Volume 2 Issue 4 | April 2021
EVEN AFTER YEAR WITH LITTLE HOCKEY, PLAYERS STILL NEED AN OFFSEASON
By Greg Bates - The past year hasn’t allowed kids many opportunities to play hockey. With shortened seasons now wrapping up and the fall seemingly a long time away, hockey is still on the minds of athletes. AHAI Coach-in-Chief Jim Clare stressed that young players shouldn’t go overboard with hockey in the spring and summer to try and make up for lost time. “Most people are in the same boat,” Clare said. “You aren’t missing out if you are getting involved with your baseball, lacrosse or taking vacation and staying away from the rink. In fact, it’s probably not a bad thing to do, give yourself a little break from all that craziness we went through.”
2021 AHAI COACH OF THE YEAR AWARDS
AHAI recognizes that Illinois Hockey is comprised not only of incredible players, but also of dedicated and talented High School, Youth, Girls and Disabled Hockey coaches who guide our teams both on and off the ice. In an especially challenging season, the role of coach was more important than ever. The 2021 recipients of AHAI’s Coach of the Year Award embodied good sportsmanship and respect toward teams, parents and officials while providing a positive experience for their players. Congratulations to the coaches below who went above and beyond to provide a positive environment for development, both on and off the ice!
Disabled Coach of the Year
Wayne Millard
Chicago Blackhawks Special Hockey

Girls Coach of the Year
Rachael Cremer
CIGHA Revolution
Boys High School Coach of the Year
Chris Waters
BG/H/W

Girls High School Coach of the Year
Del Morris
Evanston High School
Youth Coach of the Year
John “Grant” Werner
Geneva Cyclones
THE HUMAN SIDE
Illinois' Don Granato & The Human Side of the Buffalo Sabres' 18-Game Winless Streak
By Emily Kaplan, ESPN - For nearly all of March, the Buffalo Sabres were the punchline of the NHL. They slogged through an 18-game winless streak, the longest in the salary cap era. They fired yet another coach, Ralph Krueger, as captain Jack Eichel remained sidelined with an injury. In its weekly power rankings, the Buffalo News even ranked the expansion Seattle Kraken (a team without players or a coach) ahead of the Sabres.

When Krueger was dismissed on March 17, assistant Don Granato was appointed interim coach. Granato, 53, is a member of one of America's most prominent hockey families. His younger sister, Cammi, is a Hockey Hall of Famer, and now a pro scout for the Kraken. His older brother Tony played 774 NHL games and now coaches Wisconsin's men's team. Don always dreamed of being an NHL head coach, but he finally got his opportunity at the most inopportune time -- and at the expense of a friend.
GREAT READS FROM USA HOCKEY
The Gold Medal Mindset: Process vs. Results
By Mike Doyle - Over the holidays, a collection of the best under-20 hockey players in the world gathered in Edmonton, Alberta, for the IIHF World Junior Championship. In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, Team USA took home the gold, topping Canada, 2-0, in the championship game. Flint Doungchak, Pacific District Coach-in-Chief for USA Hockey, talked about results versus process before the gold medal game. 
Coaching Character, Culture & Camaraderie
By Mike Doyle - In hockey, the term “character” is defined in players who are willing to backcheck tenaciously, win one-on-one battles or be the first person into the corner to retrieve the puck. In the heat of a game, you’ll often hear coaches praising these glorious virtues.

As coaches, it’s crucial to also develop quality characteristics of the young people they are so influential to.
ARE YOU FOCUSING ON THE WRONG PLAYER?
Listen as Hall of Famer, Marty St. Louis discusses the importance of coaching the right players. Far too often the majority of our instruction is focused on the player with the puck. Marty asks us to pay as much if not more attention to the other 5 players on the ice (including the goalie) and how they are performing away from the puck. As coaches, teaching the play away from the puck is often more important. The amount of time a player has with the puck on their stick is miniscule as compared to the times they do not.
DRILLS FOR THE MODERN GAME
Understanding the Emergence of Linear Crossovers in Hockey
By Greg Revak, The Hockey IQ Newsletter - Every person who has spent any reasonable amount of time in hockey is familiar with a crossover. It’s when a player steps (read: crosses) over their feet to make a change of direction. They are as old as dust.

In the past several years, though, crossovers have become the source of an innovative and dynamic emergence. To increase speed, change attack angles, and create separation, crossovers are being used in abundance at the NHL level not just in turns, but even in relatively straight lines.
Break Out Drills for Defensemen
Head Coach Mike Eaves shared breakout development drills that they use for their young AHL defenseman. What does each drill ask of the player? Is the drill outcome pre-determined? What environment have the Monster Coaches created to allow breakout habits to occur?
Stick Positioning
Playing away from the puck has a tremendous effect on the outcome of the game. Using proper stick positioning can help cause turnovers and win back possession of the puck.
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