Article about Youth Hockey (with quotes from O'Neills)

[nccanes]

This is kind of just an general interest article about youth hockey in Canada. Interesting and candid remarks from the O'Neills.

Minor hockey players better off at home: NHLer
Jeff O'Neill's dad admits mistake
Case of two boys headed to court


LOIS KALCHMAN
SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Paul O'Neill, the father of Carolina Hurricanes star Jeff O'Neill, understands parents from outside Toronto who want their children to play for the GTHL's elite organizations.

He was one of them.

"It is a nice ego trip to have all the coaches in the GTHL calling you. Every year all the teams called and for years I wanted to get my boys (Jeff and older brothers Don and Ryan) in the GTHL, but my wife told me if they are good enough to make it, they will. If not, they won't.

"Over time, it has been proven she is absolutely right."

The residency rules that require kids to play minor hockey in their home area are being challenged by the families of two 13-year-olds and well-known criminal lawyer Brian Greenspan.

Greenspan said last night that legal papers were served yesterday on the Greater Toronto Hockey League and Ontario Minor Hockey Association. A formal filing in Barrie Superior Court will follow today and Greenspan hopes to have a hearing next week.

Speak Out: Minor hockey rules
The two boys — Chris Beauchamp of Penetanguishene and Mitchel Lebar of Aurora — want to play for the GTHL's Toronto Young Nats but have already missed a handful of games while they remain in what their parents call "limbo."


Like Lebar and Beauchamp — touted as one the best minor bantam players in the province — the O'Neill boys were all good players. Don was captain of the OHL's Peterborough Petes, Ryan played for the Windsor Spitfires and Jeff was an NHL all-star in 2003.

The O'Neill boys played minor hockey in King City, an area that did not have a Triple-A team two decades ago. Hockey Canada rules did not permit a child to leave home for the sole purpose of playing hockey, but Paul O'Neill wanted the best for his boys.

So Don was "moved" into an aunt's home in Etobicoke and enrolled at Father Henry Carr High School. He played for a GTHL AAA team but was sent packing when the sham was discovered.

"Looking back, I should not have done it," Paul O'Neill said yesterday. "When you are used to playing in the OMHA, it's a different world in Toronto."

He has a suggestion for Lebar and Beauchamp and others like them: "If they are that hungry for competition they should move up an age to bantam."

Today Don O'Neill, 32, coaches the Noble King minor bantams, kids the same age as Lebar and Beauchamp. He doesn't recall his GTHL experience fondly.

"When I did it, I really did live at home but it was nerve-wracking," he said. "You're not with your friends; everything was a big secret. We changed phone numbers. I was supposed to go live with my aunt — all for stupid hockey.

"I felt homesick. I really wanted to be with my friends. When I didn't make the Henry Carr Jr. B team, I was relieved, glad to be back with my friends."

When asked if he would permit his child to move for hockey, he replied with an emphatic: "No."

"I would not put my kids through that. ... It's good the way the OMHA is set up today. The good kids play against the good kids. And those that want hockey just for fun can do it at their own level."

Jeff and Ryan remember watching their older brother's adventure anxiously. "It's not good for these kids," says Ryan, 28, now a police officer and a referee in the OHL. "I wouldn't do it to my kid."

When the younger boys reached ages 11 and 12, the OMHA established a regional Triple-A team. "We both jumped from peewee to midget," Ryan said. "Jeff (a year younger than Ryan) led the league in scoring.

"Whether you play Triple-A OMHA or Toronto Nats, you play all the same teams. The OHL scouts go to all major tournaments and if they get wind of someone in A or AA they go there, too. Some parents can't afford AAA or the travel and a talented player may have to play elsewhere."

Jeff O'Neil, 27, played low-level CC hockey until peewee and then for the Richmond Hill-Vaughan Kings in the OMHA. He was selected first overall in the 1992 OHL draft and fifth overall in the 1994 NHL draft.

"Everybody wanted to play in the GTHL — Red Wings, Toronto Nats," he said yesterday from Raleigh, N.C. "But you have to play the cards you're dealt."

He still talks of something GTHL players never experience: the pride of playing for your home town against another community.

"We made a living beating up Schomberg," O'Neill said with a laugh.

He has simple advice for others pondering the move his brother made or the big change and long drives the Lebars and Beauchamps are facing.

"Play where you should," O'Neill said. "Dominate your own level. There are lots of kids in the NHL who didn't play for Toronto Young Nats; lots who came from small towns."

With files from Glen Colbourn

[nccanes]

This is kind of just an general interest article about youth hockey in Canada. Interesting and candid remarks from the O'Neills.

Minor hockey players better off at home: NHLer
Jeff O'Neill's dad admits mistake
Case of two boys headed to court


LOIS KALCHMAN
SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Paul O'Neill, the father of Carolina Hurricanes star Jeff O'Neill, understands parents from outside Toronto who want their children to play for the GTHL's elite organizations.

He was one of them.

"It is a nice ego trip to have all the coaches in the GTHL calling you. Every year all the teams called and for years I wanted to get my boys (Jeff and older brothers Don and Ryan) in the GTHL, but my wife told me if they are good enough to make it, they will. If not, they won't.

"Over time, it has been proven she is absolutely right."

The residency rules that require kids to play minor hockey in their home area are being challenged by the families of two 13-year-olds and well-known criminal lawyer Brian Greenspan.

