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League finds Thunder allowed ‘pay-to-play’
Father of player blows whistle over contract
Published Friday, November 20, 2009
The Albert Lea Thunder is in hot water with North American Hockey League over findings of pay-to-play and for misrepresentation of ownership.
According to a memorandum summarizing the decision, the North American Hockey League Board of Governors this week ordered the team’s membership be terminated or agree to pay to about $400,000 — which could vary depending on how much pay-to-play expenses are discovered and legal fees generated.
The memorandum states “Albert Lea misrepresented itself to the NAHL as being 100 percent owned by Barry Soskin. Instead, available evidence suggests this is untrue.” And it states, “Albert Lea has failed to post adequate security in the form of a letter of credit or performance bond.” And it states, “Albert Lea has willfully implemented a ‘pay to play’ model.”
It says the Albert Lea Thunder owners before or on Nov. 27 must post a $200,000 cash bond, pay a fine to the NAHL of $50,000 and refund all the money taken through pay-to-play agreements, which the league estimates at $100,000. And it must pay the NAHL’s legals costs related to the matter and serve a three-year probationary period.
The Tribune has left messages with Soskin, with NAHL Commissioner Mark Frankenfeld and is seeking answers from team officials.
There are eight players who skated for the Thunder last season and had what are called “advance player guarantees.” According to Steven Sempeck, father of Matt Sempeck, the eight players are Matt Sempeck, Mitch Tews, Mat Rabin, Jake Armijo, Mark Ellis, Zach Lewis, Tommy Robaczewski and Steve Nykolajcuyk.
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Steve Sempeck a bowling alley owner in Elkhorn, Neb., a western suburb of Omaha, is the whistleblower in the case, which prompted the league to take action.
“We trusted these people with $12,500 of our hard-earned money,” the father said.
He has hired a lawyer and is building a legal case against the NAHL and the Albert Lea Thunder.
He provided the Albert Lea Tribune a copy of the pay-to-play contract, which came in exchange for $12,500. And he provided copies of a canceled check made out to the Albert Lea Thunder for that amount.
The son was among the first picks for the Thunder last year. The previous season Matt Sempeck played on a Midget Major team in Chicago. He turned 18. Having “aged out,” he sought a new place to play. He looked at the NAHL, a Junior A league for amateurs hoping to land college scholarships, and the U.S. Hockey League, a higher-level amateur league.
A parent of another Midget Major player considering the Albert Lea Thunder, but whose son didn’t go, first approached Steve Sempeck, explaining that because the Thunder was an expansion team it needed money to get started. He explained the pay-to-play option.
Steve said he asked Soskin and Jim Perkins, who both billed themselves as owners of the team, if the advance player guarantee was illegal. He said he was told it was called “advertising” and was told “everybody does it.”
A letter signed by Perkins, with names of Soskin and Perkins at the bottom and with the words “Advance Player Guarantee” at the top, lists:
“You will be able to play on the team until the age out.” The age limit is 20.
“You will play in at least 45 games each year. (Unless you have an injury or get suspended.)”
“You will not be traded from the team.”
“You will not be released from the team. (Unless you break the code of conduct for the team, which will include all drugs use and only after a thorough investigation by the owners.) The code of conduct will be signed by each player and parent after Main Camp in August.”
“In the player’s second year, they will only be required to pay housing fees.”
“You will have to earn your position on the team as far as which lines you play on and being on special teams.”
And it mentions an example player rotation: “Forwards will play 13 games, then sit one game. Defense will play seven games, then sit one game.”
Another, signed by Perkins and with names of Soskin and Perkins at the bottom, states, “Thank you for your commitment to support the hockey team through our sponsorship program. We appreciate you taking full advantage of our ‘Platinum Package.’ Your package will include custom advertising to fit your needs.”
Yet another signed the same way explains the developmental goals of the team.
Steve Sempeck said he didn’t tell his son about the deal until this season. Matt works at Holiday Lanes and lived much of last season at the then-Ramada Inn, now America’s Best Value Inn. Steve said his son enjoys living in Albert Lea and attends Riverland Community College. Matt broke his ankle in August and wasn’t cleared to play at the start of the season. When he became healthy, new Thunder coach Chuck Linkenheld — brought in to save a team that went 4-49-5 last year — wouldn’t add him to the roster. Steve Sempeck asked Soskin about the pay-to-play contract and said Soskin says he was trying to get Matt on the roster. Four other pay-to-play players were on the roster.
