Proposed rule changes, membership development, the American development model and safety were among the topics at last weekend's USA Hockey winter meetings.
Eliminating body checking for Pee Wees hot topic
USA Hockey's numbers are growing at the youngest levels and the organization is also discussing rule changes.
January 27, 2011 at 7:20PM
USA Hockey total membership is up and, for the first time in its history, there are more than 100,000 registered players at the 8 & Under level.
"Try Hockey for Free clinics, OneGoal starter equipment programs and other initiatives are paying dividends," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey in a news release.
One much discussed proposed rule changes would prohibit body checking in games for youth hockey players until they reach the Bantam level (13-14 year-olds). The current rule allows checking in games at the Pee Wee level (11-12).
"This is a proposal that has significant support and we look forward to continued dialogue throughout the country on this and all proposed rule changes," said Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey. "In the end, we need to do what is best for the kids who play the game."
DeGregorio noted the board of directors is extremely pleased with the progress related to the American development model. "With the support of the NHL, we launched the ADM in January of 2009 and have already made significant headway in its implementation throughout the country," he said. "The focus on cross-ice hockey at the 8 & Under level this year is wonderful and, while I know we have a lot of work to do, we're positively affecting the landscape of youth hockey in America."
Dr. Michael Stuart, USA Hockey's chief medical officer and a professor of orthopedic surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., presented summary findings from the ice hockey summit on concussions he led in October at the Mayo Clinic. His presentation included the following recommendations to USA Hockey:
* Implement concussion education for coaches, parents, officials and athletes
* Through rule changes, eliminate tolerance of any contact to the head
* Delay legal body checking in games in youth hockey until age 13
* Emphasize current curriculum that teaches body control, angling, anticipation, body contact and body-checking skills
* Eliminate fighting through more stringent penalties for engaging in such behavior
Dr. Stuart's recommendations -- and other proposed rule changes -- will be formally dealt with at USA Hockey's Annual Congress in June 8-11 in Colorado Springs.
Kirill Kaprizov had three assists after going two games without much offense and taking a cut to the face.
