How can schools with 1,500 kids not find 25 kids that want to play hockey regardless of demographics? That in itself seems crazy but it is happening at multiple schools with the co-op teams, etc.
Many factors
- Kids quit
- Kids leave/move
- Demographics play a huge role
- Society belittles participation that isn't at top level.
- Shift in money location
Boys
Minneapolis has one hockey team and plays A
St. Paul one team and plays A
Osseo Co-Ops with Park Center and plays A
Irondale, St. Anthony, Fridley and Columbia Heights Co-op at A
Tartan and North at A
AA
Bloomington and Kennedy Co-op
Coon Rapids and Spring Lake Park Co-op
Apple Valley and Burnsville Co-op
Armstong Cooper Co-Op
Rochester Century and JM Co-op
Buffalo and Annandale Co-op
St. Francis and North Branch Co-op
St. Cloud schools Co-op
Look at the rosters for varsity sports. The system has been changed to attract and favor the 1%. Schools cut or rarely get kids to keep playing if they aren't going to start or play a lot. Basketball has kids playing up at the largest schools in the state and it takes spots. Gone are the days of seniority. It's about the most $$, dedication, and possibly the best players. It's become about program and roster building these days.