Q: How do tryouts for the Green Bay Jr. Gamblers work?
A: Tryouts are open to any player. Three tryout sessions will be held. Skaters will skate for all three sessions. We will have a panel of evaluators composed of other team coaches and qualified independent evaluators. Following the third session, we will hold a private conference to review tryout results and direction forward.
Q: When are tryouts for the 2010-2011 season?
A: 2010-2011 Season Tryouts for Midget Major, Bantam Major, Bantam Minor, Pee Wee Major, Pee Wee Minor and Squirt are scheduled for Saturday June 5, Sunday June 6 and Tuesday June 8 (Coach Optional). All tryouts held at Cornerstone Ice Arena. More details, exact times etc. will be released on April 15th.
SATURDAY 6/5/10
6/5/2010 Sat Midget Major
6/5/2010 Sat Pee Wee Minor 99
6/5/2010 Sat Midget Major
6/6/2010 Sun Pee Wee Minor 99
SUNDAY 6/6/10
6/6/2010 Sun Midget Major
6/6/2010 Sun Pee Wee Major 98
6/6/2010 Sun OPEN SKATE
6/6/2010 Sun Squirt 00
6/6/2010 Sun Bantam Minor 97
6/6/2010 Sun Bantam Major 96
6/6/2010 Sun OPEN SKATE
6/6/2010 Sun Pee Wee Major 98
6/6/2010 Sun Squirt 00
6/6/2010 Sun Bantam Minor 97
6/6/2010 Sun Bantam Major 96
TUESDAY 6/8/10
6/8/2010 Tue Squirt 00 3rd coach optional
6/8/2010 Tue Pee Wee Minor coach optional
6/8/2010 Tue Pee Wee Major coach optional
6/8/2010 Tue Bantam Minor 97 coach optional
6/8/2010 Tue Bantam Major 96 coach optional
Q: What is AAA Hockey and how does it differ from my local association?
A: AAA Hockey is a classification of hockey that surpasses the A level of competition found at the typical youth hockey level. Strong, dedicated, elite level players from multiple communities come together and compete at a high level against other AAA teams. Levels of play are determined by a standardized system based on player birth years. (Example: 1995 AAA team will consist only of players born in the year 1995)
Q: What about travel and tournaments?
A: Yes we do travel! The reality of AAA hockey is that you travel to play other teams of similar caliber. A typical travel weekend consists of three games against the same team, two games Saturday and one Sunday morning. Away games are scheduled to accommodate morning travel on Saturday, and Sunday games will generally be completed by noon. There is no driving to three cities in two days to play three games. We plan on approximately 20 home games, 20 road games and 3 tournaments and this varies by age.
Q: Isn’t playing for the Gamblers really expensive?
A: The annual player fees are more for the Jr. Gamblers than the local associations. With a greater investment comes a greater return. The additional cost is directly related to the number of home games and practice hours. With two 1.5 – 2 hour full ice practices per week, totaling over 100 hours of full ice practice, and 20 home games, you get what you pay for. The average local association dues provide 1/3 of the practice time, and most of that time is half ice! Included in our fees are three tournaments plus state. Sponsorship programs help offset costs: The Jr. Gamblers provide the tools and program to offset costs utilizing individual and corporate sponsorships. Individual players are able to solicit tax deductible sponsorships from companies and individuals to help cover the annual player fees and travel expenses. When combining the sponsorship program with our SCRIP and other fund raising opportunities, over ½ of our families have defrayed significant expense and many have covered 100% of their player fees and travel expense.
Q: Aren’t the GBJG intense? Do the kids have fun?
A: Yes, we do have higher level of expectation of our kids both on and off the ice. Our Coaching Staff works to bring out the best in kids including a strong work ethic and a respect for their team – life long lessons. These expectations are far more important than winning hockey games. Our kids work hard but they play hard too! Team-building activities, fun in the pool, group dinners are all ways our kids have fun and form deep friendships.
Q: What about the time commitment for practices?
A: The practice and game schedules are set for the entire season early in the year. The practice nights and times remain consistent helping parents manage the time commitment. Many parents like the flexibility a predictable schedule has in carpooling and freeing them up for other family activities.
