This is the forth year of the NCHL. Every year we have a draft in order to try to keep the league as equal as possible. Every year players and teams complain about this process. Most players would like to remain on the same team. The problem with keeping teams intact is that eventually it will be impossible to keep the teams equal. Another issue that can already been seen, most teams are now no longer playing casual hockey. The level of competitiveness is starting to move this league away from it's original design as a casual novice hockey league.

When adding your comments I'd like everyone to remember that without the NCHL most of us would have never been given the opportunity to play in "organized hockey". This league is the only place for players that want to play but do not have the skill to be part of the NOHL.

The NCHL should stop trying to make the teams equal. It will never happen. Plus, who wants to play in a league where every game is a tie!!! The difference between the NOHL and the NCHL is that the players in the NOHL are old and wise and truly don't care who wins the game. They have weak players and bad teams playing alongside good players and good teams and it just doesn't matter cuz all they wanna do is play hockey and drink beer and swap wives.
The NCHL ain't broke, don't fix it..... let's just remember that we are the lowest of the low in the hockey world, and we should stop taking ourselves so damn seriously. Remember, there are teams in PeeWee that could kick our asses!!!

You can't franchaise the teams. Eventually, players who this league was made for, would not have a team to play on. Alot of teams seem to be similiar to last year, so other then "The Pucks" creating trouble, this league should continue on it course.

If the "Pucks" wants to create trouble, why not start a topic like " Who do we hate more, Team Lucky or The Crushers ?"....

ATG,

It's not about creating "trouble". It's more about getting a discussion going about the direction the league is heading. The consensus from those on the outside is that we are moving away from our original intention. Too many players have already franchised themselves to "their team". Instead of being a place to learn and play "casual hockey", the league seems to be moving toward a more competitive model.

Part of that shift is due to the fact NCHL players that have the ability to move into the NOHL have not be given the opportunity. Another reason is most teams are more concerned about their W/L/T than developing.

The NCHL is not going to meet the needs of all it's players. This league needs to make it very clear as to it's direction and purpose. When the league has the first AGM, it's members will be voting on who will lead. The people elected will have to make difficult decisions regarding how the league operates. These decisions will either foster the "casual hockey" model or move the league away from it's original concept.

Personally I would hate to see the league become another NOHL.

I think the NCHL is perfect the way it is.

I like the fact that we mix up the teams a little every year with the draft (while allowing most teams to keep their core).

There will always be players who care about winning too much (no matter what their skill level) and there will be those who play to win but really aren't to worried about losing.
(I know we Crushers are really getting use to not winning this year, but are still having a great time )

The only suggestion I have is for some players is that if they have the skill level ;(and are not finding this league competitive enough for them, or their team mates not skilled enough for them) to move up to a more competitive league, thus leaving opportunity for people who like to play the NCHL's style of hockey.

And for those who say that they can't move up because there is no room or their skill level is not high enough for leagues such as the NOHL I say:
1. Why would you want to create a similar exclusive environment in this league?
2. Be happy that you are playing a great sport with a whole bunch of good people!

Frank

I think the best thing for the NCHL would be to elect a supreme leader who has final say in everything. A dictator with a vision..... someone like, oh, I dunno....... ME!! I could order everyone around and hand out suspensions and stuff. Sweeeet... Plus, I would allow slapshots.
But seriously.
There have been thirteen votes on this topic. The executives work hard to keep our little league running. Let's just let them do their thing and we can complain and stuff and then we can all play hockey anyway!
A democracy does not work in this league. No-one will come out for votes on anything.
How about we just let it be. The people in charge can stay in charge if they want to, and they can decide the direction of the league because us players just can't be bothered. Plus I think the Pucks vision is right. The league should stay geared toward the beginner players. I sucked at the beginning of this league. Now I can compete in the OHL no problem. (ATG?) The NCHL has allowed me to develop as a goalie without any pressure. I bet there are alot of players who have had the same experience.

Commissioner Gravy, I bet you would be as popular as Gary Bettman...

Of course, it would also mean that you finally have a job....

As much as I like this league and enjoy playing, I do not enjoy losing 12-3, or winning by the same margin. We need to encourage new players and "less than stellar" players to step up into the play without fear of being beaten every time by the top players. Give me ties, 1goal differences, 2 goal differences and close, tight, hard-playing games any day

While the Chiefs typically win 9-1 or 11-2..............

The Chiefs win? I've never seen it.

C'mon..It's not about winning or losing!!

It's about how many goals you can score on ATG!!