Greenspan said last night that legal papers were served yesterday on the Greater Toronto Hockey League and Ontario Minor Hockey Association. A formal filing in Barrie Superior Court will follow today and Greenspan hopes to have a hearing next week.

Speak Out: Minor hockey rules
The two boys — Chris Beauchamp of Penetanguishene and Mitchel Lebar of Aurora — want to play for the GTHL's Toronto Young Nats but have already missed a handful of games while they remain in what their parents call "limbo."


Like Lebar and Beauchamp — touted as one the best minor bantam players in the province — the O'Neill boys were all good players. Don was captain of the OHL's Peterborough Petes, Ryan played for the Windsor Spitfires and Jeff was an NHL all-star in 2003.

The O'Neill boys played minor hockey in King City, an area that did not have a Triple-A team two decades ago. Hockey Canada rules did not permit a child to leave home for the sole purpose of playing hockey, but Paul O'Neill wanted the best for his boys.

So Don was "moved" into an aunt's home in Etobicoke and enrolled at Father Henry Carr High School. He played for a GTHL AAA team but was sent packing when the sham was discovered.

"Looking back, I should not have done it," Paul O'Neill said yesterday. "When you are used to playing in the OMHA, it's a different world in Toronto."

He has a suggestion for Lebar and Beauchamp and others like them: "If they are that hungry for competition they should move up an age to bantam."

Today Don O'Neill, 32, coaches the Noble King minor bantams, kids the same age as Lebar and Beauchamp. He doesn't recall his GTHL experience fondly.

"When I did it, I really did live at home but it was nerve-wracking," he said. "You're not with your friends; everything was a big secret. We changed phone numbers. I was supposed to go live with my aunt — all for stupid hockey.

"I felt homesick. I really wanted to be with my friends. When I didn't make the Henry Carr Jr. B team, I was relieved, glad to be back with my friends."

When asked if he would permit his child to move for hockey, he replied with an emphatic: "No."

"I would not put my kids through that. ... It's good the way the OMHA is set up today. The good kids play against the good kids. And those that want hockey just for fun can do it at their own level."

Jeff and Ryan remember watching their older brother's adventure anxiously. "It's not good for these kids," says Ryan, 28, now a police officer and a referee in the OHL. "I wouldn't do it to my kid."

When the younger boys reached ages 11 and 12, the OMHA established a regional Triple-A team. "We both jumped from peewee to midget," Ryan said. "Jeff (a year younger than Ryan) led the league in scoring.

"Whether you play Triple-A OMHA or Toronto Nats, you play all the same teams. The OHL scouts go to all major tournaments and if they get wind of someone in A or AA they go there, too. Some parents can't afford AAA or the travel and a talented player may have to play elsewhere."

Jeff O'Neil, 27, played low-level CC hockey until peewee and then for the Richmond Hill-Vaughan Kings in the OMHA. He was selected first overall in the 1992 OHL draft and fifth overall in the 1994 NHL draft.

"Everybody wanted to play in the GTHL — Red Wings, Toronto Nats," he said yesterday from Raleigh, N.C. "But you have to play the cards you're dealt."

He still talks of something GTHL players never experience: the pride of playing for your home town against another community.

"We made a living beating up Schomberg," O'Neill said with a laugh.

He has simple advice for others pondering the move his brother made or the big change and long drives the Lebars and Beauchamps are facing.

"Play where you should," O'Neill said. "Dominate your own level. There are lots of kids in the NHL who didn't play for Toronto Young Nats; lots who came from small towns."

With files from Glen Colbourn

[Mona]

Nice article E.. thanks for posting.

[Mona]

Nice article E.. thanks for posting.

[SoCalcaniac]

All those levels- so confusing :crazy: :eek: ;)

Boy the price kids pay to try and acheive a dream eh? Unreal... we all know hockey is everything up there so I guess that's what the deal is. Candid article and comments- I didn't realize O had 2 brothers. He strikes me as an only. LOL.

[SoCalcaniac]

All those levels- so confusing :crazy: :eek: ;)

Boy the price kids pay to try and acheive a dream eh? Unreal... we all know hockey is everything up there so I guess that's what the deal is. Candid article and comments- I didn't realize O had 2 brothers. He strikes me as an only. LOL.

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

That was a good article. Insane that kids go through that.

I didn't realize O had 2 brothers. He strikes me as an only. LOL.
:laugh: :lol: Yeah, he certainly acts that way. ;)

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

That was a good article. Insane that kids go through that.

I didn't realize O had 2 brothers. He strikes me as an only. LOL.
:laugh: :lol: Yeah, he certainly acts that way. ;)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

As an only child, I'm utterly offended.

:laugh: ;)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

As an only child, I'm utterly offended.

:laugh: ;)

[Mona]

As an only child, I'm utterly offended.

:laugh: ;)

Don't be.. maybe that means you and Mr. O'Neill are made for each other.. (since he ACTS like an only) :kiss: :p ;)

[Mona]

As an only child, I'm utterly offended.

:laugh: ;)

Don't be.. maybe that means you and Mr. O'Neill are made for each other.. (since he ACTS like an only) :kiss: :p ;)

[SoCalcaniac]

As an only child, I'm utterly offended.

:laugh: ;)

SHC LOL- I'm really sorry! :kiss: :kiss:

sorry to all the 'only's' out there- but seriously, I had no inkling and maybe I missed an article that indicated he had sibs......UGH, more foot in mouth for SoCal... ;)

[SoCalcaniac]

As an only child, I'm utterly offended.

