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Volume 4 Issue 9
September 14, 2016
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Welcome to another exciting season of Youth and Girls' and High School Hockey in Illinois. I know it's a very busy time of year as teams are forming and everyone is getting to know teammates, coaches and other parents. Again this season, the focus for AHAI is player safety, member conduct and information/communication with the AHAI membership.

AHAI is very excited with the AHAI e-newsletter, SNAPSHOT. AHAI hopes it meets the needs of you, the members. The goal is to provide timely and accurate information to all of AHAI's members. SNAPSHOT, along with AHAI's social media sites, Facebook and  Twitter, are the main sources of communication with AHAI members. Additionally, there is ahaienews.com that allows our members to search and access past articles from SNAPSHOT. Ahaienews.com also has many other relevant articles, tips and advice from other trusted sources like USA Hockey. Please continue to send in your questions to "Ask AHAI" and your ideas and suggestions for articles you'd like to see in upcoming issues of SNAPSHOT.

The A Step aHead initiative is a free baseline testing program open to all AHAI players aged 11 to 18. This program is free due to the support and sponsorship of the Chicago Blackhawks, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Athletico Physical Therapy and AHAI. Information on the A Step aHead program can be found on the AHAI website or on ahaienews.com.

Again this season the Officials are instructed to call aggressive penalty infractions. All officials have gone through educational seminars and have been instructed to call the aggressive, dangerous penalties. That being said, it is up to and coaches to coach the dangerous penalties out of the players. Coaches that attend USA Hockey/AHAI Coaching Education Clinics are also instructed on the prevention of dangerous play. Last but not least, players need to take responsibility for their actions. Remember penalties are only called after they happen. READ FULL LETTER>>
AHAI NEWS & INFORMATION
2016 COLLEGE NIGHT: A ROAD MAP TO HOCKEY AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
AHAI is proud to present the 26th annual series of Seminars on the opportunities in ice hockey after high school. Mark Monday, October 10, 2016 on your calendar for AHAI's Annual College Night: A Road Map to Hockey after High School. This yearly event is a must for all High School Juniors (of course Sophomores and Seniors are welcome too). Don't miss this great opportunity to begin planning YOUR road to hockey after High School. Registration opens Wednesday, September 21, 2016. READ MORE>>

Monday, October 10, 2016 at 7:00pm
Woodfield Hyatt Hotel
1800 East Golf Road, Schaumburg
 
KENDALL COYNE TO SPEAK AT LEVEL 1 CEP CLINIC AT THE UNITED CENTER ON OCTOBER 2ND!
Coaches, are you looking for a Level 1 AHAI/USA Hockey CEP clinic to attend? The Chicago Blackhawks will host a Level 1 Clinic on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at the United Center from 8:30am to 4:00pm. USA Olympian and 4-time World Champion, Kendall Coyne, will be speaking about her road to being an Olympian and the impact of coaching on her career.

Register TODAY as space is limited! 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. All Coaches MUST BE CERTIFIED by December 31, 2016. If you have any questions, please contact Paul JakubowskiFULL AHAI CEP CLINIC SCHEDULE>>
HELP OUR DISABLED PROGRAMS BY SHOPPING WITH HOWIES!
Did you know that you can help our Disabled Hockey Programs in Illinois just by shopping? Howies Hockey Tape gives back 10% of your total purchase to these programs when you click HERE. Thanks, Howies!
AHAI'S PHOTO OF THE MONTH CONTEST RETURNS IN OCTOBER!
Get your cameras ready! AHAI's Photo of the Month contest returns in October! You could win an AHAI winter hat, baseball cap or t-shirt. Complete details in the September 28th issue of SNAPSHOT!
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]
HOYB BRINGS HOCKEY TO CHICAGO'S AT-RISK YOUTH
By Ross Forman Hockey On Your Block has expanded almost 20 times what it started at during the summer of 2011, after hockey buddies Ray Lilja and Mike Quigley saw that Chicago could use more local hockey programs dedicated to kids who do not otherwise have the opportunity to learn and play the sport.

AHAI was one of the first USA Hockey Affiliates in the country to have a Diversity Program, now called Hockey is For Everyone (HIFE). HIFE has served all of Chicagoland, including the city of Chicago for over 25 years. The addition of Hockey On Your Block adds more programming and opportunities for those young athletes from socio and economically diverse backgrounds.

"It was a huge success, but we realized that in order to create lasting impact, we needed to expand the scope of our investment, involve the families and communities, and incorporate educational enrichment, youth leadership programs, and social-emotional curriculums," said Lilja, 61, who lives in suburban Hinsdale and is a retired Hedge Fund Manager at Alpha Capital and the co-founder of Hockey On Your Block. FULL ARTICLE>>
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.

