Greatings from Columbus & Fantastic Finish to Hockey in the Hood

WOW!!!!! What a wonderful weekend.

The Columbus Ice Hockey Club would like to thank everyone from the Detroit Hockey Association for all their hard work and dedication to this splendid event. It was by our estimation the best HITH tournament ever!!! I'm only sorry that most of the Diversity Clubs were unable to see the two championship games.

Alaska gave Detroit a wonderful game that went to overtime and then shootout! I didn't think it could get any better, but the midget game was one of the best hockey games I've ever seen PERIOD. Speed, teamwork, emotion, effort, sportsmanship, it had everything we as program directors are trying to accomplish with our programs! I'd like to thank all who participated for a truly wonderful weekend and let you all know we in Columbus already miss you all.

Thanks again, and see you next year in Detroit.

John M. Haferman
Program Director
Columbus Ice Hockey Club

Note: The bantam final between the Wasilla Wild and Detroit Dragons finished regulation play tied 2-2 and Detroit won the shoot out. In the midget finals, Columbus vs. Detroit, the Dragons won 4-3. Both games were played at Joe Louis Arena and will be memorialized on the Willie O'Cup

Press Release: Willie O'Ree Commemorated at Fourth Annual 'Hockey in the Hood' Tournament (updated with game schedules)

Detroit, MI (PRWEB) February 6, 2008 -- Willie O'Ree, the first black player in the National Hockey League (NHL), is to be commemorated with a championship trophy that bears his name, "The Willie O Cup" at the annual "Hockey in the Hood" (HITH) tournament. Hosted by the Detroit Hockey Association, the fourth annual HITH will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Willie O'Ree joining the NHL. http://www.HockeyintheHood.org

Over 400 inner city youths representing 22 hockey teams from Detroit and nine other U.S. cities will compete in this year's HITH tournament, running February 15 - 17th. In addition to the Detroit Dragons teams, the others represent: Boston, MA; Buffalo, NY; Chicago, IL; Columbus, OH; Mount Vernon, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Washington, DC; Wasilla, AK and Southwest Detroit's Clark Park Coalition.

Click here for the HITH IV Itinerary & full game schedule

Games in the fourth annual HITH will be played at the Detroit Hockey Association's Dragons home ice - Jack Adams Arena and at the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum. Thanks to the generous support of the Detroit Red Wings, championship games will be played at Joe Louis Arena.

"Hockey in the Hood is the highlight of our season," says Detroit Hockey Association President Will McCants. "It is great to see inner city youth hockey players come from all across the country to compete here in Detroit. With this year marking the 50th anniversary of Willie O'Ree's breaking the color barrier in the NHL, it makes us especially proud to host a tournament celebrating what he symbolizes and continues to work for as Director of Youth Development for the NHL's Diversity Task Force."

The Detroit Hockey Association is more than just hockey. It's about youth development through hockey. For example, following the 2006-2007 season 98 % of its seniors graduated from high school and 95% went on to college. Throughout its history Detroit Hockey Association's players have far exceeded the graduation rates and college education ranks of their classmates.

For more than 30 years, the Detroit Hockey Association has helped develop youths both as skilled hockey players and men and women of character, guided by its motto "Where goals are achieved, not just scored." Its affordable programs have enabled many youths from low and moderate income households to experience the rush of the rink as they build values lasting a lifetime. The Detroit Hockey Association is member of the Little Caesar's Amateur Hockey League, the largest youth amateur hockey league in the nation. For more information, go to: http://www.DetroitHockey.org

SANDRA EGGERS
Purple Eagle Marketing
248-921-0232
Email us Here

Important Reminders - Hockey in the Hood IV is almost here

Skills Clinics:

This Saturday, February 2, 2008
- Mites/Squirts: 12:00 pm-1:30 pm (Squirts away game)
- Bantams/Midgets: 1:30 pm-3:00 pm.

