USA Hockey Nationals Day 1 Recap
Day 1 is in the books. I was able to see some great hockey in Dallas and I know some great hockey was played around the country. Tonight was also opening ceremonies for most, if not all, the tournaments. Here in Dallas the great Brett Hull gave the "keynote" address. A special thanks to the Dallas Stars and Dallas youth programs for getting Brett there. He represented USA Hockey well over the years and was the second greatest goal scorer of all-time. I'm not sure if most remember Brett, his history and his game. While I am no authority on Brett, I'd like to touch on his history and his speech some.
Brett Hull emphasized that these boys, at 13-15 yrs old, have years to develop before they futures are determined. Some will be NHLers, most will not. He discussed the issue that some kids develop early, others late. Brett would be considered a late developer. Son of one of the greatest hockey players every, Brett was drafted in the 6th round by the Calgary Flames. Most people probably didn't think he deserved to be drafted at all, but as son of Bobby Hull, it wouldn't hurt too bad "wasting" a sixth round pick on him. Before NCAA Hockey was seen as a real path to the NHL, Brett took it. He played at Minn-Duluth for two years before the Flames signed him. After signing Hull, they assigned him to the AHL for virtually his entire first professional season. Then, near the trade deadline of his second season, the Flames traded him to St Louis. With all the 18 year olds that play in the NHL, realize the second greatest goal scorer ever didn't get his first NHL goal until age 22. In Brett's second full season with the St Louis Blues he got paired up with centerman Adam Oates. Adam Oates was a great setup man. He will not be remembered by most NHL fans, but there is greatness in understanding your talents and your role on a team. Adam setup Brett dozens of times and allowed Brett to have three consecutive 70 goal seasons topped off by an 86 goal campaign during the 1990-91 season. Brett's greatness was his ability to find open ice and he was a master at the one-timer. While there are dozens of lessons to be learned by Brett and his career, the biggest may be what he emphasized to all the boys. He said, "You don't always have to be the best at your age, because we all develop at different times... stick with it."
Great message. Thanks.
On the ice, there were few upsets in Dallas. The MYHockey favorite won 11 of 12 games, with the Red River Valley Hawks taking down the Atlanta Fire for the only upset of the day. The Midget 16U tournament again saw the MYHockey favorites go 11-1. Not so good at the Midget 18U where the favorites went 9-3 and almost a coin-flip at peewees where the MYHockey favorites only went 7-5. Bottom line is stats and rankings are fun to look at, but they mean nothing when the puck drops. That's where kids have fun and character is built. Best of luck to all the teams this week. May you have a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Brett Hull emphasized that these boys, at 13-15 yrs old, have years to develop before they futures are determined. Some will be NHLers, most will not. He discussed the issue that some kids develop early, others late. Brett would be considered a late developer. Son of one of the greatest hockey players every, Brett was drafted in the 6th round by the Calgary Flames. Most people probably didn't think he deserved to be drafted at all, but as son of Bobby Hull, it wouldn't hurt too bad "wasting" a sixth round pick on him. Before NCAA Hockey was seen as a real path to the NHL, Brett took it. He played at Minn-Duluth for two years before the Flames signed him. After signing Hull, they assigned him to the AHL for virtually his entire first professional season. Then, near the trade deadline of his second season, the Flames traded him to St Louis. With all the 18 year olds that play in the NHL, realize the second greatest goal scorer ever didn't get his first NHL goal until age 22. In Brett's second full season with the St Louis Blues he got paired up with centerman Adam Oates. Adam Oates was a great setup man. He will not be remembered by most NHL fans, but there is greatness in understanding your talents and your role on a team. Adam setup Brett dozens of times and allowed Brett to have three consecutive 70 goal seasons topped off by an 86 goal campaign during the 1990-91 season. Brett's greatness was his ability to find open ice and he was a master at the one-timer. While there are dozens of lessons to be learned by Brett and his career, the biggest may be what he emphasized to all the boys. He said, "You don't always have to be the best at your age, because we all develop at different times... stick with it."
Great message. Thanks.
On the ice, there were few upsets in Dallas. The MYHockey favorite won 11 of 12 games, with the Red River Valley Hawks taking down the Atlanta Fire for the only upset of the day. The Midget 16U tournament again saw the MYHockey favorites go 11-1. Not so good at the Midget 18U where the favorites went 9-3 and almost a coin-flip at peewees where the MYHockey favorites only went 7-5. Bottom line is stats and rankings are fun to look at, but they mean nothing when the puck drops. That's where kids have fun and character is built. Best of luck to all the teams this week. May you have a safe and enjoyable weekend.
