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2009 Polar Bear Tourney
- Thread starter Hux
- Start date
rinkrat890890
New member
Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
I have those same fond memories WITH THE SHIPE FAMILY.
I have those same fond memories WITH THE SHIPE FAMILY.
rinkrat890890
New member
Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
$20 for a tournament pass. I wasn't able to pay less to see the one game I went down for. Highway robbery! I can't believe they don't have a fee if you just want to see one game (like $5.00) and I can't believe with the price the teams pay to get into the tournament that they charge so much for an entry fee per person. That's on top of hotels, food, etc. I was handed a clipboard and made "manager" of a team for one game! It was either that, or sit in my car!
$20 for a tournament pass. I wasn't able to pay less to see the one game I went down for. Highway robbery! I can't believe they don't have a fee if you just want to see one game (like $5.00) and I can't believe with the price the teams pay to get into the tournament that they charge so much for an entry fee per person. That's on top of hotels, food, etc. I was handed a clipboard and made "manager" of a team for one game! It was either that, or sit in my car!
futurestar
New member
Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
OK, we've had our annual complaint about the $20 tournament fee and the tournament seeding. Now can someone complain about the short periods and refs that refuse to call penalties? Only then will the PB Tournament thread be complete.
WELCOME TO Connecticut. Wear your seat belt and don't use your cell phone while driving....
OK, we've had our annual complaint about the $20 tournament fee and the tournament seeding. Now can someone complain about the short periods and refs that refuse to call penalties? Only then will the PB Tournament thread be complete.
WELCOME TO Connecticut. Wear your seat belt and don't use your cell phone while driving....
Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
This might be a new one,, Don't think the signs for a breakfast place saying don't park here your car will be towed is just a decoration. What other state tows cars from breakfast places at 11 pm at night while your in a pub watching a football game. $20 for entrace was nothing compared to the tow charge. Got two of us!
This might be a new one,, Don't think the signs for a breakfast place saying don't park here your car will be towed is just a decoration. What other state tows cars from breakfast places at 11 pm at night while your in a pub watching a football game. $20 for entrace was nothing compared to the tow charge. Got two of us!
Hux
Alfond to Ridder & rinks in between
Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
I think they would do well to cut back on the number of teams and increase the period length at the 19AA level. With the JWHL playing 20 minutes, and the PWHL and Tier 1 playing 17s, the short periods at this tourney are a joke.
I think they would do well to cut back on the number of teams and increase the period length at the 19AA level. With the JWHL playing 20 minutes, and the PWHL and Tier 1 playing 17s, the short periods at this tourney are a joke.
notfromaroundhere
A visitor in any town!
OnMAA
Vort Doen.....Heija Heija Heija
Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
This is a common occurance in Montreal. Got several of us $140 later, parking in an otherwise empty lot on a Saturday. Still
. I call it Tow-Sharking. U can Bet there is someone watching and calling the tow company and collecting a cut.
This is a common occurance in Montreal. Got several of us $140 later, parking in an otherwise empty lot on a Saturday. Still
. I call it Tow-Sharking. U can Bet there is someone watching and calling the tow company and collecting a cut. Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
There are three levels offered at every age group and every team picks their own level. Any other criteria leads to mayhem.
If it were strictly a 19AA tourney I agree, it should be 17 or 20 or 15/15/20 with a flood, but it's not. It's a girls tourney for every age group and every level. Flexibility keeps it simple; any game slot is interchangeable with any other game slot.
There are two different perspectives for both the 17AA and 19AA. The coaches, players and parents want to see a competitive tourney with the best opportunity for the highest skills to come to a championship. The scouts want to see who can improve their own programs. None of these girls are in the shape that they will be once they're in a college program, so why increase the length of the games if it only makes for slower games.
There are three levels offered at every age group and every team picks their own level. Any other criteria leads to mayhem.
If it were strictly a 19AA tourney I agree, it should be 17 or 20 or 15/15/20 with a flood, but it's not. It's a girls tourney for every age group and every level. Flexibility keeps it simple; any game slot is interchangeable with any other game slot.
