Across the Chicagoland area this past weekend it was a flurry of activity as over 70 mite teams invaded Crystal Lake, Winnetka, Bolingbrook, and Orland Park for the first AHAI Mite Jamboree of the new season. 25 clubs sent teams to the 4 host sites to play multiple cross-ice games Saturday and Sunday. The energy level was amped up in each rink as the teams hit the ice for 20 and 30 minute cross-ice games. The kids came off the ice smiling, sweaty, and tired.

The Jamboree was sponsored by AHAI, but organized by Scott Larsen of the Northern Illinois Hockey League (NIHL). Together with 4 host site coordinators and a bevy of volunteers at each rink, the weekend went off without a hitch.

The kids had plenty of opportunity to touch the puck, experience body contact, and handle the puck in tight spaces. One of the key aspects of cross-ice hockey is working in traffic. Hockey is played in small areas, and the skills developed during cross-ice hockey will bode well for the players as they continue their hockey journey.

AHAI would like to thank those clubs that participated in the weekend festivities. Each rink did a great job hosting and the volunteers that made it possible deserve a warm thank you. Look for a feature video from AHAI media partner, NoozeBox, in the next issue of AHAI's e-newsletter.

Clubs that participated include: Yellowjackets, Chargers, Wolfpack, Leafs, Rockford, Junior Jackets Hockey League, Winnetka, Wilmette, Express, Falcons, Evanston, Stallions, Northbrook, Skokie, Sabres, Hawks, Admirals, Cyclones, Blues, Vikings, Huskies, St. Jude, Blackbirds, Bloomington, Peoria, and Joliet.  Thanks to all and we look forward to more clubs joining the next Mite Jamboree.

JAMBOREE PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK

Each AHAI affiliate organization has an important position within their organization - the Registrar. Many members are not aware of just what a Registrar does for their organization. The Registrar is the person that gathers all the USA Hockey registration confirmation numbers so that the players, managers and coaches can be registered on a team. The registrar creates the team in the USA Hockey approved software program called Cybersport. They are responsible for making sure that the USA Hockey and AHAI rules have been followed when submitting a team to be registered. They then transmit the team electronically to AHAI for the roster to be certified. Every time a player, manager or coach is added to a team, the registrar must complete the process in the system before a player may participate with a team. 

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The Chicago Tomahawks are starting their 14th Season and are always looking for new players. The Tomahawks are a hockey team for players with developmental disabilities. They range in age from 5 to 60. Practice is at three locations, McFetridge, Orland Park Arctic Ice, and Glen Ellyn Center Ice. You don't have to know how to skate to be a Tomahawk, just have the enthusiasm to join the fun. For more information about how to become a Tomahawk, contact Amy LaPoe at amylapoe@gmail.com.

On November 2, 2013, USA Hockey and over 500 local programs across the country will encourage kids, ages 4 to 9, to come to a local participating rink and try youth hockey as part of the NHL's Come Play Hockey Month. All locations have a limited amount of equipment available for use.

Click HERE to view participating Illinois Rinks/Hosts 

Click HERE to Register

Please contact the local participating host site with any questions or USA Hockey at ComePlayYouthHockey@usahockey.org.

The AHAI "STOP" Sign campaign involves placing an actual "STOP Sign" embroidered patch on every player's home and away jersey to serve as a reminder for opposing players that if you are close enough to read this patch, you have no business checking your opponent from such a close, and likely dangerous distance. AHAI believes this FREE program will increase the safety of the game for all youth players. 

Click HERE to learn more about how to participate.