:laugh: ;)

SHC LOL- I'm really sorry! :kiss: :kiss:

sorry to all the 'only's' out there- but seriously, I had no inkling and maybe I missed an article that indicated he had sibs......UGH, more foot in mouth for SoCal... ;)

[Stormbringer]

As everyone else said, good article...I guess I was the only one here that knew O had at least one brother before that article came out. :beatup: If you have the Cookin' With the Canes cookbook, one of the pictures accompanying O's recipes is of him with his family, including at least one of his brothers.

[Stormbringer]

As everyone else said, good article...I guess I was the only one here that knew O had at least one brother before that article came out. :beatup: If you have the Cookin' With the Canes cookbook, one of the pictures accompanying O's recipes is of him with his family, including at least one of his brothers.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

SHC LOL- I'm really sorry! :kiss: :kiss:

sorry to all the 'only's' out there- but seriously, I had no inkling and maybe I missed an article that indicated he had sibs......UGH, more foot in mouth for SoCal... ;)

No, no, I was totally messing with you!! There is totally an only child syndrome.....I, of course, do not have it. :angel:

Nope, SB, you were not the only one who knew O had brothers. I knew he had two, knew their names and that they had both played hockey. Don't know how I knew it and I'd love to see that pic of his brother....just some more useless knowledge stored in my brain somewhere, I guess.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

SHC LOL- I'm really sorry! :kiss: :kiss:

sorry to all the 'only's' out there- but seriously, I had no inkling and maybe I missed an article that indicated he had sibs......UGH, more foot in mouth for SoCal... ;)

No, no, I was totally messing with you!! There is totally an only child syndrome.....I, of course, do not have it. :angel:

Nope, SB, you were not the only one who knew O had brothers. I knew he had two, knew their names and that they had both played hockey. Don't know how I knew it and I'd love to see that pic of his brother....just some more useless knowledge stored in my brain somewhere, I guess.

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

I guess I was the only one here that knew O had at least one brother before that article came out.

I knew he had 2 brothers, but for some reason I thought he was the oldest. Oh well, whatever.

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

I guess I was the only one here that knew O had at least one brother before that article came out.

I knew he had 2 brothers, but for some reason I thought he was the oldest. Oh well, whatever.

[Mona]

I guess I was the only one here that knew O had at least one brother before that article came out.

I knew he had 2 brothers, but for some reason I thought he was the oldest. Oh well, whatever.

Nope.. him's the baby! ;)

[Mona]

I guess I was the only one here that knew O had at least one brother before that article came out.

I knew he had 2 brothers, but for some reason I thought he was the oldest. Oh well, whatever.

Nope.. him's the baby! ;)

[Stormbringer]

Here's that picture, courtesy of the said cookbook... :)

http://www.missfantastic.com/CarolinaHurricanes/JeffO'Neill/oneillfamily.jpg

And to be fair, glad to know I wasn't the only one who knew about the brother/s. To be honest, a couple of you one-upped me in knowing Jeff had two... ;) Just realized the dude on the very right in the pic is his other brother. :D

[Stormbringer]

Here's that picture, courtesy of the said cookbook... :)

http://www.missfantastic.com/CarolinaHurricanes/JeffO'Neill/oneillfamily.jpg

And to be fair, glad to know I wasn't the only one who knew about the brother/s. To be honest, a couple of you one-upped me in knowing Jeff had two... ;) Just realized the dude on the very right in the pic is his other brother. :D

[puck_it]

hmm has a broken hand in that picture...

[puck_it]

hmm has a broken hand in that picture...

[Turbulence]

He really looks like the brother he's standing next to...and nothing like his parents or other brother. Weird how that happens...

[Turbulence]

He really looks like the brother he's standing next to...and nothing like his parents or other brother. Weird how that happens...

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Nope.. him's the baby! ;)

Can't you just tell?!? ;) THAT must be why he seems like an only!

In addition to the broken hand he appears to have no teeth. :eek2:

Thanks for posting the pic!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Nope.. him's the baby! ;)

Can't you just tell?!? ;) THAT must be why he seems like an only!

In addition to the broken hand he appears to have no teeth. :eek2:

Thanks for posting the pic!

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Nope.. him's the baby! ;)
Can't you just tell?!? ;) THAT must be why he seems like an only!


:laugh: It aaaaaaaaaaall makes sense now. So sorry for stereotyping the only children, especially you SHC. ;) :kiss:

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

Nope.. him's the baby! ;)
Can't you just tell?!? ;) THAT must be why he seems like an only!


:laugh: It aaaaaaaaaaall makes sense now. So sorry for stereotyping the only children, especially you SHC. ;) :kiss:

[Mona]

he appears to have no teeth. :eek2:



All I can say it is a good thing I wasn't drinking or eating when I read that.. or I would have a dirty computer screen to clean..:laugh: :lol:

[Mona]

he appears to have no teeth. :eek2:



All I can say it is a good thing I wasn't drinking or eating when I read that.. or I would have a dirty computer screen to clean..:laugh: :lol:

[Stormbringer]

In addition to the broken hand he appears to have no teeth. :eek2:

:laugh:

Thanks for posting the pic!

Y'all are welcome! :)

[Stormbringer]

In addition to the broken hand he appears to have no teeth. :eek2:

:laugh:

Thanks for posting the pic!

Y'all are welcome! :)

[Canesluver]

In addition to the broken hand he appears to have no teeth. :eek2:

Thanks for posting the pic!

and I think his girlfriend appears to be a little too old for him!

