After teams are selected at tryouts, AP players (Affiliated Players) may be selected to fill in where necessary on rep teams. Usually a team will pick a few players, including defense, forwards and a goalie - just in case bad things happen - injuries, suspensions or maybe vacations. Some AP players may never see the ice. Some of the Hockey Family have been AP'd this season to higher level teams but have only visited a few practices, and have not filled in for a game. That's OK. They have too much hockey already anyway. Some players are given the opportunity to participate with the team, attending practices throughout the season and filling in for a few or many games. Bravo to those coaches who allow this. Isn't coaching about allowing kids to develop and giving additional ice time? The coaches who allow this may not need the extra players, but they are not afraid to help kids improve and enjoy hockey. THANKS! To the coaches who rarely use AP players or who AP a whole team so that no one knows who is really AP'd and no one can complain - WHAT ARE YOU SO AFRAID OF?
I agree most coaches miss an opportunity when they do not regularly invite AP players to practice. I do have an issue with AP players playing a regular shift and getting time on special teams in multiple games.
ReplyDeleteIf someone is injured or suspended though, do you mean the AP shouldn't regularly replace them because they haven't paid fees? Or are you saying they take ice time from the regular players?
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