First off, I'd like to thank the parents and friends of all the women players. Without their dedication and support the women's game would not be nearly as entertaining as it is today. Merci! I would agree with the general view I've been reading that the top 10-12 women players do make the national side. Whether these players should be selected for every international tournament is a hard call. It is true that without playing in competitions like the Pacific Rim these players do not get to try their skills at a high enough level. However you must balance that need, with the need to bring in new talent and let those players have a go at the international level. Team Canada Women conducts many of its affairs in a smart way. They have numerous tryout camps and use small tournaments like the PR to give young talent a chance. They are also starting up this year in Calgary an elite training center for women to play year round in order to get players ready for WWC97 and Nagano98. Still, I have heard and seen the type of political problems that we have been discussing on H-L in the men's game, in the Canadian camp. In particular a couple of the defenders selected, and not selected for WWC94 was incredible. USA Hockey and its districts are doing a fair job of developing the women's game and the national team. The problems arise from lack of change. I think it is only right that people who have put body and soul into the game should be at the top decision making processes. But it is always important to remember the need to bring in new people and ideas. I agree it is an excellent idea to have the national team goals well established and to try to have as much continuity as possible. However if you do not step back and look at how those ideas are working, given the players and coaches you have, you can find yourself not progressing. The current TUSAW setup lacks that injection of new blood that brings out new ideas, players who can excel at the highest level, given a chance, and coaches who can cut and shape their plans to the skills of the players. I know of several players and parents who are very frustrated with the current "this is it" system. And frankly, having watched all but a few of the national team players for years, yes there should be changes. There are 4-5 women who have not been allowed on the national side and it is a crime. They lose and USA Hockey loses and women's hockey loses. That kind of politics that keeps the old guard in power is bad for the sport. I would add, there are another 10-15 women, some of whom if given a change in a real situation, with coaches with their eyes open, would be on the national side. This discussion of politics in USA hockey has brought up the one big problem facing women and men, the fact that hockey is a very small, close family. While that is good in the sense that most people know each other and there is a sense of togetherness, it can become a closed society. That is very dangerous as it discourages "outsiders." A good system brings new players and their parents in and welcomes new ideas. From what I have seen and read, USA Hockey needs to open up. _____________ / good shooting hungerf _____________/ And now for something completely different: HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey; send information to [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.