AMATUER HOCKEY NEEDS TO BE RESET There is one thing that we can do to make the last few years meaningful and that is to take back control of the game.

Today, the players (and their parents) are the paying members that fund both USA Hockey and Hockey Canada. But it is the collectors of those fees that are in control of the game. It’s beyond high time that reign of terror, limited opportunity, and monopolies come to a screeching end.

Officials from provincial and state affiliates have become hockey’s version of career politicians with minimal personal investment in the game outside of their individual power grabs. Yes, hockey is in desperate need of a meltdown of the rinks and to be built back with a clear developmental vision.

At the youth levels, it’s become very clear that affiliates are more interested in limiting opportunities and options than they are about actual development. That is going to happen when certain associations are favored because the building is directly connected to the fee collectors that are also controlling the influence. All the monopolies have done is reduce competition and raise fees. They have also made their own rules that differ from state to state and province to province, making the concept of a fair and balanced national championship all but impossible.

The state, district, and national camp selection process is also a political cesspool of cronyism, personal agendas, and vendettas.

The junior level of play is fragmented while becoming an international disgrace with the non-sanctioned groups doing pretty much whatever they want. The non-sanctioned leagues could be enticed to get back under the authority of USA Hockey and Hockey Canada if both governing organizations are reset to represent the members and not the wallets.

The first order of business would have to be the removal of international and domestic import restrictions. Players should be free to compete for roster spots without the hindrance of geographical restrictions.

The idea of import restrictions was to make sure there were plenty of opportunities for United States and Canada’s players. On a continent where liberal politics tend to openly invite the world into our countries, how does hockey justify limiting player opportunities based on their citizenship or legal immigration status? Imagine if the local grocery store attempted to take that same approach, would doing so even be legal?

These participation roadblocks are designed to reduce the number of options for players at this age.

Who gave us all this nonsense anyway? The easy answer is all of us for allowing the collectors of fees to speak on our behalf. It’s time for us to speak for ourselves. Players, parents, referees, coaches, volunteers, and supporters of the amateur game should all be able to join the governing bodies and have an equal voice.

I’m in for $100 annual fee if it means full access and no more “executive sessions” at national meetings. Let’s force these folks to remember WHO they are working for. No more secrets, full disclosure, and open live streamed meetings. It’s OUR game, not theirs. Our fees pay for their existence. If they don’t like it, tell them to go get a real job like the rest of us.

Hockey Canada and USA Hockey have grown fat, old, and complacent in their ways. It’s time for a fresh start, it’s time for the reset.