Evan Lustig, who played youth hockey locally and then became a popular, respected referee, died July 29 peacefully in his sleep after a long battle with stage 4 large cell diffused lymphoma. He was 29.

Lustig, who grew up in Skokie and graduated from Niles West High School in 2004, skated through the Skokie Flyers program, often with his dad as one of his coaches. He officiated - from mites to high school to club-level college to adult leagues - for about 15 years, often working many games in a day, at multiple area rinks, quite often alongside fellow official and fellow Skokie native Matt Schwartz.

"He was one (who officiated) eight games a day, and certainly was very visible at the Skatium. In fact, if a game was being played in Skokie, (or) at Heartland (Ice Rink in Lincolnwood), or at Evanston, there was a very good chance that Evan was working the game," said Steve Glickman, a Skokie native who is now the Hockey Director for the Skokie Amateur Hockey Association.

"It didn't matter what level the game was, from mites on up, or the competitive level of the game, Evan gave it his all. He was highly likeable and very well respected as an official. He had a good feel for the game. He was a player's official."

Jack Raslawski, the former Referee-in-Chief (RIC) for the Illinois Hockey Officials Association (IHOA), supervised Lustig in games over the years, assigned him to work countless games, and shared on Facebook that "the hockey community lost a fellow brother," with Lustig's passing. READ MORE>>

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AHAI NEWS & INFORMATION

LANDSCAPE OF IL MITE HOCKEY

By Jim Clare, AHAI ADM Chairman - Several years ago, USA Hockey (the governing body for amateur hockey in the United States) launched the American Development Model (ADM) for player development at all age levels. AHAI and its membership has embraced the ADM throughout our programming by incorporating small-area games into practices, station-based training on a weekly basis, off-ice training, and age-appropriate training at all age levels. Over the past three years, through the ADM program, USA Hockey modified mite player development protocols, including game limits on full-ice hockey and the start date for full-ice mite hockey. While AHAI supported this philosophy, it was clear that many clubs were resisting this piece of the ADM. READ MORE>>

FALL HOCKEY PROGRAMS

Looking for the perfect fall hockey program? Check out the "Affiliate Club Hockey Program" tab located on the top navigation bar of this of the AHAIeNews.com website. Simply mouse over the tab and select from the drop-down menu. We currently have fall programs listed for Adults, Girls, Tier II, Tier III, High School and Learn-to-Skate programs.

CLUB PRESIDENTS: AHAI can help promote your fall program! If you would like your club's information included on the "Affiliate Club Hockey Program" Tab, email your program flyer (PDF format only, please) to Gretchen Cockey, AHAI Communications Manager at gretchen@ahai2.org.

REGISTRATION FOR THE A STEP aHEAD PROGRAM IS NOW OPEN!

The Chicago Blackhawks, AHAI, Athletico Physical Therapy and NorthShore University Health System are proud to announce the 5th year of our "A Step aHead" program!

The goal of our program is to educate the youth hockey community on concussion awareness, prevention and treatment as well as to provide FREE baseline neurocognitive testing to AHAI members from PeeWee to Midget/High School (ages 11-18). This year's program will also offer new educational opportunities for both Moms and Dads, Coaches and Players. Stay tuned for additional information. Every athlete who completes a baseline test this year will be entered to win an official Chicago Blackhawks Hockey Stick signed by Marian Hossa! Deadline to register is November 30, 2015.

TIER II TWO CHOICE SUBSTITUTION APPLICATIONS

The application process for Tier II Two Choice Substitutions is now open through October 5, 2015. You can 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 at ahaienews.com.

JUST FOR COACHES

2015 AHAI CEP CLINIC SCHEDULE

Registration for all AHAI CEP Clinics must be done through USA Hockey's website. Please check there for details about USA Hockey 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>>

USA HOCKEY'S MOBILE COACH APP

Take USA Hockey's coaching materials to the rink, on the road or wherever else you wish with the USA Hockey Mobile Coach. Find practice plans, skills manuals, videos and more. READ MORE>>

ASK THE COACH

QUESTION: Can you please help me find out when my Level 2 CEP certification expires?

ANSWER: By clicking HERE any USA Hockey certified coach can look up their current CEP status on the USA Hockey website. Enter your last name and click the search button. By entering ONLY your last name, you will access anyone in the USA Hockey CEP database with that last name. You will now see a listing of all these names and can select your name from that list. Simply place your mouse pointer over your last name and click. You will then get your complete current CEP records, including any Age Specific Modules that you have already taken. It will also show the expiration date of your current CEP Level.

Additionally, each club or organization Registrar will receive a weekly update of data for every coach in their club, noting each coach's current CEP Level, Age Specific Modules, SafeSport Training and Screening.

IHOA NEWS & INFORMATION

OFFICIATING SEMINARS

Referee registration for the 2015-16 season is NOW OPEN! I would encourage everyone to head to the IHOA website and click the link for seminar information. The link takes you to the seminar registration page and it identifies the dates, times, levels and locations of the IHOA seminars this year. You MUST FIRST register with IHOA to secure your seminar spot. The ONLY location to secure your seminar seat is at the IHOA website and by following the links for seminar registration. Once your seminar spot is confirmed, you may then head to USA Hockey and register there as well.