:smoke:

[Canesluver]

In addition to the broken hand he appears to have no teeth. :eek2:

Thanks for posting the pic!

and I think his girlfriend appears to be a little too old for him!

:smoke:

[oneillfan92]

There's nothing wrong with being the baby! :angel:

[oneillfan92]

There's nothing wrong with being the baby! :angel:

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

There's nothing wrong with being the baby! :angel:

Of course there is!!! (Especially since I'm the oldest.) :p

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

There's nothing wrong with being the baby! :angel:

Of course there is!!! (Especially since I'm the oldest.) :p

[Anonymous]

There's nothing wrong with being the baby! :angel:


You know, that's what Rio keeps saying, but I think that's just baby girl defensiveness.

So says the middle child. :evil:

[Anonymous]

There's nothing wrong with being the baby! :angel:


You know, that's what Rio keeps saying, but I think that's just baby girl defensiveness.

So says the middle child. :evil:

[AbNormal27]

Courting disaster

All those who think the courts have no business in hockey should look over their shoulder at the 'sue first, ask questions later' hockey mad parents.

Who ever said that hockey is best played by orphans sounds like a genius these days.

While there's no doubt the comment was meant as a yuk-yuk line, the idea has merit, especially considering how parents have turned to the courts to resolve issues on and off the ice.

Just consider what Canadian courts have had to deal with over the last couple of years.

There was the case of the mother of a goalie with a double-A peewee team (ages 12-13) who sued Canadian Hockey - the national grassroots organization - over a lack of ice time for her son that she claims was promised by the team's coach.

The parents of a 15-year-old player living near Edmonton sued his local minor hockey association for cutting him from a double-A team. The parents claimed the association was known for nepotism, insisting their son had been blacklisted from the start.

How about the case a couple of years ago that involved a nine-year-old living in a Toronto suburb. He went to court, with the aid of his father, and sued a minor-hockey coach for $10,000, alleging he threatened to "put a bounty on his head." The suit was dismissed, with the judge calling the case "a sad mess" and severely reprimanded the parents of the boy for not reassuring him that he was not in danger.

Then there was the case of a New Brunswick boy whose father was seeking $200,000 in psychological and punitive damages from his provincial minor hockey association, along with the triple-A bantam league his son played in. The father also wanted the MVP trophy be taken from the boy who won it and given to his son, as well as the league's playmaker award, which was awarded to another boy.

And we all remember the case of Thomas Junta, the 270-pound truck driver who was sent to prison by a Massachusetts court for pummeling a 156-pound assistant coach to death in front of their peewee-age sons. The fight had been, unbelievably, over a dispute as to whether practice had been too physical.

And now the courts have been asked to get involved again.

The families of two 13-year-old boys who play minor hockey north of Toronto want their sons to play in the Greater Toronto Hockey League and they have gone to court to get their way. Canadian Hockey rules do not permit a child to leave home for the sole purpose of playing hockey but the parents think the residency rules are illegal and they have well-known criminal lawyer Brian Greenspan arguing their case.

What you have to wonder is whose interests are the parents of these 13-year-olds really serving?

Basically what the parents want is the right for their adolescent teens to be unrestricted free agents, with the right to ply their wares anywhere they want, any time they want. Can't make it in the GTHL, then try Quebec, or British Columbia, or Alberta. Shop to you drop until you find the team you want. It begs the question whether kids are kids or are they pieces of meat available to the highest bidder.

There are all sorts of dangers to moving around. There are all sorts of dangers to not letting your sons and daughters play in their neighborhoods.

We all remember how a young teenager named Sheldon Kennedy left home in his early teens and how he became the sex toy for his child-molesting coach Graham James. That's not to say this will happen with the aforementioned 13-year-old who want to play in the GTHL. If they win, they'll live at home but play in the GTHL.

But strange and twisted things have happened. Just ask Sheldon Kennedy.

Hockey is such a big part of Canadian society and the courts do have to play a role from time to time (i.e. Todd Bertuzzi).

But it seems obvious that some people are abusing the court system.

The sad part of all this is that while these stories seem so numerous, they involve only the smallest minority of hockey parents. But let's face it, when parents get involved, it seems sanity goes out the window, at least judging by the actions of a few.

"Parents lose all reason when they watch their kids play hockey," says Mike Liut, a former NHL goalie who is a hockey parent and who represents NHL players for a living. "We lose our sense of reason in almost any environment that involves our kids. We all want the best for our children and we want to protect them best as we can and it is a natural instinct. But in athletics and sports, we have to take a major step backwards."

We live in a society where kids as young as 14 are being asked to make career decisions. There's dozens of examples in Canada where 14-year-old phenoms are being hustled by player agents, promising million dollar contracts when they turn pro.

But reality will tell you that the 14-year-old is in no shape of form capable of making a lifelong decision and his parents are often seduced by the promise of big bucks.

A couple of years ago, former Columbus Blue Jackets coach Dave King did a study on what the chances are of a player making it to the NHL. He looked at Ontario youngsters born in 1975, 30,000 of whom signed up for minor hockey. Of that original 30,000, 50 were drafted by NHL clubs and 22 got into at least one game.

Makes you think, doesn't it.

I was born in '74. This has me wondering whether or not I'd like to see my child (to be born in January or February) play hockey. I was once cut from a team (the LAST player to be cut, btw) in favour of a guy who's dad was the "team manager". This guy was also a lifelong friend, so I really didn't want to say much, but I SHOULD have been on that team.

