Volume 10 Issue 6 | June 2022
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
I hope you have all had an excellent spring and are looking forward to summer. Although the hockey season is over, I know many of you will be attending clinics and training sessions, while others will take the summer off. It is all good.

We just had our annual meeting on June 4th and returned last Saturday from USA Hockey’s annual meeting. It was three days of non-stop meetings, where much was accomplished. They are constantly striving to improve hockey in this country. Two of Illinois' former players received awards from USA Hockey. Dryden McKay received the Jim Johannson College Player of the Year award and Alex Tracy received the Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year award. It was a tremendous accolade for them and a great honor for Illinois Hockey. We are very proud of them. 

We left the meeting with a renewed sense of excitement and will carry it with us into the following season. We will work all summer to find ways to improve your hockey experience in Illinois.

Please enjoy your summer. We will see you at the rinks next fall.

If you need any thing during the off season, feel free to reach out to us.

Thanks for your support.

Kevin Bolger
President
AHAI ANNUAL MEETING RECAP
AHAI Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting Recap
On Saturday, June 4th, AHAI held their Annual Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting part the usual AHAI Leadership Conference. The event was held at the Westin in Itasca and was well attended by affiliate Presidents, board members, coaches, and referees.

During the Annual Meeting, the AHAI Membership, had the opportunity to hear from the individuals that were running for the open board positions and then voted to fill those positions.

The AHAI membership elected the following individuals to the AHAI Board of Directors for three (3) year terms ending in 2025:
Jim Clare
Bill Crowley
Chuck Smith
Jack Weinberg
Dan Gallagher

At the AHAI Board meeting which immediately followed the Annual Meeting, the Board voted the following people in as Officers with a 1 year term:

Kevin Bolger: President
Keri Zschach :Vice President of Operations
Jim Clare: Vice President of Membership
Ken Michel: Vice President of Administration
Greg Chudacoff: Vice President of Conduct
Bill Crowley: Vice President of Finance/Treasurer
TIER II CHOICE & TRYOUT INFORMATION
Tier II Substitute Choice Application Process for 2022-23 Season
The Tier II substitute choice application process, 10U through 16U/18U will begin on July 15, 2022. All applications will be submitted online. The Tier II Committee will have (3) three in-person appeal hearings for those denied a substitute choice. Questions? Please email Gregg Chudacoff, AHAI Tier II Chairman, at gregg.chudacoff@ahai2.org.
Tier II Tryout Information
Tier II tryout rules are stated under section 16.7 of the AHAI Rules and Regulations.

16.7 TIER II AFFILIATE ORGANIZATION TRY-OUTS
Tryouts and team selection process for levels 8U through 14U may not begin more than eight (8) days prior to the date of the nationally recognized Labor Day holiday of the playing season. Tryouts and team selection process for levels 16U and 18U may not begin prior to August 15 of the playing season.
GIRLS TIER II TRYOUT INFORMATION
2022-2023 HOCKEY SEASON
GIRLS TIER II NATIONAL BOUND AGE LEVELS

BE IN THE KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO TRYOUTS
A reference tool for Parents, Players, Coaches, and Tier II Girls Organizations

This article is a quick guide for the Tier II Girls Community.
The article has been designed to give you a look into the new early tryouts for the National Bound age levels (14u, 16u, 19u).
TRYOUTS WILL BE JUNE 15 – 22, 2022
Know the rules:
AHAI Rules & Regulations -- Article 17 is the location that specifically talks about Girls Hockey in Illinois.

The rules to familiarize yourself with are:
⇒ 17.8 – Intent of Girls Tier II Hockey
⇒ 17.9 – Affiliate Organization Playing Restriction
⇒ 17.10 – Girls Tier II Playing Season
⇒ 17.11 – Girls Tier II Early Tryouts
⇒ 17.15 – Coach(es) Movement
⇒ 17.16 – Player Movement
⇒ 17.17 – Girls’ Two Choice
⇒ 17.19 – Choice Substitution
Too often we have heard parents say they didn’t know. The Article 17 Sections above will give you the knowledge needed to help your player make the best decision for herself.