A word to the wise: seminars will fill quickly. Remember, seminars are first come first served so there is no benefit to waiting to register. Please familiarize yourself with the requirements to obtain "complete" status this year. READ MORE>> - Michael Barrett, AHAI Referee-in-Chief & Supervisor of Officials

OFFICIATING SEMINAR SCHEDULE>>

ASK THE OFFICIAL BY DAVE ZEDNIK

QUESTION: The Team A goalkeeper skates toward his players' bench during play. While he is approximately 30 feet away from the bench, a teammate enters the play as a substitute for the goalkeeper. While the opposing team has possession and control of the puck (the goalkeeper is still moving toward the bench and his replacement is now involved in the play) the goalkeeper turns and skates back toward his goal to defend against an opposing shot on goal. Does this infraction of the rules constitute "premature substitution" or "too many players on the ice?"

ANSWER: Too many players on the ice. Rule References 205(a & b). Once the substituting player enters the ice, the goalkeeper is considered to be substituted for. If the goalkeeper participates in play while this condition exists, a penalty for "too many players on the ice" shall be assessed to the offending team. READ MORE>>

NEW 'GIRLS ONLY' OFFICIATING SEMINARS!

Girls, did you know that officiating is a great way to improve your skills as a hockey player? Officiating improves your rule knowledge, overall awareness of the game, skating ability AND allows you to make money while doing what you LOVE! IHOA is pleased to announce that they will be hosting two All Girls Seminars this summer. Click HERE for more information. Questions? Contact Erin Blair or Nicole Davis at girlsjustwannaref@gmail.com!

ONE-TIMERS

How Participation Trophies Are Making Our Kids Soft>>

Bells, Whistles and Promises: 20 Things to Look for in a Youth Sports Organization>>

3 Myths that are Destroying the Youth Sports Experience for our Kids>>

JUNIOR HOCKEY NEWS

JUNIOR HOCKEY THRIVES IN ILLINOIS: PART I

By Jim Clare - While the Chicago Blackhawks, Rockford Ice Hogs, and Chicago Wolves garner most of the attention from the casual hockey fan in the winter, there is another hidden gem that exists right in our own backyard, Junior Hockey. Boasting seven franchises and representing all 3 tiers, the Junior Hockey scene is thriving in Illinois.

What exactly is Junior Hockey? Look at it as the bridge between youth/high school hockey and college hockey. In today's hockey environment, players rarely move straight to college hockey without spending some time in Juniors. My own son played for two years in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) before moving on to play for the NCAA Division III Salve Regina Seahawks.

Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III Junior Hockey clubs all strive to develop players to their fullest potential and fulfill their aspirations of playing college hockey, whether that's for a NCAA Division I or Division III College or ACHA college club hockey team. Illinois' Junior teams also greatly benefit the communities in which they call home through their direct involvement in community outreach and youth hockey programs.

In this two-part article I will highlight each of the seven Junior Clubs calling Illinois home, the Tier I Chicago Steel (USHL) and Bloomington Thunder (USHL), the Tier II Springfield Junior Blues (NAHL) and the Tier III Chicago Jr. Bulldogs (NA3HL), Peoria Mustangs (NA3HL), Decatur Blaze (USPHL), and Chicago Cougars (USPHL). Part I will focus on the Tier I and Tier II teams and Part II on the Tier III teams. READ MORE>>

PLAYERS, LEADERS & CLUBS IN THE NEWS

DYHA AWAITS OUTCOME OF ANONYMOUS DONOR MATCHING GIFT FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

You may remember that the Decatur Youth Hockey Association (DYHA) and their home rink, the Decatur Civic Center, were the center of attention this past Spring when they were awarded $75,000 as a finalist in Kraft's Hockeyville contest.

What you may not know is that DYHA is poised to find out whether or not they will be the recipient of an additional $75,000 on Saturday, August 7, at the annualDecatur Celebration.

In June an anonymous donor from the Decatur area announced that he pledged to match up to $37,500. Once again DYHA President, Jason Habrock, found himself in the middle of a fundraising campaign stating, "The amount of support and publicity has been amazing." READ MORE>>

ANITA LICHTERMAN NAMED VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Anita Lichterman (Mount Prospect, IL) has a lot to show for the years that she's spent volunteering. Growing up a "rink rat," in Glenview, Ill., she was always around the game and enjoyed watching it. She took her love of the game to the next level when her son and daughter started playing at age 5. Her son is now 30 and her daughter is 25, and Lichterman is going on her 20th year as the registrar for the Hoffman Estates Park District. READ MORE>>

LOVE OF GAME DRIVES EVANSTON HOCKEY DIRECTOR, DEL MORRIS

By Marina Marich, Evanston Hockey Board Member - As a sophomore playing for the Evanston Wildkits varsity hockey team, goalie Delayon "Del" Morris refused to allow strep throat and a 99 degree fever to prevent him from playing against Evanston's rivals: New Trier Green. And it's a good thing because he and his Evanston teammates beat New Trier 3-2 that day on the Trevian's home ice in front of a packed rink. READ MORE>>

