Interview with AAU's Rick Hoskins

By CAYH Editor

In a Chicago Area Youth Hockey Blog exclusive, we bring you an interview with Rick Hoskins of AAU Hockey Illinois.

What is the impetus behind the inception of AAU Hockey Illinois?

Hockey Illinois was created to facilitate open communication among parents, coaches, players and rink owners who are interested in creating more full ice opportunities for Mite aged kids.  We believe the parents and coaches that interact on a daily basis with these kids are best suited to make decisions on how their child will develop a love for the game while also developing his/her skill.

Why should a mite team play in AAU Hockey Illinois?

We all have our personal opinions on what is best for our kids, however, what is best for my son or daughter may not be best for yours.  We are very careful to not "sell" anyone on why they should or shouldn't do something.  The tag line for Hockey Illinois is "Your Game, Your Choice", we simply give parents, players, coaches and rink owners an opportunity to choose.  Bottom line is if YOU want to play more full ice mite games, we have the venue for you to do it.

Is there a deadline to sign up?


We have far exceeded our goal of 12 teams and league scheduling has already started.  However, we will find a way to help additional teams find games during the hockey season even though it may not be official league games.  Teams can also form at any time and participate in tournaments nationwide.  Because of the popularity of AAU Mite Hockey nationwide, we are contacted on a weekly basis from Michigan teams looking for showcase opportunities during the year.  So visit the website www.aauhockeyillinois.org to learn how to sign up.  For players looking for teams, visit the website and fill out the form so we can forward to a club near you.

Does Hockey Illinois offer something for teams with older (squirt+) players?

Hockey Illinois has been 100% focused on Mite aged players.  However, there will be some squirt teams that evolve throughout the year in Illinois so they can compete for the Squirt National Championships in March (co-located with Mite Nationals and the Minnesota State High School Championship).  The rest of the nation is way ahead of Illinois in creating AAU teams and clubs at the older levels.  With Illinois, if the demand for it increases we would not hesitate to again create the forum for those interested at older levels.

What are some differences between AAU Hockey Illinois and USA Hockey?

While we have some governance nationally by AAU on playing rules, that is only to make the national qualifying tournaments an even playing field for national qualifying at the Mite and Squirt levels.  Other than that, states and leagues are given there own clean slate to develop rules that are location, ability and age appropriate.  We are steadfast in our belief that the people to make the decisions about the game at Mite level are the coaches and parents of these kids.  Another big difference is cost, while an AAU membership is more than half the cost of a USA Hockey membership, we are also very adamant about taking as much cost out of the game as possible.  Like most other sports, we do this through the hard work of volunteers and relentless fundraising.

In what ways are the two organizations similar?

The only similarity is that we both give kids an opportunity to play the game.


Where does AAU stand nationally?

The rest of the country far exceeds where Illinois is in terms of AAU participation and how long AAU teams have been playing hockey.  Michigan is predominantly AAU at the mite level and their state is pushing hard for AAU at the Squirt level.  From coast to coast, AAU clubs and teams are forming on a daily basis to leverage the benefits of freedom of choice.  While Illinois is only in its first year, we will be among the nations top in terms of AAU participation numbers.

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If you are not familiar with the rule changes implemented by USA Hockey for the 2013-14 season, please visit the ADM section of the AHAI website.  Here is a brief summary:

Following the concepts of USA Hockey Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD) and American Development Models (ADM), AHAI strongly encourages the skill level development of all players, especially at the entry level. Cross-ice, 1/2 ice and small area games are recommended for U8 and U6 Mites to increase ice time, puck touches and skill development.

AHAI does not endorse full ice U8 Mite Tournaments. It is recommended that Mite teams do not participate in out-of-state tournaments. AHAI recommends geographical play (within a local area) for all U8 players.

For Mite U7 and U8 Players

Using the ADM model as a guideline, leagues and associations shall establish a maximum number of full ice games, not to exceed 30.

Full Ice Mite teams will be limited to one (1) out of state tournament travel permit per season. However, AHAI will not issue travel permits to any Mite teams during AHAI sponsored Mite Jamboree weekends.

U8 players may not "play up" to the Squirt U10 or higher level.

For Mite U6 Players

All U6 games will be Cross ice or 1/2 ice hockey.

No U6 Player may play on a full ice team. Exceptions can be made by the AHAI Mite Task Force for the 2012–2013 season to include a limited number of U6 Mites if the association does not have enough Mites to field a team at the U8 level. No exceptions will be made for the 2013 – 2014 season.

No U 6 teams will be granted AHAI Travel Permits.

Jamborees AHAI, NIHL, NWHL and SSHL will all co-host two (2) separate U8 and U6 Mite Cross Ice Jamborees for the 2012-13 season. These dates will be pre-selected and leagues will not schedule games on these weekends to assist in the implementation of the Jamborees.

You can access the AAU Hockey Illinois newsletter here.


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