None of the top teams play 100% equal playing time. However, some of the top teams play every player in every game (even NGLL playoffs and summer tournament playoffs). M&D 2029 Black is not one of those team. Unfortunately, several players did not step on the field during their semifinal game vs Coppermine. And it certainly wasn't the first time that has happened this year or in prior years.
Every coach, team, and program has to balance and make decisions between trying to win vs. developing and playing all players. You can't always do both. And every parent and player has to decide what is more important to them.
M&D 29 Black is a very good team. But at what cost?
And they certainly aren't the only ones. The pressure to win to attract and retain the best talent is significant.
So now M&D 29 problem is that they DON'T play all their players? People need to make up their minds.
The PP criticized M&D for playing all players in showcases and said it is equal to giving everyone a trophy and doesn't reward talent and hard work. But the reward for talent and hard work is getting to play significant minutes when it counts. Like an NGLL playoff. This unfortunately leaves some sitting the bench in important games. However, to mitigate that and still give players game experience, it makes good sense to then ensure they get a decent amount of playing time in games where a championship is not on the line, like in showcases.
I am sure plenty of teams take this approach, and it seems like a decent middle ground.
