As we enter into our last couple of months of the long fall hockey season, it is paramount to the success of our teams that both the players and their parents stay focused on COMMITMENT.

The commitment to attend ALL the resources made available to the players for their ongoing development…Power Skates, Systems, Off Ice Sessions, Defense and Goalie clinics.

The commitment from ALL players to attend ALL there team practices. An individual may win a game…but it takes teamwork to win Championships. For a coach to successfully teach and hone “team” play and systems – all members of the “team” must be participating in the practices together.

The commitment from ALL players to attend ALL games. Every player has a role and contributes to a team’s success. The best way to insure that a team’s hard work all comes together - is for players to be all together at games. Teamwork is harder to achieve when the team is missing a player.

As your hockey association, we have tried our best to put all our teams in a position to be competitive. Some teams have enjoyed more success than others. However, it is very important to remember that success is not measured by how you start - it is measure by how you finish. In our hard skate for the finish line – please maintain an enhanced level of commitment. Your team’s success depends on it.

See you at the rink,
Doug Becht
President, Cyclones Amateur Hockey Association

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Please welcome your new Director, Associate Board Members and Staff.

As published in a past addition of Breakout and posted to our website, members interested in an Associate Board Member position were ask to submit resumes. The ABM Committee conducted the interviews and felt very fortunate to present such a quality group of candidates to the Board. On November 14th the nominations were put into place and the elections were held.

• Peter Powers was unanimously elected to rejoin the Board as a Director.
• Daniel Dhooghe, Joe Hartage, Grieg Heimbuch, Tom McGee and Joshua Skule were all unanimously elected to fill the 5 open Associate Board Member positions.
• Bob Behnke and Mark Karkos were unanimously approved as new staff members.

Congratulations to all and thank you for your willingness to serve!!!

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The Cyclones are proud of our great coaching staff. We asked the coaches to respond to a few questions to share some information you may or may not know about our PeeWee AA, PeeWee A1, Squirt AA, Squirt A1, and Mite AA coaches.

.: PeeWee AA – Andy Chatten

Personal and family background
I grew up in Arlington Heights an attended Rolling Meadows High School where I met my wife Lori. We now live in Carol Stream with our son Jeff 18 and a daughter Ali 13. I currently work for Noritsu America Corporation selling retail and commercial photofinishing systems.

Background in hockey and other sports
I played amateur hockey for the Arlington Heights Minor Hockey Association from Mite through my first year of Bantam. I played Midget AAA for The Woodfield Sabres for 3 years. I played all positions throughout excluding goalie. I also participated in Baseball through Junior High.

My first coaching experience was with the Chargers in the early 80’s where I coached NWHL teams. I began coaching again at the Flames in 1997 when my son played squirts. I coached a squirt silver team that year and won several tournaments including the Silverstick Regional and participated in the “final eight” at state. Many of the players I coached that year are still playing at very high levels including one that has been drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers.

After my son joined the Cyclones as a Bantam in 2001 I began coaching at The Cyclones with a PeeWee Bronze team during the Spring of 2002. I have continued to coach at the PeeWee level and I am currently the head coach of the CSDHL team while assisting on the gold team. I have continued to advance through the USA Hockey Coaching Education program and I am currently a level 4 coach with plans to achieve my level 5 status next summer.

Best part of coaching with the Cyclones
The best part of my Cyclones coaching experience has been the opportunity to coach teams that my son was not participating on. I find it much easier and more rewarding. I am a strong believer in fundamentals and I have enjoyed watching the progress of my Cyclone’s players. I have also enjoyed the opportunity to work with the organization as it faces the challenges of advancing towards a stronger position as a tier II club. There have been some difficult decisions and changes and there will be more to come. I have also benefited from my experience with the Cyclones Holiday Hockey Classic and the opportunity to meet our guests from Nybro, Sweden. That opportunity led to my visiting Nybro last August to coach and learn more about Swedish hockey in a weeklong camp.