Steve said after “a month of excuses,” he threatened to go to the league. He said Soskin suddenly was friendly and mentioned he could get Matt into a Division III college. On Nov. 7, Steve and his wife, Lori, faxed a statement to Soskin, Perkins and the Thunder saying that if Matt would not be reinstated, they would pursue legal action starting Nov. 9.
“It is obvious that Matt is being pushed around, as he was not assigned his number from last year as all the returning players were,” the notice states.
Steve said he and Lori are not the stereotypical angry hockey parents, believing their son is good enough to play. He said they signed the contract because it sounded nice to guarantee their son could stay in a safe city — especially compared to Chicago — and is within a drive from Omaha and would get time playing the sport he loves.
“Do the honorable thing and honor the contract,” he said.
Because the Thunder didn’t play Matt — “I don’t think the new coach knew about the pay-to-play,” Steve said — he decided to take his documents to the league headquarters in Frisco, Texas. It was then he discovered that, yes, pay-to-play is against the rules for a developmental league.
Matt went to the team’s locker room last week in attempt to play on the team. Steve said his son only received a verbal lashing from the coach and left.
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Comments
Posted by geokarjo (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well it may not make national news but another great publicity maker for our town.
Posted by ConTribuTor (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Boost Revenue...Ya Right!
http://www.albertleatribune.com/news/200...
“Hutchison called the hockey team “a nice little feather in Albert Lea’s cap.”
He told the council the team will boost City Arena revenue.
“This team is going to be renting ice that we normally do not rent,” Hutchison said.”
Posted by Straight_Forward (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is interesting that for 7 straight games PERKINS kid has not played and now this breaks. Sounds a little fishy to me. Not that Barry is any stand up person either. This coach is finally playing players that deserve to play at this level and is now being punished because a handfull that can't play at this level had to pay and now are coming forward. Sorry, if your kid has to pay a owner or be an owner at this level, you propably can't play at this level. Keep your heads up players that deserve to be here, you know who you are.
Posted by truthshallprevail (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
From what I've seen of the owner and management, like all look and act like mafia, so I'm not surprised that something was not legit! They don't pay their bills around town either... it's not a good situation. I never understood why they thought they could bring a team here to Albert Lea and make it go anyway... Even if the team won every single game, they wouldn't have enough people paying to watch to cover their expenses.
And it doesn't matter if somebody "ratted" out the situation... if it's not allowed, it's not allowed and thus the team should be penalized.
Posted by Bird67 (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Your right straight forward, however, you lose a coach in Zangs, because he was told he had to play those kids who payed. The new coach I was told sat Perkins and others, because he new there was no way they would fire 2 coaches in one season. He was told at one point, he was not too be on the bus or bench vs Owatonna, because Jimmy wasn't playing and others. I was also told Jim Perkins said, "I got rid of one coach, I can get rid of another" Hey Jim it backed fired in your face. Nice move! I just think now that Zangs comes out smelling like a rose, because he did what you wanted (Jim) by no choice of his own, he wanted to sit your kid, and he did once and got fired for it, new coach sits jimmy for 7 straight games, and funny; he still coaching. It blew up in your faces. Has anyone heard if Zangs has commented on this? Keep your heads up boys. Here Danny Wood and Joe Rodgers are home with injuries.
Posted by Tank (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bad management yes. Lets get this group out and a legit group in. The ice time they use was previously open ice. They practice in the early afternoon before our high school kids or our youth organization takes the ice and have increased game time ice while our high school teams and our youth haven't dropped their games played. There are plenty of people that will go watch a good product, but it is not going to happen with this ownership. A quick check with the rink will show that they are payed up to this point. Lets hope the league mandates a change and we can keep a junior team in Albert Lea.
Posted by big_papi28 (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.americanjuniorhockey.com/2009..........
