IN THIS ISSUE
Volume 6 Issue 9 |  September 12, 2018
A STEP aHEAD'S HOCKEY SAFETY SYMPOSIUM
Don't wait! Reserve your seat today!
The Chicago Blackhawks, AHAI, Athletico and NorthShore University HealthSystem encourage you to register for our "A Step aHead Hockey Safety Symposium" on  Saturday, September 29 , from  9:00am to 2:30pm  at the United Center Atrium. This  FREE  event includes local and national experts on a variety of topics that impact the health and safety of youth hockey players: emergency action plans in hockey, sleep and its role in athletic performance, performance enhancing drugs, emotional and psychological safety in youth sports, injury prevention and concussions in youth hockey. Please click HERE to view a detailed list of topics and presenters.
Coffee, tea and water will be provided at no cost. Concession items will be available for purchase from 11:00am to 12:30pm. MadWest Coffee and Food Cafe will be open throughout the day. All Symposium attendees will receive a 10% discount at the Madhouse Team Store, a special A Step aHead Hockey Safety Symposium giveaway and will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win 4 tickets to a mutually agreed upon game during the 2018-2019 season. You must be present to win.
THANK YOU SPONSORS!

AHAI NEWS & INFORMATION
AHAI's College Night set for Monday, October 8th
AHAI is proud to present the 29th annual series of Seminars on the opportunities in ice hockey on  Monday, October 8, 2018, at the Woodfield Hyatt in Schaumburg . We'll talk about Men's and Women's NCAA Division I and Division III, ACHA club hockey, Junior College, Prep Schools and Junior Programs, as well as a wide array of topics like financial aid, making the grade and much more! Attendance is a must for all players (male & female) born in 2002 through 2005. Parents are also encouraged to attend. Registration opens on Monday, September 17th. COMPLETE DETAILS>>
Ask AHAI by Mike Mullally
Q: Are kids allowed to play up a level? For example, can or should a Squirt player be asked to play up to the Pee Wee level? 
A: Mites definitely cannot "play up". For squirts and above, if your club allows your player to "play up", then it should be okay. However, AHAI and USA Hockey would advise against it. The reasoning would be to allow our youngest players the opportunity to be leaders and the "best" player on a team. Each player should have the opportunity to experience being both the best and least skilled player. Both are an experience that each player should have in their portfolio to develop into a well-rounded young person.
Photo of the Month Contest Returns October 1st!
AHAI's Photo of the Month Contest returns October 1st, and the prizes are better than ever thanks to our sponsor,  FloBros Hockey ! Submit photos of your AHAI player's awesome hockey Halloween costumes and hockey inspired carved pumpkins, wicked slapshots, dekes, dangles and great saves...or of your kids just plain having fun playing hockey. Click HERE for complete contest details. We can't wait to see your pictures!
Be A Step aHead - Register Today!
AHAI is excited to announce the 8th Year of the A Step aHead Program in conjunction with the Chicago Blackhawks, Athletico Physical Therapy and NorthShore University HeathSystem.  The goal of the A Step aHead 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 ages 11-18.  Click HERE to learn more about the A Step aHead Program and to REGISTER NOW Please note that registration is online only; do not call Athletico directly to register.
OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP GROW THE GAME!
Register Today to Become a Try Hockey Host Site!
Illinois , let's help introduce new kids to the great sport of ice hockey! Over 450 locations will host a try hockey for free clinic for kids between the ages of 4 to 9 on Saturday, November 10th. With youth sports wrapping up, this event provides local associations the perfect opportunity to introduce new families to youth hockey. Click HERE for more information or click HERE to register as a November 10th Try Hockey For Free Host Site.  Participant registration for Try Hockey For Free Day on November 10, 2018 will open in October 2018, please visit  www.TryHockeyForFree.com .
