Volume 2 Issue 4
June 11, 2014
In This Issue
ASK AHAI
QUESTION:
I have a son that is a mite goalie this spring. He currently wears a hanging neck guard. I was told he has to wear the wrap around neck guard (like the skaters use) as well. Why is this?

ANSWER:

All players must wear a neck guard that offers protection against neck lacerations. Yes, that does include goalies like your son. It is the option of you/your son to wear the puck guard, the drop down hard plastic shield that hangs from the head/face mask. This does not offer the laceration protection that is required when using a "neck laceration protector". Thanks very much for your question as there are likely others who have the same question 

  

Have a question for ASK AHAI? Click HERE.
ASK THE COACH
QUESTION:
I have heard around the rinks that all coaches will now need to take the online USA Hockey SafeSport Training as part of their USA Hockey/AHAI CEP requirements for the 2014-15 Season.

ANSWER:

That is true. Beginning with the 2014-15 Season, all USA Hockey/AHAI Coaches must take the online SafeSport Training! For easy instructions to take this free online course, click HERE.

  

Have a question for ASK the Coach? Click HERE.
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2014 AHAI ANNUAL AWARDS
AHAI President, John Dunne, presented the 2014 Annual AHAI Awards at the AHAI Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 1, 2014. Congratulations and thank you to all the recipients for their dedication and service to the Illinois Hockey Community.

President's Award
The A Step aHead Program

Terry Beacom Award
Anita Lichterman

Citation Award
Marc Kapsalis

Please click HERE to view photos and read more about these individuals' and program's contributions to Illinois Hockey.




USA HOCKEY'S NIGHT OF TRIBUTE AWARDS
The continued growth and development of USA Hockey would not be possible without the contributions of a network of dedicated volunteer field personnel. These individuals share in USA Hockey's success and accomplishments year after year. Their selfless work and commitment continue to make a difference in the sport of hockey and in the lives of the people who play the game.

 

Service Awards

Kevin Mann - 10 Years

Rich Butera - 25 Years

Tony Rossi - 30 Years

 

New Leader Awards

Mike Barrett, AHAI Referee-in-Chief

 

Female Honor Awards

Chicago Mission, Gino Cavallini - Hockey Director

 

Please click HERE to view photos and read more about Illinois Hockey's distinguished award recipients. 

 

USA HOCKEY'S PRESIDENT'S AWARDS
TONY ROSSI ~ BUILDERS AWARD
With nearly five decades of experience that included roles in virtually every area of the organization, Tony Rossi ranks among the premier architects of USA Hockey. His vision, dedication, acumen and energy have been instrumental in the ascent of American hockey. Under his watch, the U.S. became a consistent force on the international scene, earning the country's first-ever gold medal in the World Junior Championship in 2004 and becoming a regular in medal games at all levels of competition. READ MORE...
 
AHAI NEWS & INFORMATION
TIER I MITE ADM PROGRAM FILLING UP QUICKLY!
 

On the heels of the recent ADM Open House hosted by Chicago Mission at Seven Bridges Ice Arena on May 31, registrations for the Fall Program at all three Tier I organizations are pouring in. Over 55 skaters participated in the 70 minute skate along with Tier I coaches and USA Hockey staff. The kids were put through a fun, challenging, and rigorous skate while the parents attended an information session. USA Hockey ADM Regional Manager, Bob Mancini, addressed the parents and answered questions about the ADM Program. Gino Cavallini, Hockey Director of the Chicago Mission, shared the story of his own son's experience with ADM style practices and half-ice games while living in Europe. Gino discussed the benefits that his son, who is now a freshman on the University of Wisconsin Hockey team, received as a mite that prepared him to play his first full-ice game as a Squirt back in the States.  Gino stated, "It was a great introduction to hockey for my son. The cross-ice format was how they played in Europe at those early ages and this was back in the mid 90s while I was still playing professionally. The kids couldn't wait to get back to the rink. Five years of skill development while playing cross ice never hindered his growth and development in the game."

 

Additionally, Bob Mancini and Ty Hennes, USA Hockey ADM Regional Managers, spent time prior to the on-ice skate with the coaches discussing the details of the ADM Program, on-ice implementation, long term athlete development, and the importance of off-ice training. Registration opened June 1st, and over 100 skaters signed up in the first week. Please click HERE for more information on this new and exciting program. Click HERE to view photos from the Chicago Mission Open House.
 
 
2015 STATE TOURNAMENT

Tier II Round Robins
 February 26 - March 1, 2015

Girls Round Robins
February 26 - March 1, 2015

Tier I Championship Series
February 26 - March 1, 2015

Weekend of Champions
March 6-8, 2015

High School State Championship Series
March 2-22, 2015

2014-15 CEP CLINICS

AHAI is pleased to announce the schedule for the 2014-15 Coaching Education Program (CEP) Clinics. USA Hockey and the Coaching Education Program require both certification and registration in order to be eligible to coach; therefore, all coaches should ensure that they have met these requirements to be behind the bench for the upcoming season. All ice hockey coaches and instructors of registered USA Hockey Youth 18 & Under and below, high school, girls'/women's 19 & under and below, and disabled programs must properly wear an approved ice hockey helmet during all on-ice sessions, including practices, controlled scrimmages and all Coaching Education Program clinics and/or workshops. Online registration to attend a CEP Clinic begins July 16, 2014.

