Quote:
Originally Posted by Lubicon
Not sure if this has been discussed. Interesting to see this parallel league prosper at the expense of LMHA's, the ages groupings is growing larger as the initial groups get older to the point they will essentially mirror the entire minor hockey system in a few years. Of particular interest to me is Hockey Canada has changed their model IIRC to focus more on skill especially at younger ages and this is also what this group seems to claim. We've seen the growth in sports schools over the past few years (wonder if this will hurt or help them - a case could be made either way) and now this. Just from personal experience in the traditional hockey system it seems like some parents are bailing on the 'regular' model and buying their kids way onto these self proclaimed elite teams. Not saying the programs and athletes are not good, but I have seen many occasions when a parent pulls their kid from minor hockey and puts them into this type of program because they were not happy with how evaluations and team placement went. Still, it seems like there is an appetite for this so who know how it will all shake out.
Also will be interested in seeing how successful they are at obtaining ice given the shortage (at least in Calgary area).
"Alberta's Hockey Super League gains momentum from players looking for elite stream.
Unsanctioned league has grown from 9 to more than 60 teams since launch"
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calga...ague-1.5033314 |
We did HSL this year.
While we loved the game format of 4 games on set weekends throughout the year giving us more family time, we hated the travel for practices. Living in Didsbury we had some practices in NE Calgary every week with other practices in Carstairs or Beiseker. Driving 30 minutes for dry land in Airdrie sucked hard.
The cost is also much higher than minor hockey, with HSL charging teams $1,750 a showcase weekend. 9 Showcase weekends is $15,750, so your team fees starts off at around $950 a kid before you even look at paying for practice ice. On top of your team fees you need to pay $650 to the league which covers pant shells, jerseys, helmets, and gloves, team swag, and insurance.
They should just send a bill to the team for the insurance and allow teams to organize their own gear - It'd be much cheaper, but I am sure they are making money by referring to suppliers. We just got our track jackets this last showcase weekend. We have one weekend of games left.
The franchises are also for profit ventures.
I know some teams are charging $3,600.00 on top of the league fee of $650.00.
Who wants to pay $4,250.00 for Novice hockey?