Important message to pass on to players and families
I hope my players respect the game and respect the opportunity to play the game at their desired level while understanding the importance of teamwork.

Fundamentals are important in hockey and skill improvement is a long process requiring commitment from players, parents and entire families.

Memorable moment or achievement in hockey
While coaching the Flames Silver team we beat the Flames Gold team in the Silverstick Regional 1-0.

Having a PeeWee player tell me his cup and Jock strap feels like he’s wearing a thong!

After telling a player to shoot one hundred pucks a day at home to improve his shot, he replied,“ coach I don’t have 100 pucks at home”.

.: PeeWee A1– Brian Podraza

Personal and family background
I live in Batavia, IL with my wife Kathy and our three children Nicholas (12), Nathan (11), & Anna (7). Kathy and I are both from the Chicago area and went to college at Aurora University.

Background in hockey or other sports
I played youth hockey as a kid through the Pee Wee level. Other sports I played through high school were Basketball, Golf, & Baseball. I played Baseball at Aurora University.

I have coached youth hockey since my boys were 5 years old. We spent several years participating in the Freeze Youth Hockey Program and this is our third year in travel hockey with the Cyclones.

Best part of coaching with the Cyclones
I enjoy the people associated with our program. We spend lots of time with the kids, parents, and coaches. It’s very enjoyable.

Important Message to pass on to players and families
In my opinion, hockey is the best sport for young kids to learn important life skills that will benefit them long after they stop playing hockey. It teaches kids respect, discipline, how to compete, benefits from hard work, courage, and many other important skills.

70 % of kids who play organized sports will quit by age 13. The number one reason is that they are not having fun anymore. Don’t take the sport to seriously. It is much better to have your child playing at a level where they can be successful versus making a specific team. This will go a long way to ensuring that your child has fun playing hockey.

Memorable moment or achievement in hockey
Being able to enjoy the great game of hockey with my two sons.

.: Squirt AA–Joshua Bletzinger

Personal and family background
I was born and raised in Park Ridge, Illinois and also lived in Barrington, Illinois through my high school years. I have an older brother, Jason (32 years old), and two younger sisters, Jessica (27 years old) and Jocelyn (26 years old).
My brother and I grew up playing baseball and hockey. During our high school years, we both played hockey but I took on golf and my brother took on lacrosse. Both my sisters took part in soccer, gymnastics, swimming, dance, and softball.

Background in hockey and other sports
I started playing hockey at the age of 5 for the Park Ridge Hornets (now known as the Northern Express) up through the squirt level. I moved on to play for Team Illinois as a Pee Wee Minor and Major. I then went to Culver Military Academy where I played at both the Junior Varsity and Varsity Levels.

I served as Captain of the Culver Military Academy hockey team my senior year.
I have played as a defenseman my whole life.

I served as head coach during my last year at Palmer College of Chiropractic for their hockey team. By that time I had used all my eligibility years playing for Northern Illinois University and Palmer College. Upon returning in November 2003, I was added as an assistant coach for the Cyclones Midget Major team. The following year, 2004-2005, I served as head coach for the Bantam CSDHL team. Presently I serve as head coach for the Squirt CSDHL.

Best part of coaching with the Cyclones
As a young organization we are constantly challenged. The best part of coaching is to help develop young players in one of the best facilities in the country. Developing players takes time, dedication, and patience.

Important message to pass on to players and families
You have to practice hard in order to play hard. Bad habits come in practice when you are not giving 100%. In order to become a good hockey player, you have to do more than just show up. Being a good hockey player means practicing with intensity, working out on your own, eating right, and competing in every game – every shift.

The players are here to have fun and learn every day. It is important to keep it fun and positive for the players. Enjoy watching your child play every day.

Memorable moments in hockey
My most memorable moment in hockey was winning a Thanksgiving hockey tournament in triple overtime on my birthday. This was during my Junior year playing at Culver Military Academy.

.: Squirt A1–James Allen

Personal and family background
I currently reside in Geneva, IL with my wife Karen and daughter Ashley (5).
I grew up in Addison, IL.

