In This Issue
Volume 3 Issue 8
August 19, 2013
ILLINOIS HOCKEY HALL OF FAME SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR CLASS OF 2015
Illinois hockey has a very long and rich hockey history, in large part due to the tireless dedication and commitment of individuals who have helped make sure every individual who has had a desire to participate in this great sport has had the opportunity to do so. The Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding players, organizers, coaches, managers, supporters and officials.

The mission statement of the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame is as follows: "To honor the excellence of those individuals who, through their exceptional endeavors both on and off the ice, have contributed in an extraordinary way to enhance the sport and image of hockey in Illinois."

Click HERE for Nomination Qualifications & Procedures. If you know of someone who you believe should be a candidate to enter the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2015, you are encouraged to click HERE for Nomination Form; please submit all assisting documentation by October 1, 2015. Click HERE to view a list of past IHHF Inductees.

We thank you, in advance, for all of your help and cooperation in the matter. ~Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame Board of Directors
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AHAI NEWS & INFORMATION
2016 ILLINOIS STATE HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP DATES ANNOUNCED

TIER I
Round Robin
February 25-28, 2016

Championships
March 3-6, 2016

BOYS HIGH SCHOOL
Championship Series
February 29-March 19, 2016

GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL
Championship Series
March 7-March 19, 2016

MEN'S & WOMEN'S
April 14-17, 2016
TIER II
Round Robin
March 3-6, 2016

Championships
March 12-13, 2016

GIRLS
Round Robin
February 25-28, 2016

Championships
March 3-6, 2016

CLICK HERE TO VIEW 2015 ILLINOIS STATE HOCKEY CHAMPIONS
CLICK HERE TO VIEW 2016 USA HOCKEY NATIONAL HOST SITES
WHY THE TWO CHOICE RULE, AND WHY YOU SHOULD BE CAREFUL WITH CHOICES
By John Dunne, AHAI President - I hope the following information will answer why the Two Choice Rule/Bylaw is in place and give our Tier II families a little guidance in the choice they make for the club or clubs in which they choose to have their players skate.

Youth hockey in Illinois at the House (Tier III) and club travel (Tier II) is built on a community based model; play where you live. Open hockey (Tier I) is just that, open, no restrictions so the most skilled players are able to participate.

The Tier II Two Choice Rules are intended to help preserve the community based model. It does allow for an additional choice if the club in the area does not fit the needs of the player or family. There is also a process in place to apply for an additional substitute choice if circumstances permit. An additional choice is also granted at the U16 level as options for players change at this level. Furthermore, there are rules in place to make it difficult for clubs/coaches to recruit players or families from one club to another in an effort to "stack" a team.

At this time of year, people are looking at options for their skaters. Whatever those reason are for looking at different options, consider that substitute choices are very difficult to receive. The most common reason for moving from club to club is perceived competition level. Clubs offer many different options such as CSDHL, NIHL Elite or minor/major aged teams. Moving for perceived "better" competition is not grounds for a substitute choice down the road. The other misconception is that a player always has two viable choices. Not true! As long as one of the clubs offer a team at the player's age level (not perceived skill level) they do not meet the criteria for a substitute choice.

Again, this Bylaw and the rules that help implement the bylaw are put forth by the clubs themselves. If you would like to see these rules change, start with your club president. Click HERE for a detailed explanation of the Bylaw and some interpretations of the rules.
REGISTRATION TODAY FOR THE
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 2 CHOICE SUBSTITUTION APPLICATION INFORMATION
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.
2015 AHAI FOUNDATION GOLF OUTING
The 19th Annual AHAI Foundation Golf Outing was held on Friday, August 14 at the Hilton Chicago Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, IL. Thank you to everyone that participated in and donated items for this year's outing! See you all again next year for our 20th Annual event on August 12, 2016. Don't miss this one, it will be great!

Revenues generated from the AHAI Foundation Golf Outing are donated each season to specific charities as established annually by the AHAI Foundation. This year, the recipients are the Special Hockey Programs, Diversity Hockey Program for underprivileged kids, the Hearing Impaired Hockey Program, the Hornets, a youth sled hockey team, the IHOA Memorial Fund and the Catastrophic Relief Fund for players who have been catastrophically injured playing the sport we all love. VIEW GOLF OUTING PHOTOS>>

Photos courtesy of Photos by Sully
***SPECIAL FEATURE***
2015 TRYOUT SURVIVAL GUIDE

Tryout time can be one of the most stressful times of the year for Illinois youth hockey families, especially if you are new to our great game. Below you will find links to several great articles covering a myriad of topics from nutrition and hydration to how to "stand out" at tryouts as well as how to deal with the stress tryouts inevitably cause. Of particular note is the video "A Study on Praise and Mindsets." Parents often tell their kids to work hard. This is sound advice to help them succeed in hockey and in life. Putting forth "effort" to learn and grow is an important prerequisite for future success. How we as parents, coaches and teachers praise that effort may be even more important than we realize. This short video illustrates the effect we can have on our kids with the proper reinforcement of their effort.

HELPFUL ARTICLES & INFORMATION

How to Make Tryouts Less Stressful
How to Stand Out at Tryouts
Tryout Fuel: Sound Nutrition Strategies for on the Go
Staying Properly Hydrated Is The Key To Good Athletic Performance
 Getting "Cut" from the Team

AHAI wishes all our skaters good luck at tryouts!

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.
ASK THE COACH
QUESTION: I took SafeSport Training 2 years ago. I heard recently that I must take a "refresher" course?

