NHL Breakout/Tourneys

[ClarkAddison]

I sent this letter to the NHL Tourney's organizer's. I'd like to see if anyone else feels the way I do. The costs for NHL Tourney's is $65 per player and coaches.

To whom it may concern,

I received a letter about the NHL Tourneys coming to Mt. Prospect, Illinois.

I really wish you would bring back the NHL Breakout format for your tournaments. It was the reason my travel program began. I think that format, at least in Chicago did more to bring newer players and fans to the sport.

We are planning on playing in three major tournaments in the Chicago area this year. AAU, Triple Crown, and TORHS. None of these tournaments are over $500 and in the inline world have a high level of respect.

What made NHL Breakout unique was that it encouraged grassroot participation with its low cost, access to players, and recreational levels of play. It did more to grow interest in the sport than NHL Tourneys, competing against already established tournaments at a higher cost ever will.

I hope that you reconsider the direction your going with these tournaments.

Respectfully,

Michael Hernbrott

President, Berwyn ChillDawgz Inline Hockey Program

www.illinoisinlinehockey.com




http://www.eteamz.com/ChillDawgz/images/NPMikeShot.jpg

[missionhockey21]

I agree. And when did the Breakout start to cost $65 per player? Was it since they changed the format last summer. I havent played in one for a while, like 2 years, and I remebered it was like $20 a player. I wouldn't personally ever pay $65 for a Breakout tourney, now a Torhs and NARCh tourney would be different.

[ClarkAddison]

You're right. The cost went up when they switched to indoor facilities.



http://www.eteamz.com/ChillDawgz/images/NPMikeShot.jpg

[bonesy21]

Mike,

for the past few years, i too have been apart of the chicago NHL break out tournament which has been held at soldier field the past few years. i have not only played in it, but i have more so reffed it as well. the memories i have had from being there are incredable. for example, i have seen kids get squashed by the inflatable walls, ive seen broken noses by spectators from getting hit with balls, and i have had 3rd degree burns on my face from sunburn; however, the most fun and exciting thing that i have seen are all the kids having a blast downtown chicago, playing a game that they love, enjoying the weather, and honestly, its never costed anyone an extreme amount of money. sometimes organizations have to do whats right for the people and not always about making the dollar. i think the NHL is quite well off on the financial sides of things to worry about making $65 per player...lets get real. lets go back to the outside adventures of excitement and somehow continue to keep this outdoors tournament in existance. even though i made like $12 per game to ref, it was still amazing to be out by the lakefront! Moreover, hopefully the NHL and USA inline will take into consideration the fun and excitement for players from all ages and bring back this great sport of outdoor ball hockey, i know id love to see it back.

david canon

[missionhockey21]

I've been to several as a player, and even though it wasnt looked upon as a serious tourney everyone had a good time. I also have fond memories of being out in the burning sun, playing like 6 games in the day, yet still having a great time. I think they should defiently bring it back to where it had the "grassroots" aspect, I know I go to get some serious sun burn, and some fun games of hockey in.

[SpeedDemon]

On a business note, I think they lost a major sponsor and two others failed to pay their dues, so this is why things happened the way they did. I guess the NHL cannot afford to put on the tournament without sponsors.

[missionhockey21]

I think if they reduced the tournament to like 15 or less teams it would fare much better. They were doing like 30 citys two years ago, and that in my opinion was the wisest move. Just out of curiosity do you remember what sponsors they lost?

[ClarkAddison]

I think it was Dodge. I went to Rhode Island last summer and Southwest Airlines stayed with them.



http://www.eteamz.com/ChillDawgz/images/NPMikeShot.jpg

[missionhockey21]

Oh, that would make sense, I bet Dodge was covering A LOT of money for the tourneys. Thanks

[SpeedDemon]

Parabolics and Dodge I know were two.