There are two different perspectives for both the 17AA and 19AA. The coaches, players and parents want to see a competitive tourney with the best opportunity for the highest skills to come to a championship. The scouts want to see who can improve their own programs. None of these girls are in the shape that they will be once they're in a college program, so why increase the length of the games if it only makes for slower games.
FreezeWick
Registered User
Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
Who cares about the "poor" set-up of the tournament. I want to know what teams at the 19AA level look's the best. Who's going to take the championship?
Who cares about the "poor" set-up of the tournament. I want to know what teams at the 19AA level look's the best. Who's going to take the championship?
WarriorCarol
Registered User
Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
We Spoke to the coaches of two of the Canadian teams a few weeks ago and they said it is not really the dollar, it is just not worth thier trip down here. The number of college coaches who come to rectuit have dwindled so low that the trip is not worth it for them. They are going to plenty of other tournaments, just not the Polar Bear Tournament any more.
We Spoke to the coaches of two of the Canadian teams a few weeks ago and they said it is not really the dollar, it is just not worth thier trip down here. The number of college coaches who come to rectuit have dwindled so low that the trip is not worth it for them. They are going to plenty of other tournaments, just not the Polar Bear Tournament any more.
WarriorCarol
Registered User
Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
But, there were very few college scouts here. My daughters prep school coach was looking for them and he emailed several of them who almost universily said that this has turned into a Tier II tournament and it is not worth their time or money to come down here any more. Next year expect even fewer.
Also, several teams bailed this year because of the lack of college and prep school recruiting being done here. Teams are realizing that the Polar Bears use this as a find raiser and no longer as a recruiting tool so people are not attending as much. There are no other tournaments that charge a wopping $1,300 for an entry fee, as well as a $20 gate fee - that is just absurd. We only sent one team this year - they were upset, they did okay, but decided as a team not to return anymore and go elsewhere...
But, there were very few college scouts here. My daughters prep school coach was looking for them and he emailed several of them who almost universily said that this has turned into a Tier II tournament and it is not worth their time or money to come down here any more. Next year expect even fewer.
Also, several teams bailed this year because of the lack of college and prep school recruiting being done here. Teams are realizing that the Polar Bears use this as a find raiser and no longer as a recruiting tool so people are not attending as much. There are no other tournaments that charge a wopping $1,300 for an entry fee, as well as a $20 gate fee - that is just absurd. We only sent one team this year - they were upset, they did okay, but decided as a team not to return anymore and go elsewhere...
Hux
Alfond to Ridder & rinks in between
Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
There are so many tournaments and showcases, that Polar Bear has now become somewhat superfluous, especially during the holidays. The coaches have probably seen 90% of the players at least three times since July at camps, showcases, and tournaments. With events like the JWHL Challenge Cup, PWHL Playoffs, and USA Hockey Nationals (and district NDC festivals) they might as well take advantage of the holiday break to enjoy the holiday with family, decompress a bit, and then prepare for the second semester.
On the plus side, the match-ups have been pretty even, with only one blowout, and a ton of one goal games.
There are so many tournaments and showcases, that Polar Bear has now become somewhat superfluous, especially during the holidays. The coaches have probably seen 90% of the players at least three times since July at camps, showcases, and tournaments. With events like the JWHL Challenge Cup, PWHL Playoffs, and USA Hockey Nationals (and district NDC festivals) they might as well take advantage of the holiday break to enjoy the holiday with family, decompress a bit, and then prepare for the second semester.
On the plus side, the match-ups have been pretty even, with only one blowout, and a ton of one goal games.
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Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
While the PB tourney may becoming increasinglyunnecessary for college coaches recruiting, I would hesitate to call it superfluous. I would hope a tournament could be held for the sake of competition and not just a venue for college recruiting. The PB has in my opinion lost some of its luster due to many factors listed here, an exorbitant entry fee, gate fees, inconsistent officiating(at times) and the list goes on. I like the tournament as a venue for teams to go for good competition(in most cases) IT is not on the JWHl level ( although NAHA and Shamrocks are there)etc, but that does not mean it doesn't have value. Also the Canadian teams are sorely missed.