Register Your Event for World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend
The World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend, October 6-7, 2018, is a global opportunity for girls to try out hockey as a new sport. Thousands of participants have taken part in the editions since 2011. Women's ice hockey is one of the fastest growing sports in the world thanks to events like this one and similar programs that are being run in many countries. If you want girls in your area to join in the fun, this is a great and easy way to do so! Click HERE for more information on how your club or team can take part of this amazing celebration of Girls' Hockey.
ILLINOIS HOCKEY HALL OF FAME
Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame Seeking Nominations for Class of 2018
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.  If you know of someone who you believe should be a candidate to enter the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2018, you are encouraged to click  HERE  for complete details regarding the nomination process.  The 2018 IHHF Induction Dinner will be held in their honour on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at the Belvedere Banquet Hall in Elk Grove Village. Tickets are available by contacting Norm Spiegel at  847.269.2922  or  [email protected] .
COACHING & OFFICIATING INFORMATION
Please click the buttons below for the 2018 Coaching Education Program Clinic schedule and the 2018 IHOA Seminar schedule. IHOA is please to announce the addition of 2 Level 1 Seminars and 1 Level 2 Seminar to its 2018-19 Seminar Schedule. Please click HERE to view additional dates.
Ask the Official by Dave Zednik
Q:  The first principle of the Standard of Play is "the use of the stick will be limited to only playing the puck." Does this mean that anytime a player uses his stick and makes contact with the opponent, a penalty must be called? ANSWER>>

Q: What degree of force is necessary for either a hooking or slashing penalty to be assessed under the Standard of Play guidelines? ANSWER>>
Chicago Steel to Host Youth Hockey Coaches Seminar
The Chicago Steel has announced that they will be hosting a Youth Hockey Coaches Seminar on Saturday, October 6, from 12pm to 2pm, followed by the Chicago Steel vs. Green Bay Gamblers at 7:05pm. Don't miss the Steel's Greg Moore, Brock Sheahan and Mike Garman discuss practice plans, drills, individual skill development, in-game strategy, strength and conditioning, goalie development and more! Click HERE for complete details. Space is limited; reserve your spot by contacting Eric Olgaard at [email protected] today.
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS NEWS
Registration Now Open for Blackhawks Intermission Relay Races & JuniorHawks Ice Slots!
The Chicago Blackhawks have opened registration for the 2018-19 Intermission Relay Races and Pregame JuniorHawks ice slots during all home games. Due to popular demand, teams will be selected at random to participate. If you have questions, feel free to contact Matt Brooks at [email protected] Please click HERE for complete details, including registration information, for the Blackhawks Intermission Relay Races and JuniorHawks Pregame Ice Slots.
MB Ice Arena Introduces "Tiny Hawks"
Tiny Hawks is a Wednesday morning program for tot hockey players of all skill levels offered at MB Ice Arena. It's designed for ages 2-4 to develop coordination in a creative and playful environment. Coaches will work with first time skaters new to the ice or skaters with limited experience. Tiny Hawks has a low student to teacher ratio for individualized attention and will allow skaters to develop at their own pace. The program will run for 10 weeks at a cost of $200. REGISTER NOW>>
Rockford IceHogs Youth Hockey Experiences
Get your team out on the same ice as your Rockford IceHogs! Limited game dates still available for the upcoming 2018-19 season for our youth hockey experiences. Contact McKenna at 815-847-6386 or  [email protected]  today to secure your spot and receive a ticket discount.
GIRLS' HOCKEY HEADLINES
Women's NCAA Division III College Hockey in Illinois
By Anita Lichterman, AHAI Girls Chair - Female hockey fans come out for great hockey games and support Illinois' two NCAA DIII teams. Girls, come watch women's hockey at a high college level, and what you can become! Click HERE for the Spartans' schedule and HERE for the Foresters' schedule.
