By John Dunne, AHAI President - Since USA Hockey introduced the American Development Model (ADM) five years ago, Illinois hockey has been a hot bed of discussion. The main topic of discussion is about full-ice hockey for mites. Should there be or not be full-ice hockey for the 8U level? The discussion has usually been at the administrative level between Clubs, Hockey Directors, USA Hockey and AHAI. While AHAI and USA Hockey have tried to educate the clubs, along with its membership, on the benefits of the ADM and small-area training, Illinois has held fast to allowing full-ice games for older 7U and 8U mite players. I think it's time the members, or the parents of the players, at this level understand the real background of the mite discussion over the last few seasons. The goal of this letter is for you the member to be able to make your own decisions on what is the best development for your players. As expressed later in this letter, the clubs, along with USA Hockey and AHAI, want to provide the best possible product and support the members' wishes.

Facts and information about the current mite landscape:

FACT: The American Development Model (ADM) is the most effective way to develop the long term athlete, specifically hockey players. Please do the research. The ADM is not just about 8U hockey; it is about developing the skills of players at each level to help them prepare for the next levels.

INFORMATION: There is very little disagreement on the ADM as a learning tool at any administrative level. The roadblock for some is the mandated size of the 8U playing surface. While there is much evidence supporting small area competition, we have not been presented with any evidence on how full-ice games benefit 8U player development. The reality is that since there has been so much time and focus on one level, 8U, that Illinois is neglecting how important the proper training model is at the next levels.