There will be no clinics or practices on Super Bowl Sunday

**IMPORTANT HITH REMINDERS**

ADVERTISEMENTS FOR PROGRAM BOOK: Please remember the deadline for all ad sales is February 9, 20008. No exceptions!!!

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Each family has been asked to support our pancake breakfast by selling 5 tickets. The pancake breakfast is all you can eat for only $5.00 and will take place on Sunday, February 17, 2008 from 7am-1pm. If you have not received your tickets please see me this Saturday, money for the pancake breakfast tickets is due Saturday, February 2, 2008. (* please remember the player is free)

HOCKEY IN THE HOOD BANQUET: will take place on Saturday, February 16, 2008 at the Ren-Cen Marriott @ 7:30pm. All are asked to come and join us this will be a wonderful evening the tickets are $25.00 (players eat for free). We will need a count of who will be attending the banquet by this Saturday. Please let me know that you will be attending by Saturday!!

*Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns.

Thank You,
Cynthia Wardlaw
313-834-2563
313-727-7330

Press Release: Detroit Hockey Association Seeks Corporate Sponsors

Detroit Hockey Association Seeks Corporate Sponsors for Youth Hockey

Detroit, MI (PRWEB) January 17, 2008 -- The Detroit Hockey Association is now seeking corporate sponsors for its youth hockey programs. For more than 30 years, the Detroit Hockey Association has offered affordable youth hockey programs, regardless of income.

"The Detroit Hockey Association is proud be at the forefront of efforts to grow hockey in Michigan and around the country," says Detroit Hockey Association President Will McCants. "We have a long history of providing inner city kids opportunities to play the game of hockey at an affordable price. The association's mission, 'Where goals are achieved, not just scored' is the message we instill in our players."

The Detroit Hockey Association's mission is more than a statement; it is an action. Following the 2006-2007 season 98 % of its seniors graduated from high school and 95% went on to college. Throughout its history, Detroit Hockey Association players have far exceeded the graduation rates and college education ranks of their classmates.

Another showcase for inner city hockey is "Hockey in the Hood" a tournament that draws youth hockey teams from across the country. The 2008 event will be hosted at the Jack Adams Arena, in Detroit on the weekend of February 15 - 18. The Detroit Hockey Association has sponsored this tournament for the past three years, awarding the "Willie O'Cup" trophy to the winning teams. The cup was named to honor Willie O'Ree, who began his National Hockey League career in 1958 as the National Hockey League's first black player. This year Hockey In The Hood IV will celebrate the 50th anniversary of O'Ree breaking into the National Hockey League.

The Detroit Hockey Association is seeking corporate sponsors for youth hockey. To become a sponsor, please call Will McCants at 313-485-6396, or visit http://www.detroithockey.org/detroit_hockey_sponsors.htm to download a sponsorship form. Your donations are tax deductible, as the Detroit Hockey Association is a 501(c)3 organization.


For more than 30 years, the Detroit Hockey Association has helped develop youths both as skilled hockey players and men and women of character, guided by its motto "Where goals are achieved, not just scored." Its affordable programs have enabled many youths from low-income households to experience the rush of the rink as they build values lasting a lifetime. The Detroit Hockey Association is a member of the Little Caesar's Amateur Hockey League, the largest youth amateur hockey league in the nation. For more information, go to: http://www.detroithockey.org

SANDRA EGGERS
Purple Eagle Marketing
248-921-0232
Email us Here

photos courtesy of Jim West Photography

Detroit Hockey Spotlight: Akil Adams

This season, the Detroit Hockey Association has been growing. We now have over forty children in the i-Program. Managing this growth, while still delivering individualized, skills based instruction requires more structure and focused coaching. Fortunately, the DHA has several volunteers who act as assistant coaches. The association is also fortunate to have Akil Adams as its lead instruction coach. Akil has been running clinics for all Dragons teams since early October. He has also taken over head coaching responsibilities for the i-Program. Following is a brief bio of Akil Adams.