This is so ridiculous especially for the kids that actually worked hard to get on this team Danny,Niko,Walkeens,Prihoda,Docken,Phenow and others... Now all the kids that actually tried hard and got signed to this team are going to have that bad reputation for "pay to play" kids whether there parents paid or not which is sad.. If i had my guess Zangs getting fired triggered this.. Guess it had to come out sooner or later.. Good job Soskins way to wreck these kids careers...
Posted by Parent1 (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
believe what you want- but here's the truth...
1)- all the above families listed in the article had the same agreements and paid the money. All of them.
2)- some of those have put in additional money because the team was and is hemmoraging financially. Couldn't even afford the team bus last year at the end. This is against NAHL league rules- as the teams are supposed to be solvent and not have any "help" like this- especially from parents.
3)- some of the above families are subsidizing the current coaches salary.
4)- "All NAHL teams do this- it's a way to help the kids stay in one place without the risk of trading- helps develop their skills" is basically what was told- and that the owners like to call it "advertising"- with a wink & a nod.
5)- There have been failed drug tests, beer parties and all sorts of head turning by the current coach for some of the kids (yes, some on the list) that break these rules- and paid to play and yet- still play and do not get reprimanded for their use of drugs and booze. Shocking that the current coach does currently live with one of those said players that has been involved with all of that...isn't it?
6)- The 5 kids that are left- Sempeck, Lewis, Ellis, Armijo & Robaczewski are good kids, decent players and don't hurt the team with their skills. The league needs to do the right thing- let them stay and play along with the rest- and go after the owners and coach for the legal crap later. Leave the kids alone.
Posted by Bird67 (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What Perkins kid leave? New Coach needs to have rules, Zangs did and caught hell for it, from Jim Perkins. Those young men should stop the drugs, and booze if they want to play college hockey, get caught doing those things your gone. Ellis, Armijo, Sempeck and Lewis won't play college hockey, they don't have the discipline, they like the other stuff to much. They got pissed at Zangs for discipling them. Ask Ellis why he lost his "A". And not all NAHL teams do thnis, if so there should be a league wide investigation.
Posted by lkfrancisr (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Typical hockey crap. Any level.
Posted by chancesr (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Zangs who cares about him. Players had a private meeting and went to Soskin to have him removed. He went off on Waalkens and that was the last straw for the players.
Posted by taxpayer (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 7:49 p.m.
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Posted by Parent1 (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The 5 kids that are left are good enough to play at this level and if they had any decent coaching- would be able to hold their own. Sempeck is small- but very fast and has good hands. The kid volunteers his time with Albert Lea Youth Hockey and at the local grade schools. Lewis is strong and a very polished player. As for the other two- they seem to be the enforcer types- but in reality- the team isn't winning any more games without the play to play kids. I would say it all starts at the top- ownership and coaching. The "you know what" always flows downhill.
Posted by Bird67 (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
chancesr:
Not even close. Zangs got fired for not playing Perkins kid.
As for going off on Ben Waalkens, I was told that he brought been in to his office after the game, and apologized. I'll he wanted for Waalkens was a win. If Zangs didn't like Waalkens, he woudn't have contacted schools for Ben. He liked his goaltending crew. He pushed for Waalkens to make this club. Also I have seen Zangs and Soskin talk and laugh even after he got fired.
Posted by Icemaster (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 11:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry parent 1 but it is not duty of the parents to keep this team going . It looks like you and others were taken for a ride . This looks like a common business term known as O.P.M. (other peoples money) These kind of guys start something with probably none or very little of their own money and people like yourself end up footing most of the bill so they never lose out even if the whole thing fails. I hope for the kids sake it can be salvaged . I know some of the boys on a personal level and have been too many games . Done right this could be a very good thing for A.L.
Posted by Bird67 (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 11:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hear through grape vine that a new ownership group is in the works; to try and buy the Team. Hopefully after the new year. Hockey people, and from good money. If Soskin will sell.
Posted by hotrod (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jimmie Perkins hasn't been playing the last however many games, but go ahead and look on point streak stats and he is still ranked up towards the top in points with not even playing that much. Quit trashin the kid because of his dad's name, he is a good kid and i know him personally.
