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Volume 4 Issue 8
August 31, 2016
ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?
PEKIN, SABRES, DECATUR & FRANKLIN PARK HAVE ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE
Four Illinois associations have already accepted USA Hockey's 2 and 2 Challenge for the 2016-17 season: Pekin Youth Hockey, Sabre Hockey (All Seasons), Decatur Youth Hockey and Franklin Park!
 
The 2 and 2 Challenge is a comprehensive growth program for local associations. The program guides youth hockey leadership through national programs and tools to reach their growth goals of acquiring two new players and retaining two additional players than the previous season's total. To complete the 2 and 2 Challenge, associations utilize three programs that drive growth - Retention, Acquisition and Conversion.

AHAI commends Pekin, Sabres, Decatur and Franklin Park for their commitment to growing youth hockey in Illinois by accepting the 2 and 2 Challenge. We encourage all our associations to accept the Challenge by the September 16th deadline! ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE>>

Six Illinois associations met their 2 and 2 Challenge Goals for 2015-16 Season! While many associations experienced growth, only Arctic Ice Arena, Bloomington Recreational Hockey, Decatur Youth Hockey Association, Glenview Park District, Leafs Hockey Club and Park District of Oak Park successfully met their 2 and 2 Challenge goals of growing by two for both new and retained players. Congratulations to them all and good luck to our associations accepting the 2 and 2 Challenge for 2016-17! FULL ARTICLE>>
AHAI NEWS & INFORMATION
EXCITING NEWS FROM USAH: CLUB EXCELLENCE!
Club Excellence is a new online portal system designed to give USA Hockey associations a unique home to drive organizational success. The portal walks youth hockey leadership through the day-to-day needs of running a successful youth hockey association.

Club Excellence allows local associations the ability to define tasks for each role within the club such as President, Treasurer, Hockey Director, etc. These customizable tasks give the club leadership a central location to manage activities. Additionally, there are key governance documents loaded into the portal for use by the clubs. Hockey Directors can access key information for age specific training. All things needed to manage an organization is at your fingertips. Check out this quick video (left) that highlights what Club Excellence is. FULL ARTICLE>>
2016-17 AHAI/USAH CEP CLINICS
Registration is limited in all CEP Clinics. Pre-advanced online registration is required; no one will be admitted at the door. Check the USA Hockey website for details about USA Hockey CEP Clinics, online age specific modules and Coaching Certification process. Questions? Please contact Paul Jakubowski.  SCHEDULE>>

SUBSTITUTE CHOICE APPLICATIONS
The deadline for Tier ll Substitute Choice Application Process, for Bantam age divisions and below is September 15, 2016. All applications will be submitted online. Remaining dates for appeal hearings for those denied a substitute choice are August 24 and September 8, 2016. If denied, please email Gregg Chudacoff with your preferred appeal hearing date.
ILLINOIS HOCKEY HALL OF FAME SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR CLASS OF 2016
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. 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 2016, you are encouraged to click HERE for Nomination Form; please submit all assisting documentation by October 1, 2016. Click HERE to view a list of past IHHF Inductees. The 2016 IHHF Induction Dinner will be held in their honour on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at the Belvedere Banquet Hall in Elk Grove Village beginning at 5:00 pm. Tickets are available by contacting Norm Spiegel at 847.269.2922 or e-mail Norm at [email protected]
ASK AHAI: MITE TWO CHOICE & H.S. GOALIE EXCEPTIONS
MITE TWO CHOICE QUESTION
QUESTION: My question pertains to a player who participated in AHAI/NIHL 8U during the 2014-15 season and wants to play this season (2016-17). Is he assessed a choice? My son played as a NIHL Mite for Club "A" in 2014-15. He then played as a NIHL squirt in 2015-16. Now, he will be moving to club "B" for the 2016-17 season. Can you clarify if that means Club "B" will not count against his second choice, or that Club "A" isn't his first choice?

