We got a one year exception because It was the first time we qualified in years. Now were asking for one after we realized that we wouldnt be eligible for Flyers Cup. The teams are going to be split from next year on, so now were basically asking for the same thing that Truman had last year.

Also, when we had Neifled we knew the team would not be the same without him. Now, the three harriton players have combined for 4 goals all year, and those goals were all scored in games that we won by atleast 4 goals. Everyone in high school hockey knows that every team has one line, and an ok second line, no team has depth like the springfield and radnors of old, so its not like were the only team wiht one line scoring all the goals anymore, if you took the whole third line away from most teams, the records would be the same.

Am I hearing you correctly? (just so I understand) You received a one year exception 3 years ago because it was the first time you qualified in a while and now 3 years later you want a second one year exception even though your club knew it wouldn't be Flyers Cup eligible?

I say we open it up to an informal vote...

It's a shame because it would be nice to have another quality team playing that could pull off some upsets.

I guess there is some tough decisions ahead for both the FC and LM's club. This may be the last year they actually have the talent.
Bummer, it's a shame for three players it comes down to this.

I dont think you understand. We are obligated to have some harriton players. In the past years we didnt argue becaues Neifeld was a very big impact player and we wouldnt be in the same position without him. This year we would, and since the teams will be split after this year, then yeah I think we should get an exception. But of course I do, I am on THE TEAM. I also feel that if you spoke to a bunch of AA coaches that they would say they would vote us in. But

I mean sure lets not let Kids play for a chance to represent there high school in a state tournament because of political issues with the school board. Awesome rule. We are willing to remove them from the team and still compete and personally I think we would do pretty well.

Unfortunately Aces12 you don't understand. Your basing you argument on the strength or importance of the players on your team.
So if Will Wolf went to Harriton we wouldn't be having this discussion right? Because I'm pretty sure you guys wouldn't be to eager to cut him loose come FC time. That's the fault with your logic. You want to pick and choose too much to suit the situation created by your own district.
And what a treat it would be for those Harriton players on your team who have been with you all year to be cast aside at the most exciting/important time of the year, do to no fault of their own. Would Neifeld have been so unselfish as to remove himself from the team if you had a "in your eyes" competent back-up goalie? My money says......NO!!

Sounds like you guys / your organization should have been lobbying your school board about this issue after your first one year exemption, not the FC Committee three weeks or so before they make their selections. I feel for you because I would like to see a good team like your's get in, but the rules are straight forward and everyone has to play by the same ones.

You organization needed to push harder and push a lot sooner than now!

Mike,
In the past two years LM DID argue....very much. You might not be privey to it....but LM made a HUGE stink over this for three years now.

I don't have a vote on the issue, but I can tell you that I would be VERY surprised if LM played in the Flyers Cup this year.

Thats my point "Bad Jonny." If any of our good players did go to harriton i wouldnt argue just like I didnt when we had will.

I dont know about arguments the last couple of years, I do know that Dean did put up a couple arguments but that was without the backing of the LM hockey board. So i dont know, all i know is that my friends and I never did because well we just knew that we wouldnt have been that good without him, but without these kids we would be and thats all i have to say. If anyone would know it would be me, I play with them every game, and personally I dont care about the harriton kids feelings, the teams were supposed to be split this year but do to the athletic director change they werent, so I dont care. If it was Will Neifled I would care cause the teams were never going to be split until after he left.

Mike,
Have any arguements been made to the Flyers Cup committee. Airing things out on this board (while you are welcome to do so) isnt going to get anything accomplished.

I am not on the committee that decides which teams are eligible for the Flyers Cup and I don't have a vote regarding LM's eligibilty issue's.

Matt- Our board is writing a letter to the commitee. So yeah we are talking to them about it, trying to figure something out. I dont usually post on this board except when I feel someone from LM should be represented, I honestly just wanted to know why we werent eligible and what everyone thought. Thats all.

It's no problem Mike....I am fine with you posting anything you want on here....I just wanted to let you know that you would need to reach out in other places in order for any action to take place.

Good Luck!!

Did I see that the head of LM's school board is stepping down? Maybe you can get a fresh start with a new guy.

Mojo- ur right but that is not whats holding us back. The teams were supposed to be split this year, but we had a change in coaches and athletic director, so we had no leverage and the harriton athletic director wouldnt split the teams. So, thas why alot of us, especially Will Wolf, Marty Gottlieb-Hollis, Brendan McCarrel, and I are so frustrated about not being eligible again. The only reason I am even bringing it up is becuase I thought since the teams would be split next year that would help.

I really think in the case of LM that they should be allowed into the FC. You would have to say that Harriton HS's contribution is so minor as to not warrant a disqualification situation. I know that LM has been disqualified from participating in the past, but there should be some discretion here-- it is not the fault of the Hockey Club itself but merely a situation where they have 2 schools in their system 1 of which hardly contributes any players.

I would go so far as to say that the Harriton players should be allowed to play as well. The *pure* vs. *non pure* argument doesn't really hold any water in my opinion. We are not talking about the Philadelphia school system as was mentioned above,,, so there is no comparison.

I don't know if there is another disctrict just like LM -- I don't think either WC or Downingtown are comparable either.

I have no affiliation with LM. But in observing HS hockey over the past 15 years or so, I see a definite decline.... and the powers that be will have to recognize that there are fewer kids playing. Do what is right for the kids, even if its LM and let them in the FC if they are good enough to be selected.

With all respect to the rules and I understand why they are in place, I agree LM should be allowed in merely because they will create more excitement in the games and make things much more competitive.

Correct me if I'm wrong... But LM and Harriton aren't they both under one Lower Merion School District?

LM HS and Harriton HS are both in the LM School District.