In This Issue
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Volume 3 Issue 4
June 10, 2015
ILLINOIS' JIM SMITH ELECTED
PRESIDENT OF USA HOCKEY
Jim Smith (Mount Prospect, Ill.) was unanimously elected president of USA Hockey at the organization's Board of Directors meeting that culminated the four-day USA Hockey Annual Congress.
 
Smith succeeds Ron DeGregorio, who retired after 12 years in the position.
 
"I'm honored and humbled for the opportunity to serve as president of such a wonderful organization," said Smith, who for the last 20 years has been a part of USA Hockey's executive committee, first as secretary and since 2003 as treasurer. "To follow in the footsteps of Walter Bush and Ron DeGregorio is a difficult task, but with the help of our Board and everyone involved, I look forward to continuing to build on the solid foundation that is currently in place."
 
Smith will also serve as president of the USA Hockey Foundation.
 
Over the last 30 years, Smith has been involved in nearly every facet of the organization, including 28 years as a member of the Youth Council. READ MORE>>
AHAI ANNUAL MEETING & USA HOCKEY ANNUAL CONGRESS UPDATES

AHAI and USA Hockey held their annual meetings over the last week or so. Here are brief recaps and highlights.

 

 

AHAI ANNUAL MEETING

AHAI hosted a new format this year focusing on member educational information. There were nine different sessions geared toward the AHAI affiliate clubs' leadership and Hockey Directors. We believe the AHAI Annual meeting was good step in AHAI's continuing goal of assisting the club volunteers perform their duties efficiently. AHAI intends to continue with this new format, improving the content and structure based on feedback provided by the AHAI club members.

 

The closing session included electing five AHAI Board of Directors and celebrating the achievements of a select few AHAI volunteers. AHAI Board Members voted in for 3 year terms are as follows: John Dunne, Bill Gomolinski, Greg Chudacoff. Gino Cavallini and Don Angelini.

 

AHAI is also pleased to announce that Bill Crowley has accepted an appointed AHAI Board position to fill out an unexpired term of an open AHAI board position. READ MORE>>

 

USA HOCKEY ANNUAL MEETING 

USA Hockey held its Annual Meeting in Colorado Springs, home of USA Hockey. Full days of meetings were conducted which included sessions on growing the game, safety (both on and off the ice), officiating, registrations and other topics that help volunteers run the grass roots programs.

 

USA Hockey introduced the Club Excellence Program. This is a program is designed to assist local clubs in the operations of their clubs. Everything from how to write by-laws to job descriptions for board members and task lists on how to run club programs. This will be a very beneficial program for all USA Hockey and AHAI Clubs. READ MORE>>

AHAI AND USA HOCKEY AWARDS & HONORS
AHAI AWARDS
AHAI Service Awards
Mike Durkin
Tony Cachey

AHAI Lifetime Achievement Awards
Bob Mathson
Rich Becker
USA HOCKEY AWARDS


Outstanding Girls Program
Chicago Young Americans

New Leader Award
Anita Lichterman

15 Years of Service Award
Bob Mathson
 Congratulations to the Illinois volunteers voted into the following USA Hockey positions.

Bob Mathson - USA Hockey High School Section Chairman
Norm Spiegel - Central District Director
Mike Mullally - Central District Director
Rich Becker - Director Emeritus
AHAI NEWS & INFORMATION
TIER II CHOICE SUBSTITUTION APPLICATION PROCESS: DATES & INFORMATION 

On July 15, 2015, the application process for Tier II Two Choice Substitutions will begin. You will find 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 gregg@generaltruckparts.com.
AHAI Foundation Golf Outing

Join Us For A Fun Filled Day! The 19th Annual AHAI Foundation Golf Outing will be held at the Hilton Chicago Indian Lakes Resort, Friday, August 14, 2015, featuring several contest holes, such as "Longest Drive", "Shortest Drive" & "Closest To The Pin".The purpose of this event is twofold. First, it creates an opportunity for coaches, referees, administrators, parents and supporters of amateur hockey in Illinois to come together for a day of fun and relaxation to kick off the beginning of the new season. READ MORE>>

 
Education Seminar Survey

 

AHAI, in conjunction with our A Step aHead partners, the Chicago Blackhawks, Athletico Physical Therapy and NorthShore University HealthSystem, is considering conducting several educational seminars during the 2015-2016 season. We would love to have your input on what seminar topics would be of the most value to you and your family. 
 
