Reassigned

Reassigned
Cut, released or reassigned or whatever the hell they want to call it these days, it’s never easy to let players go, but what happens when they get reassigned? Where do they go? What are the expectations? What were the exit meetings like? What was said? What level do they get returned to? Where should they play? What should they work on? What level will best help their development?
So many questions arise out of being “reassigned.”
It’s clear the Jr A ranks around here need to get younger.
The U18 AAA programs need to develop a cap or a limit with regards for third year players.
U18 programs have to stop making sweeping statements like, “come back and be the captain.”
“If you comeback you will be given everything, all of the ice time in the world and you will improve.”
“We will get you ready to make the jump next year.”
“We have a good chance to win it all or go to Telus if you comeback.”
The Jr A level bitches and complains at the U18 level while the U18 level bitches and complains about the Jr A level taking their players that aren’t ready.
The “quiet” resentment that both levels have towards each other is downright ugly, but it’s the perception of it all that’s hurting the game, but sadly hurting the players the most.
Jr A organizations want to win so bad that they will try to do anything within their scope to do it and around here it’s attract, acquire or sign 19’s and key 20’s in order to make a run.
You see that formula will never change, just like the U18 AAA will never change either.
The Major Junior teams that “reassign” players hope they will land on their feet, but it’s rare to see organizations follow up or focus on the overall development of their prospects because they’re under the microscope when it comes to being competitive and winning themselves or they have no budget for that stuff.
All three “developmental” levels brag or take pride in developing players, but the almighty dollar and “W” reigns supreme. Now don’t get me wrong some organizations at all three levels do it the right or try to do it the right way, but those are few and far between.
You see it’s the perception of the demotion that clouds the judgment of the parents and players.
Once they get axed up top it’s not about best possible scenario it’s best possible scenario for them to succeed, win or get a bunch of f&$king points.
The Q or Major Junior teams don’t want to make a ton of suggestions when it comes to where they play, because they don’t want to step on toes of too many organizations because in the hockey world everyone has really long memories and no one wants to leave a sour taste so many teams tip toe around things.
Jr A organizations would love to get their hands on a 16 or 17 year kid, but they also know the rug can get pulled out pretty fast when it comes to trying to sign or make agreements with young players, because once they get cut up top, they start frantically looking at other options.
The U18 organizations are no doubt have players on speed dial, just waiting and watching contented awaiting the players fate around cut down day.
The system is flawed, you could use another “f” word to describe it as well.
What happens after the press release is posted at the Q level causes a massive ripple effect, with the player left in the wake, pondering a shit ton of things, with two levels boasting they have the best track record for development.
Things need to radically change, but each level are so set in their ways that it never happens.
You want to know why the landscape of hockey in this region is struggling and local players are choosing different options and path it’s the way things are handled, communicated and dealt with. That shit needs to change right now, but it never will. Could you imagine each level would benefit greatly and players would actual develop, grow and no doubt stick closer to home to play.
It’s so simple, but incredibly complicated because “hockey people” for years at each level continue to protect their loyal brand or level.
Reassigned or released are nicer words than cut, but it’s what happens after the press release or social media post that more and more people should be concerned about!