QUESTION: Your son gets a "pass" for Mite for the 2014-15 season, but he has made 2 Choices. Simply, any player who played Mites in the 2014-15, 2015-16, or 2016-17 seasons gets a "pass". FULL ANSWER>>
H.S. GOALIE EXCEPTION QUESTION
QUESTION: I have an 8th grade son who is a goaltender; this coming fall the incoming freshman class will have 6 freshman goalies and 2 returning from last year. With only 2 teams being fielded, there will be cuts. Our son would like to play High School hockey instead of club. What is the process of allowing goaltenders to play for another High School while attending school in a different district? 

ANSWER: Most parents/players do not understand the goalie exception rule and the purpose of the rule. Many erroneously believe that this rule essentially allows a goalie to be a "free agent" and choose where they will play. FULL ANSWER>>
BE A STEP aHEAD! REGISTER TODAY!
AHAI, the Chicago Blackhawks, Athletico and NorthShore University HealthSystem are proud to announce that we are in our 6th year of the "A Step aHead" program, which provides FREE baseline neurocognitive testing and education on concussions to the youth hockey community. Registration is now open through November 30, 2016. All AHAI players aged 11-18 years old are eligible for free baseline testing. The Association/Team that completes the most baseline tests will receive on on-ice clinic with a Chicago Blackhawks Alumni. Additionally, every athlete who completes a FREE baseline test this year will receive a baseball hat featuring the Blackhawks logo while supplies last. REGISTER NOW>> 

Please note that registration will be online ONLY, do not call Athletico directly.

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. Click HERE for even more articles.
LEAGUE & HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
2016-17 SEASON MAY SET NEW HIGH FOR GIRLS' TEAM IN NIHL!
The forecast is for the number of Girls Division teams in NIHL to grow once again this season. The league will offer Girls Divisions at the Girls 10U, 12U, 14U and 16U/19U age levels. If you have the skills for Tier II Girls hockey, and you want to play on an all-girls team, please reach out to a nearby organization that will offer Girls teams at your age level this season. Click HERE for a table of the clubs that are offering NIHL Girls Hockey this season. READ MORE>>

NIHL IS NOW ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER! FOLLOW US TODAY!
SHL NEWS
SHL Media Director, Angie Wiatrowski's latest Preseason Preview: Glenbrook North! READ MORE>>
IL WEST NEWS
Check in with your Illinois West High School Hockey Clubs and see what they have to offer! VIEW FLYER>>
CITY INVITATIONAL
The Inaugural Lane Tech City Invitational is coming to Chicagoland September 16-18, 2016! VIEW FLYER>>
USA HOCKEY NEWS & INFORMATION
CELEBRATE GIRLS' HOCKEY WEEKEND! BECOME A HOST SITE!
USA Hockey is looking for associations and rinks to host opportunities to build awareness, celebrate your current players and grow participation for girls' hockey as part of the 6th annual IIHF World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend October 8-9, 2016. There are four different events host sites can utilize: Season Kick-Off Party, Cross-Ice Jamboree, Girls' Try Hockey for Free...or create an original event! COMPLETE DETAILS>>
REGISTER TODAY TO HOST A TRY HOCKEY FOR FREE DAY!
Associations and rinks can register now to host Try Hockey For Free Days scheduled for the 2016-17 season. The first nationwide Try Hockey For Free Day will be Saturday, November 12, 2016, as part of Come Play Hockey Month. The second opportunity will occur Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, during Hockey Week Across America. COMPLETE DETAILS>>


IHOA NEWS & INFORMATION
ASK THE OFFICIAL BY DAVE ZEDNIK
QUESTION: In an attempt to catch an opponent who is skating ahead of him/her and not near the boards, a player pushes the opponent from behind, causing him/her to fall to the ice. What is the proper penalty? ANSWER>>

QUESTION: A player sitting on the players' bench uses profanity towards an Official. If the Official can recognize the player using this language, may he assess a misconduct penalty rather than a bench minor?  ANSWER>>
2016 IHOA SEMINARS
The Illinois Hockey Officials' Association (IHOA) is pleased to announce the release of its officiating seminars for the coming season, which includes two "Girls Only" seminars. If you are unsure of the requirements, please read Register with IHOA. Registration is now open. Questions? Contact Jameson Gronert, IHOA Registrar or any of the IHOA Board members.

