Mooseheads in NHL Entry Draft 2023 Discussion

[statsman18]

Basically says this is the worst showing for the Q at the draft since 1970 where they only had 13. I knew it was bad but man 53 years just wow.

[Jack Bauer]

The Q is already picking from a smaller population area. Add in the language/cultural stuff with what the QMJHL still wants to represent...no matter how drastically different its image SHOULD be after 30 years in the Maritimes...and I am convinced it would rather die as a Quebec based league as opposed to rebranding and trying to make the league more attractive to the Northeastern US as an Eastern Canada league that represents the Maritime influence that isn't going away.

To some that might sound crazy but I honestly think this is the new reality if things don't change.

We're getting to a point where only upper class families can afford rep hockey. Blame all the politicians we elect at every level for their incompetence but the reality is the cost of living and housing issues mean there is just nothing there for a sport where the expectation is to travel around the region to play in other towns on a monthly basis.

So as our region keeps seeing less elite players and Quebec continues to produce less talent...what did everyone think would happen as people constantly pointed out how systematic changes was killing our goaltender development, not allowing for enough creativity, yet also not producing many elite coaches even though the kids are being over coached at younger ages.

I dont see this trend changing any time soon. More programs to just get kids playing doesn't mean those kids can suddenly travel 2-3 hours away and stay in hotels and eat out and spend $1500 after hotel, gas, and meals to go play in New Glasgow or Yarmouth.

Our hockey systems are like our politics. The more things stay the same and change for the negative....the more bad things we're going to see happen. Unlike politics, there should be hope that our hockey systems can find some changes that initiate some positive change. But people actually need to want to change. I don't think anyone in the province of Quebec wants that and would rather this be a league with no kids drafted as opposed to losing their 50 year old brand and trying to appeal to a larger population base with new leaders and a new regional attitude.

We might not be able to control the coaching in minor hockey but we can definitely control the branding of a league that is a long ways from its peak and can certainly use a refresh no matter what those involved may want us to believe.

[nsvees]

Jun 30, 2023 8:43:32 GMT -4 Jack Bauer said:

The Q is already picking from a smaller population area. Add in the language/cultural stuff with what the QMJHL still wants to represent...no matter how drastically different its image SHOULD be after 30 years in the Maritimes...and I am convinced it would rather die as a Quebec based league as opposed to rebranding and trying to make the league more attractive to the Northeastern US as an Eastern Canada league that represents the Maritime influence that isn't going away.

To some that might sound crazy but I honestly think this is the new reality if things don't change.

We're getting to a point where only upper class families can afford rep hockey. Blame all the politicians we elect at every level for their incompetence but the reality is the cost of living and housing issues mean there is just nothing there for a sport where the expectation is to travel around the region to play in other towns on a monthly basis.

So as our region keeps seeing less elite players and Quebec continues to produce less talent...what did everyone think would happen as people constantly pointed out how systematic changes was killing our goaltender development, not allowing for enough creativity, yet also not producing many elite coaches even though the kids are being over coached at younger ages.

I dont see this trend changing any time soon. More programs to just get kids playing doesn't mean those kids can suddenly travel 2-3 hours away and stay in hotels and eat out and spend $1500 after hotel, gas, and meals to go play in New Glasgow or Yarmouth.

Our hockey systems are like our politics. The more things stay the same and change for the negative....the more bad things we're going to see happen. Unlike politics, there should be hope that our hockey systems can find some changes that initiate some positive change. But people actually need to want to change. I don't think anyone in the province of Quebec wants that and would rather this be a league with no kids drafted as opposed to losing their 50 year old brand and trying to appeal to a larger population base with new leaders and a new regional attitude.

We might not be able to control the coaching in minor hockey but we can definitely control the branding of a league that is a long ways from its peak and can certainly use a refresh no matter what those involved may want us to believe.

A lot of good points here. The Q seems to be stuck in the past; beholden to its history, unable or unwilling to change with the times (basically, hockey in general). They need to get their heads out of their a****. The first sign of changing is admitting there is a problem, like having an addiction. They need to see the trees in the forest.

The cost of playing hockey is obviously a major impediment to getting more kids to play. With the cost of everything skyrocketing, this keeps many potential players away. Also, the kids that do play are basically told from a early age they need to play hockey 12 months a year. At some point, they get bored and/or burn out and want to quit. They need to play other sports but they need time to rest their bodies, recharge the batteries. I agree players today are over-coached; coaches harp on "systems" instead of individual player development. They need to make the game more fun.

[coleminer]

Jun 30, 2023 8:43:32 GMT -4 Jack Bauer said:

The Q is already picking from a smaller population area. Add in the language/cultural stuff with what the QMJHL still wants to represent...no matter how drastically different its image SHOULD be after 30 years in the Maritimes...and I am convinced it would rather die as a Quebec based league as opposed to rebranding and trying to make the league more attractive to the Northeastern US as an Eastern Canada league that represents the Maritime influence that isn't going away.

To some that might sound crazy but I honestly think this is the new reality if things don't change.

We're getting to a point where only upper class families can afford rep hockey. Blame all the politicians we elect at every level for their incompetence but the reality is the cost of living and housing issues mean there is just nothing there for a sport where the expectation is to travel around the region to play in other towns on a monthly basis.

So as our region keeps seeing less elite players and Quebec continues to produce less talent...what did everyone think would happen as people constantly pointed out how systematic changes was killing our goaltender development, not allowing for enough creativity, yet also not producing many elite coaches even though the kids are being over coached at younger ages.

I dont see this trend changing any time soon. More programs to just get kids playing doesn't mean those kids can suddenly travel 2-3 hours away and stay in hotels and eat out and spend $1500 after hotel, gas, and meals to go play in New Glasgow or Yarmouth.

Our hockey systems are like our politics. The more things stay the same and change for the negative....the more bad things we're going to see happen. Unlike politics, there should be hope that our hockey systems can find some changes that initiate some positive change. But people actually need to want to change. I don't think anyone in the province of Quebec wants that and would rather this be a league with no kids drafted as opposed to losing their 50 year old brand and trying to appeal to a larger population base with new leaders and a new regional attitude.

We might not be able to control the coaching in minor hockey but we can definitely control the branding of a league that is a long ways from its peak and can certainly use a refresh no matter what those involved may want us to believe.

You are correct on the socio economic aspects.

Not sure if changing the name would be good or not. People in Quebec are tied to the French identity. Maybe they eventually get over it and come back? Damned if you do, damned if you don't.