While the PB tourney may becoming increasinglyunnecessary for college coaches recruiting, I would hesitate to call it superfluous. I would hope a tournament could be held for the sake of competition and not just a venue for college recruiting. The PB has in my opinion lost some of its luster due to many factors listed here, an exorbitant entry fee, gate fees, inconsistent officiating(at times) and the list goes on. I like the tournament as a venue for teams to go for good competition(in most cases) IT is not on the JWHl level ( although NAHA and Shamrocks are there)etc, but that does not mean it doesn't have value. Also the Canadian teams are sorely missed.
Hux
Alfond to Ridder & rinks in between
Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
I agree, and meant "superfluous" as regards recruiting and the attendance of college coaches.
I agree, and meant "superfluous" as regards recruiting and the attendance of college coaches.
IceIsNice
Huh? Whoopie Pies? WHERE???
Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
Any tournament of this size is an awesome experience. Perhaps even moreso at the younger ages than at 19AA!
While my daughter was home on break, she came upon one of her old tournament sweatshirts which had several team names on the back of it. She noticed that one of the names on there was one of her current college teammates. Aside from chuckling about this, the finding brought back fun memories of this tournament which ultimately we participated in for 9 years.
By the way, many of the retold stories had NOTHING to do with hockey!
Superfluous from a recruiting standpoint? Probably....but at least for us it was yet another venue for quality family time.
To the Polar Bears, most sincerely......
Thank you for the overpriced admission, thank you for the inconsistent officiating, thank you for attempting to weaken your own division to ease your path to the finals, and thank you for the overpriced hotels. Because for all of the awesome experiences that we have had and remember, we have them despite all of the aforementioned criticisms which in fact are not remembered so clearly by us, other than the constant reminder that we see on this board.
To all the complainers, take the 3 minutes that it took you to complain on this website, and do the following instead.....
Go down to the lobby of your hotel and grab an unused luggage cart. Then, tell your kid to get on, and push her into the elevator, stopping at each floor to push her up and down the length of the floor, perhaps even knocking on the doors of friends as you go for the ride. You'll be your kids hero, and you too will find that it was worth all of the perceived aggravation that is so commonly vented here.
Any tournament of this size is an awesome experience. Perhaps even moreso at the younger ages than at 19AA!
While my daughter was home on break, she came upon one of her old tournament sweatshirts which had several team names on the back of it. She noticed that one of the names on there was one of her current college teammates. Aside from chuckling about this, the finding brought back fun memories of this tournament which ultimately we participated in for 9 years.
By the way, many of the retold stories had NOTHING to do with hockey!
Superfluous from a recruiting standpoint? Probably....but at least for us it was yet another venue for quality family time.
To the Polar Bears, most sincerely......
Thank you for the overpriced admission, thank you for the inconsistent officiating, thank you for attempting to weaken your own division to ease your path to the finals, and thank you for the overpriced hotels. Because for all of the awesome experiences that we have had and remember, we have them despite all of the aforementioned criticisms which in fact are not remembered so clearly by us, other than the constant reminder that we see on this board.
To all the complainers, take the 3 minutes that it took you to complain on this website, and do the following instead.....
Go down to the lobby of your hotel and grab an unused luggage cart. Then, tell your kid to get on, and push her into the elevator, stopping at each floor to push her up and down the length of the floor, perhaps even knocking on the doors of friends as you go for the ride. You'll be your kids hero, and you too will find that it was worth all of the perceived aggravation that is so commonly vented here.
OnMAA
Vort Doen.....Heija Heija Heija
Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
Yep, some tournaments in Canada have gate fees, mostly spring tournaments and the big events in the GTA area. They charge a gate at GTHL league games. The latter has been a great point of debate on the Ontario Forums.
The good news is that OWHA tournaments are gate free.
IMHO there are several reasons for lack of Canadian teams at the U17 and U19 level:
1 - PW teams do not need Polar bear for exposure
2 - Missy is running a great tournament at the U17 and U19 levels, with longer games, a four game guarantee and no gate fees.