ANSWER: The SafeSport Training is valid for two (2) seasons. Thus, if you took the training during the 2013-14 season, it was valid for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons and you will need to complete the SafeSport Refresher course for this 2015-16 season. The SafeSport Training and SafeSport Refresher courses are available all season. Click HERE for more information on the SafeSport Training Program.
CENTRAL DISTRICT GIRLS INFORMATION


 ATTENTION GIRLS: USAH/CENTRAL DISTRICT 2015-16 IMPORTANT DATES
Please click HERE to view important dates for the 2015-16 Season. For additional information about USA Hockey/Central District Player Development Camps, contact Mary Ann Robinson at 920.758.3063. Players must be born between the years of 1998-2002 to be eligible for camps listed. 
BIDDING PROCESS NOW OPEN FOR USAH/CENTRAL DISTRICT CAMPS
Requirements for bidding on Girls USA Hockey/Central District National Camps/Central District Camp Tryouts, which will be held April 8-10, 2016, have been released. Bids are to be emailed to Mary Ann Robinson at wahadir@yahoo.com and should be received no later than September 10, 2015. Questions or concerns? Contact Mary Ann Robinson and the email above or call 920.758.3063.

JUNIOR HOCKEY NEWS
JUNIOR HOCKEY THRIVES IN ILLINOIS: PART II - TIER III JUNIOR HOCKEY
In the last issue of SNAPSHOT we took a closer look at Junior Hockey in Illinois focusing on Tier I (USHL) and Tier II (NAHL) teams. This week we finish up with Tier III and the two leagues that have teams in Illinois (USPHL and NA3HL). As we mentioned in the last issue, Tier III Junior Hockey encompasses multiple leagues across the United States. It is a pay-to-play level of Junior Hockey, and is more akin to how AAA hockey works; players pay a fee to play and a monthly billet expense. Let's look at the 4 teams in Illinois that play Tier III Junior Hockey in Illinois - Peoria Mustangs, Chicago Jr. Bulldogs, Chicago Cougars and the Decatur Blaze. READ MORE>>
IHOA NEWS & INFORMATION
ASK THE OFFICIAL BY DAVE ZEDNIK
QUESTION: There are many different things that can be said that various people may find offensive. What judgment should an Official use in assessing a penalty?

ANSWER: Preferably, good judgment that holds players/coaches accountable for these types of actions. Rule References 601(a.2, b.1, c.2 and e.2). There is no easy answer as individual people deem different things to be offensive. Most people will know an obscene gesture when they see it or a racial/ethnic slur when heard. These situations must be penalized according to the rule. There are certainly other areas where offensive language may also be used and should be appropriately penalized. Officials are reminded that other penalties exist for these types of actions, including unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting or inciting an opponent), or bench minor/misconduct for obscene, profane or abusive language. In each instance, the official should use their best judgment in assessing the proper penalty. And, if in doubt, assess the penalty and report the actions to the Proper Authorities to review under supplementary discipline. MORE OFFICIATING FAQS>>


 2015 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. 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.
"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!
PLAYERS, LEADERS & CLUBS IN THE NEWS
CARA PIAZZA ROSTERED TO WOMEN'S U-22 SELECT TEAM
By USA Hockey - Twenty-two players, including Darien's Cara Piazza, who participated at the 2015 USA Hockey Women's National Festival have been chosen for the 2015 U.S. Women's Under-22 Select Team that will compete in a three-game series against Canada from Aug. 19-22 at the Lake Placid Olympic Center in Lake Placid, New York. READ MORE>>
JOEY KEANE HELPS US EARN U-17 FIVE NATIONS TITLE
By USA Hockey - Jack  Rathbone (West Roxbury, Mass.) scored twice and Bobby DeFriest (Coral Springs, Fla.) and Sasha Chmelevski (Northville, Mich.) each contributed a goal and two assists as the U.S. Under-17 Select Team topped Germany, 8-1, to finish in first place at the 2015 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament. READ MORE>>
ILLINOIS WEST 6TH ANNUAL GOALIE CLINIC
By Brian Meek - Illinois West High School Hockey League held its sixth annual Goalie Clinic during the last week of July. The clinic was held at All Seasons Ice Rinks Monday through Thursday for one and a half hours each evening.  All goalies from Illinois West were invited to participate.  The clinic is provided by the League at no cost to the participants.  As is our practice, many of the coaches are past Illinois West goalies who are now playing in the college ranks.  Bob Moretti manages the on ice aspects of the camp and keeps all the participants involved and moving station to station. In total we had 36 goalies register for the camp and had an average of 25 each evening in attendance.  Six stations are set to allow each goalie enough reps at each drill to get a solid workout. 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.

 

 USA HOCKEY NEWS
USA HOCKEY PART OF INAUGURAL USOC ADM WORKSHOP
USA Hockey is among more than 25 national governing bodies participating in the United States Olympic Committee's inaugural American Development Model workshop today and tomorrow at the University of Delaware.

The event represents a partnership between the USOC and NGBs to deliver long-term athlete development benefits to the entire American sporting landscape through a program that guides athletes' advancement and supports healthy sport experiences. READ MORE>>
MONEY UP FOR GRABS! EARN $2500 FOR YOUR CLUB!
The Liberty Mutual Insurance Play Positive Pledge Fall 2015 is now open! Take the Pledge to promote good sportsmanship and your club could earn $2,500. The teams with the most Pledges at the end of the season win. The Fall season ends October 15th.
 MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE GREAT EVENTS
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!!!

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