PLAYERS, LEADERS & CLUBS IN THE NEWS
CRYSTAL LAKE'S SARAH CHUNG HOPES TO FIND GOLD IN RIO
Chung, a member of the Chicago Blackhawks Blind Hockey team, will represent the U.S. in Paralympic Judo beginning September 10th .
Although Sarah only began competing in Judo just over a year and a half ago, she's already made quite a big impression in a short period of time. Through her work ethic and unquestioned dedication, Sarah is already ranked #1 in the United States and #8 in the world in the Female +70kg Paralympic division. Chung, a member of the Menomonee Judo Club, has had outstanding results at three major Paralympic Games qualifying tournaments in the past year - 5th at the IBSA World Cup in Eger, Hungary, 7th at the IBSA World Games in Seoul, Korea and finally, a 2nd place finish at the ParaPan American Games in Toronto, Canada. FULL ARTICLE>>
ST. JUDE KNIGHT UNITE AGAINST CANCER
St. Jude Knights unites with Hockey Fights Cancer during the month of November.
BOB FIORIO: ART OF THE HOCKEY CAPTAINCY
Bob Fiorio has provides his perspective on what it's like to hold the post of Captain.
OAK PARK HOCKEY ACADEMY
The Oak Park Hockey Academy was recently USAH's Youth Feature of the Week!
SEAN NICHOLSON EXPANDS HIS HOCKEY RESUME, CONTINUES TO FURTHER DEVELOP AREA PLAYERS
By Ross FormanSean Nicholson is entering his second season as head coach at Lyons Township, and that's just the start of his hockey duties these days. For instance, on Monday, Aug. 22, Nicholson announced that he accepted a position with the Robert Morris D1 ACHA team as its skills, off-ice assistant coach. He will be conducting team workouts and on-ice skating and skills sessions. Nicholson, 32, who lives in Plainfield, also is the Midwest Region Scout for the St. Louis Jr. Blues (NAHL3), a post he skated into last season in which he helps educate young players on what junior hockey is all about and giving them guidance on how to get there. FULL ARTICLE>>
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS NEWS & INFORMATION
EXCLUSIVE AHAI BLACKHAWKS PRESEASON TICKET OFFER
This is your opportunity to get an early look at the Blackhawks and see opponents like Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Detroit. To purchase tickets, click HERE and enter the promo code AHAI. If you have any questions, or would like to purchase a group of 10 tickets or more for one of these games, please contact Matt Brooks with the Chicago Blackhawks ticket office at 312-455-7039. Click HERE to view Blackhawks preseason games being offered.
TRAINING CAMP FESTIVAL 3V3
STREET HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
Registration for the Training Camp Festival 3v3 Street Hockey Tournament, which will take place September 24 at the United Center, in Lot C is now open. There are still spots available at both the 7-9 and 10-12 age levels. The $60 entry fee per team includes t-shirts, bobblehead for each player, six tickets to Training Camp Festival and the option to purchase up to 14 additional tickets. Please call 312-455-7046 or email Laura Jordan with any questions regarding registration. DETAILS & REGISTRATION>>
BLACKHAWKS INTERMISSION AND PRE-GAME REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
The Chicago Blackhawks have opened their registration process for the 2016-17 JuniorHawks and Intermission slots next season.  In order to participate in either event, your youth hockey team must be competing at the Mite or Squirt level.  Due to the limited quantity of on-ice dates at the United Center, the Chicago Blackhawks select all hockey teams at random for each home game. If you would like to enter your upcoming youth hockey team into the lottery process for either event, please click HERE for JuniorHawks and/or HERE for Intermission Skates. Teams selected for either event will be contacted with further details by Chicago Blackhawks Account Executive, Matt Brooks.