I just worked hard on the team I was assigned to, and when my chance came for a call-up, I turned the coach down flat. I told him if I wasn't good enough during training camp, then I guess I'm not good enough now. He replied, "Well, I've got too many guys suspended, and I'd like to have your wheels and grit on my team." I looked him right in the eye and said "I guess you should have thought of that before you cut me." He then pleaded with me, and I said "Look, I just don't want to play for YOU. I want to play for my teammates." He never stopped asking me to accept a call-up when the chance arose all season long. The next season he wasn't given a chance to cut me..... he was fired because of the poor results the team HE had picked had had, and I never looked back, I just worked harder every year and didn't give anyone any reason to cut me.

The bottom line is my parents didn't go to court, and that was never even a thought. I guess it's a different world nowadays, but I still believe that the only way to change things is ON THE ICE.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

Courting disaster

All those who think the courts have no business in hockey should look over their shoulder at the 'sue first, ask questions later' hockey mad parents.

Who ever said that hockey is best played by orphans sounds like a genius these days.

While there's no doubt the comment was meant as a yuk-yuk line, the idea has merit, especially considering how parents have turned to the courts to resolve issues on and off the ice.

Just consider what Canadian courts have had to deal with over the last couple of years.

There was the case of the mother of a goalie with a double-A peewee team (ages 12-13) who sued Canadian Hockey - the national grassroots organization - over a lack of ice time for her son that she claims was promised by the team's coach.

The parents of a 15-year-old player living near Edmonton sued his local minor hockey association for cutting him from a double-A team. The parents claimed the association was known for nepotism, insisting their son had been blacklisted from the start.

How about the case a couple of years ago that involved a nine-year-old living in a Toronto suburb. He went to court, with the aid of his father, and sued a minor-hockey coach for $10,000, alleging he threatened to "put a bounty on his head." The suit was dismissed, with the judge calling the case "a sad mess" and severely reprimanded the parents of the boy for not reassuring him that he was not in danger.

Then there was the case of a New Brunswick boy whose father was seeking $200,000 in psychological and punitive damages from his provincial minor hockey association, along with the triple-A bantam league his son played in. The father also wanted the MVP trophy be taken from the boy who won it and given to his son, as well as the league's playmaker award, which was awarded to another boy.

And we all remember the case of Thomas Junta, the 270-pound truck driver who was sent to prison by a Massachusetts court for pummeling a 156-pound assistant coach to death in front of their peewee-age sons. The fight had been, unbelievably, over a dispute as to whether practice had been too physical.

And now the courts have been asked to get involved again.

The families of two 13-year-old boys who play minor hockey north of Toronto want their sons to play in the Greater Toronto Hockey League and they have gone to court to get their way. Canadian Hockey rules do not permit a child to leave home for the sole purpose of playing hockey but the parents think the residency rules are illegal and they have well-known criminal lawyer Brian Greenspan arguing their case.

What you have to wonder is whose interests are the parents of these 13-year-olds really serving?

Basically what the parents want is the right for their adolescent teens to be unrestricted free agents, with the right to ply their wares anywhere they want, any time they want. Can't make it in the GTHL, then try Quebec, or British Columbia, or Alberta. Shop to you drop until you find the team you want. It begs the question whether kids are kids or are they pieces of meat available to the highest bidder.

There are all sorts of dangers to moving around. There are all sorts of dangers to not letting your sons and daughters play in their neighborhoods.

We all remember how a young teenager named Sheldon Kennedy left home in his early teens and how he became the sex toy for his child-molesting coach Graham James. That's not to say this will happen with the aforementioned 13-year-old who want to play in the GTHL. If they win, they'll live at home but play in the GTHL.

But strange and twisted things have happened. Just ask Sheldon Kennedy.

Hockey is such a big part of Canadian society and the courts do have to play a role from time to time (i.e. Todd Bertuzzi).

But it seems obvious that some people are abusing the court system.

The sad part of all this is that while these stories seem so numerous, they involve only the smallest minority of hockey parents. But let's face it, when parents get involved, it seems sanity goes out the window, at least judging by the actions of a few.

"Parents lose all reason when they watch their kids play hockey," says Mike Liut, a former NHL goalie who is a hockey parent and who represents NHL players for a living. "We lose our sense of reason in almost any environment that involves our kids. We all want the best for our children and we want to protect them best as we can and it is a natural instinct. But in athletics and sports, we have to take a major step backwards."

We live in a society where kids as young as 14 are being asked to make career decisions. There's dozens of examples in Canada where 14-year-old phenoms are being hustled by player agents, promising million dollar contracts when they turn pro.

But reality will tell you that the 14-year-old is in no shape of form capable of making a lifelong decision and his parents are often seduced by the promise of big bucks.

A couple of years ago, former Columbus Blue Jackets coach Dave King did a study on what the chances are of a player making it to the NHL. He looked at Ontario youngsters born in 1975, 30,000 of whom signed up for minor hockey. Of that original 30,000, 50 were drafted by NHL clubs and 22 got into at least one game.

Makes you think, doesn't it.

I was born in '74. This has me wondering whether or not I'd like to see my child (to be born in January or February) play hockey. I was once cut from a team (the LAST player to be cut, btw) in favour of a guy who's dad was the "team manager". This guy was also a lifelong friend, so I really didn't want to say much, but I SHOULD have been on that team.

