IN THIS ISSUE

Joe Knows Campaign

AHAI Grant Programs: One Goal

Spring Sports for Hockey Players

Jackals Building Foundation for Youth Players

ADM a Perfect Fit for Dickinson

Video: Why Kids Play

Video: Setting the Tone for Self-Control

Just for Coaches: On- and Off-Ice Practice Plans

Volume 3 Issue 3
March 25, 2016
JOE KNOWS CAMPAIGN
In 2015, the International Olympic Committee made its boldest statement yet on youth athletic development:

"Empirical evidence shows that a diversity of activities in early development is an indicator of continued involvement in more intense activities later in life, elite performance and continued participation in sport."

This consensus statement was yet another in support of sport sampling, a common-sense approach to children's physical development. Advocates of sport sampling encourage children to participate in a variety of sports and activities. Through this varied participation, children not only become better athletes, but also suffer fewer overuse injuries and less burnout.

It's a science-backed counter-movement to the youth sports arms race mentality, the overemphasis on 12-year-old outcomes and the feverish drive for athletic scholarships beginning when little boys or girls first step on the ice, the field or the court.

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ILLINOIS ADM NEWS
AHAI GRANT PROGRAMS: ONE GOAL
AHAI has long supported the growth of hockey throughout our great state. Each year, clubs and rinks take advantage of grant programs that give them an opportunity to acquire the necessary equipment to run the programming for our newest skaters. AHAI, USA Hockey and One Goal have partnered to help overcome the initial cost barrier of entering into hockey by making available, at a very low cost, special Rental Equipment Kits for all interested USA Hockey associations and ice rinks. By taking advantage of this special offer you can take a vital, active role in making it easier for parents to give hockey a chance in their family. The organization acquiring the gear will only be required to fund 30% of the cost, the grant will take care of the rest (up to 40 sets).

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USA HOCKEY ADM NEWS
SPRING SPORTS FOR HOCKEY PLAYERS
The end of the hockey season can be a sad time for the hockey community. Even as the weather gets warmer and the days a little longer, the idea of less time at the rink is difficult for everyone.  But the changing seasons are a major opportunity for parents. Between the ages of 10 and 12, kids shouldn't identify themselves as one-sport athletes. Looking for different opportunities to develop new skills and play a different game can be a great way to avoid the type of burnout that prevents a boy or girl from enjoying hockey later in life.

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ADM ACROSS AMERICA
ELMIRA JACKALS BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH PLAYERS
By Mike Scandura - As association president, Lynn Bassler knows what an invaluable resource USA Hockey has been for the Elmira Jackals Youth Hockey Association. The Jackals long ago embraced the American Development Model, and haven't looked back. At first, parents didn't quite understand how small-ice games meant more touches of the puck and improved development. But they caught on quickly.

ADM A PERFECT FIT FOR DICKINSON
By Scott Powers - Dallas Kuntz had been away from youth hockey for about six years when he decided to return and coach at Dickinson Hockey Club in North Dakota.  He assumed that he would teach the game the same way it was taught to him nearly 30 years prior, but what he discovered was a new methodology that took some time for him to embrace.  Dickinson Hockey Club had implemented USA Hockey's American Development Model. Kuntz was unfamiliar with it.

ADM MULTIMEDIA


WHY KIDS PLAY
One of the great divides in youth sports is the divide between why kids say they play, and why parents and coaches think they play! The most amazing thing I have found is that these statistics not only apply to recreational athletes, but elite amateur and professionals as well.
SETTING THE TONE FOR 
SELF-CONTROL
Danton Cole, USA Hockey Coach feels that coaches have a responsibility to set the tone of self-control and that they need to place a higher standard on themselves in order to set a good example for their athletes.
JUST FOR COACHES

PRACTICE PLANS FOR ON-ICE
10u Crossfire Passing LAX

PRACTICE PLANS FOR DRYLAND
8U Off-Ice Core & Back - Rock Climbing
PURPOSE: Create a live-action game situation for players to move, skate, possess and support the puck while executing consecutive passes within a small area. This drill helps teach hockey sense, reading passing lanes and puck possession.   VIEW PLAN>>
PURPOSE: A simple drill to work on core, legs, arm strength.


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