PEPSI ICE CENTER PLAYS HOST TO SUCCESSFUL 8 & UNDER ADM STATION-BASED PRACTICE

Players, coaches and parents from all over the Central Illinois region converged on the Pepsi Ice Center in Bloomington, Illinois, on Friday, July 24. Forty plus skaters from Bloomington, Springfield, Peoria, Pekin and Champaign took advantage of an 8 & under American Development Model practice led by Illinois State University Head Coach. Michael Hernbrott, as well as sixteen area coaches volunteering their time. There were six stations being run at once with no more than five skaters per station with at least two coaches each. All of the players received replica USA Hockey practice jerseys. "It was great to see big smiling faces on the kids as well as the coaches as they stepped off of the ice, and this was after a sixty minute session where 95% of it the kids were moving and working on just about every hockey skill there is," said Joe Olson, Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame member and Hockey Director for the Pepsi Ice Center in Bloomington. READ MORE>>

BELPEDIO & DVORAK MAKE FINAL 32: NATIONAL JR. EVALUATION CAMP

The roster for the 2015 USA Hockey Junior Evaluation has been trimmed to 32 players for the final four days of the camp. Skokie's Louie Belpedio and Frankfort's Christian Dvorak made the final cut. "As a staff, we have been very pleased with the competitiveness of the 39 players in camp," saidJim Johannson, USA Hockey's assistant executive director of hockey operations and the general manager of the 2016 U.S. National Junior Team. READ MORE>>

6 IL PLAYERS INVITED TO WOMEN'S NATIONAL FESTIVAL

USA Hockey announced today the 83 players that have been invited to the 2015 USA Hockey Women's National Festival, which will take place Aug. 11-16, at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, New York. Congratulations to Illinois natives Megan Bozek (Buffalo Grove), Kendall Coyne (Palos Heights), Nicole LaMantia (Wayne), Cara Piazza (Darien), Andrea Renner (Lake Barrington) and Caitlin Schneider (Glenview). READ MORE>>

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS JUNIORHAWKS & INTERMISSION SKATES

The Chicago Blackhawks have opened the lottery process for the 2015-16 JuniorHawks and Intermission slots. In order to participate in either of these events this season, your team must be playing at the Mite or Squirt level. Due to the limited quantity of on-ice dates and the overwhelming demand, the Chicago Blackhawks select each youth hockey team at random for every date.

To learn more information about both programs or to enter your upcoming youth hockey team into the lottery process, please click on the corresponding program names below. If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact Matt Brooks at mbrooks@chicagoblackhawks.com.

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS JUNIORHAWKS>>

INTERMISSION SKATES>>

USA HOCKEY NEWS

U.S. HOCKEY HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2015 SELECTED

USA Hockey announced Ron DeGregorio (Salem, N.H.), Chris Drury (Trumbull, Conn.), Angela Ruggiero (Simi Valley, Calif.) and Mathieu Schneider (New York, N.Y.) have been selected to the United States Hockey Hall of Fame as the Class of 2015.

The formal induction of the Class of 2015 is set for Thursday, Dec. 17, in Boston at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. "This class is extraordinary and has had an extremely positive and wide-ranging impact on our sport," said Jim Smith, president of USA Hockey. "The members of this Class represent the very best of our sport and we look forward to welcoming them as the 43rd class of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame officially in December." READ MORE>>

CHICAGO AMONG FINALISTS NAMED FOR HOSTING 2018 IIHF WORLD JUNIORS

USA Hockey named Chicago, Illinois; Buffalo, New York; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; St. Louis, Missouri; and Tampa, Florida, as finalist cities in contention to host the 2018 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship. READ MORE>>

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE GREAT EVENTS

Golf ball on green grass, selective focus

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>>

SAVE THE DATE:

JJ'S PAY IT FORWARD CELEBRATION

JJ O'Connor broke his neck playing in his first hockey game of the season on October 24, 1995 resulting in him becoming an incomplete quadriplegic; meaning he is paralyzed from the neck down. Since his injury 20 years ago, people from all walks of life have rallied to JJ's side to help him overcome this obstacle.

Twenty years later on Saturday, October 24, 2015 from 7pm to midnight at Seven Bridges Ice Arena JJ is having a celebration to bring people together to thank them for helping him through his journey and to PAY IT FORWARD by raising money for three wonderful charities close to his heart - the GLASA Fire Power Soccer team, USA Hockey Disabled Hockey and the Blackhawks Warriors Hockey team for injured veterans.

We invite you to bring your family out to this special evening and enjoy the festival atmosphere as we celebrate JJ's inspirational journey and raise some funds so any individual with a disability can participate in life. There will be plenty of games, rides, events and entertainment for people of all ages - so plan on bringing the entire family. Admission is Free!!!

JJ's PAY IT FORWARD CELEBRATION FLYER>>