Glenbrook North Topples New Trier Green To Capture High School Hockey Classic Championship

Volume 6 Issue 17 | January 2 , 2019

2019 COACH OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS

AHAI recognizes that Illinois Hockey is comprised not only of incredible players, but also of great High School, Youth, Girls and Disabled Hockey Coaches that guide our teams both on and off the ice. Candidates for AHAI's Boys and Girls High School, Youth, Girls and Disabled Hockey Coach of the Year Awards should embody good sportsmanship and respect toward teams, parents and officials while providing a positive experience for their players. Candidates should also teach positive life skills while demonstrating dedication, passion and commitment to community. Deadline to nominate is Friday, February 8, 2019.

DECEMBER TOP 5 PHOTOS

Your votes have been counted and the Top 5 Photos for December have been selected! Congratulations to our 5 winners! Click HERE to view our 16 Finalists and visit AHAI's Facebook Page to see all photos submitted in December! We can't wait to see January's submissions! Click HERE for contest details.

"My Favorite Player Calls Me Mom"

Nick Spreeman, Joliet Jaguars 10U

"Save of the Game!"

Kyle Zepka, Yellowjackets

"Prayers for Papi"

Bennett Gatto, Vipers 14U

"Bringing Girl Power to the Net"

Ceara Tapia, Orland Park Jr. Vikes

"Mourning Loss of a Coach"

Ice Dogs & Vikings 12U Elites

2019 STATE, DISTRICT & NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Click the logos below the dates and locations of the 2019 Illinois State Hockey Championships, 2019 Central District Championships and 2019 USA Hockey National Championships.

2019 AHAI Adult State Championship Tournament Registration Now Open!

The Amateur Hockey Association Illinois, Inc. is proud to present the 2019 AHAI Adult State Championship Tournament hosted by the AHAI Adult Committee and The Edge Ice Arena. The Adult State Tournament will take place April 25 - April 28, 2019 with all Championship Games taking place on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at The Edge. Click HERE for more information and/or registration, or contact Robert Fiorio, Tournament Director at rfiorio4@yahoo.com. Click HERE to download/print flyer and registration form.

IHHF BIO SERIES: JOE CORVO - PLAYERS' CATEGORY

Joe Corvo was born in 1977 in Oak Park, Illinois, to parents Rob and Judy. He is the oldest of 4 children, with sisters Robyn and Roxanne, and brother, Andrew. Joe began skating at Ridgeland Commons at the age of 4, following in the footsteps of his father Rob. Rob was his first coach for the Oak Park Eagles, and would be instrumental in Joe's development into an NHL defenseman. After a couple of seasons, Joe moved on to play for the Chicago Hawks, coached by Wally Neumenko and assisted by father Rob. This led to an opportunity to play for the Chicago Young Americans from Pee Wee Minor to Bantam Major, capping it off with a National Championship. Joe also double rostered at Fenwick, playing for coaches Mike McPartlin and Jerry Korab. READ FULL BIO>>

Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Dinner Ticket Information

The 2018 IHHF Induction Dinner will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at the Belvedere Banquet Hall located at 1170 West Devon Avenue in Elk Grove Village beginning at 5:00 pm. Tickets are available by contacting Norm Spiegel at 847/269-2922 or e-mail Norm at jacole@comcast.net.

GIRLS HOCKEY HEADLINES

2019 America's Showcase Illinois Girls Team Information

By Anita Lichterman, AHAI Girls Chair - Attention all high school sophomore, junior and senior girls! It's never too early to think about college and your desire to play hockey at the collegiate level. Click HERE for information, player requirements and registration form for the 2019 America's Showcase Illinois Girls' team. This year's America's Showcase will be held April 11-15, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri.

HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY HEADLINES

Glenbrook North Topples New Trier Green To Capture High School Hockey Classic Championship

By Ross Forman - The fifth time was the charm for Glenbrook North, finally. The No. 3-ranked Spartans shined in one of the most high-profile games of the season - the championship game of the 25th annual High School Holiday Hockey Classic, presented by the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation. GBN defeated No. 1-ranked New Trier Green on Dec. 29 to capture the title in the prestigious 16-team, 4-day tournament held The Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville. READ MORE>>

Hinsdale Central Looking To Shake Up the IHSHL West, Surprise Others In State Tournament

By Ross Forman - Jim Swoyer is in his second stint coaching high school hockey in the area, and in his second season with Hinsdale Central. Optimism is high on the Red Devils' bench. The Red Devils are 14-4 heading into 2019 in the IHSHL West Division. They are in third-place with 28 points, tied with Wheaton West, and only trailing league-leading Glenbard (34 points) and Waubonsie Valley (30). Hinsdale Central has won its last 8 league games. READ MORE>>

Chicago Blackhawk Alumni Association Scholarship

The Chicago Blackhawk Alumni Association (CBAA) distributes college scholarships annually to the three most deserving high school hockey players. Awards are determined from a candidate's level of community service, volunteerism, good citizenship, academic performance as well as the hockey talent of the individual. Recipients will receive an annual $7,500.00 scholarship over four years for a total of $30,000. Fully completed applications including letter of recommendations, and scholar essays are due no later than February 1st of each year. APPLICATION>>

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS HEADLINES

Chicago Blackhawks Learn to Play Program

The Little Blackhawks Learn to Play initiative was developed jointly by the National Hockey League and the NHL Players' Association 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 opened in December and sessions begin in the spring! MORE INFORMATION>>

Get Your Tickets to Skate with the Greats

On February 17, 2019, from 2-4 p.m., join 500 hockey fans for this one-of-a-kind experience to meet hockey Hall of Famer, Chris Chelios, current Chicago Blackhawk, Alex DeBrincat*, and hit the ice with Chicago Blackhawks legends. During the event, you will enjoy a hockey-themed silent auction and get autographs from Blackhawks legends. Special appearances by Tommy Hawk* and the Blackhawks Ice Crew*. Skate with the Greats is presented by the Chicago Blackhawks Alumni Association and Dr Pepper. *Appearances are subject to change. Skate with the Greats will take place rain, snow or shine! PURCHASE TICKETS>>

GREAT READS FROM OUR PARTNERS

5 Hockey New Year's Resolutions

As we welcome in the New Year, it's great time to reflect on the initial phase of the season, look forward, and set goals. Here are 5 New Year's resolutions for the Hockey player in your life, aimed at making the next phase of the season as good as it can be:

1. Set some goals for next phase of the season, and year ahead

Where do you want to be in a month? 6 weeks? A year? Reflect on how far you've come and where you want the next year to take you. Make sure to write down these goals and keep them nearby for reference, to track them, and to amend them depending on how the next phase of this season and the next year evolve. You'll be shocked to see how far you can come. Make them SMART - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant/rewarding, and Time-bound/trackable. VIEW TIPS>>

5 Tips to Keep You Safe During Winter Runs

Cross-training during the season is a great way to stay in shape and improve your skills on the ice. If running outside is something you enjoy, take extra precaution during the weather as the temps start to drop. Keeping warm and dry are essential tips for any runner, but a few less known ones will help keep training goals in place through the cold and dark winter months. Dr. Evan Plowgian, MD, Sports Medicine at NorthShore, gives his best tips for winter running. VIEW TIPS>>

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AHAI HOCKEY PARTNERS