Background in hockey and other sports
Age Started: 10 years old
Youth Hockey: Elmhurst (YMCA);
Elmhurst Huskies;
Park Ridge Hornets; and
Chicago Jesters AAA
High School Hockey: Addison Trail 1978-1981
Junior Hockey: Junior B and A – Franklin Park Jets;
Chicago Junior A Blackhawks
College Hockey: College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL
Competed In: 1982 Junior B National Championships – Franklin Park Jets
1983 Junior A National Championships – Franklin Park Jets
1985 NJCAA National Championships – College of DuPage
1986 NJCAA National Championships – College of DuPage
Awards: DuPage Valley High School Metro West All-Star, 1981

Background in hockey as a coach
1980’s – Flames Hockey
2004-Present Cyclones Hockey – Squirt Level

Best part of coaching with the Cyclones
The Cyclones are committed to providing a program where players can develop their skills using the latest training methods and technology.

Important message to pass on to players and families
Set personal goals, identify your weaknesses and focus your efforts on improving them. This will make you a better player and separate you from the rest.

Be supportive of your child’s efforts. This will help them achieve their goals.

Memorable moments in hockey
Playing in the Pee Wee NIHL Championships with the Park Ridge Hornets and scoring a goal to help win the championship against my former team (Elmhurst Huskies) at Lake Forest College.

While playing with the College of DuPage, I was asked to sign an autograph after a game at the University of Alabama. It is a feeling I will never forget.

Funny Moment: During my first year of playing organized hockey, I was lying on my back (a typical position for me at the time) in front of the net and took three huge swipes at a loose puck and missed all 3 times. Everyone was cracking up. I still have flashbacks.

.: Mite AA–Dan Reilly

Personal and family background
All are Chicagoans
Wife- Nancy
Kids- Russ (16) Maureen (15) Erin (14)
Reside in St Charles

Background in hockey and other sports
AAA/AA Hockey in Illinois-
Wisconsin- Stevens Point 1981/1982
Goalie for 10 years- switched to defense in High School/College
Coaching for 15 years at all levels from Mite to High School

Best part of coaching with the Cyclones
Cyclone System of player development exceeds that of all other organizations.

Important message to pass on to players and parents
Team Defense wins games
Relax, it’s just a game

Memorable moments in hockey
Winning the Mite NIHL Gold Banner 2004/2005

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This article is intended primarily for our Bantam and Midget players and their parents. As you progress through Bantam and Midgets it becomes increasingly more important to take advantage of each and every opportunity on the ice at practices and games alike because you never know who might be watching. Next time you walk into a rink take a look around you and you will realize that you do not know who everyone is or their reason for being there. Here's who they could be:

Any of the above can be found in any rink at anytime before, during and after a game and often inconspicuous. In the case of players, coaches and parents they may be there waiting for a game or practice. Players, coaches and some parents are always looking for players to improve their respective teams. Former players and coaches can also be in attendance. I have learned that the advanced hockey community is very close and there exist an extensive network of relationships between current and former players or coaches always looking for another strong player to recommend to a friend or past coach. You could be that player.

Scouts and paid agents are less likely at AA games, however it does happen. These individuals are more likely to attend tournaments, playoff games and showcase events where they can evaluate multiple players at a single event. Paid agents are individuals you can hire and pay to promote you amongst their network of coaches. Scouts are less likely at AA events and are very inconspicuous.

Local area rinks you play in are now home to the following:

• Robert Morris College
• The Steele USHL Jr A     
• The Force CSHL JrB
• ACHA DI,DII
• Northern Illinois University
• Peoria Mustangs CSHL Jr B
• The Chill AAA
• Team Illinois AAA
• The Mission AAA
• CYA AAA   
• Depaul University
• ACHA DII

Here are a couple of tips to consider the next time you take the ice.

