SPD Skatium hockey

For more information on the

  Skatium Legacy - 2014,

please click on the following link below:

www.skokieparks.org/node/5693

USAH FLYERS MITES to become AAU PILOTS FOR 2014-15 SEASON

We are excited to update you on the state of Mite (U6/U8) hockey not only at the Skatium Ice Arena, but throughout the Chicagoland area.

Several years ago, USA Hockey (historically the governing body for amateur hockey in the U.S.) implemented what they called the American Development Model, or ADM. We have embraced many of the core elements of the ADM: incorporating small-area games in practice, station-based training, etc. Where we (and many of the youth hockey programs in Chicago) disagree with USA Hockey is with the belief that all Mite Hockey must be played on half sheets, or cross-ice. We believe a blended approach consisting of full and half-ice would be more beneficial for the development of the player and much more enjoyable. Unfortunately, and despite significant time and effort spent by our club and others to find a solution, USA Hockey has mandated a plan that we do not find workable and acceptable.

The Skokie Park District, the Skokie Amateur Hockey Association as well as at least 17 other local youth hockey programs have been meeting and discussing this issue regularly while USA Hockey has continued modifying player development protocols, including imposing further game limits over the past three years. We feel that the direction of USA Hockey on this issue is inconsistent with how we believe players at a young age should be developed in terms of skills and their love of the game. Our belief is that local clubs, with direction from their Boards, Hockey Directors, and Staff, are in the best position to determine the best course of action for their skaters.

After lengthy and careful consideration a new organization has been established for Mites that will include Travel and House programs at the Skatium. This new organization will be called the PILOTS. The newly formed PILOTS club for Mite-aged players will be sanctioned and affiliated with American Athletic Union (AAU). The PILOTS Travel All-Star program will compete in the new Chicago United Hockey League (CUHL).  CUHL will include at least 17 other Mite organizations from the Chicagoland area, most formerly from NIHL.  The new league will offer a full season of 24 full-ice games, plus round robin playoffs, from September into March.  Tournaments for Mite Travel teams will be in addition to their regular season games. PILOT teams will continue to practice and play primarily at the Skatium.

The Skokie Park District’s Major Mite (U8) and Minor Mite (U6) House will operate in a similar manner as it has in the past. The Major Mites will stay as a member of the NSYHL though now the Skatium House League Mite program, both Majors and Minors will also belong to AAU to support our travel club and will also adopt the new club name of the PILOTS. The House League is the backbone of any travel program and the Major Mite House League PILOTS will offer a schedule that will involve weekly practices and a game schedule that will offer 8 full main rink ice games, round-robin playoffs, as well as some cross-ice and studio rink games. Minor Mites PILOTS activity both games and practices will occur exclusively on our studio rink.  The season will begin in early September and carry thru mid-March.

How will this impact your child? The short answer is: very little. All Mites will participate in either a House League or Travel program in the same way as in the past.  The only noticeable difference will come with registration. FLYERS Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget teams will continue to be affiliated with USA Hockey. 

The new PILOTS club will provide a separate web site and registration process for all U6 through U8 players. Registration will occur through that separate web site and insurance will now be provided through the AAU. The cost of AAU registration is only $16.  While there is much work to do between now and September 1st to organize this transition, we will make it as seamless as possible for you, the customer.

To be entered on our list as Prospective Pilots,  or with any questions please reach out to Hockey Director Steve Glickman— steveg@skokieparks.org; 847-929-7926. We will continue to communicate to you as more details become available. Enjoy the remainder of your summer! Hockey season will be here before we know it!