I just worked hard on the team I was assigned to, and when my chance came for a call-up, I turned the coach down flat. I told him if I wasn't good enough during training camp, then I guess I'm not good enough now. He replied, "Well, I've got too many guys suspended, and I'd like to have your wheels and grit on my team." I looked him right in the eye and said "I guess you should have thought of that before you cut me." He then pleaded with me, and I said "Look, I just don't want to play for YOU. I want to play for my teammates." He never stopped asking me to accept a call-up when the chance arose all season long. The next season he wasn't given a chance to cut me..... he was fired because of the poor results the team HE had picked had had, and I never looked back, I just worked harder every year and didn't give anyone any reason to cut me.

The bottom line is my parents didn't go to court, and that was never even a thought. I guess it's a different world nowadays, but I still believe that the only way to change things is ON THE ICE.

Aaryn

[puck_it]

stick it to him Aaryn :D

[puck_it]

stick it to him Aaryn :D

[nccanes]

Thanks for posting that followup article and sharing your experience.

Not getting picked for a team for the wrong reasons is really just a lesson in life that we all learn at some point. Teams, school clubs, teachers pets, not getting a job or promotion, etc. It's a life experience. How you (or a kid and his/her parents) react is where the experience is earned. Blaming it on someone/something else is doing no one any good.

Seems like youth sports rules/guidelines should be followed unless they are putting the children at risk. How can "guidelines" be illegal? And a criminal attorney? Geez.

I like Mrs. O (having never met her). Sounds like she's a smart woman and wasn't sucked into the hype. "If they're good enough, they are good enough."

[nccanes]

Thanks for posting that followup article and sharing your experience.

Not getting picked for a team for the wrong reasons is really just a lesson in life that we all learn at some point. Teams, school clubs, teachers pets, not getting a job or promotion, etc. It's a life experience. How you (or a kid and his/her parents) react is where the experience is earned. Blaming it on someone/something else is doing no one any good.

Seems like youth sports rules/guidelines should be followed unless they are putting the children at risk. How can "guidelines" be illegal? And a criminal attorney? Geez.

I like Mrs. O (having never met her). Sounds like she's a smart woman and wasn't sucked into the hype. "If they're good enough, they are good enough."

[Mona]

I like Mrs. O (having never met her). Sounds like she's a smart woman and wasn't sucked into the hype. "If they're good enough, they are good enough."

I bet she is tough.. dealing with 3 boys?? and one of them Jeff.. I bet she had to crack his head more than once. :D

[Mona]

I like Mrs. O (having never met her). Sounds like she's a smart woman and wasn't sucked into the hype. "If they're good enough, they are good enough."

I bet she is tough.. dealing with 3 boys?? and one of them Jeff.. I bet she had to crack his head more than once. :D

[SoCalcaniac]

SHC LOL- I'm really sorry! :kiss: :kiss:

sorry to all the 'only's' out there- but seriously, I had no inkling and maybe I missed an article that indicated he had sibs......UGH, more foot in mouth for SoCal... ;)

No, no, I was totally messing with you!! There is totally an only child syndrome.....I, of course, do not have it. :angel:

Nope, SB, you were not the only one who knew O had brothers. I knew he had two, knew their names and that they had both played hockey.

LOL- SHC! : ;) But now I 'get it' seeing how I now know he's the youngest child- that explains EVERYTHING :D :kiss:

SB- I think I was the only one who 'didn't know' about the siblings- the other gals (and guys) on the boards are so much more up to speed LOL.

I too like Mrs. O's philosophy, If they're good, they're good. No B-S and none of the hockey parent drama. Very smart.

Aaryn, thanks for sharing your story. I find the whole Canadian hockey-way-of-life thing and all the various levels, of kids playing hockey to be totally fascinating. I'm likening it to our boys here in the states who play Football- Football leagues here are highly competitive, we have lots of parents who stop at nothing to get their kids in certain school districts on certain teams, etc., I guess I could include basketball and baseball but I think football would be pretty accurate. I believe these kids (hockey kids and all the kids playing sports) are put in impossible situations when their parents decide it would be a good idea to 'sue' because they don't get a spot, or don't have access to a team, etc., etc., put the kids on the teams, draft em whatever, and see where the chips lie. I think it is a proven fact, that if the kid has the talent, ability or whatever that the scouts, the media and all those who find their way in these things will find the 'next so-and-so'- I mean, look at all of the Russian/European talent. We always find some superstar in supposedly far flung place- and he comes the N. America and viola. Let the natural order of things happen. Why do parents these days want to do everything for their kids? Life disappointments are part of life. Let the kids just do what they need to do. If they desire to go further, that path will present itself.

Good for you Aaryn for being your own person and not asking a court to fight your fight. (SoCal stepping off the soapbox :sick: )

[SoCalcaniac]

SHC LOL- I'm really sorry! :kiss: :kiss:

sorry to all the 'only's' out there- but seriously, I had no inkling and maybe I missed an article that indicated he had sibs......UGH, more foot in mouth for SoCal... ;)

No, no, I was totally messing with you!! There is totally an only child syndrome.....I, of course, do not have it. :angel:

Nope, SB, you were not the only one who knew O had brothers. I knew he had two, knew their names and that they had both played hockey.

LOL- SHC! : ;) But now I 'get it' seeing how I now know he's the youngest child- that explains EVERYTHING :D :kiss:

SB- I think I was the only one who 'didn't know' about the siblings- the other gals (and guys) on the boards are so much more up to speed LOL.