1. Who else is playing or practicing in this rink before, during or after your game. Is it a AAA, Jr A, Jr B or College team?
2. Is this rink a home ice facility for a AAA, Jr A, Jr B or College team?
3. Always be aware of local tournaments and showcase events that draw coaches, players, parents and scouts.   

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The 2005 Cyclones Mite House Tournament Team played in the Wild Turkey Tournament in Orland Park over the Thanksgiving weekend. After losses against the Oak Lawn Eagles and the Arctic Blackhawks, the team jelled and won against the Arctic Predators and also won the Consolation Round for a third place finish. Players participated in the Skills Competition, got their faces painted and had an overall great time. Many thanks to the in-house parents who supported their kids at their first tournament!

Mite House Tournament Team: Glenn Albanese, Jordan Coakley, Samantha Crankshaw, Matthew Humes, Aaron Karkos, Patrick MacDonald, Cameron McNamera, Billy Nichol, Logan Nigg, Dutch Schneeman, Ethan Shrout, Dominick Sidari, Jake Wheeler and Nick Wheeler.
Head Coach: Mark Karkos
Assistant Coaches: Colin Crankshaw, Glenn Albanese
Manager: Maria Karkos

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The Central States Geneva Cyclones Midget Major team participated in the Team Illinois Midget AAA Thanksgiving Invitational from November 23rd to November 27th at the Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva.

The Cyclones started out with a very tough game against the Chicago Chill Midget Minor AAA team. Right away the team was challenged by the Chill’s speed and ability. Not having the size the Cyclones did, the Chill used their quickness and very good passing skills to beat the Cyclones 5-1. Not the start the team was hoping for, but they were determined to come out ready for the next opponent.

In Game 2 the Cyclones took on the Chicago Blues Midget Minor Central States team. The Cyclones had a good size advantage in this game, and the defensive component became a key factor. Playing very physical and losing few battles along the boards, the contest ended 3-1 in the Cyclones favor.

Building on the momentum from the previous win, the next challenge came against the Montgomery Blue Devils from Baltimore, Maryland. The Cyclones started quickly by scoring a goal in the first 10 seconds of the game. From there the Cyclones began piling on the goals and led 7-1 after the second period. They took control by passing well and finishing on good scoring chances. The Blue Devils began to fight back in the third, but the Cyclones did what they needed to do and held on for the victory winning 7-3. This win paved the Cyclones path into the semifinal game.

The semifinal match-up came against the San Jose Jr. Sharks of California. The Cyclones looked very good in the beginning of the game popping the first goal. The rest of the first period was pretty even with the Sharks scoring near the end. The second period hurt the Cyclones. With a couple of costly penalties and not finishing on good scoring opportunities, the Sharks went up three goals by the end of the period. The Cyclones came back in the third determined to get back some goals. However, with the Sharks scoring one more in the third, and the Cyclones having trouble putting the puck in the net, the final score ended 5-1. The Sharks went on to win the tournament by beating Team Illinois Midget Minor AAA 6-5 in the finals.

The team played a very good tournament overall. Even though they lost their semifinal game, they were encouraged with the results. Cyclone coaches and players believe this tournament set the tone for the team’s upcoming part of the season, and hope to finish strong.

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Well another Thanksgiving has come and gone: turkey, dressing, pumpkin pie… and hockey? Sure, what’s a Thanksgiving weekend without hockey?

For the Squirt and Peewee House teams, this was an opportunity to play outside the normal 4-team rotation and get experience to bring their game up to a whole new level. Since the two age groups normally play together, they had to be split and recombined into tournament teams. Once again we went up against teams that have played together all season. Led by head coach, Jay Rule and his assistant coaching staff of Ron Rydosz and Ron Senechalle, these coaches brought kids together to make one dynamic team!

Our first round match up was against the host Rocket’s Squirt team; it was a 2-0 victory for the Cyclones. Great plays and team work made the win possible which led to 4 points for the tournament standings (three for the win and one for the shutout). What a big way to start the tournament!