Key points to keep in mind:
  1. All Girls’ Organizations must notify the AHAI Girls’ Chair of their intent to hold early tryouts for the National Bound age levels
  2. All Girls’ Organizations will only be allowed to select 1 team at each National Age Bound Level during the early tryouts June 15-22, 2022 (A Girls’ Organization may have a potential for an additional team at a specific age level. For the potential 2nd team, Tryouts may NOT be held NOR may spots be ‘reserved’ for players until the regular tryout period beginning August 15th)
  3. All Girls Tier II Organizations must adhere to the Coach(es) Movement & Player Movement rules
  4. All players must adhere to the Two-Choice rule & follow the appropriate guidelines to request a Choice Substitution if applicable
  5. The application link to apply for a Choice Substitution will open on May 22, 2022 & will be located on the home page of the AHAI website. This is only applicable for the National Bound Age Levels (14u, 16u, 19u). 10u, & 12u aged players seeking to apply for a choice substitution must wait until the normal application opening date of July 15th
  6. Players who make a team during the early tryouts will be required to sign a player card & are then locked onto said team for the upcoming season

Here is the list of AHAI Affiliate Girls’ Organizations that will be holding tryouts & for which level:
Bruins 16U & 19U
Evanston 14U & 16U
Franklin Park 14U & 19U
Glenview 14U, 16U & 19U
Hawks 14U, 16U & 19U
Hoffman 14U
Leafs 14U
Sabres 14U, 16U & 19U
St. Jude 14U, 16U & 19U
Warhawks 14U, 16U & 19U
Good luck to ALL GIRLS!!
HAVE A FUN & SAFE SUMMER!
Anita Lichterman AHAI Girls Director 847.414.5737
HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION
High School Combined Programs: Combined Applications for Fall 2022-2023 Due June 30
By Jack Weinberg, AHAI H.S. Committee Chair

The application for combined High School organizations is now available on the AHAI Webtool. June 30th is the deadline for filing Combined Applications for the Fall 2022-2023 season. Applications are filed electronically by each organization's registrar using the AHAI Webtool. In addition to completing the application, we need full information for all officers at your club including: name, mailing address, email address and phone number. It is critical that the contact information for your organization is current to assure that you are up to date with the latest news regarding High School Affiliates. If you have questions on how to update your contacts or complete your application, contact the AHAI Registrar at registrar@ahai2.org. If you have other questions for the High School Committee, please email jack.weinberg@ahai2.org.
COACHING INFORMATION
Information on Coaching Certifications
By Jim Clare, Illinois Coach-in-Chief

The USA Hockey Coaching Certification process will begin soon. Continue to check the USA Hockey website for virtual clinics. As with the past year, coaches will be able to attend any virtual clinic posted at https://www.usahockey.com/coachingclinics.

AHAI will begin posting virtual clinics sometime in mid-July. The clinic season runs through Dec. 31st. AHAI will also run a small number of in-person clinics, dates to be determined, for Level 1, 2, and 3 only. USA Hockey staff will run the virtual clinics for all Level 4's. This year as we post registrations for Level 1, 2, and 3 clinics, we will be able to keep those private for a short period of time allowing only Central District coaches access to sign-up before we open it to the entire country. Hopefully this makes it easier for coaches to find clinics.

More to follow and looking forward to getting the clinic season started!
USA HOCKEY NEWS
USA Hockey Annual Congress Meeting and Awards Reception
USA Hockey hosted their Annual Congress meetings June 8-11th in Denver. Affiliates from the entire country, along with USA Hockey staff, coaches and referees attended the event. There were breakout meetings for several of the various councils and committees, including Central Districts, SafeSport, Youth Council, Disabled, High School, Girls, Playing Rules, Coaches, Referees and Adults, to name a few. There were great ideas exchanged, information shared, and discussions on how to continue to better the game of hockey.
A highlight of the conference was the Awards Reception where fellow hockey community members are recognized for all of their efforts in improving the game through the years, or awarded for their accomplishments in the game. This year, AHAI was so proud to see two former Illinois players were recognized.

