A few reasons,
Its open to everyone, So you have 30+ goalies at each location(city). They only take up to 16, depends on how many show up. So you pay a fee, then the goalies get maybe 1 hour, then ( they can get a refund and are sent home) So you make a point to attend this event and pay in advance.
* BC hockey should be looking all year long for players and invite them.
If you can't make it, your out ( Dr note may help) but if its a wedding or a death in family -nope) you get the point.
They have House players playing against Academy players. They try to mix it up. But the game is either to fast for the house players or to slow for the Academy players. Its no disrespect towards anyone. But its not fun to watch. Some players and parents have false hopes, and egos of parents and players kick in.
Then they start playing games and its all about individual effort, very little passing, or team play. So House players never touch the puck , and Academy players think they deserve to be there( Showboat)
Then lets say you get to the next round 8 teams ( oh you pay another fee $$( its a week long)
8 teams kids from all over. Maybe 15% are from no-academy teams. They play every day and workout,etc( for kids not used to this, its not easy) Plus all the kids stay together for their teams in a area.sleep,hangout,etc. Good for some, Some dont last.
Yes BC Hockey is there and they have a group judging the players ( they are looking for 35 players ( 2 teams) out of the 8. So they have a championship game( The coaches are usually BC-MML. Since it is BC hockey. Then you wait and you get a email saying your invited to the Island for another week( approx.) oh You have to pay again $$$. They stay in dorms with older players as advisors. Then they play games against each other.
Oh wait its not done. They then have a short list ( 3 goalies, 12 Def, 20 Forwards) They may select 6 players and sign on the spot
. They then watch MML games or Where you play. Before it was all MML( prior to academies) So then around. They then select the team around November. Then if you are selected for the team( which is a honor to Rep BC. ( You then start practicing for two weeks in Dec) Oh bring your check book. Then you go play against Alberta, Sask , etc.
* This is year a little different since its a Olympic year, so all Canada provinces will have a team.
Its it a good program - I guess, if you are 1 of the 17.
Its alot of money and time, plus you have a very sad kid ( or 95 % of you will)
They do it to make money. They could pick 4 teams through the year. But they make it a huge deal. But this is a cash cow for Hockey Canada.
I like U17 which is invite only period. Not reason U16 is not the same.
IMO