Why LA Selects?

This was a very tough decision for the Churchill Family, as it is a family commitment. Our 3 choices were LA Selects 96 PWAAA, Lemieux Academy PWAAA 96, or SJ Jr Sharks 96AA.
Our criteria really came down to development, cost, and going to Quebec World Peewee Championships. Lemieux and LA Selects both have full time goalie coaches, but we had heard really good things about James Jensen at LAHC. LA Selects got the nod on this one. We felt Nathan's development would be best with LA and James Jensen. So far, Nathan has enjoyed skating with James. SJ Jr. Sharks have no goalie coach on staff currently.

Cost is a tough one to gauge. Club dues among the 3 were right at 3500-4k a year. All 3 typically go to the same tournaments, so that cost is the same. Airfare to Phoenix was about 230 per weekend, LA area is around 135 per weekend and we spent around $500 per month on gas playing in SJ last year. Phoenix would have been the most expensive, but Nathan would have been staying at Claude Lemieux home every weekend. That does rate on the cool factor.

Quebec- Both Lemieux and LA Selects are in the AAA division in Quebec, so they are an equal. Playing for Claude Lemieux in Quebec probably gets the nod here, but LA Selects have had great success in Quebec before and hopefully will again in 2009. Jr Sharks are a maybe in going to Quebec and would play in the AA division, if they go.

The decision came down to the Lemieux Academy Bulls or LA Selects. It was a tough one. We feel good about our decision. LA is closer for relatives to go and watch. We can drive and we feel very comfortable with the head coach, James Gasseau.

Nathan just got back from preseason camp in LA and had a blast, but a bit tired. He stayed at the Feltys home, maybe that is why he is tired. Thanks again Felty Family for your hospitality!!!!