Dryden McKay, from Downers Grove, received the Jim Johannson College Player of the Year award. Dryden just completed his senior year at Minnesota State, where he won the 2022 Hobey Baker award. Dryden signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He grew up playing for the Chicago Mission and CYA before being drafted to the USHL.

Alex Tracy, from Beverly, received the Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year award. Alex played for the Chicago Fury and was drafted to the NAHL and played for the Johnstown Tomahawks before moving on to the USHL. This past season Alex played for the USHL Sioux City Musketeers team winning the 2022 Clark Cup Championship. He has committed to play at Minnesota State University (Mankato).
AHAI President, Kevin Bolger, Alex Tracy, Dryden McKay, and AHAI Executive Director John Dunne at the USA Hockey awards reception.
Dryden McKay being awarded the Jim Johannson College Player of the Year award.
Dryden McKay and his father, Ross McKay.
Alex Tracy being awarded the Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year award.
Alex Tracy and his father, Joe Tracy.
2002 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team Inducted to USOP Hall of Fame
By: USA Hockey
A look back at the 2002 run by Harry Thompson

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee announced on Monday that the 2002 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team will be inducted to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame as a part of the Class of 2022.
The induction ceremony will take place on June 24 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Winners of the first-ever Paralympic sled hockey gold medal in Team USA history, the 2002 team paved the way for the success that has followed on the ice. The team has medaled in every Games since then, including four-straight gold medals.

Skating to a 6-0 record on home ice in Salt Lake, the team outscored its opponents by a combined score of 22-3 on its way to a gold-medal matchup against Norway. In a tightly contested battle, the U.S. came out victorious in a 4-3 shootout win.
Congratulations to the following Illinois players from the 2002 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team:
Brian Rhue, Chicago
Sylvester Flis, Franklin Park
Matt Copens, Richten Park
Patrick Byrne, Chicago
Jack Sanders, Pekin
Dan Henderson, Chicago

Jeffrey Uyeno, Equipment Manager, Glenview
U.S. Takes Home Silver at 2022 U18 Women's Worlds
By USA Hockey
The U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team earned silver at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship after a 3-2 loss to Canada in the gold-medal game here tonight at LaBahn Arena.“We had a little bit of a slow start and we knew it was going to be a tough game,” head coach Katie Lachapelle said. “We weren’t really consistent at the start but we certainly picked it up but just couldn’t get that last one in.” READ MORE<<<
Two Players on U.S. Under-18 Women's National Team Representing Illinois Hockey

Birthday: 8/5/2004
Hometown: Barrington
Most Recent Team:
Chicago Mission
Future: Committed to play at the University of Wisconsin

Birthday: 5/12/2004
Hometown: Orangeville
Most Recent Team:
NAHA Winterhawks
Future: Committed to play at Penn State University
AROUND THE RINK
The Places Hockey Will Take You
By: Jana Krausfeldt, Communications Manager and Steve Feinberg
Defenseman Cooper Feinberg started skating in the Glen Ellyn Admirals Mitey Mite program when he was 5 years old. He then moved to the Chicago Blues, playing for former Olympian coach Chris Imes, where he landed on the Central States team. As a Pee Wee Minor, his focus and intensity caught the eye of Jimmy Andersen at the Chicago Fury, where Cooper continued to develop as a hockey player and elite student. His move to the Fury also started a playing streak - 7 straight seasons without missing a game. His Bantam Major season started a run of three state championships and three Regional qualifiers, a Regional championship, and USA Hockey Nationals appearance.

When Cooper turned 14 he set his eyes on playing hockey for the Air Force Academy. He began meeting with distinguished alumni to understand the Academy experience. As a 15 year old he was recruited by Stanley Cup winner and Olympian Brian Rafalski to play for the Green Bay Gamblers AAA hockey team. After earning a roster spot he trained with local coaches during the week and commuted to Waupaca, Wisconsin on the weekends for 7 hours, or more, of on-ice training under the tutelage of the Hall of Fame defenseman.

