On December 28th, USA Hockey and AHAI will take over the United Center for the Mid-Season Classic Mite Cross-Ice Tournament for AHAI Mite U8 teams. The United Center ice will be transformed into three ice surfaces with teams competing in three divisions; Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

 

Due to the high level of interest (40 applicants) and a little help from the Chicago Blackhawks, we were able to expand from 18 to 24 teams to accommodate an additional 6 teams of mite players. Thank you to all who applied, and please understand that it is never fun to have to say "no" to anyone. For those that applied and are not playing in the event, or other AHAI mite-aged players and/or teams, you are invited to come down that day and watch the Blackhawks practice at noon and take in some of the events and on-ice action at the United Center.

 

Schedules and payment information will be posted and sent shortly. We are looking forward to a great day of mite hockey in Chicago!

The dream for many a young hockey player is to play college hockey as part of the NCAA. The opportunity to do that exists amongst the 59 Division 1 and 80 Division 3 Men's teams that exist across the country as well as the 35 Division 1 and 57 Division 3 Women's teams. While on its face this may seem like a lot, it actually represents about 4,170 athletes on the men's side and 2,760 for the ladies.

QUESTION: I have heard in the rinks that all coaches will now need to take the online USA Hockey SafeSport Training as part of their USAH/AHAI CEP Requirements for the 2014-15 Season.

 

ANSWER: That is true. Beginning with the 2014-15 Season, all USAH/AHAI Coaches must take the online SafeSport Training! Click HERE for easy instructions on how to take this FREE online course. All coaches/managers MUST have this SafeSport Training completed by December 31, 2014!

Ray Berens was born on October 13, 1943, the last of eight children. He was very active is sports throughout his life. Ray participated in football, basketball, wrestling and track in High School. He played football and wrestled at North Park College. Ray transferred down state to attend University of Illinois and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering. He also completed his Masters Degree in Business Administration at the University of Loyola in Chicago. After College, Ray worked for The Trane Co. in engineering sales for 23 years. In 1992 he opened his own company, R J Berens Sales Co., as Manufactures Rep of HVAC Equipment which he still operates today. READ MORE>>

Jake Olsen is wrapping up his final season on the ice, playing left wing for the Deerfield Warriors, and prepping for a sporting career next fall off the ice. He is going to the University of Dubuque and will be playing lacrosse. "I'm very excited (for college); I feel I'll be a big help on the team by scoring a lot," he said. Olsen, 17, a senior in his second season on the school's varsity, shoots left-handed and sports jersey No. 24 after Martin Havlat - his favorite playing while growing up. "My style of play is more of a gritty and physical (player) because I'm not the fastest kid out there, but I'm one of the biggest on my team and I love to hit and it creates me more opportunity to get the puck," he said. READ MORE>>

 

Top 5 High School Rivalries 1. New Trier Green vs. Loyola Gold 2. Glenbrook North vs. Glenbrook South 3. Deerfield vs. Highland Park 4. Fenwick vs. St. Rita 5. Naperville Central vs. Neuqua Valley

Top 20 Illinois HS Hockey Rankings* 1. New Trier Green 2. Providence Catholic 3. Glenbrook North 4. Benet Academy 5. Loyola Gold View Full Rankings

The Spartans had much to be thankful for during the Thanksgiving Holiday. In the traditional rivalry game between Glenbrook South, the Spartans came away with a 6-2 victory in front of a sold out crowd in Glenview. Zach Knudson opened the scoring when his shot from the left point beat Titan goalie Matt Grinde and Spartans never looked back. Chris Zhang was magical scoring 3 goals 2 of which were on the power play. READ MORE>>

The season chase is underway in the Champions Division, and with a mark of 7-0 through just over a month of play Highland Park looks unbeatable. The Giants have given up just 11 goals in 7 games. Goaltender Liam McCann can take the credit as his goals against average stands at 1.33. This Saturday the last remaining unbeaten teams will meet as Maine will visit Highland Park although Maine has come to their undefeated mark through mostly tie games. READ MORE>>

Academic Excellence Program All 2014-2015 NIHL players are encouraged to participate in this season's "Academic Excellence" Program. Click HERE for program information!

Game of the Week Make sure to tune into SportsTownChicago.com for the best coverage of the Northern Illinois Hockey League and the NIHL Game of the Week!

CONSIDER THIS: Opposing players are involved in an altercation and their helmet(s) come off during the altercation. It cannot be determined how the player's helmet came off. Does this constitute a rule violation?

ANSWER: YES, Rule reference 615(c). All players are responsible for properly wearing their helmet and facemask at all times. If a player participates in an altercation without their helmet properly worn, then they should be assessed a game misconduct penalty along with any other penalties that they have incurred as a result of the altercation.

The Chicago Blackhawks and BMO Harris Bank are committed to honoring our hockey community by congratulating each month during the season, a Youth Hockey Player, Amateur Hockey Coach and a Hockey Volunteer. Criteria is based on hockey accomplishments, volunteer activities in the nominee's community and a demonstrated passion, dedication and spirit through commitment to community. In determining the Youth Hockey Player of the Month, the judges will also consider the nominee's academic accomplishments and involvement with his/her school. Click HERE for Nomination Form.

Are you interested in learning to play hockey or sharpening your skills? Girls aged 5-12 can give it a shot at the Elmhurst YMCA on Tuesday, December 23! Meet Kendall Coyne, 2014 Team USA Winter Olympics Silver Medalist and Annie Camins, Chicago Blackhawks Youth Hockey Director and 1996 NCAA National Champion University of New Hampshire. Click HERE for complete program and registration details.