AAU cancels High School Nationals

[kevinsmithAZ]

This time, I will leave the post up.

AAU has made the decision to cancel Memorial Day Weekend's HS Nationals event, which was scheduled to be played in Huntington Beach, California at The Rinks. The tournament was "coincidentally" scheduled the same weekend as AAU's West Coast Championships, arguably the biggest event on the west coast each season (before Nationals) for travel teams.

There were not enough teams to make the event worthwhile, partially because all of the California-based HS players all play travel, and will be playing in Corona that weekend. Nobody wants to risk possible conflict and drive back and forth between Corona and HB (about 45 minutes)

Bad move on AAU's part. Double scheduling two BIG tournaments just 45 minutes away from each other, and even worse is the fact that the event was not PLANNED and information not released until just 2 months ago.

AAU is great for the AIHL and USARS/Team USA, but they don't do anything for the High School game. We pay a yearly membership fee, AAU makes money, and as a result looks good by having "State High School Leagues across the country." The one thing AAU has to do every year for the HS game, putting together a National Championship tournament, can't even get done. They reap all of the benefits but don't do a single thing for the high school leagues aside from insurance.

Something needs to be done to ensure high school inline hockey around the country stays strong, and that teams have a chance to play for a true National Championship.

[rhhof]

AMEN Kevin

I have stated time and time again about that High School hockey is the future to bridge the gap in the sport. NCRHA is always growing and going strong. High school players need a platform and a general progression and this is only natural.

As some might be able to inform you as well AAU did not have High School hockey on the agenda this year at their yearly meetings...So most that are involved didnt even make the trip the meetings to work or move forward with anything - I feel this is a BIG step backward....and Im not going to go into all this sanctioning crap - its still the biggest thing holding up the sport no matter what

Though not being in the sport full time anymore its tough to do much about it from here. If I had the chance - this would be the first thing I would push toward

Again sorry to hear about this and hopefully things will get better in the future!!

[zipyaj]

AMEN Kevin... I have stated time and time again about that High School hockey is the future to bridge the gap in the sport.

Thanks for the words, Adam.
The importance of the High School (scholastic) segment of this sport has been stated over and over and over again and by many throughout the numerous threads and articles in this forum. Notables may include, but are most definitely not limited to:

thread: High School Inline Hockey
by Richard Graham, 04-Mar-2005:
http://inlinehockeycentral.com/forum...ad.php?t=21727

article: WRAPPIN' UP
A look back at the 2008 Let's Play Hockey International Expo.
by Richard Graham, 17-Feb-2008
http://inlinehockeycentral.com/artic...ticle_id=52373

As one among many advocates and (volunteer) caretakers for this segment, I take pride when looking at the rosters of our National teams, Collegiate ranks, Elite inline leagues and even filtering up to Professional Ice Hockey with the many names of high school alumni from leagues across the US who have advanced upward in the growth pyramid of this sport. This is but one testament to demonstrate the accomplishments, the importance and the need.

While not of any official representation, I am saddened over the current state of affairs and empathetic with Kevin's experience stated above. Understandably frustrated over the tournament, especially given that his AZ champion Horizon HS team was awarded by IHAAZ (www.IHAAZ.org) with a free-ride of registration into the Nationals as part of their tourney process, Kevin also joins others in his market who are suffering the loss this month of the Phoenix-based Casey's rink, the recent turnover of the RollerPlex rink and a host of issues facing the sport in Arizona over the past year.

Not one to bash or bicker, I would rather hear/read of the positives and How To Make It better comments - here or to my contact information included below.

Something needs to be done to ensure high school inline hockey around the country stays strong, and that teams have a chance to play for a true National Championship.

BEST!