The Chicago Mission had their eye on Cooper when he left to play hockey in Wisconsin, and as an 18U Cooper earned a roster spot playing for the Mission, the team he always wanted to play for.
Hockey has done many things for Cooper, including helping to hone his leadership skills, and he developed an opportunity to give back to the game he loves. In August before his 18U season Cooper organized a 2-day, all expenses paid, hockey event for underprivileged 12-13 year old hockey players in Illinois. The Chicago Blackhawks donated ice at Fifth Third Arena and Cooper recruited campers from the local clubs, several local coaches, and his brother Mack helped run the event. READ MORE<<<
Former Fenwick star Fabbrini returns as school's new Head Coach
By Ross Forman
He’s back, and already talking about Fenwick winning the Kennedy Cup and the Illinois High School State Championship.

Nick Fabbrini, a 2004 graduate of Fenwick High School, returned to the school this spring, accepting its head coaching position. The 36-year-old Fabbrini played two varsity seasons for the Friars and they won state both years. Fenwick was a combined 109-26-4 during his two seasons.

Fenwick also won the famed Kennedy Cup, presented to the Chicago Catholic Hockey League champion, those two seasons.
“I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to come back and lead a program that means so much to me and to so many others,” Fabbrini said. “Fenwick Hockey has been around for almost 60 years and has a tradition of excellence that few programs can match.

“I’ve talked to the (school’s athletic) director and principal a few times over the last few years, both when they were looking for a new coach and when they weren’t, to offer my support and insight. The opportunity to work in the school every day and to see our student-athletes on a daily basis definitely added a level of intrigue that maybe didn’t exist before … but I’ve always had an eye on coming back.” READ MORE<<<
IHOA NEWS & INFORMATION
2022-2023 IHOA Registration Update
By: Anthony Fiorito, IHOA Registrar

IHOA has been hard at work getting ready to start the 22-23 season strong with our seminars beginning in Mid-July. As we look back at this year, we are extremely proud of our entire membership for their dedication and resilience in working through this pandemic as everyone adjusts to the new normal. For 22-23, IHOA already has 32 seminars confirmed, with the intention of adding more.

In accordance with USA Hockey’s guidelines for this upcoming season, IHOA’s seminars will be structured as follows:
Level 1’s
  • Hybrid model consisting of (1) night of virtual classroom through Zoom (4 Hours)
  • (1) In-person session including on-ice instruction & in-person classrooms (4 Hours)

Level 2’s
  • Hybrid model consisting of (1) night of virtual classroom through Zoom (4 hours)
  • (1) In-person on-ice session partnered with a brief classroom meeting immediately after, or prior to, the ice portion (2 Hours)

Level 3’s
  • (1) Virtual classroom session through Zoom (4 Hours)

Level 4’s
  • (1) Virtual classroom session through Zoom (4 Hours)

USA hockey registration opened on June 1st, and IHOA plans on opening our registration on July 1st at 8am.
Confirmed Seminars to Date
These will be hosted on site at the rinks listed below, all with an accompanying virtual session that will take place on the Thursday prior to the below date.

All candidates must attend BOTH sessions to receive credit, and the sessions must occur in conjunction with the assigned virtual/in person session. There will be no mixing & matching, if you sign up for an in-person session on the weekend you must be available the Thursday that immediately precedes it.
  • August 7th, 2022 – Fifth Third Ice Arena – Chicago
  • August 13th, 2022 – Rolling Meadows Community Center – Rolling Meadows
  • August 14th, 2022 – Fox Valley Ice Arena – Geneva
  • August 14th, 2022 – Mount Prospect Ice Arena – Mount Prospect
  • August 20th, 2022 – Rocket Ice Arena – Bollingbrook
  • August 21st, 2022 – Darien Sportsplex – Darien
  • August 28th, 2022 – Robert Crown Community Center – Evanston
  • September 11th, 2022 – Arctic Ice Arena – Orland Park
  • September 17th, 2022 – Glacier Ice Arena – Vernon Hills
  • September 24th, 2022 – Triphahn Ice Arena – Hoffman Estates
These will be hosted on site at the rinks listed below, all with an accompanying virtual session that will take place on the Thursday prior to the below date.

