IN THIS ISSUE
Volume 6 Issue 6 |  August 1, 2018
BLAIR USES INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE TO ADVANCE LOCAL OFFICIATING
Illinois Hockey Officials Association (IHOA) looks to expand number of female officials

Erin Blair started officiating as a way to make some extra money.  She improved, advanced and blossomed into one of the best female referees anywhere - not just locally, but across the country and beyond. Just look at her officiating resume.  She has officiated the prestigious NCAA Frozen Four four times, including twice at the top-tiered Division I level. She also was a referee at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

"I lived at the rink in college, so (officiating) was easy money. Over time I became addicted to the challenge of officiating the next game. The speed and skill of the players kept me on my toes and drove my desire to be the best. I have now turned my passion to teaching and educating officials on how to follow in my footsteps."  Particularly local female officials.

Blair, who lives in Elgin, has been officiating for 19 seasons. She is the co-chair of the AHAI / IHOA Development Committee.  Her officiating career also has included games skated in the SPHL, seven IIHF Women's World Championships from 2007-2013, the 2008 4 Nations Tournaments, and the 2009 U18 World Championships, including the gold medal game.  FULL ARTICLE>>
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AHAI NEWS & INFORMATION
Tier II Substitute Choice Application Process for 2018-19 Season
The Tier II substitute choice application process, 10U through 16U/18U began on July 20,2018. All applications will be submitted online. The Tier II Committee will only have (3) three appeal hearings this year for those denied a substitute choice. The dates for the appeals are August 9, August 29, and September 6, 2018 at 6:30pm at the North Shore Ice Arena. If denied, please email Gregg Chudacoff, AHAI Tier II Chairman, at  [email protected] with your preferred appeal hearing date. The deadline for applying for a substitute choice will be September 15th, 2018. APPLY NOW>>
AHAI Can Help Promote Your Fall Program!
AHAI has a tab on www.ahaienews.com to help our affiliate organizations promote their hockey programs. Visit the "Affiliate Club Hockey Program" tab on the far right side of our navigation bar.  When AHAI families mouse over this tab they will be able to choose programs to view from several drop-down options - both Boys and Girls High School, Tier I, Tier II, Tier III, Girls, Adult, as well as Park District and Learn-to-Skate Programs. Click HERE to find out how your club can reach more people by having your program listed on the "Affiliate Club Hockey Program" Tab.
Subscribe to Our ADM, Girls & High School Snapshot Monthly Newsletters
Did you know that AHAI publishes 3 monthly newsletters in addition to our bi-monthly newsletter, SNAPSHOT? We also publish ADM Snapshot (for our 10 & under players), Girls Snapshot and new this season, IHSHL Snapshot to keep you up to date on all things High School hockey (inaugural issue will be released the end of September). Don't miss out on the latest news and information...click HERE to subscribe or text "AHAI" to 22828.
Sports Physical vs. Regular Physical: What's the Difference?
By Hallie Labrador, MD - Sports Medicine at NorthShore  -  It's almost time to get back to school - and back to school teams and sports! While a physical is required for most students returning to classes this fall, there is an option of a regular physical and a sports physical. Dr. Hallie Labrador, Primary Care Sports Medicine specialist at NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute, discusses the difference between these two physicals to guide you in choosing the best option for your child prior to starting the new school year. READ MORE>>
A STEP aHEAD REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
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.
Save the Date: A Step aHead Hockey Safety Symposium
We are excited to announce our very first "A Step aHead Hockey Safety Symposium" on Saturday, September 29 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the United Center. This free event will include local and national speakers on a variety of topics that impact the health and safety of youth hockey players. Stay tuned to the AHAI Newsletter for more information.
COACHING NEWS & INFORMATION
Level 4 CEP Clinic at MB Ice Arena Announced
We are pleased to announce that there will be a Level 4 Coaching Education Program (CEP) Clinic on Saturday, August 18th at MB Ice Arena , home of the Chicago Blackhawks practice facility. The clinic will run from 8:45am on Saturday, August 18 through 1pm on Sunday, August 19. Coaches must attend both days to receive their Level 4 certification. Lunch will be provided on Saturday, and all coaches will also receive a tour of the Chicago Blackhawks practice facility. Please note that Sunday's clinic will include both on- and off-ice components. Click HERE for more information/registration. Questions? Contact USAH Central District Coach-in-Chief, Doug Dietz at [email protected].
AHAI 2018-2019 CEP Clinic Schedule Opened for Registration on July 10 with 1st Clinics Schedule on August 11 and 12, 2018.
IHOA NEWS & INFORMATION
AHAI / IHOA Officials Development  Committee Announces Dates for Rules Review, Level 4 Skates & ADP Tryouts
Rules Review dates and locations are: the Edge Ice Arena on August 5th from 5-7pm, Southwest Ice Arena on August 7th from 7-9pm and Lake Forest College on August 13th from 7-9pm. The remaining  Level 4 Skate and ADP Tryout  will be held at Orland Park Ice Arena on August 2nd from 7-8:30pm.
2018-2019 IHOA Officiating Seminar Schedule Announced
Online registration for both IHOA and USA Hockey opens today. ALL officials must be registered with IHOA to attend a seminar and it is highly recommended that officials register with USA Hockey and complete the open book test and online modules BEFORE attending their seminar. Please note:  USA Hockey has various requirements for each certification level. Please visit the USA Hockey and IHOA websites for information. To be completely registered, you must meet both IHOA and USA Hockey requirements. SEMINAR SCHEDULE>>
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.3).  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 hateful or discriminatory language when heard. These situations must be penalized according to the rule. READ MORE>>
DISABLED HOCKEY HEADLINES
Chicago Well Represented on U.S. Blind Hockey Team, Battles Canada in October
Blind Hockey continues to grow, anchored locally at Center Ice of DuPage
By Ross Forman - All roads lead to Pittsburgh for the U.S. Blind Hockey Team, to battle its counterparts from Canada, Oct. 12-14, hosted by the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Mike Svac, of suburban Chicago, is the team's general manager and head coach, and the U.S. roster features three players from the Chicago Blackhawks Blind Hockey Team: Anthony Chesrow (Carol Stream), Luke Miller (Elmhurst) and Matthew Miller (Elmhurst). READ MORE>>


