National Development Program

[CrinkledStraw]

I looked into this last year but, unfortunately, couldn't come up with either the funds or the time off (from school or work) to attend.

I recently turned nineteen, so this would be my last year to experience this program as I was eighteen at the December 31, 2006 deadline.

I'm just wondering if anyone on this board has attended this program in the past, and if they'd be willing to share their experiences with me.

As I live in Reno, NV I'd be going to the May 18-20 El Segundo, Ca camp if I decided to go.
Is anyone planning to attend this year (especially at the Team West area)?

[DannyG]

Three years ago, I sat in the food area in Irvine, Ca, with Dan Brennan and Aaron Kriss of USA Hockey. I asked Dan to tell me how many girls he had at the USAHIL (co-ed) development camp we were all coaching at. His reply as "oh, what, about 6 or 7?"

I pointed out that there were 17 girls at the camp.

He immediately replied in turn, "Okay, maybe it's time." Seven months later we had the first national evaluation camp at my rink in El Paso. Last year it expanded to four regional camps, and the national festival, and was on par with the program for the boys.

The program is a very good barometer of girls hockey in the 18 & under level of play. The gold and platinum women's program of NARCh, for example, and the USAHIL Cup, are a step above, but the national evaluation camp series and festival is a very worthwhile experience, and I would recommend it to every player.

As long as major components of southern california, such as the CalSelects, among others, remain loyal to only the AAU program, the West team/camp of the USAHIL program will be less, but maybe they will participate this year. It is, of course, possible to do both. We also find that most major parts of the southern california inline hockey scene, girls and boys both, will not spend the dollars to travel outside of california, unless it's ice.

In spite of the above limitation, I still highly recommend the program. It will give you a good experience, and a legitimate idea of where your skills stand on a regional/national level.

Good luck, have fun, hope to see you out on the blue floor...

[CrinkledStraw]

Thanks for the reply Danny, its exactly what I was looking for!

If I can get everything to come together I'll definitely be there. Its too bad that the majority of southern California's roller hockey talent won't travel too far, as El Segundo is an eight hour drive from Reno (so says Google Maps), but its good to see that others think this experience is worth it.

Danny, which regional team won at the national festival last year? And do you know how did Team West did, even with the lack of participation from the CalSelects and others?

Frankly, I hope all the best talent turns out for all of the regional camps. I believe I play a bit better in net when there's a stronger goalie on the other end of the floor. We're all standouts and showoffs at heart, us goalies. ;) And it'd be the best thing for the development of women's hockey!

Again, thanks for the reply and the well wishes Dan. I'll be there if at all possible!

Would anyone happen to know which airport is closest to the El Segundo area? I may have to consider a flight in as the cheaper alternative with gas prices as they are, especially in Nevada and California.

And I'd still love to hear from anyone else who'd like to share!

[DannyG]

Danny, which regional team won at the national festival last year? And do you know how did Team West did, even with the lack of participation from the CalSelects and others?

The west team came in second, I think...the "Rocky Mountain" team ( I forget what the actual geographic designation was) won the national festival. I sincerely wish you the best of good fortune. A few of my girls' team Polar Bears participated in the west team trials last year, they report it was very worthwhile.

Have fun.