The next two games were more and more demanding. The kids knew they had to step it up. With butterflies in their stomachs, the team burst out on the ice ready to play the Joliet Jaguars. After a battle, the Cyclones succumbed to the Jaguars 5-2. If you caught the game at the end, you would have never known they didn’t win. Spectators saw a team cheering each other on and piling on top of the goalie. (See picture) The spirit and passion of these kids were contagious! The Cyclones were still in 2nd place overall.

In the 3rd game we faced the Addison Grizzlies. If you’ve ever seen Miracle, picture the first game face-off between USA and the Soviet Union. For all the stories of the Grizzlies during the tournament, our Squirt team may as well have been playing the Soviet Union, too! The first period went fast and ended in a 5-0 lead for Addison. Did this crush our team? No way! The Cyclones came into the 2nd period with the focus and determination to hold the Grizzlies back. Our team kept up with them and skated with them. We could even imagine Coach Rule saying, “Play your game! Play your game!” The kids fought hard and only let up 3 goals in the 2nd period and held this goliath team back even more with no goals in the 3rd!

We’ve heard over and over that hockey isn’t just a game. The opportunities presented to our kids to learn life lessons through this incredible game are priceless. Coach Rule said, “No other team in the tournament could have only one practice together and do as well as we did.” And he was right—our guys placed 3rd overall in the tournament. Quite an accomplishment considering the week before they were opponents who quickly became teammates.

Then almost as quickly as it started, it was over. From past tournaments we have seen a positive impact on the intensity of house play; we look forward to seeing the kids play hockey after this one as well. Hopefully there will be an opportunity to play in another tournament at Christmas time. Win, lose or tie, it will be one more chance to cheer on a great group of kids.

We’re proud of you guys!

Left Wings: Paul Giuliano (Yellow), Billy Petersen (Red), Evan Boewe (Red)
Centers: Joey Doyle (Blue), Jack Gambro (Red), Ethan Young (White)
Right Wings: Konrad Kotz (Blue), Chris Monzel (Red), Mitch Stamp (White)
Defensemen: Ryan Olsen (Blue), Gannon Kruger (Yellow), Jake Foland (Yellow), Paul Senechalle (Red), Bryce Lofchie (White), Pat Brandell (Yellow)
Goalie: JoJo Durrbeck (Red)

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Some families new to the game may have observed confusing situations. Have you ever had a skater on your team flying down the ice only to have the whistle blow? Or the goalie from the other team come of the ice for no apparent reason? If your answer is “yes,” take some time to go over a few rules!

Today, we will discuss off sides, icing, and a delayed penalty.

Off sides… The position of the player’s skates and not that of his stick shall be the determining factor in all instances in deciding an off side. The puck must completely enter the offensive zone first or a player is off sides. The ensuing face off is at the dot outside the blue line.

Icing… for the purpose of this rule, the center red line will divide the ice into halves. Should any player of a team shoot, bat, or deflect the puck from his own half of the ice beyond the opposing goal line, an icing will be called at the official’s discretion. The ensuing face will be in the offending team’s zone. Please note, that if a team is short handed, an icing is not only allowed but encouraged.

A delayed penalty happens when a team’s player commits a penalty while the other team has the puck. The play is blown dead when the penalized team has the puck. Therefore, many teams will pull the goalie and put an extra player on the ice. Remember, the play is dead upon the penalized team touching the puck.

I hope this helps clear up these rules. Enjoy the games, and GO CYCLONES!

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As you know, the Cyclones, NIHL, and CSDHL recognize athletes whose dedication and work earns them a high level of academic success. Turn in any applicable report cards to your team manager.

For guidelines, see these links.

NIHL Making the Grade (deadline February 8th)
http://www.ilrefs.com/grade.pdf

CSDHL Academic Scholars (deadline January 31st)
http://www.csdhl.org/

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Be a part of Breakout!

Breakout! is always looking for ideas, contributors, and assistant editors.

Email your comments, suggestions, and questions to: directorlekkas@cycloneshockey.net. Thanks.

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