Posted by Straight_Forward (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 12:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Only reason he is towards the top in points is because his dad did the stats for pointstreak. I have been at games where he was not even on the ice and received points. His dad is a crook and thats all there is to it. I will agree Jimmy is a nice kid but probably does not belong at this level.
Posted by jam (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 6:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry, taxpayer, but lkfrancisr has it right. This kind of stuff is happening at all levels of hockey, though money is not always involved, where parents gain favoritism for their kids through interaction with coaches and team management. If you don't believe it's happening, you really need to open your eyes.
Posted by wildman (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hopefully a new owner group does come in and do things right. This could still be a good thing for Albert Lea to have. Most of these boys are good kids. It may be true that a few might not be ready to play at this level, and it seems the coach is trying to make them earn time and prove themselves..thats how it should be. I just hope things work out for all these guys that have been busting their butts off to play here...and for us fans
Posted by ChicagoCommon (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 7:37 a.m.
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Posted by lawom1062 (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As a parent who has a son that is now on a rival Central division team but who previously played with these kids in Chicago, their parents knew exactly what was up. It's just another case where people want their kids to succeed and will do anything to get their kids there. Too bad the kids won't be able to play college hockey now as this is a clear violation of NCAA rules. Parents: Get over yourselves and let your kids sink or swim. You and your kids are taking up needed space for those who want their kids to succeed on their own.
Posted by grassyknoll (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wouldn't be the first time parents threw money at something looking for silver bullet for kids lack of talent. NAHL is league with rules - follow them - owners have to meet certain $$ requirements to be selected - if things aren't getting paid, parents don't kick in owner has responsibility for bills. Albert Lea is a great community for Jr hockey - excellant community support - league needs to make better fit.
Posted by ChicagoCommon (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The community and the league should have known with all the red flags popping up since day one. Tryouts closed and no schedule for tryouts. Ice bills not being paid on time. Businesses in town not getting paid. Billet familes not getting paid. Employees not getting paid. The first coach resigning right away.Parents of players on the team picking the team. How much has to happen before the league says enough is enough. This I would think would be the final straw. Mr. Frankenfeld if you happen to read this please get rid of Mr. Soskin and Mr. Perkins as they are the problem in Albert Lea, they have been since day one!!
Posted by Jake (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I love how everyone on here is in the "know". And yet, everyone is contradicting each other. Sounds like a lot of speculation to me.
Posted by Parent2 (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As the parents of a son who played last year for Albert Lea, the whole season now makes sense. We couldn't understand, with the record they had, why the better players, including our son were sitting game after game. Now we know. We were approached to "invest" in the team, with the words "Pay to Play" never being mentioned. We declined. Or son has moved on to bigger and better things getting the ice time he rightfully deserves. Our hearts go out to the players--all of them, last season and this season--Zangs and Soskin have created a monster and this is not what these boys derserve, they all just want to play hockey on a decent, respectful team, and what about the billet families who put their heart and souls into these boys and treat them as their own. The families who had a hard time getting paid last year because the checks went to the team instead of them and then ooops there wouldn't be enough money--but they still hung in there with little or no recognition. The city of Albert Lea deserved better as well, welcoming this team with open arms last year as if they were celebrities. Soskins, Perkins and Zangs have done a great disservice to so many--They have messed with the futures of fine young men. Shame on them!
Posted by YaskY (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Parent2
Ok, now I'm pissed. You can't blame Zangs for this. How do you blame a coach that didn't pick the team last year and had to play who the two owners told him to. Soskin took the blame last year, and said Zangs' hands were tied. This year Zangs had 7 people help pick the team, including the new coach. Didn't need 7, but they all had to have there hands in it (4 from Chicago). I could go on and on. Tell me Parent 2, how does Zangs get blamed for this? I don't know who your son was, but he couldn't have been to good if he was sitting game after game.
Posted by Junebug (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen to that Parent2!!
Posted by Straight_Forward (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I will second what Parent2 said, I know some of the billets and these owners screwed them too and never showed them any recognition. The only bright spots now is the coachs, Paul Contreras, and the housing person they brought on board. Keep up the good work you four, hopefully this gets turned around and new owners come in and the town embraces them.