I too like Mrs. O's philosophy, If they're good, they're good. No B-S and none of the hockey parent drama. Very smart.

Aaryn, thanks for sharing your story. I find the whole Canadian hockey-way-of-life thing and all the various levels, of kids playing hockey to be totally fascinating. I'm likening it to our boys here in the states who play Football- Football leagues here are highly competitive, we have lots of parents who stop at nothing to get their kids in certain school districts on certain teams, etc., I guess I could include basketball and baseball but I think football would be pretty accurate. I believe these kids (hockey kids and all the kids playing sports) are put in impossible situations when their parents decide it would be a good idea to 'sue' because they don't get a spot, or don't have access to a team, etc., etc., put the kids on the teams, draft em whatever, and see where the chips lie. I think it is a proven fact, that if the kid has the talent, ability or whatever that the scouts, the media and all those who find their way in these things will find the 'next so-and-so'- I mean, look at all of the Russian/European talent. We always find some superstar in supposedly far flung place- and he comes the N. America and viola. Let the natural order of things happen. Why do parents these days want to do everything for their kids? Life disappointments are part of life. Let the kids just do what they need to do. If they desire to go further, that path will present itself.

Good for you Aaryn for being your own person and not asking a court to fight your fight. (SoCal stepping off the soapbox :sick: )

[nccanes]

O sat on a panel discussing this GTHL and its problems. Sounds like an eye opener. Good for O react the way he did.

Mon, December 6, 2004
No admission of guilt coming from GTHL
By Ken Fidlin, Toronto Sun

Maybe it takes an outsider to capture the true essence of the Greater Toronto Hockey League. "It's ridiculous," said Jeff O'Neill, who grew up in King City, beyond the reach of the GTHL.

In the absence of anything more productive to do, like play for the Carolina Hurricanes, O'Neill sat in on the panel yesterday afternoon on a minor hockey townhall meeting at the Armenia Youth Centre in North York.

The GTHL is the world's largest hockey organization and just now it is the world's most battered and bruised hockey association. For the most part, these seem to be self-inflicted wounds.

O'Neill's pointed comment came in response to a story told by a father with three children playing for various teams in the GTHL.

He had a boy playing juvenile house league hockey, another playing Triple-A minor bantam and a daughter. He is paying a total of about $3,000 in registration fees this season without ever seeing an account of where the money is spent and that's outrageous enough.

What really chafes, though, is the GTHL's irritating policy of charging everyone $5 who walks through the doors of its arenas. That includes the players.

"When I go to games played by my 19-year-old and my 13-year-old at two different rinks, and if my wife wants to come, it amounts to $35 or $40 in one day, just to get into the rink," said the father. "I think I'm getting ripped off."

John Gardner, the czar of the GTHL for the past quarter-century, tried to explain the costs, but his explanation raises more questions than it answers.

He said that the $5 admission fee is used to pay the cost of ice time. He said that every hour of ice costs between $140 and $250. But the math doesn't work. And, of course, the parents never get to see a financial report.

Assuming 15 players on each team and assuming that most players have at least one parent on hand and often two, that adds up to a minimum 60 paying customers for each game. Often-times, there would be more.

Not long ago, I went to a major bantam game at the York Ice Gardens. There were at least 100 people there, all charged $5.

Transparency and dramatic increases in the cost of playing hockey are two of the hot-button issues just now. Both issues are corollaries of the No. 1 concern: Multiple ownership of teams.

Stu Hyman, who owns or is at least part-owner of 93 teams in the GTHL, has become the lightning rod. He has jacked up registration fees and provides no evidence to parents of where their money is going. It occurs to me, though, that as suspicious as I would be of forking over $1,599 to play for one of his Triple-A teams, if I willingly do so, then I'm the dope, not him.

Coaches are another huge issue, especially in a league where some of them are pulling down $25,000 to guide the hockey fortune of pre-teens.

"There are far too many people coaching to win rather than trying to develop good people and players with high self-esteem," said Greg Millen, a former NHL goalie and now a Hockey Night in Canada commentator. He's also the father of a Triple-A player in the Peterborough association.

"When coaches are being paid," said Millen, "it becomes about business and anytime you have business based around kids, sooner or later you're going to have abuse."

For O'Neill, the 21/2-hour symposium was a true revelation. He seemed genuinely shocked by much of what he heard. He had no idea what was going on in the hockey jungle, just a few miles to the south.

"I'm so glad I grew up north of Steeles Avenue," said O'Neill. "I play in the best league in the world and I don't have to deal with anything like this drama. I can't believe how today's kids handle this."

[nccanes]

Wow - this league in the news again, lol. :eek2:

Sun, December 5, 2004
Pee-wees flashed
Hockey mom lifts top at game
By CP

TORONTO -- Reports that an irate hockey mom lifted her blouse, revealed her bra, and taunted fans of the opposing team by shaking her breasts -- at her 11-year-old's hockey game -- has the president of the league "aghast," the Toronto Star reported yesterday. "What prompts people to do these types of things?" said John Garder, head of the Greater Toronto Hockey League. "It's a little disturbing. We're talking 11-year-olds here."

The league has invited the woman to a special committee meeting Wednesday where disciplinary steps, such as banning her from arenas, will be considered.

The incident reportedly happened during a confrontation that erupted mostly between parents of players on two opposing minor pee-wee teams: the York Toros and Mississauga Terriers. The teams played Monday night in Mississauga, west of Toronto.

In a letter to the league, a parent who witnessed the alleged incident called it "unfortunate" and "disturbing."

