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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Both my kids played ice hockey (one boy one girl). It’s a great sport and the best to watch as a parent. Neither kid ever complained once about going to practice…ever…from 8u all the way 16u. In fact it’s the opposite, they got stir crazy when they were off the ice for a couple days.

My son topped out at the upper a level and my daughter played girls aa. Hockey is a weird sport in that if your kid is still living at home at age 16 they’re probably not playing ncaa d1/d3 hockey, but thats okay. The numbers lie a little bit in that most men’s college hockey players play junior first and most women’s bcaa players come from a few select programs and boarding schools. That said, I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s been great character builders for both of them. Go for it.[/quote]

I would change things - specifically, I would avoid travel hockey and invest in other sports. My kid played several years of AAA hockey, and we're now strongly encouraging (borderline bribing) him to fall back to AA and high school hockey. One year of AAA hockey cost us over $40,000 - including 12 out-of-state tournaments, many that required getting on planes (including some spring/summer trips, which most kids on the team do), equipment, clinics, skills lessons, and some time with a group trainer. Beyond the financial sacrifice, it consumed significant family time and limited our vacations.

It's easy to get sucked in when your kid shows potential and loves the sport, but I don't think it's worth it for most families. Our friend's son had a terrible billeting experience last year - inconsistent transportation to/from the rink, unreliable meals, and other basic needs not met. Without parental supervision, his grades suffered, too.

Sports are wonderful for character building, work ethic, and teamwork, but these benefits aren't exclusive to hockey.  Lots of hockey players also enjoy football, baseball, and lacrosse - sports with far less demanding financial and time commitments, plus much better odds of playing in college.  [/quote]

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