quote:
Originally posted by CardsPW92:
what's going on with central ohio and cincinnati/dayton hockey??
IMHO - The northern tier teams play tougher competition week in and week out, and have done so far a much longer period of time - Barons in the MWEHL, Ice Diggers in the Little Caesars league. I think that playing that level all year long better prepares them for play at the end of the year, both physically and mentally.
I've seen a drastic difference in the mental approach of my son's team to the tourney this year - my son a baron this year after playing NKy/Cincy previously. The Barons were very "business like" in that they recognized the importance of the games (step 1 to nationals), but were not intimidated nor overly excited about the games. IMHO, that confidence comes from having played (and played competitively) against most of the top 15 ranked teams over the course of the season - counting the barons, 7 MWEHL U16 teams ranked in top 15-20 most of the season.
Contrast that with two seasons ago when he was on the Cincy Bantam AA (tier II) team. A talented team, but they played in the BTHL and had to play the Ice Diggers in states. For the Cincy kids, playing the ID was their biggest game of the year, one of best teams they'd faced. While for the ID, who played tough LC league teams all season, Cincy was just another game. Cincy played very nervously to start, ID very relaxed/confident, and it was pretty much over after the first period.
The GLTHL is a step up from BTHL competition, but still has a ways to go..
'90 Goalie Dad