All candidates must attend BOTH sessions to receive credit, and the sessions must occur in conjunction with the assigned virtual/in person session. There will be no mixing & matching, if you sign up for an in-person session on the weekend you must be available the Thursday that immediately precedes it.
  • August 7th, 2022 – Fifth Third Ice Arena – Chicago
  • August 14th, 2022 – Fox Valley Ice Arena – Geneva
  • August 20th, 2022 – Rocket Ice Arena – Bollingbrook
  • August 21st, 2022 – Darien Sportsplex – Darien
  • September 17th, 2022 – Glacier Ice Arena – Vernon Hills
  • September 24th, 2022 – Triphahn Ice Arena – Hoffman Estates
These will be full virtual sessions hosted on the dates listed below.
  • July 13th, 2022
  • July 27th, 2022
  • August 10th, 2022
  • August 24th, 2022
  • September 7th, 2022
  • September 21st, 2022
  • October 5th, 2022
  • October 19th, 2022
These will be full virtual sessions hosted on the dates listed below.
  • July 13th, 2022
  • July 27th, 2022
  • August 10th, 2022
  • August 24th, 2022
  • September 7th, 2022
  • September 21st, 2022
  • October 5th, 2022
  • October 19th, 2022
We sincerely hope you can join us for our seminars, and we promise that you will not be disappointed with the perspective and knowledge you gain from “our” point of view.
Hockey is, and always will be, the greatest game on earth. Join us and help us continue to grow our great sport right here in Illinois.

Any questions on registration or certification for the upcoming season can be directed to Registrar@ihoa.com.

We hope to see you all later this summer!
Golden Moment: Local official reflects on 2022 Winter Olympics and more
By Ross Forman
Finland took the final medal of Beijing 2022 this past February, winning the nation’s first ever Winter Olympic ice hockey gold medal with a 2-1 victory over the defending champions, the ROC. The Finns became world champions for a third time in 2019, but had never won Olympic gold, twice reaching the deciding game (1988 and 2006) but falling short.

That deciding game, with viewers around the world holding their breath with every slapshot and kick-save, truly resonated in Illinois.
Billy Hancock, 30, who had been living in Lake Villa and spent 10 years officiating in IHOA, was a linesman, one of the four on-ice officials. And it was Scott Zelkin, of Buffalo Grove, who, in his role as Manager, Officiating Development Program for USA Hockey, had the honor of informing Hancock that, yes, he would be skating the gold medal game.

“I was fortunate to be one of the four Officiating Coaches assigned by the IIHF to oversee the Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey tournament,” Zelkin said. “The day before the medal games we had individual meetings with all the officials who worked the Olympics.

“One of the highlights of my professional career was being able to tell Billy, and (fellow American) Andrew Bruggeman who refereed the game, that they were working the gold medal game. 

“The smile on (Hancock’s) face was priceless.
Ask the Official
By Dave Zednik

QUESTION: Is there a difference in what is allowed in a Body Checking category versus a Competitive Contact category when it comes to competing for the puck and body position?

ANSWER: Competitive contact and body position are very important parts of both the body checking and competitive contact games. Although there will be some differences in the amount of force that may be allowed at the younger or lower levels, the same principle of establishing body position exists in both categories and the methods used are the same. The only exception is the use of a body check, which is illegal in the Competitive Contact category.
ILLINOIS HOCKEY HEADLINES
Congratulations to the 17 Illinois players selected in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the 2022 USHL Draft! Click buttons below to view the 2022 Draftees.
Congratulations to the 6 Illinois players selected during the 2022 NAHL Draft held on Wednesday, June 15! Please click here  for complete results.
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS SUMMER CAMPS
Fifth Third Arena is hosting the first Windy City SmokeOut Tournament. This tournament is for those who want to experience a fun weekend full of Hockey, Food and Drink, Top Country Music and so much more! The tournament runs parallel with the Windy City SmokeOut Festival, which is nationally known as a top-tier music venue with country music's top artists preforming from Thursday-Sunday.