2014-15 CEP CLINIC SCHEDULE
18TH ANNUAL AHAI GOLF OUTING

Join Us For A Fun Filled Day! The 18th Annual AHAI Foundation Golf Outing will be held at the Hilton Chicago Indian Lakes Resort, Friday, August 15, 2014. The Hilton Chicago Indian Lakes Resort is located in the beautiful Village of Bloomingdale, just 15 minutes west of O'Hare Airport on Schick Road. Last year we maxed out the field. We have fun and games planned for the course (golf skills not required to play) and a SPECIAL event you will not want to miss at dinner. If you can't make the golf, DO NOT MISS THE DINNER! Do not exclude your hockey player from being part of this surprise. We promise you will be part of a one of a kind experience few Blackhawks fans get to experience and one you and your player will NEVER forget. READ MORE...

 

TIER II CHOICE SUBSTITUTION APPLICATION PROCESS: DATES & INFORMATION

On July 15, 2014, the application process for Tier II Two Choice Substitutions will begin. You will find links to helpful articles regarding the Two Choice Rule, Choice Substitutions and what you should consider before making that second choice as well as information regarding the Midget Third Choice in the articles below. Should you have any further questions, please contact the AHAI Tier II Committee Chairman, Gregg Chudacoff at [email protected].

 

OFFICIAL'S CORNER
By Mike Barrett, AHAI Referee-in-Chief

 

I think we can all just agree right now that the sport of ice hockey is perhaps one of the most exciting and challenging games there ever was. The sport combines skill, speed, strength and smarts for the purpose of skating, shooting and scoring. And would anyone really have it any other way?

 

As the Illinois Referee-in-Chief, however, I have observed that those same qualities which make our game great may also contribute to extreme emotional responses by coaches, players and fans.

 

Every year, AHAI and the Illinois Hockey Officials' Association (IHOA) receive reports from officials, spectators, coaches and players identifying conduct which is wholly inappropriate and sometimes has resulted in physical confrontations among officials, players, coaches, parents or spectators. In many of these confrontations, the police were called to the rink and/or the proper affiliate was notified and suspensions were handed down. READ MORE...

JUNIOR HOCKEY NEWS
13 ILLINOIS SKATERS DRAFTED

The North American Hockey League, home to the only Tier 2 Junior League in the country, held its annual entry draft on June 3, 2014. The NAHL is a non-pay to play league, and along with the USHL, is one of the key steps in a hockey player's pursuit of playing Division 1 or 3 college hockey. Congratulations to our Illinois players, who hailed from all four Illinois Tier I AAA organizations!

 
CENTRAL DISTRICT GIRLS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT NEWS
2014 GIRLS' NATIONAL PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CAMP

We are pleased to announce the 2014 USA Hockey/Central District Girls' National Player Development Camp at-large invitees. These young ladies have been invited to represent the Central District at the 2014 USA Hockey National Development Camps to be held in Amherst, NY. Please click below to view selected players.

Congratulations and good luck to all our Illinois skaters!

GIRLS CENTRAL DISTRICT PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CAMP

Congratulations to those skaters invited to the 2014 Girls Central District Player Development Camp! This year's camp is being held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, June 22 through June 27. Parents and players, please see links below for important information from Mary Ann Robinson, Central District Girls'/Women's Representative, regarding this year's Girls Central District Player Development Camp. Team rosters will be emailed the week of June 18.

USA HOCKEY NEWS
SAFETY, PLAYER DEVELOPMENT, RECORD NUMBERS HIGHLIGHT USA HOCKEY ANNUAL CONGRESS

Safety and player development dominated conversations during USA Hockey's four-day Annual Congress in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which concluded Saturday (June 8). In addition, the organization reported a record number of players for 2013-14. "We're focused on ensuring the safest possible environment and providing a development program that helps players of all ability levels reach their full potential," said Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey. "That focus was very evident during our Annual Congress." READ MORE...

GREAT SUMMER READ
FOR  HIGH SCHOOL, BANTAM & MIDGET PLAYERS
BREAKAWAY BY MICHAEL BETCHERMAN
If you have a son, it's no surprise to most of you that your teen boy read less than his female counterparts. So if you have a kid who hates books, where do you begin? Experts agree that it's crucial to begin at the beginning, with what your son loves. If he's a hockey nut, find a great book with a hockey story line...and we have just the book for you! By the way, girls will love Breakaway too!
 
Shortlisted for The John Spray Mystery Award, Michael Betcherman's Breakaway follows Nick Macklin, a 16 year old who had it all. He was an A student and a talented hockey player, with a beautiful girlfriend and the best dad in the world - a man who was not only there for him when his mom died, but was also a star player for the Vancouver Canucks. Then the bottom fell out. His father was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison for a crime Nick is convinced he didn't commit. READ MORE...

Click HERE to enter to win one of two signed copies of Breakaway!

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