Illinois Roybal & McKee Named to 2018-19 U.S. Natl Sled Hockey Team Roster
USA Hockey announced the 17-player roster for the  2018-19 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team, which includes Illinois' Brody Roybal (Northlake) and Kevin McKee (Chicago). Both Roybal and McKee are returnees from  Team USA's Paralympic gold medal-winning efforts at the 2014 and 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. READ MORE>>
GIRLS HOCKEY HEADLINES

By Anita Lichterman, Girls Committee Chairwoman
USA Hockey Rule: 12U Girls Playing Up on 14U Team
On June 9, 2018, USA Hockey approved a proposal to allow 12U players to play up on a 14U team with the following conditions (this is only at the Tier II level):  a.)  No more than 3 12U players with a 2006 birth year will be permitted to play up if needed to field a Girls' 14U team with a roster size recommended by the ADM (the roster size for this age group is 16 skaters & 2 goalies); or,  b.)  There is no 12U Girls team available in the local geographic area. The intent of this approval is mainly for those in more rural areas where gathering female hockey players together is more difficult & the purpose is to give more opportunities to these same females to play on an All Girls' team.
HIGH SCHOOL HEADLINES
The Warriors Way: Randy Schlesinger Driven for Success at Deerfield
One of the most heated rivalries in Illinois high school hockey kicked up the temperature over the summer.  Mark your calendars now, when Deerfield plays arch-rival Highland Park on Wednesday, Nov. 21 - their traditional battle in front of an overflow, raucous crowd at The Glacier Ice Arena in Vernon Hills - it might well be the most entertaining game of the season. READ MORE>>
BLACKHAWKS & ICEHOGS 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.
Chicago Blackhawks Hockey Camp: Limited Spots Remaining - Register Today!
There are limited spots remaining in the last Blackhawks Hockey Camp at MB Ice Arena from August 6th -10th .  Please click HERE for more information or to register.

Check Out the Rockford IceHogs Youth Hockey Experiences
The Rockford IceHogs are looking to get your team on the ice at the BMO Harris Bank Center this 2018-19 season with their youth hockey experiences. Cheer on the IceHogs and skate the same ice as the future stars of the NHL! Call 815-847-6386 or [email protected]  to lock in your team's spot today!
AROUND THE BOARDS
Hockey Night at the Ballpark Is Monday, August 6th!
It's time to trade in your twigs for bats! The Chicago White Sox are hosting Hockey Night at the Ballpark on Monday, August 6th, vs. the New York Yankees, and they are offering a discounted price for Youth and Adult Team members, as well as their families and friends. Click  HERE  for more information.