By Michael Rand - In many places, hockey players are taking cautious first steps – or, rather, glides on the ice – in a return to their sport. With that comes optimism and the hope of some semblance of normalcy. In the spirit of that idea, here are 10 things to look forward to this season at the 10U level:

“Obviously just getting back on the ice is the number one thing,” said Roger Grillo, a regional manager for USA Hockey’s American Development Model. Indeed, with much of organized sports shutting down in March in response to the pandemic, it’s been several months since a lot of players have been on the ice in an organized way.

At 10U, a lot of players already have a good number of years invested in hockey, and for many this is as long as they’ve been without hockey since before they could skate. Simply getting back on the ice is something to look forward to.

While not all of us are coaching future Division 1 college hockey players, the idea of patience is a through line at all levels (youth and girls). It could be said that the “paths to the next level show need for patience” as each skater develops differently and has varying goals.

It is our job as coaches to help all players reach whatever level they desire. This article uses Division 1 to highlight this. Illinois has the 5th highest number of skaters playing Men's Division 1 hockey (let’s not forget the women we have playing as well!!).

"These facts are critically important for every player, parent and coach to understand,” said Kevin McLaughlin, USA Hockey’s Assistant Executive Director, Hockey Development. “Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Focus on your own development. You have your own, unique path.”

The World Hockey Lab study is a unique study of over half the goals scored in the NHL in 2017-18. The results are a road map to skill development for skaters and goalies. Some myths may be broken, like the importance of the royal road, movement, and where most goals are scored. Our coaches will find this an interesting read.

With the uncertainty surrounding rules on in-person gatherings around the country, the CEP is now offering online virtual clinics for all members. A few pilot clinics have already been conducted: a Level 1 and Level 2 clinic for the USA Hockey Girls National Camps Intern Coach Program held April 20-24, along with a Level 4 clinic for the Mid-Am District held May 17-19. “They went very well and the feedback has been very positive,” Tabrum said. “Based upon this feedback, we feel that by doing these virtual coaching clinics, we can create a similar experience like they were going to an in-person clinic.”

“These are very interactive,” MacMillan added. “Coaches and instructors will feel very engaged. Participants have an added benefit unlike a traditional webinar in that coaches can break out into groups very much like a regular clinic allowing for even more engagement. We don’t have the on-the-ice pieces, but every other part is as close as you can get to being in a classroom. The curriculum being delivered is also the same and will meet these needs virtually. I think it’s going to be an awesome platform to bridge the gap right now and allow us to start the clinic season immediately.”

In addition to these virtual clinics, the CEP just announced a new Temporary Card that is available for all coaches. This Temporary Card will allow each coach to have the proper level of certification for the 2020-21 season without attending a clinic. See buttons below to register* for the Temporary Card online or to download the form, complete it, and submit it to the USA Hockey national office.

“We understand that these are very different, challenging and uncertain times for everyone. So this season we will be offering a Temporary Card for those who will feel this is the best option for them during the pandemic,” Tabrum said. “It allows for them to get an extension for one year and be current for the upcoming season.”

“Some individuals who feel uncomfortable based on their environment or individual circumstances won't be able to get to a clinic,” MacMillan said. “This is a good opportunity for those that want it and their certification will be good for the full year. We hope people take advantage of it.”

The A Step aHead partners are excited to announce the 10th year of our program! We are proud of the work that has been done to educate our youth hockey community about sports safety and provide free baseline neurocognitive testing. We look forward to another 10 years of working to keep our athletes safe while they play the game they love. This year the free baseline testing will be offered now through November 30, 2020. We will continue to offer the testing at select Athletico clinics. Please click here for additional information.

AHAI understands that COVID-19 guidance is constantly developing and changing. AHAI recommends all its members adhere to the Federal, State, Local Government guidelines, including local rink policies, for best practices on COVID-19 health and prevention. These guidelines include, but are not limited to, the All Sports Policy, Youth Sports Guidance, and Indoor/Outdoor Recreation Facilities Guidance from the State of Illinois. We realize that the guidance can (and may very well) change at some point in the future.

Each AHAI affiliate should prepare its own plan, in conjunction with your local rinks, for returning players to the ice. AHAI does not operate ice rinks or affiliates nor does it determine when, and how, it is appropriate to return to the rinks. AHAI has no role in determining such actions.

So that players may return to the ice and receive the benefits afforded to them through their membership with USA Hockey, and in hopeful anticipation that scrimmages and/or games will occur in the near future, AHAI released the 2020/21 USA Hockey Registry to all AHAI Affiliate organizations on August 4, 2020. AHAI will follow its current rostering rules.

Fall Season dates for obtaining an official USA Hockey certified roster are stated in the AHAI Rules & Regulations and will be followed.

At this time, AHAI will not approve travel permits or sanction in-state tournaments.

AHAI Affiliate Organizations are accountable to governmental agencies and AHAI recommends all organizations comply with the State of Illinois, local government, and applicable health department guidelines. Each organization is responsible for awareness of the most current guidelines.

AHAI will release additional information as the situation warrants.