The NUSE hockey experience
It’s been two months since the New Ulm and Sleepy Eye Hockey Associations have began their NUSE co-op. I’m seeing things as a parent and as a reporter. Here’s my perceptions so far:
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As parents we were told games and practices would be split 50/50 between the two communities. As the cheer goes…”nuts and bolts, nuts and bolts, boy did we get screwed.” Sleepy Eye parents have made the trek east a whole lot more than those from New Ulm coming west. Hopefully this issue can be resolved for future seasons. Remember in order for our local ice arena to maka a go of it, they must collect ice usage fees as well as earn revenue from concessions.
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Fees to play is more than they were when Sleepy Eye was on its own.
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There are no home varsity games scheduled in Sleepy Eye. It’s hard to sell the team as Sleepy Eye’s when you can’t build the fan base from the locals (These games have also always been good for the concession stand)
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There has been some players from Sleepy Eye who chose not to go out. Some may have made that decision because of the extra cost to play, and the added driving expense. Others perhaps because they didn’t want to face the competition. I understand the first reason, not the second.
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Most teams are playing a lot more games, and more tournaments. Some days I think too many!
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Most teams are wearing the New Ulm jerseys
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There are a bunch of teams, a bunch of opportunities for everyone to play.
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Girls get to play on girls teams
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There is a junior varsity boys team. Players are not forced to play at the varsity level when they are not physically or mentally ready.
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No team is forced to play with too few skaters like we have seen too often with Sleepy Eye teams including several varsity teams.
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Bottom line is, my Pee Wee son is loving every minute of his experience. He has made new friends. He is well coached. He has grown as a player and has improved upon his sportsmanship.
I’m confident adjustments will be made to make this the best possible experience for everyone involved. It was a necessity for the survival of both programs. And I believe, in the long run, it will make for a strong program. There are always adjustments to make when change comes. So far I’m giving the co-op a thumbs up.
