WHERE DO I BELONG?
By Jack Weinberg, AHAI High School Committee Chair
There seems to be some confusion as to where participants and fans belong at the rink. The player benches are restricted for safety and administrative reasons to specific numbers and types of people. A team may only have twenty players including 2 goalies for any game. A total of 4 coaches maximum are allowed on the bench.

In some cases there will be an adult in the penalty box to open and close the door; they may not be coaching, interfacing with on-ice officials or cheering. They are minor officials as are the scorekeeper and clock operator. They cease to be allowed to do anything but the specific task for which they are in those areas. If they do, they will be removed from those special areas.

A certified professional trainer hired by the team may be on the bench if they have the proper credentials, but should not attempt to treat a player while on the bench. The player and trainer should move to a safe area behind the glass so they do not get hurt while they are distracted from watching the game. Photographers do not belong on the bench area at any time during the game.

Parents and fans do not belong on the bench, nor should they hang over the glass or attempt to engage an official in any sort of dialog. The USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Policy which is available online, is designed to keep the game civil, safe and enjoyable for everyone at the rink. It is in force at every USA Hockey sanctioned game.

Please observe these restrictions at all games in order to help keep the game safe and enjoyable for all.
FORMAN'S OCTOBER TOP 25 RANKINGS
New Trier Green suffered losses on consecutive days in mid-October, but neither game was against an Illinois high school team. The Trevians lost 2-0 to the U18 Amherst Knights, then 2-1 to the U19 Kingston Junior Gaels. Both games were during a tournament in Michigan. Green recovered to topple Barrington 6-0 on Oct. 23, then slipped past Saint Viator, 2-1 the following night. The Trevians remain the No. 1-ranked team in Illinois and, on Saturday, Nov. 9, they face longtime rival Loyola Gold for the first time this season.
Forman's Top 25 Rankings As Of October 28, 2019
1. New Trier Green 
2. Glenbrook North 
3. Saint Viator 
4. Providence Catholic 
5. Glenbrook South 
6. Loyola Gold
7. Stevenson 
8. Barrington 
9. St. Ignatius 
10. Benet Academy
FORMAN'S VARSITY SPOTLIGHTS
No Surprises Anymore: Deerfield Has An ‘Expect To Win’ Approach
Deerfield skated to a 5-5 tie against Stevenson on Tuesday, Sept. 24, and then four nights later, the Warriors battled perennial-power Glenbrook North to a 2-2 tie. The Warriors weren’t even ranked among the Top 25 teams to open the season, yet skated with two perennial powers. There’s certainly joy in the Home of the Warriors.
Warren Girls: ‘They Want to Have Fun, On the Ice and Off’
Warren opened the season against defending state champion Fenwick, then faced the 2018 state champion New Trier. Let’s just say, things can only go up from there, as the Blue Devils fell 9-0 and then 10-0, respectively. “While the score may have been lopsided in both games, the Warren girls have never given up. They are upbeat and encourage each other on the ice and in the locker room,” said Warren head coach Manny Ballestero, 54, in his 16th season coaching – his ninth for Warren.
Chiefs Look to Build for Late-Season Push in North Central Division
Other than their season-opener, which was a 5-0 road loss to the Fox Valley Hawks, D211 Chiefs Varsity Grey has been in each of its first eight games. Their record only stands at 2-4-2, yet in each of their three other setbacks, it’s been either a one- or two-goal game. Optimism is still skating strong for the Chiefs.
FORMAN'S JV SPOTLIGHT: NICHOLAS JOHNSON
As a freshman for the Crystal Lake South JV team, Nicholas Johnson played forward and though he admittedly did not have a lot of speed, he was able to position himself around the net, which led to some goals.

“During the season, there were a couple of games that Coach (Wayne) Bowers put me on defense and I decided I liked that position better,” Johnson said. “By the next season, I had picked up some speed and asked Coach Bower if I could switch to defense. He said we could try it out and I ended up on defense full-time. I worked on my slap shot and was even able to score a few points as a defenseman.” This season, Johnson transitioned again – to goalie.
IHSHL LEAGUE REPORTS
Metro Girls League
By Pam Flores - The tiering round in the Metro Girls High School season is well underway. Many games are yet to be played, but this season is shaping up to be highly competitive. Standings update to come next month!

Click the button below for complete details on all the community service, college commits and alumni news in October.
North Central Division
By Christopher Waters - The North Central season is well underway and there is great hockey being played in all divisions! Click HERE to follow stats and standings.

North Central is the largest high school conference and our organizations are highly involved in their schools and communities. Click button below for complete North Central update.