Posted by standingby (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hockey has always been political! It is all about money and that is a well known secret now isn't it folks! I hope this mess can be straightened out so everyone who enjoys watching or playing hockey can enjoy and move on.
Posted by AlbertPlayer (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 1:31 p.m.
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Posted by AlbertPlayer (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 1:32 p.m.
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Posted by Bird67 (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 2:04 p.m.
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Posted by Parent2 (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
YaskY
There were quite a few good players who sat (who are not sitting now) when they should have been playing--because the "paying" kids were on the ice. Yes, Brad Zangs shoulders part of that responsibility. The line up consisted of these "special" players and he allowed it, instead of standing up to Soskins and Perkins and going with his best players. Of course he was in on it. He was the "coach".
Posted by ALhockeyFan (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AL player,
Keep your head up!
Does this really surprise anyone? Ask any local business that has done business with the Thunder and I’m sure they all have an outstanding bill that is past due waiting for payment. I spoke with father Perkins last year at a game, he didn't even know who I was or how I was connected to the community, and in the small talk conversation he was able to drop names and put down local family's and person's involved in our hockey association as well as arena staff. I was so disgusted by his comments I made sure that was the last conversation him and I ever had.
The players, are young adults who have left home for the first time and are living a life without there parents. Have any of you recently spent time observing college freshman? You are all absolutely correct these boys need to be better role models but please don’t judge them all because a few individuals have made poor choices. They are young and feeling “free” for the first time. I’m sure no one on this board has ever drank underage or experimented with drugs between the ages of 18-20.
My point is, I feel bad for the parents that fell into this trap, but recognize we could rip the boys apart all day long but it isn’t the players fault for unpaid bills and illegal transactions made by the owners. This organization is a mess and either the owners to need step up and make changes or we need to change the owners. Lets get the AL hockey name back on the right track and make this a positive thing for our community.
Posted by concertblonde (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Clearly, this is one seriously dysfunctional organization and I'm glad the top finally blew off so that things can change. Let's hope some new owners come in, clean house, set a high standard of expectations, and make it a winning team! Because I think we all want to support and be proud of our Albert Lea Thunder team and see these young men succeed.
Posted by AlbertPlayer (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bird67 why do you defend a coach that has like 6 wins in 60 games. And that lived in a motel while coaching in Albert Lea. That did not have a car while he was coaching in Albert Lea so the management had to drive him around town. That played and allowed the "pay to play" kids to play. That had ties that were meant for a giraff. That had no control of his players, which even though he didn't have control of the team, he still should have been able to keep kids in check. That would start rumors about kids to get them kicked off the team. That had no business coaching at any level above learn to skate because he needed lessons as well. Unless you have personal ties to him. And as far as proof all you had to do was go by the ramada restaurant and bar at around 10 most nights to have your proof. Good day.
Posted by chancesr (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Everyone has an opinion and everyone sees things from there perspective that's normal. From the ownership to the coaches to the staff to the players no one is innocent. Sure, it is easy to point fingers not me or what about him or her instead of owning up to our own short comings. There where problems with bills not being paid, rude staff members, and player problems around town and our own Albert Lea people jumping on the bandwagon did not help the casue. This is spilt milk, we need not to look backwards we need to look forward. The NAHL has set lofty fines and deadlines to start trying to make this right. Maybe this will trigger some people in town to decide to become new owners of the team and with local ownership we will be well on our way. Speaking ill of people or treating them poorley for mistakes is not going to help solve the problem it just builds on the wrongs that have already taken place. We need to move forward and that is to have good hockey in Albert Lea for the future. We are a Blue Zone Community lets make sure we stay on track. Having positive atitude is the key to success. We in Albert Lea have one, now lets prove it.
Posted by dadof2tigers (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 3:22 p.m.
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Posted by realtree (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is all to good to be true! thought something was fishy last year when the GM moved on to mason city!
Posted by dadof2tigers (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 3:40 p.m.
