Volume 5 Issue 12 | December 26, 2018
Exchange Program Between USA Hockey and Finland a Learning Experience for Both Nations
By Greg Bates, Special to AHAI
Even though Finland is a relatively small country in terms of population, it has had a large imprint on the sport of hockey. Last season, 39 Finnish-born players skated in the NHL. The Finnish Ice Hockey Association (FIHA) has proven it does a great job of growing and developing its players, getting them ready for the top competition in the world.

USA Hockey, the national governing body for ice hockey in the United States, and FIHA, the governing body in Finland, teamed up earlier this decade to form a development exchange program for both organizations to learn from the other’s successes. For eight days in late November/early December, two regional managers, Pekka Peltola and Jari Saastamoinen, from FIHA traveled to the United States to meet with USA Hockey representatives in Illinois.
ILLINOIS NEWS
Girls United Hockey - Equipment Fitting Days Announced
By Tracy Cimba - When AHAI set out to create a girls only introduction to hockey program, the committee members were determined to overcome many of the obstacles they hear that dissuade families from getting their daughters involved. Mainly, keep program costs down, make it convenient for families, provide consistent scheduling, make the season shorter so girls can play multiple sports and most importantly, in addition to skill development, make the experience fun in a no pressure environment so girls can meet new friends and form a love for the game. Click the button below to visit our website for more information and registration.
ADM ACROSS AMERICA
8U Jamboree & CEP Clinic Builds on Iron Range Hockey Tradition
By Kelsey Roseth - Keep the kids moving. That's the philosophy USA Hockey's American Development Model regional manager Roger Grillo recently shared with coaches during Minnesota Hockey's recent District 12 8-and-Under Jamboree and USA Hockey Level 1 Coaching Education Clinic. “At this age, our major focus is engagement, skill development and just having fun,” said Grillo. “Station-based practices really focus on the individual needs of the athlete. We’re trying to spread the message that this is how practice should look every day.”
USA HOCKEY ADM NEWS
8U: A Special Stage of Skating Skill Development
By Michael Rand - Of all the fundamental skills involved with learning ice hockey, skating is unique. It’s as basic as running is to other sports, but also something of an art form as it is a completely foreign form of locomotion to be mastered. The 8U level is a critical time for the development of skating skills, and Dan Jablonic, a regional manager for USA Hockey’s American Development Model, has several tips.
Catch and Release: Shooting tips for 12U and beyond
By Michael Rand - Not all shots in hockey are created equal – nor are all shot-takers. It takes years of practice to gain the skills necessary to shoot and score at a high level, and many of those skills are prime for development at the 12U age level. Kenny Rausch, the youth ice hockey director for USA Hockey, has some tips on how players at that level can improve their shooting and scoring today – and more importantly, how that improvement can translate into better odds of success down the road.
Stop Treating Goalies As If They Are 'Different'
By Michael Caples - At USA Hockey’s National Coaches Symposium this August, John Vanbiesbrouck challenged one of sport’s most common stereotypes. “We’ve got to get rid of the ‘goalies are different’ stigma,” the all-time winningest U.S. goaltender in the NHL said. “Especially with kids. They don’t know how to take that sarcasm. The growth in goaltending we want to create starts with how you treat them.” Don’t say they’re different? Don’t say they’re weird? Really? Really.
MULTIMEDIA
When Coaches Believe Everyone Can Develop, Talent Springs Up Everywhere
In this video, Carol Dweck, PCA National Advisory Board Member, talks about what it means for a coach to have a growth mindset when interacting with their players. In sports, Dweck believes that a growth mindset is the idea that through hard work and teamwork, athletes can thrive and it becomes more about what is best for the team rather than who is more or less talented. Great teams are rooted in chemistry and trust, which creates a supportive team atmosphere."
COACHING NEWS & INFORMATION
On-Ice: 10U+: Cross Fire Passing Lax
Purpose: To create a live-action game situation for the players to move, skate, possess and support the puck while executing consecutive passes within a small area of the ice. This will help teach hockey sense, reading passing lanes and puck possession. VIEW DRILL>>
Off-Ice: Ladder Slalom

Purpose: Ladder agility drills are an excellent way to enhance the ability to accelerate, decelerate, and quickly change direction while maintaining balance.
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