"She lifted her top well above her breasts. (Wearing a bra) she shook (her breasts) side to side," the woman wrote.

The parent, who has young boys, says she headed for the exits soon after with her sons -- but ran into the woman again.

The woman claims that the alleged flasher said: "What the hell are you looking at? Have you never seen t--s?"

'NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS'

"Yeah, he's probably seen them on the Internet," she reportedly said, according to the woman's letter.

Parents told the league that the alleged incident happened about three minutes before the end of the match. The alleged flasher has a son who plays for the Toros, which went on to win the game, 4-0.

When reached by phone, the woman said she didn't want to discuss the matter.

"That's none of your business," she said.

[StormShaman]

http://www.livejournal.com/userpic/8941378/759472

[puck_it]

http://www.livejournal.com/userpic/8941378/759472

[oneillfan92]

>_<

[oneillfan92]

>_<

[Mona]

minor pee-wee teams

That says it all. :eek2:

[Mona]

minor pee-wee teams

That says it all. :eek2:

[SoCalcaniac]

OMG, I'm literally speechless. How would you like to be the son of that mother? I'd jump off a bridge..... :eek:

[SoCalcaniac]

OMG, I'm literally speechless. How would you like to be the son of that mother? I'd jump off a bridge..... :eek:

[AbNormal27]

Apparently she actually slapped someone with one of her breasts - and they were busted!

Aaryn

PS: I'll be here all week too!

[AbNormal27]

Apparently she actually slapped someone with one of her breasts - and they were busted!

Aaryn

PS: I'll be here all week too!

[Mona]

Apparently she actually slapped someone with one of her breasts - and they were busted!

Aaryn

PS: I'll be here all week too!

:lol:

[Mona]

Apparently she actually slapped someone with one of her breasts - and they were busted!

Aaryn

PS: I'll be here all week too!

:lol:

[nccanes]

What a thrill for the kids!

NHL star centre Jeff O'Neill joins Major Bantams
One of the dreams of any young hockey player, regardless of his or her skill level, is to play in the NHL.

Although very few are talented enough to make the leap, it is always a thrill to meet a real NHL star. Such was the case when Jeff O'Neill of the Carolina Hurricanes paid a visit to the Wentworth Triple Rinks to join the Major Bantams in one of their practice sessions. O'Neill had played in the Triple Rinks 20 years ago and commented that very little has changed in the intervening years.

O'Neill is a 28-year-old centre for the Carolina Hurricanes and has 207 goals and 226 assists in his NHL career. Clad in his casual hockey gear, O'Neill joined the Avs for a fast-paced hour-long practice that included numerous skating, passing and shooting drills. O'Neill did not shy away from any of the drills and it was a thrill for these teens to be rushing down on a 3-2 break with Jeff O'Neill as their line mate.

Goalies Brad Sullivan and Ben Wilson waved at the O'Neill shots as the puck found miraculous ways to tuck itself in small corners of the net. There was the usual photo opportunities and autograph signings as each of the players got the chance to converse with a true NHL star. Obviously O'Neill was looking forward to the end of the lockout so that he could get back to the game he loves and the pay check. At the conclusion of the practice, O'Neill joined the team at Emma's Back Porch to continue the stories and the excitement of a meeting a real NHL star.

Jeff O'Neill is Bantam defensemen Max Watters' second cousin and the team thanks O'Neill for taking time to give these young lads a real thrill.

http://www.ancasternews.com/images/brabant/ancn255182_1.jpg
From left, Max Watters, Nate Palango, Jeff O'Neill and Brad Sullivan.

[nccanes]

What a thrill for the kids!

NHL star centre Jeff O'Neill joins Major Bantams
One of the dreams of any young hockey player, regardless of his or her skill level, is to play in the NHL.

Although very few are talented enough to make the leap, it is always a thrill to meet a real NHL star. Such was the case when Jeff O'Neill of the Carolina Hurricanes paid a visit to the Wentworth Triple Rinks to join the Major Bantams in one of their practice sessions. O'Neill had played in the Triple Rinks 20 years ago and commented that very little has changed in the intervening years.

O'Neill is a 28-year-old centre for the Carolina Hurricanes and has 207 goals and 226 assists in his NHL career. Clad in his casual hockey gear, O'Neill joined the Avs for a fast-paced hour-long practice that included numerous skating, passing and shooting drills. O'Neill did not shy away from any of the drills and it was a thrill for these teens to be rushing down on a 3-2 break with Jeff O'Neill as their line mate.

Goalies Brad Sullivan and Ben Wilson waved at the O'Neill shots as the puck found miraculous ways to tuck itself in small corners of the net. There was the usual photo opportunities and autograph signings as each of the players got the chance to converse with a true NHL star. Obviously O'Neill was looking forward to the end of the lockout so that he could get back to the game he loves and the pay check. At the conclusion of the practice, O'Neill joined the team at Emma's Back Porch to continue the stories and the excitement of a meeting a real NHL star.

Jeff O'Neill is Bantam defensemen Max Watters' second cousin and the team thanks O'Neill for taking time to give these young lads a real thrill.

http://www.ancasternews.com/images/brabant/ancn255182_1.jpg
From left, Max Watters, Nate Palango, Jeff O'Neill and Brad Sullivan.

[Mona]

Thanks for posting E.. good for him.

[Mona]

Thanks for posting E.. good for him.

[puck_it]

good for him

[puck_it]

good for him