Texas Amateur Hockey Association

Interesting article from a free lance photographer that attended States who was doing an article for Canada’s “MacLeans” publication.

 In celebration of Hockey Weekend Across America --

February 19, 2012
American Airlines Center

You could see their  excitement when they put on those NHL sweaters.

At the request of USA Hockey, I was asked to select two officials to participate in this event. I selected Jacie and Travis to represent USA Hockey Officiating and all registered officials in Texas during the weekend celebration of our game. Hockey Weekend Across America is a cooperative effort by USA Hockey and the National Hockey League designed to promote the great game of ice hockey and motivate others to participate in our great game.

They had the opportunity to meet with the on ice NHL officials in their dressing room about  75 minutes prior to game time.  They were able to ask questions and seek information from the best officials in the world about how they got started, how they prepare, how they handle particular on ice situations, etc.  They were also acknowledged as USA Hockey Officials as part of the ceremonies taking place at the game.

Ken Reinhard
State Supervisor of Officials, Texas
USA Hockey
817 994 7818

Great article by Jack Blatherwick, who has worked with several NHL clubs and Olympic teams, about the importance of staying with your local association as long as possible and the benefits that come from being successful, even overly successful, by playing with your own age group.

This message is applicable across the country but even more so in RMD & PD, where I believe, some kids feel ‘pressure’ to leave home and play up at younger and younger ages and in many/most instances at no benefit to development.

I highly recommend you share this with all parents/coaches/etc within your association.

Joe Doyle
Regional Manager (Rocky Mountain & Pacific)
American Development Model
719-331-4058
JoeD@usahockey.org

NO CLEAN HITS TO THE HEAD - With the recent events involving serious injuries in the Boston area, one a high school player going into the boards (no foul play here) and the other NHL Boston Bruins Savard's hit to the head, please find attached a video clip from the IIHF who have done a great job with capturing that message of awareness.

Please click on the link below to read an excellent article about hockey development in Oklahoma City.

Thanks to the OKC Youth Hockey Association (www.okcyouthhockey.com) for the content.