To the parents of Jaguar Hockey Club skaters:

There have been many questions and rumors over the past few months about the American Development Model (ADM) and Mite Hockey.   AHAI, NIHL, and all the Illinois hockey club Presidents have been working in the conjunction over the past few months to make sure the AHAI proposed changes will benefit our Mite skaters.  In fact, beginning next week, AHAI, NIHL, club Presidents, and Hockey Directors are meeting in small, geographical based groups to address issues being raised about Mite hockey and voice their opinions on the changes to Illinois Hockey.

To address some of the questions I have heard, let me say:

Yes, presently Mite A2 Hockey has been eliminated.
The AHAI board of directors voted to change the AHAI rules and eliminate Mite A2 hockey for the 2010-2011 season.  NIHL as well as many Illinois Hockey Clubs have requested that AHAI revisit this decision.

Will Mite Travel Hockey be eliminated?
The proposed AHAI's ADM Mite Timeline does eliminate Mite Travel hockey by the 2012-2013 season.  All mites will be playing cross ice games instead of full ice games.  However, this portion of the timeline has not been voted on yet and is still being discussed.

What changes will happen during the 2010-2011 season?
THE AHAI ADM Mite time line includes the following changes for the 2010-2011 season:

• Meet with all Leagues about ADM
• Eliminate Mite A2
• Start Mite games later in season / Oct.
• Regionalized play at the Mite A and Tier III ( House ) Levels
• Introduce Mite Cross Ice League Tournaments / Jamborees
• Hold monthly Hockey Director Meetings from August thru January
• Eliminate Mite A State Tournament

Also, please note that the changes that are occurring (or will occur in the future) to Mite hockey are taking place statewide and not on a club by club basis.  The Jaguar Hockey Club can and will use the ADM as a guide just like every other club in Illinois.  But we like all the other clubs in our area also belong to AHAI, NIHL, and the SSHL and must follow the rules that each of these organizations puts forth.  No Tier II Club in Illinois will be able to offer full ice Mite Hockey if AHAI votes to eliminate it.

I have also attached an interesting article called "ADM Update:  Ten Myths About the American Development Model" by Kevin Universal, President of the Carolina Amateur Hockey Association.  I hope you will take the time to read it over and continue to learn more about the ADM.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me at any time at cristi@jaguarhockey.net.

Thank you,
Cristi

Cristi White
Jaguar Hockey Club President
email:  cristi@jaguarhockey.net
815.341.3050