Thunderchild leaves the Hawks

[rinkrat]

dondo dondo dondo

I'm going to try and avoid turning this into the thread that you and I have already had on this topic ... that being said, why are we killing a kid for going home?

Chad Scharff was picked up by the Bruins but decided to retire and spend time with his family. Where's the thread ripping him for wanting to be with his family? From the Portland coverage it appears that Thunderchild was more interested in being with his family. Another thing to keep in mind is that he is aboriginal and we've all seen the stories on the Tootoo brothers and how much harder it was for them. I'm not sure about his home life, but he did leave home at 13. That's a young age to leave home, for anybody.

At 18 he's still got a chance to get his education and make something of himself outside of hockey.

He was acquired EARLY last year from Lethbridge. He played 47 games with the Hawks and another 8 in the playoffs. You're making it sound like they acquired him and he said 'screw you' and left them high and dry.

For once we agree,well stated Hunt24.They are,after all kids.

[dondo]

and another thing !!! -- oh. well.. -- yeah okay ... (this time..)


I'll get you next time gadget ----

[neutral]

-- I actually am finding this a little ridiculous. I know these are kids but really do you want to be a pro or not -- if not then you are just taking up a roster spot and you should be up-front about that from the get-go.

You missed 2 reasons why "kids" play in this league, even though they are not thinking about going pro. For those who have a realistic grasp on reality, turning pro is a small probability. So what would motivate them? Well, for one, having the chance of a lifetime to play in the best junior league in the world with a group of like minded kids. And second, what a great way to gain some education funding for some form of post secondary training, with the possibility of continuing to play at the college or university level.

In real life, adults can change jobs, whether it is a promotion, demotion, or lateral move. So, for some players, moving from Tier II to Major Junior is a promotion, for others a move from Major Junior to Tier II make be considered a lateral or possibly a demotion. But when it is their own choice, it is likely perceived as a lateral when factoring in hockey, family, and life.

But what do I know. I've just had 2 kids involved in hockey at the Major Junior and Tier II levels. Plus dozens and dozens of their friends.

[dondo]

great points neutral - the education fund is a huge one, and playing with their peers as well

-- but then wouldn't you think that some of these players would less concerned about where they play and more concerned about who they play with? And the reality and joy of being part of team which is something bigger than themselves?

For me it seems that the ones that leave a team seem to be angling for better ice-time or a better team to showcase their talents, which is kind of counter your arguments. In the Thunderchild case though he did indeed go to TierII (i suppose that's what the level is)

It's not every player by any means and most players it seems to me are happy just to be playing major Junior, but I suspect the ones that make these kinds of decisions are not simply home-sick but trying to gain some edge -- which I suppose is how you get ahead, but at the cost of your teammates I just don't get it I guess.

BTW how are/did your kids do neutral and what would they say about this subject? Do they see it as a concern in the league or is it just one of those things which happen? Have they experienced something like it first-hand?

[neutral]

BTW how are/did your kids do neutral and what would they say about this subject? Do they see it as a concern in the league or is it just one of those things which happen? Have they experienced something like it first-hand?

One left junior hockey for the right reasons to get on with his education and other sports interests. He would support an individual player in their decision to do what is right for them, whether it is family, other sports, or education. The other stuck it out through the good and the bad. Due to his love of the game and commitment to a team and team mates, he did not regret it. So they represent both sides of the discussion.

[dondo]

thanks its interesting for me to get a perspective on this issue as it clarifies some of the individual stories a bit. I find it a bit of fascinating subject as on the surface it seems to be cut and dried but you never know if a player had a bad billet, or an uncomfortable experience with the team, or it is simply desire to play for a more high-profile team (which is obviously the reason that irks me the most - as it destroys league parity.)

[dj-kris]

great points neutral - the education fund is a huge one, and playing with their peers as well

there is the possibility with him being native he would have his schooling paid for anyways so he chose the family side