Metro Girls High School League Kicks Off the 2018-19 Season
By Pam Flores - The Metro Girls High School league regular season is set to kick off on September 20 and teams are currently preparing to book their tiering round games! This year we have 14 teams in the Metro Girls League (one more than last year!). The new team is the District 211-214 girls' team. The other teams competing will include: Barrington, Evanston, Fenwick, Glenbrook, Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest High School, Latin School of Chicago Blue, Latin School of Chicago Orange, Loyola Academy, Maine Township, Naper Valley, New Trier Varsity and Warren. READ MORE>>
HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY HEADLINES
IHSHL Snapshot Will Bring Exclusive Rink to Rink Coverage of the Illinois High School Hockey Scene
AHAI is proud to bring exclusive rink to rink coverage of the Illinois High School Hockey scene with the new AHAI High School Hockey newsletter, titled, IHSHL Snapshot . Once a month, starting Sept. 26, AHAI will present new, original coverage of Illinois High School Hockey.  IHSHL Snapshot will have feature stories, news reports and game/tournament coverage - from the drop of the puck to the game-ending buzzer. Some of the Snapshot coverage you will expect; some we are proud to say may surprise you.  AHAI is proud to launch IHSHL Snapshot for the Illinois High School Hockey scene, and we're certain it will be a goal every month. Text "AHAI" to 22828 to subscribe today! READ MORE>>
AHAI Names 20 Players to Illinois Fall Showcase Roster
AHAI congratulates the 20 young men named to the Illinois Fall Showcase roster. The Illinois Fall Showcase team will complete in the 2018 North American Prospects Hockey League Showcase, sponsored by the North American Hockey League, in Blaine, Minnesota, September 20-23, 2018. The Illinois Fall Showcase team will face off against the Wenatchee Wolves, Metro SE Moose, Metro NE Loons, and the South Gray Ducks.VIEW ROSTER>>
Youth Is Served: Fenwick Is Optimistic, Despite Only Two Returning Players
By Ross Forman - The top returning players this season for the Fenwick Friars are senior center Aiden Lutz and junior defenseman Jack Meade.  Wait, they are they only returning players.  Youth is served on skates at Fenwick this fall, though, when winter rolls around in December and January, head coach Chris Lappin is optimistic that the Friars, "will be able to compete with anyone in the state." READ MORE>>
Illinois West High School Hockey Season Ready to Begin
By Brian Meek - Illinois West High School Hockey League is ready to begin another year of great high school hockey competition. As always, the League will support a robust Varsity and Junior Varsity Program. In total, 29 teams will participate with two new schools joining the League for the 2018 - 2019 season. The Oswego program and a team from Benet Academy will both join the League this year. READ MORE>>
ILLINOIS HEADLINES
Illinois' Nick Fabbrini Tabbed as Assistant Coach of U.S. Men's National University Team for 2nd Consecutive Tourney
Eric Ballard  (Grand Rapids, Minn.) and  Nick Fabbrini  (Forest Park, Ill.) have been named assistant coaches of the 2019 U.S. Men's National University Team, while  Brett Berger  (Springfield, N.J.) and  Scott Hicks  (Richmond, Ind.) have been tabbed to return as assistant coaches of the 2019 U.S. Women's National University Team it was announced today by USA Hockey. The teams will compete in the  2019 Winter World University Games  from March 2-12 in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. READ MORE>>
USA Hockey Announces Roster for 2018 U.S. Women's National Team Evaluation Camp
USA Hockey today announced the 37 players who will participate in the 2018 U.S. Women's National Team Evaluation Camp, which will take place Sept. 13-17 at the Harold Alfond Forum on the campus of the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. The camp roster includes Illinois' Megan Bozek (Buffalo Grove), Jesse Compher (Northbrook), Kendall Coyne Schofield (Palos Heights) and Mikaela Gardner (Plainfield). READ MORE>>
Roster Named for 2018-19 U.S. Women's Development Sled Hockey Team
The roster for the 2018-19 U.S. Women's Development Sled Hockey Team was announced by USA Hockey and features 18 players, including Illinois' Erica Mitchell. The 2018-19 season marks the first season the team is under full governance of USA Hockey. READ MORE>>