockey players for a great season!