Volume 5 Issue 11 | November 26, 2018
Outscore Your Mistakes
By Jamie MacDonald, Mass Hockey
Earlier this month, 23-year-old New York Rangers defenseman Neal Pionk took a puck from behind his own net and, with pressure bearing down on him, whipped up a spin-o-rama within a few feet of his own net in a 3-3 tie game. The clip went viral, of course, leading to what could have been a referendum on what constitutes a mistake in hockey these days. 
In the eyes of Kenny Rausch, the former Boston University standout and current Director of Youth Hockey at USA Hockey, this was no mistake, and he let the Twitter world know. Rausch is part of a vanguard movement to not only embrace mistakes, but also to encourage them. In his worldview, along with a growing number of others, outscoring mistakes is a whole lot more enjoyable – and important to player development – than eliminating them
ILLINOIS NEWS
The Blackhawks Are Excited to Offer the Little Blackhawks Learn to Play Program for the Third Year!
The Little Blackhawks Learn to Play initiative was developed jointly by the NHL and the NHLPA to offer more families a chance to experience everything that makes youth hockey so rewarding. Learn to Play changes the way youth hockey is offered by providing first-time participants between the ages 5-9 head-to-toe equipment, age-appropriate instruction and certified coaching led by local rink staff and NHL Alumni in a fun and safe atmosphere. Registration opens in December and sessions begin in the spring!
ADM ACROSS AMERICA
Dallas Stars Xtreme Team Boosts Youth Hockey in Texas and Beyond
As youth hockey continues to evolve, clubs are finding new and creative ways to promote athletic excellence and build strong hockey communities. The Dallas Stars’ youth program is one such example.
The Stars host age-specific skills clinics and camps designed to grow the game using techniques recommended by USA Hockey and its American Development Model. Since 2014, the Stars have conducted these camps using highly-trained coaches who travel to locations throughout the Dallas Stars Metro Hockey League (DSMHL).
Try Hockey for Free Dasy Pivotal in Growth of Howard County Huskies
Since 1971, the Howard County (Maryland) Huskies have emphasized many of the components endorsed by USA Hockey and its American Development Model: cross-ice programs, sportsmanship, teamwork, and character-building. Their desire is to make sure every player has a chance to play at his or her skill level through recreational and Tier II travel teams. The Huskies cover all of Howard County, which is located in Central Maryland. In its first year, the club had 45 players. This season, it now counts around 450, and just launched its first 12U girls team.
USA HOCKEY ADM NEWS
4 Myths of Cross Ice Hockey
Two-time U.S. Olympian Guy Gosselin is a hockey man, not a scientist, but he sometimes finds himself in a mythbusting role with USA Hockey and one of the core principles of the American Development Model. The myth is that cross-ice hockey is impeding the progress of 8U players.
10U Q-and-A: Should Goalies Do Skating Drills with Other Players?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions there is at this level, and the answer is twofold: First, goalies are players too, and second, yes! 
Cut at 12U, Martin St. Louis Persevered En Route to Hall of Fame
Martin St. Louis is one of the greatest – and perhaps underappreciated – underdog stories in pro sports history. Along the way, St Louis learned countless lessons that he’s now passing on as a coach to his sons' teams and with USA Hockey.
MULTIMEDIA
Echoes Beyond the Game: The Lasting Power of a Coach's Words
A discussion of the lasting power of words on youth athletes. Coach Reed explains that skills can be soon forgotten, but words will always be remembered.
COACHING NEWS & INFORMATION
On-Ice: 8U - Speed Agility with Body Contact
Purpose: To emphasize speed and change-of-direction training in a fun, athletic agility course. Also, to add introductory body-contact techniques.
Off-Ice: Obstacle Course

Purpose: Quick hands, agility, creativity. Be creative with this stickhandling drill and make a challenging obstacle course from household items.
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