(U19 AA = 15-15-20, U17 and U14 AA = 12-12-15).
3 - Level of competition at Polar Bear is lower than what teams in the PWHL and LLGHL face back home.
4 - It's a long drive from Toronto to CT
P.S....Don't get me wrong, I always liked the PB tourney. Been there four or five times with various teams. Our daughters always loved to go as it meant a few stops at various malls as part of a well laid out trip (Colonie in Albany and the big one in New Britain, CT). And lets face it for the vast majority of 12-17 year old girls, the mall is a big attraction earning Dad big brownie points if it is part of the itinerary.
Yep, some tournaments in Canada have gate fees, mostly spring tournaments and the big events in the GTA area. They charge a gate at GTHL league games. The latter has been a great point of debate on the Ontario Forums.
The good news is that OWHA tournaments are gate free.
IMHO there are several reasons for lack of Canadian teams at the U17 and U19 level:
1 - PW teams do not need Polar bear for exposure
2 - Missy is running a great tournament at the U17 and U19 levels, with longer games, a four game guarantee and no gate fees.
(U19 AA = 15-15-20, U17 and U14 AA = 12-12-15).
3 - Level of competition at Polar Bear is lower than what teams in the PWHL and LLGHL face back home.
4 - It's a long drive from Toronto to CT
P.S....Don't get me wrong, I always liked the PB tourney. Been there four or five times with various teams. Our daughters always loved to go as it meant a few stops at various malls as part of a well laid out trip (Colonie in Albany and the big one in New Britain, CT). And lets face it for the vast majority of 12-17 year old girls, the mall is a big attraction earning Dad big brownie points if it is part of the itinerary.
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scrambledlegs
Registered User
Re: 2009 Polar Bear Tourney
I completely agree with this post. Some of the best times we had were at the Polar Bear tourneys. And I agree, this was especially true at the younger ages (maybe, partially due to the fact that her team did not participate at the older levels).
Anyway, I will never forget the complete overwhelming excitement of the first year, being at a tournament that was solely dedicated to girls and their potential to be anything they wanted to be! To see all these grown men cheer their daughters on was especially heart-warming.
So yes, thank you for the PBT and its ability to open eyes.
Any tournament of this size is an awesome experience. Perhaps even moreso at the younger ages than at 19AA!
While my daughter was home on break, she came upon one of her old tournament sweatshirts which had several team names on the back of it. She noticed that one of the names on there was one of her current college teammates. Aside from chuckling about this, the finding brought back fun memories of this tournament which ultimately we participated in for 9 years.
By the way, many of the retold stories had NOTHING to do with hockey!
Superfluous from a recruiting standpoint? Probably....but at least for us it was yet another venue for quality family time.
To the Polar Bears, most sincerely......
Thank you for the overpriced admission, thank you for the inconsistent officiating, thank you for attempting to weaken your own division to ease your path to the finals, and thank you for the overpriced hotels. Because for all of the awesome experiences that we have had and remember, we have them despite all of the aforementioned criticisms which in fact are not remembered so clearly by us, other than the constant reminder that we see on this board.
To all the complainers, take the 3 minutes that it took you to complain on this website, and do the following instead.....
Go down to the lobby of your hotel and grab an unused luggage cart. Then, tell your kid to get on, and push her into the elevator, stopping at each floor to push her up and down the length of the floor, perhaps even knocking on the doors of friends as you go for the ride. You'll be your kids hero, and you too will find that it was worth all of the perceived aggravation that is so commonly vented here.
I completely agree with this post. Some of the best times we had were at the Polar Bear tourneys. And I agree, this was especially true at the younger ages (maybe, partially due to the fact that her team did not participate at the older levels).
Anyway, I will never forget the complete overwhelming excitement of the first year, being at a tournament that was solely dedicated to girls and their potential to be anything they wanted to be! To see all these grown men cheer their daughters on was especially heart-warming.
So yes, thank you for the PBT and its ability to open eyes.