 

 

AHAI COACHING EDUCATION NEWS & INFORMATION
AHAI Coaching Education Program Clinic Schedule Announced
 
Registration for all AHAI CEP Clinics must be done ONLINE at usahockey.com. Registration for all AHAI CEP Clinics will begin on July 13, 2015. Please check the USA Hockey website for details about USAH CEP Clinics, online age specific modules and Coaching Certification process. All Coaches MUST BE CERTIFIED by December 31, 2015. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Jakubowski at pjakubowski@ahai2.org. VIEW CEP CLINIC SCHEDULE>>
IHOA NEWS & INFORMATION

 

Ask the Official by Dave Zednik

QUESTION: During play, Team A inadvertently plays while having six players plus a goalkeeper on the ice. When the team gains possession of the puck the Referee stops the play and assesses a bench minor penalty for "too many players on the ice." The Coach vehemently protests the call and is subsequently assessed an additional bench minor penalty before the ensuing face-off. May the Coach designate the same player to serve both bench minor penalties?

 

ANSWER: No. Rule Reference 402(b). The team must designate two players who were on the ice at the time of the infractions, except a goalkeeper, to serve these penalties. READ MORE>>
2015-16 Officiating Seminars

The Illinois Hockey Officials' Association (IHOA) is pleased to announce the release of its officiating seminars for the coming season. All USA Hockey/AHAI officials are required to attend a seminar each season and in Illinois all seminars are conducted by IHOA and its certified instructors. Click HERE for the dates and locations.

 

Please note that level 1Y is for level 1 youth; level 1A is for level 1 adults; and the remaining levels correspond to the particular officiating level (2, 3 or 4). In order to attend a seminar, all officials must have attained 14 years of age before August 1, 2015. The registration period commences August 3, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. READ MORE>>

PLAYERS IN THE NEWS

UPDATE: USA Hockey/Central District Girls National Development Camp Invitees

The list of the Girls Central District Players that have accepted an invitation to attend one of the National Development Camps this summer has been updated. As there have been changes made this year, some players will not know if they will receive an invitation until June 17, 2015. Once USA Hockey has completed filling all camps, Mary Ann Robinson, Central District Girls'/Women's Section Director, will provide an additional updated list. VIEW 2015 CAMP INVITEES>>
2015 SWSL Champions
Congratulations on a great season to the teams and players participating in the 2015 South West Spring League Championship games.
2015 Sled Select Camp
USA Hockey's Sled Select Camp will take place July 6-11, 2015, in Buffalo, NY. Fifty-six (56) total players will be attending, 4 of which call Illinois home. Congratulations to the following Illinois Players:

Travis Dodson - RIC Blackhawks
Brendan Meyers  - Hornets
Joey Gugliotta - RIC Blackhawks
Ethan Burkhart - GLASA Falcons 

2015 NAHL Entry Draft Results

Congratulations to the 13 Illinois players drafted by the NAHL on June 9! Click HERE to view Illinois Players selected! 

USA HOCKEY NEWS & INFORMATION
Registration is Now Open!

The 2 and 2 Challenge is a call-to-action for local associations. It is a blueprint that guides youth hockey leadership through national programs and tools to realize their goal of acquiring 2 new players and retaining 2 additional players than the previous season's total. By participating in the 2 and 2 Challenge, your program will be accomplishing two things:

  1. You will drive participation in the 8 & under age group and ensure that your program continues to grow as these players graduate to older age levels.
  2. Your association will establish itself not just as the best hockey program locally, but as the best youth sports option in your community! READ MORE>>
Hockey Weekend Across America

USA Hockey announced that the ninth annual Hockey Weekend Across America will be held February 19-21, 2016.

 

"Hockey Weekend Across America is an opportunity to shine a light on our sport and has become a signature event the entire hockey community looks forward to each year," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. "It's great to celebrate the game and those involved at all levels, and also give new families an opportunity to try our great game."

 

Hockey Weekend Across America will include a theme for each of the three days, including Wear Your Favorite Hockey Jersey Day, Try Hockey Day, and Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes Day. READ MORE>>

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