Was talking to some parents of both Minot and Williston kids about this and I found a common theme of "this could really water down high school hockey in Bismarck." I have no idea which Legacy kids play at BHS or Century, so I'm not going to dive into who it will hurt more (I would assume BHS, leave it there).
Positives and negatives. More kids get to play high school hockey. I'll always champion more kids in activities. Get away from the screens .
At the same time I think it could cause a bit of an exodus of the kids from the Bismarck programs. I mean, will Central and Red River continue to schedule BHS, Century, and or Legacy every year if those games are going to be 10-1? Minot has seen a few kids leave after their Bantam AA year. Common theme to be playing only 20 games or so at the high school level, and the quality of competition in the West Region not being what they'll see in Juniors or Midget operations. Friend of mine has a kid who played 60 games at Tier 1 this year vs. what would have been a 22 game high school schedule. Rambling aside, if you are a kid with aspirations of playing a higher level, and these non high school options come a calling, are you willing to stick it out playing for a lesser version of whatever school you go to in Bismarck?