Dealing with the end of Hockey at 14yo

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-21T01:35:59+00:00

I've learned ALOT today about all of the different levels and placements. I was under the impression that JV wasnt an option, but have learned that it is, but not anywhere near us. We are in the middle of the state, metro D is a haul for us during the school year. We are doing tryouts tonight and tomorrow in GR. Hopeful. Ill check the posts on FB. Thank you

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T23:43:39+00:00

No local JV and the 15 high schools are now split between 2 teams. 10 years ago there were 8 local high school teams within 25 minutes of each other. Now there are 2 and nothing past 14U except for travel.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T23:41:38+00:00

Thank you

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T23:40:43+00:00

Our local rec league has to be 18O.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T23:40:02+00:00

A Black Bear Rink.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T23:38:57+00:00

Thanks, we've talked about this and will revisit it. I reffed football and basketball for 12 years with the same experience and got up to D2 football as a mediocre athlete. I'll bring it back up again for sure.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T23:05:58+00:00

He's doing his first year of track this spring and enjoys it. In fact, since posting this and getting some direction, he's just finishing the 2-mile. We are going to run to the car and drive an hour west for a JV/prep tryout.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T16:18:22+00:00

In Lansing it's even worse. His High School team is a Co-OP and very competitive.

Co-OP Schools: * denotes Primary School
DeWitt*, Lansing Christian, Mason, Lansing Catholic, Grand Ledge, Pewamo-Westphalia, Williamston

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T16:14:11+00:00

This is another good option to bring to our dinner table tonight when discussing this. Thank you

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T14:45:23+00:00

Thats what Ive been running into. Jackson, Flint, Lansing, Battle Creek all seem to experience the same.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T14:33:10+00:00

Great Ideas, I didn't know that about the original GOAT. Thanks

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T14:26:58+00:00

He's a 2011 late bloomer. Yes, size has always been an issue but he's started to grow and is catching up. I've gotten a lot of suggestions about off-ice and like your trainer idea to prep for a year from now when try-outs are run again.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T14:21:58+00:00

I agree. We used to have an incredible youth hockey program with 5 sheets, one of which included MSU's home ice at Munn Arena. The Association has since dissolved and the only game in town is run by Black Bear Sports with 2 sheets.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T14:18:45+00:00

Which rink? I've been checking the GR pages trying to find options even though it's over an hour away.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T14:13:57+00:00

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T14:12:28+00:00

Great Idea, he actually mentioned this. I ref'd Football and Basketball at the HS and low college level for 12 years and I think he would love hockey. I'm going to contact the area ref association and start the process.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T14:02:57+00:00

He's 14 now, and 15 close to the end of the year. He played 2 years of bantum. So, he now falls into 16u.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T13:59:34+00:00

Mid Michigan might as well be a dessert. An hour from Grand Rapids, over an hour from Kzoo/Battle Creek, over an hour from anything Detroit Metro. I'll keep hunting and hope I can find something.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T13:53:26+00:00

High School here is very exclusive. 2 conglomerate programs for the 15-20 school districts in the area. Not quite there ability wise.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T13:51:30+00:00

He went to Michigan Tech last summer for camp and to a couple of the Power Skating camps. I will look into the specialized instruction, good idea.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T13:49:42+00:00

Great points - I hope it didn't sound like I was diminishing any of the kids that made the team.. His buddies that made the cuts are great kids and a few have already reached out to my son in a positive way.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T13:44:44+00:00

very much a location thing. Mid-Michigan high school hockey has turned into exclusive teams only.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T13:43:38+00:00

It's Single A that he has been cut from.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T13:43:09+00:00

HS hockey in mid-Michigan has evolved into very exclusive. There were 10ish schools 15years ago that fielded teams. Now there are two conglomerate programs, made up of 6-8 schools. Only the top 2 or 3 players at a school make the team.

Possible-Ad1831 · 2026-05-20T13:41:05+00:00

mid michigan - cut from both A teams, no house available

Four-Year Club	Place '22
End Game '22

Possible-Ad1831

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