SEND US YOUR PICS! YOU COULD WIN A SIGNED JONATHAN TOEWS PHOTO!
Complete your FREE ImPACT baseline test? Make sure to tweet a picture of your skater wearing their A Step aHead baseball hat to @AHAI_1 with the hashtag #AStepAHead! You could win a signed Jonathan Toews photo! Not on twitter? No problem, just email your photo to AHAI Communications Manager, Gretchen Cockey at [email protected] and we will tweet for you!
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS NEWS & INFORMATION
2016 OPENING CEREMONIES CONTEST! HURRY DEADLINE TO ENTER IS TODAY!
The Chicago Blackhawks are celebrating amateur hockey in Illinois, the 30th Anniversary of the Illinois High School Hockey Championships, the 2017 NCAA Frozen Four Tournament and the 2017 NHL Draft in Chicago, and they want you to be a part of it! During the 2016-17 season opener, 20 local youth hockey players will have the opportunity to step on the ice with their hometown team.
  • What: A chance to represent your team on the ice during the opening ceremony
  • Who: Illinois youth hockey players, ages 8-12
  • When: Wednesday, October 12, 7 p.m.
  • Where: United Center (1901 West Madison St., Chicago)
If you are a youth hockey player in Illinois between the ages of 8 and 12, let us know what you have done off the ice that makes you a good representative of your club and youth hockey in Illinois. In 100 words or less, please describe what you have done off the ice, either in the community, at your school, or with your friends, that shows why you would be a great representation of your club at the 2016-17 season opening ceremonies. COMPLETE CONTEST DETAILS>>
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.
LEAGUE & HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
FORWARD NICK CHRISTIANSON LEADS BG/H/W ON THE ROAD BACK TO THE UNITED CENTER
Defending state champion Stampede (Combined Division) will be tested early - games against Providence, Maine and Glenbrook North in the first week of the season.
By Ross Forman ~ The magic of that March night isn't forgotten, and never will be. Nick Christianson, then a junior and captain of the co-op BG/H/W Stampede, was in front of the goal, tied up with a defenseman from Glenbard in the Illinois High School Hockey State Championship Game (Combined Division), played at the United Center. Meanwhile, Nick Iliescu found Will Busby in the slot, and Busby scored the game-winning goal. "It was crazy; it all happened really fast," Christianson said in early-September as the Stampede sets out on a journey, it hopes, back to the United Center in defense of the club's first-ever state title. FULL ARTICLE>>
SHL ADDS 3 NEW TEAMS FOR 2016-17 SEASON
By Evan Poulakidas, SHL PresidentAs the new season begins the Scholastic Hockey League has added 3 new teams, Carmel of Indiana, New Trier Blue and York. Carmel is the two time state champion of Indiana. The depth of the entire New Trier system is unmatched and Blue will bring the same passion for winning as Green does. York is a program on the rise and the entrance to the league should help propel them into some conversation regarding up and coming programs. FULL ARTICLE>>
IHOA NEWS & INFORMATION
ASK THE OFFICIAL BY DAVE ZEDNIK
QUESTION: During a stoppage of play, a coach calls the referee over to the bench and attempts to question the ruling of the officials by utilizing an electronic device. The team is assessed a bench minor for an equipment violation according to the rule and the device has been removed. While the bench minor penalty is still being served, a team official now starts verbally abusing the referee. What penalty should be assessed to the coach?

ANSWER: A Game Misconduct Penalty is assessed to the team official verbally abusing the referee. Rule References 308(b), 308(c) and 601(e.1). FULL ANSWER>>

QUESTION: Team A's Head Coach is assessed a bench minor penalty for Abuse of Officials. While that penalty is still being served, the Assistant Coach now starts verbally abusing the Referee. What penalty should the Referee assess?

ANSWER: Game Misconduct Penalty. Rule Reference 601(e.1). Provided the abuse is a continuation of the original action causing the bench minor penalty to be assessed, the game misconduct shall be assessed even though it is a different Team Official. FULL ANSWER>>
PLAYERS, LEADERS & CLUBS IN THE NEWS
ILLINOIS' INAMOTO, COSKEY & DHOOGHE TO COMPETE IN 2016 CCM/USA HOCKEY ALL-AMERICAN PROSPECTS GAME
Each year the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game assembles the top U.S. players who are eligible for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. Following last year's game, 25 players that participated in the contest went on to be chosen in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, including a record 10 first-round selections. USA Hockey recently announced the 42 players who will compete in the fifth annual CCM/USAHockey All-American Prospects Game set for Sept. 22 at Wells Fargo Center, home of the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers. The list includes Illinois natives Tyler Inamoto (Lake Barrington), Cole Coskey (Zion) and Sean Dhooghe (Aurora). FULL ARTICLE>>
JULIA SINOPLE: USA HOCKEY MAGAZINE'S YOUTH STAR FOR SEPTEMBER
Julie Sinople doesn't have a lot of spare time these days. Between her school obligations, the hours she spends serenading patients at the Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital with her violin and playing hockey, this high school sophomore is fully booked. At 6 years old, she switched from figure skating to hockey after falling in love with the intensity of the game. Though it was a challenge to be the only girl on several boys' teams, Julia stuck with it, persevering when others might have given up. FULL ARTICLE>>
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. 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. COMPLETE DETAILS>>