According to the IYHA website, they have been accepted to play in the Central States Development Hockey League out of Chicago. It says that their Squirt Major team (95) would play in that league and that the CSDHL is considering minor teams, so their Squirt Minor team (96) could be in that league as well. So that means Cincy 95 is in EEAHL and Indy 95 is in CSDHL, who is left? Is CCYHA out? Are the Capitals out? (were they ever in?) How strong will Dayton's 95s be? According to the BTHL website, there are only three prospective AA teams, but 10 to 13 A teams. Will they be forced to combine them?

AA teams would not be permitted to play down. Without a minimum of 4 teams there will be no AA division.

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IF there are not 4 AA squirt teams, that will be very sad. It should also tell BTHL that something is seriously wrong. The new association classifications and player charts leave only the largest associations in AA. With Cincy and CCYHA appearently leaving, and Cardinal now defunct, BTHL is becoming a shell of its previous self.

I wonder about the wisdom of adding teams in Tennessee. And the effect this has had on driving teams away, rather than working to attract the best teams to BTHL.

This would all be taken care of if leagues were set up using RPI like Cleveland does.

Take the time and effort to size the teams up over the course of two or three weekends and then set up fair divisions.

A team that went 2-14 in AA would have never had to go through that season because they would have been lumped with the teams that went 14-2 in A.

Until we get away from cut and dry rules in setting up the divisions and move towards a logical (see how the teams play each other) approach there will be more teams that leave.

If a team plays it's first two games (Oct) against a team in their division and gets beat 10-0 and 8-1, why wouldn't something be done that early to make things right?

Many Many parents swear by the RPI system in Cleveland. Takes some effort and maybe a mini tournament or two but at least the season will be more productive.

What's the word on CTH and CCYHAs Squirt 96 teams?

Both should be strong, but nod goes to CTH as it essentially is the solid Cardinal mite team with the addition of the Capitals' players. CCYHA and Cards were back and forth all season, so the additional players should tilt the scale. We should know how they compete head to head if both are in the CSHL. Amazing coaching staff for CCYHA though, so expect them to improve all season.

I'm not familiar with the Cleveland system so if FakeSlapShot could give more details, I would be interested.

I completely agree with doing some pre-season games/tournament to place teams appropriately. It's a joke to say we want to add Nashville and Knoxville and they're going to play A because of where they fit in the Buckeye formula. Shouldn't they be asked to play a few of the teams that have been around the Buckeye for a few years to see where they fit?

Hockey11, I left a similar post for you on another thread.

Squirt 96 – CTH had more than enough to field one team. The CTH team has some talented skaters, however not sure if they have the depth of the top CCYHA team. CTH had a less developed travel team last year compared to CCYHA but were able to pick up a few ex-Cardinal Mite players. The Cardinal Mite team from last year was mixed 97/96 - stronger than CTH but weaker than CCYHA. They were essentially an average team which has now split the talent between Mite and Squirt. The parent's questionable attitude and ˜sportsmanship' issues may be a hurdle for this team. Coaching abilities may also be a consideration. CCYHA had more than enough trying out and is fielding 2 teams at this level as well. CCYHA has most of its talented Mite team returning for its top squirt team and rumor has it has added some depth with new skaters. Troll - I agree on coaching, it also sounds like the impressive CCYHA coaches are returning. Look to CCYHA to come out of the gates strong again this year with the top group. The CCYHA second team should be strong at the A level. The nod goes to CCYHA at the AA level.