By Nicole D. Reams, M.D. ~ Sports concussion is something that everyone is talking about - how to avoid or reduce the risk, how to recognize concussion symptoms, and what return to play should look like. Nicole Reams, Sports Neurologist and Associate Director, Sports Concussion Program at NorthShore discusses commonly asked questions surrounding concussion, and the best ways to keep your athlete safe. READ MORE>>

We are only a week away from closing out our 7th year of the "A Step aHead" program, which provides FREE baseline neurocognitive testing and education on concussions to the youth hockey community. Registration closes on November 30, 2017. All AHAI players aged 11-18 years old are eligible for free baseline testing. Please note that registration will be online only; do not call Athletico directly. REGISTER>>

With December just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about purchasing the perfect gifts for your family and friends, coaches and team managers! If you are stumped for the perfect gift for your hockey lover, these gifts are sure to be a big hit. Mouse over an item and click to view product's website. Click  button below  for the 2017 AHAI Holiday Gift Guide.

By Ross Forman ~ Don't eat too much pumpkin pie, there's plenty of high school hockey happening locally over the Thanksgiving break.  The annual Stevenson Thanksgiving Tournament officially kicks off on Monday, Nov. 20, when BG/H/W battles the Skokie U18 midget team, with the puck set to drop at 7:25 p.m., at Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion in Buffalo Grove. PREDICTIONS>>

Meanwhile, the 46th annual Loyola Thanksgiving Tournament will feature its traditional 16-team field in Wilmette, along with a separate 8-team tournament. The Varsity 1 lineup features many of the elite Illinois teams, such as New Trier Green, Glenbrook North, Benet Academy, Providence Catholic and St. Viator, among others. PREDICTIONS>>

The 24th Annual Chicago Blackhawks Charities High School Hockey Classic, presented by the Chicago Blackhawks Charities, will take place at the Edge Ice Arena located  from Tuesday, December 26, 2017 through Friday, December 29, 2017. All Tournament proceeds benefit Chicago Blackhawks Charities which supports amateur hockey as well as underprivileged and abused children. We invite you to bring the family out to watch some exciting high school hockey action during this holiday season. SCHEDULE & BRACKETS>>

By Pam Flores ~ We are about midway through the tiering round of the Metro Girls High School season and all the girls' teams are playing hard to secure a spot in the Scholastic or Founders division. New Trier Varsity is currently in first place with an undefeated 6-0 record. Glenbrook South High School is currently in the second spot at 5-2-1, followed by Loyola Academy at 4-2 and Lake Forest at 4-1.  The competition among the teams has been fierce but friendly! READ MORE>>

USA Hockey announced the 22 players for the 2017 U.S. Junior Select Team that includes includes Illinois' Graham Lillibridge (Geneva), Jack Drury (Winnetka) and Jack Randl (Carpentersville). The U.S. Junior Select Team will participate in the 2017 World Junior A Challenge from Dec. 10-16 in Truro, Nova Scotia  FULL ARTICLE>>

Two (2) Illinois girls teams claimed CCM World Invite Championship titles on November 12th, the Chicago Mission Girls 14U and the Sabre Girls 19U teams. Illinois also had numerous teams advance through to the quarter final round (click HERE for a complete list).  A shout out to all our Illinois girls teams for their nice showing at the 2017 CCM World Girls Invite in Detroit!

Join us at MB Ice Arena, the new Chicago Blackhawks Community Ice Rink, for a two-day Holiday Hockey Camp! The camp will provide a fun, skill-oriented experience for local youth hockey players and feature Blackhawks alumni coaches. Camp will run five hours per day and include an exclusive Blackhawks Holiday Camp jersey. Proceeds from the Chicago Blackhawks Holiday Hockey Camp will go to the Eddie Olczyk Youth Hockey Award. CAMP DETAILS>>

In partnership with AHAI  and Beko Home Appliances , the Chicago Blackhawks shootout competition allows participants to showcase their skills while contending to become the top shooter or goalie in the Squirt-age division. The competition will take place at the MB Ice Arena on  January 3, 2018 . The top two goalies and top two skaters will battle for the championship in front of a sellout crowd at the United Center during the intermission of the Chicago Blackhawks home game on  January 7, 2018 ! The winning team (player and goalie) will accompany the Chicago Blackhawks Fan Development staff to the 2018 NHL® All-Star Game in Tampa Bay from  January 27-28, 2018  to compete against other Squirt-age winners from around the NHL. REGISTER NOW>>

Come join the Rockford IceHogs for their Youth Hockey Weekend at the BMO Harris Bank Center Friday, December 22nd and Saturday, December 23rd! Come with your team or your family. Every team that comes out will be recognized. You do not want to miss out on this opportunity! For more information on discounted tickets and getting your team out to see the future Chicago Blackhawks contact McKenna at  815-847-6386 or  [email protected].