Wasn't aimed at you Twins, but apparently I struck a nerve.
The pre season tournament was created as an attempt to rectify the the problems with balance and parity. Yes, this could be at the expense of geography. If you would prefer, we could go back to geographic placement and risk lopsisded scores.
Pick you poison.

The placement tournament allows teams that are unsure about their level to get a measurement on their level of play. What the biggest problem that affects this is kids playing other sports during this tourney. Coming from a smaller program this allows our teams a chance to play at a competitive level. I also feel that it stops some sandbagging from some organizations. I know it may be a hassle but in the long run it serves it purpose.

One final thought on geograghy. Lopsided scores has nothing to do with geography,because both divisions (bluegrass,hoosier) were pretty equal team for team with the exception of the last place cincinnati team (should have been switched with bowling green in A1). The breakdown came with butler co. and springboro being placed in southern division and Nky. in the northern division,causing extra travel time on Nky part. Enough said about geography. Maybe one way to make the tourney worthwhile is to charge each team an extra 50$ and the winner gets entry fee money for a future tourney of their choice. This could take away the sandbagging and ensure everyone brings their best players. I'm all for the tourney because the more hockey the merrier lets just make it mean something in the end.