Teams are encouraged to arrive early Thursday for a day of fun and excitement at the festival. Private locker rooms will be available on reservation basis for gear storage. Teams will receive coupon codes after registering for the tournament. 

Teams will receive t-shirts upon checking in on day 1, 3 round-robin games, playoffs for seeds 1-4, post-game beverages as well as multiple drink packages during the weekend, a tour of the Blackhawks private area and much more!

Don't pass up this amazing opportunity to participate in the best tournament for 2022! Submit your team registration today HERE!
Chicago Blackhawks Summer Camps are back for 2022!
Camps will be held at the Chicago Blackhawks practice facility, Fifth Third Arena, and Mt. Prospect Ice Arena.

All of our camps will feature experienced and highly-skilled coaches, including Blackhawks alumni, to help your child learn from the very best in the business.
Summer Camp Dates:
Mount Prospect Ice Arena: July 11-15
Fifth Third Arena: July 18-22
Dream Big Camp at Fifth Third Arena: July 22-24
Fifth Third Arena: July 25-29
Mount Prospect Ice Arena: August 8-12
ILLINOIS HOCKEY HALL OF FAME BIO SERIES
Joe Modrich, Builder's Category
Joe is fifth of eleven children, born in a house his father built in Franklin Park when Midway was the big airport in Chicago. Then, frozen ponds were everywhere and everyone skated on flat ground skates sharpened by a shoemaker. Led by the visionary Moms in the growing town, the Park District formation in 1964 changed everything. All ice was natural for many years after and Joe had the opportunity to flood the ponds and snow-banked rinks as a Park District worker and Ice Guard all through High School.

Interest in Parks & Recreation education led to playing on the Triton College Hockey Team in 1970-72 at a time when all Junior Colleges in Northern Illinois had teams. Finishing at Southern Illinois University Joe graduated in August 1974 after a Park District internship, having the good fortune to begin his career with the Franklin Park Ice Arena that just opened in August that year. Park District and private Ice Facilities were being built seemingly everywhere, ushering in a major boom for ice hockey, figure skating, and speed skating. READ MORE<<<
SAVE THE DATE
Mark Gore Memorial Golf Tournament
The Mark Gore Committee & Puck Cancer cordially invite you to participate in the 2nd Annual Mark Gore Memorial Golf Outing. This outing was started after the passing of our brother in stripes Mark Gore after his long battle with cancer. Mark was not only an official; he was a valued member of the hockey community. Mark did not start officiating until later in his hockey career. Once Mark started officiating, he was hooked. Mark for several years excelled as an official not only on the ice but off. Besides the games he officiated, Mark was also a beloved mentor, instructor, evaluator, and in addition was always ready to help any official in need. If we could all be like Mark for 1 day a year the officiating community would benefit extraordinarily.
 
Mark Gore Committee & Puck Cancer invite you to register today.
 
Details:
Date: Friday, June 24th 1:00 PM shotgun start
Location: Bridges of Poplar Creek, Hoffman estates
Cost: $85 per golfer
Hole sponsorship: $250
Registration is open: PuckCancer.org/MGoreGolf
Questions contact PuckCancer.golf@gmail.com
 
All proceeds from the outing go to Puck Cancer to assist in the great fight of this terrible illness of several hockey families. Please help assist this wonderful organization with their fight at https://www.puckcancer.org
 
Mark Gore Memorial Golf Committee as follows:
Nick & Courtney Gore and Family
Puck Cancer
Jack Raslawski
Carl Sassolino
George Cecala
Brad Baumruck
 
Pull the summer sticks out and join us!!
SHARE YOUR SUMMER PHOTOS!
Send Photos of Your Summer Fun to Share on Social Media
Send us pictures of how you are enjoying summer break and we'll share them to the AHAI Instagram page. We can't wait to see how everyone stays active and spends their free-time in the off-season!

Email photos with player name, age, team and a caption or description, if necessary, to communications@ahai2.org.
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