Our Kids Play Hockey

Tournament Turmoil: The Real Cost of Youth Hockey Tournaments

9 snips
Nov 1, 2025
Youth hockey tournaments can be a financial trap for parents, with mandatory hotel bookings and inflated fees. The hosts discuss the frustrating aspects of these events, from unclear purposes to competitive imbalances. They emphasize the need for families to make informed choices and push back against unfair practices. Alternative models like skill-focused weekends and limited tournaments are explored, urging a shift towards development over profit. The conversation balances humor with hope, aiming to foster healthier experiences in youth hockey.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Tournaments Misaligned With Youth Needs

  • Tournaments often prioritize rankings and exposure over fun and development for younger players.
  • Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli argue pre-teen tournaments should focus on fun, travel experiences, and development rather than elite exposure.
ANECDOTE

Listener Forced Into Costly Stay-To-Play

  • A listener described a 7-year-old forced into a mandatory $710 hotel package though cheaper options existed.
  • The family raised $5,000 via fundraising to cover tournament costs and avoid forfeiture.
ADVICE

Say No To Pay-To-Play Tournaments

  • Don't accept tournaments that hold teams hostage by requiring specific hotel bookings.
  • Mike Bonelli advises teams to vote with their feet and simply not attend pay-to-play events.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app