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Posted by Bird67 (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Former player:
No personal ties with him. I think your a former bitter player. It didn't hurt you that the coach stayed in the hotel, did it? And you've got to be kidding if you think that your coach couldn't skate. Are you even playing hockey anymore? If Zangs bothered you that much why didn't you leave or were you cut in the begining of the year. Your a complete idiot for accusing a former coach of drinking every night. Hope is all going well playing club hockey.
Posted by Bird67 (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with you dadof2tigers. The town has been nothing, but supportive, yes people have stayed away, because of not winning and the bull crap. Again, we like to go to the Thunder games to watch Wood, Docken, Robo and others.
Last year we liked Johnson, Wood, Docken, Cass, Vanelli and some others. Good Luck to those guys.
Posted by ALparent (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To bad greedy people had ruin a fun sport for Albert Lea. It is so sad to see the community of Albert Lea bashing people for their "rights and wrongs". Especially when many of the people in our Albert Lea community have skeletons of their own to hide.
Posted by big_papi28 (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Im sure half of the people that have wrote on here have never been to a Thunder game funny that you cant support them but cant come on and critisize them when something like this happens.. Why do you care shut your mouths and go on with your lives
Posted by Culture_Warrior (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like the Thunder management should be politicians in Washington.
Posted by BUCKETHEAD (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 7:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I feel bad for the kids...with the right team and practice they could go places. This news is not good, but there are always bright spots to a dark issue. I know for a fact that some players on that team played because they have talent...you can't look past that. They will reach their goals! keep crackn the whip and plown through life boys!
PS
Politics is in everything in life....and in minnesota hockey, the WHOLE STATE is notorious for it...look at the gophers ha ha.
Posted by tiler07 (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i would love to buy this team and bring my people to run it!! let me know how to go about it!
Posted by nighthawk (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This story is disturbing in several ways. Accusations will be made that may be unfounded, reputations may be ruined, professional opportunities may be lost. I pity most the young men; they are passionate about hockey and each aspires to be rewarded for their efforts. Most dream of earning a college scholarship or capturing the attention of a profession scout. Each dreams of fulfilling their passion to play hockey. We were billet parents last year and can attest to the character of the two young men we hosted as well as to the character of many of their team mates who visited our home. Without a doubt, there were a few pranks pulled along the way but nothing more or less serious than poor choices made by our own children on their way to adulthood. We viewed it as our responsibility to afford these two men a "home away from home" a safe haven and room enough to spread their wings without crossing the line. We found both to be respectful to us and to our family and guests. Our time as billet parents was short term yet we became acquainted with both young men as well as their families; all were upstanding individuals. They were a blessing to us and we were saddened when they left.
For those parents who chose to participate in the "pay to play" I can only imagine it was with consideration of attempting to fill their son's dream of playing hockey. It is misguided but which of us as parents can deny at the very least, the temptation to act similarly. It is what it is; the parties involved will need to deal with the decisions that have been made. It is a teaching moment for all and just how the situation is resolved will leave the greatest impression on these young men. In the meantime, let's set aside our bias and judgment, table the accusations and slanderous remarks and let the parties involved set an example by rectifying a wrong and moving forward with integrity.
Posted by AlbertPlayer (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 3:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bigpapi I have no clue who you are but your posts have made the most correct statements so far. Ha
Posted by Parent1 (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 8:44 a.m.
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Posted by Bird67 (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Nighthawk:
OUTSTANDING! WE THANK YOU!
Posted by crzy_mama2mny (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think more people would go to these games if they won one once in awhile.
Posted by big_papi28 (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Im sure more people would come to games if this town wasnt a run down retirement town.. If you got a team like this and people loved to watch hockey they would have come to these games from day one.. the fans they have now have been there from day one so its not all about winning... its about showing support to the kids that are working hard to make a career in the sport they love to play..
Posted by Gilmore (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thunder hockey is a gong show. Get them out of Albert Lea and just go watch the tigers play.
Posted by wildman (anonymous) on November 22, 2009 at 10:59 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ThunderParent (anonymous) on November 22, 2009 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This thread should be closed. There is no new information being provided by it.
Posted by realhockeyknowledge (anonymous) on November 22, 2009 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
positive comments are finally being said. for everyone else, grow a pair and say it to someone's face, if you cant even manage the guts to do that, then you should be the one criticized.
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