Re: 2009-2010 Top U19 Teams
Fact check - I did a search function here on USCHO for posts by me that contained the word "expert". Exactly 1 post came up (this post will make 2). It said that I was not an expert at (something else). So in no place have I ever called myself a hockey expert on this forum (or any other forum for that matter).
As for excluding the best youth teams from MN, NY, and NE Districts, I'd say that it would be more competitive. I believe the MN Thoroughbreds only lost 1-2 to SSM in the District qualifier this year. Perhaps next year the story will be different. Likewise, NSA has never been called a powerhouse at the 19U level and in fact the Western NY teams have been quite successful at Nationals in years past. They seem to be down right now, but that is not something that necessarily lasts. And if the PBs and CT Stars definitely are very competitive with NAHA year in and year out. I'd say that either of them can win against NAHA in any given year in a one and done elmination game.
All of this says that the 3 clubs you question should be playing at this level of competition.
And yes, no matter who goes to Nationals, there is a bragging right to be won. I never said it deems the individuals on the team as better players, just a better team.
And your last argument about somehow isolating the "youth" (by your definition) teams at this end-of-season National Championship causing harm to them is laughable. By and large, the teams that NAHA, SSM, and NSA could be displacing (if they win their district) by and large play the same schedule or at least an equivalent schedule. The MN Thoroughbreds play in the same JWHL Division as SSM for heaven's sake. PB's and NAHA have all the opportunity they want to play each other (even if they don't take advantage of it all of the time). The Western NY teams have plenty of opportunity to play anyone they want and choose to play games close to home in Ontario.
I'm lost on where the harm to hockey is when it comes to opening up the USA Hockey Tier I National Championship to all comers.
To clarify - SSM is not a member of the JWHL. They play an independent schedule. And I respectfully submit that the Tbreds goaltender played well in the Minnesota District championship as SSM dominated play throughout the game. As we all know, in hockey a hot goaltender is a significant factor in a single elimination format (SSM is acutely aware losing in the USA U19 quarterfinals in West Chester, PA in 2008).
Could Minnesota send more than one competitive team to USA Hockey Nationals - based on talent? Yes, absolutely. Year in and year out Minnesota has 30+ D1 commitments and a bevy of very talented D3 players. No question about talent in Minnesota.
But as far as a concentration of talented U19 teams, the PWHL gets my vote hands down. On any given day their top teams would give their US counterparts fits - and then some. Any of the Can/Am tournments that include PWHL teams are flat out great hockey and incredibly entertaining to watch. What a model for developing and showcasing talent, as evident by their increase in college commitments year over year. Wow.
Regarding SSM - IMHO this is the strongest/deepest U19 team that SSM has assembled to date, and when their game is on they can compete with with best in North America. That said, there are some very talented teams that are also headed to Green Bay - so it should be a great week to watch hockey. Good luck to all of the teams competing!
SSM public commitments below (with more on the way):
Jr D - Molly Byrne - Mercyhurst
Sr D - Alyssa Gagliardi - Cornell
Sr D - Madison Kolls - North Dakota
Sr D - Madison Marzario - Rensselaer
Sr F - Kellie Dineen - Vermont
Sr F - Nicole Germaine - Minnesota State
Sr F - Amanda Kessel - Minnesota
Sr F - Elena Orlando - Quinnipiac
Sr F - Kathleen Rogan - Minnesota State
Sr G - Lauren Joarnt - Harvard
emotocons next to the comment to make it clearer. 