Akil Adams began his hockey career at Jack Adams Arena at the age of 5. By the time he was 8, he was playing on a AA travel team called then The Detroit Rockies, who won the PAL National Championship in 1984.

Adams then went on to play AAA hockey in the Michigan National organization, where he was invited the USA Olympic Developement Team at age 16 and 17. At the age of 17, he was drafted in the 2nd round of the United States Hockey Leauge (Junior A) league to the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Akil had a very successful year in the USHL where he was an All-Star, 2nd team all league and received a full scholarship to the University of North Dakota where he played two seasons before joining the Windsor Spitfires of the O.H.L. There he played with Ed Jovanowski of the Pheonix Coyotes before being traded to the Ottawa 67's.

At Ottawa, Adams played with the likes of Michael Peca (Columbus Blue Jackets), Sean Donovan (Calgary Flames), Kevin Weekes (New Jersey Devils), Alyn McCauley (Toronto Maple Leafs) and was coached by Brian Kilrea (NHL Hockey Hall of Fame). In 1994 Akil signed a contract with the Florida Panthers American League team the Carolina Monarchs.

He then went on to play in Germany, the International Hockey League, the Western Professional League, the United Hockey League, and finished his playing career in 2000.

Akil earned his BA in Communications from Wayne State University when he finished his career. Adams went on to be the 1st African American High School Hockey Coach in the State of Michigan at the prestigous University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe. He also ran the instructional program for the Grosse Pointe Hockey Association for three years.

Akil Adams headed up All Pro Hockey School for five years, before joining the Belle Tire AAA hockey organization as a coach, consultant and trainer. Yet, he finds greater satisfaction helping to grow the DHA. "My whole goal is to provide the kids from the inner-city with the training that I was not fortunate to have. I am passionate and dedicated to providing the infastructure essential to giving these kids the opportunity to go alot further than I ever did. Its good to be home."

DHA Holiday Events

Hello Everyone,

I have a few reminders and important dates you need to be aware of.

* If you have any outstanding association fees, please pay these fees ASAP they are past due!! Any player with a balance will not be allowed to participate in playoff games, districts or HITH 4!!

* ABC Recreation Center Christmas Party for the kids Wednesday, December 12, 2007 5 PM- 8 PM. Please support the centers Christmas party.

General Membership Meeting:
There will be a general membership meeting this Sunday December 16, 2007 at 3 PM all members of the Detroit Hockey Association should plan to be in attendance. There will be very important information discussed as well as updates on upcoming events i.e. HITH 4. Light refreshments will be served. I will be there I hope that you will be there to!!

Mandatory Akil Adams Skills Clinic:
Please remember that the skill clinics are mandatory!! Many of our players have not been taking advantage of these clinics those who have we have seen tremendous improvements. Please ensure that your player is getting the skills they need by making sure they attend the mandatory clinics as well as their scheduled practices!!
*Next clinic scheduled for Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 7pm.

DHA Christmas Potluck/Party:
If you have not heard the Detroit Hockey Association will be having a Christmas potluck on Monday, December 17, 2007 6 PM-9 PM. So please see Cynthia to sign up to bring your favorite dish for all to enjoy. If your player did not draw a name for the secret Santa gift please see Cynthia also. We will also enjoy a family skate on this evening. We hope that all will come out and celebrate the upcoming holiday with us!!


ARENA CLOSED ON THE FOLLOWING. DATES PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THESE DATES.

December 22, -25, 2007

December 29, - January 1, 2008


The center will have special hours on the following dates:

December 26-28, 2007 open each day 10am-6pm

January 2, 2008- January 6, 2008 open each day 10am-6pm.

January 7, 2008 normal hours and normal schedule in effect for everyone

* Please look for further updates on times we will be skating!

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.

Thanks,

Cynthia
313-834-2563
313-727-7330

Check out the Detroit Hockey Association (DHA) Calendar

The DHA has added a new web calendar to the main website. DHA officers have also put in the time to load in all the December games, practices, and clinics. They have committed to keeping the Detroit Hockey Association calendar up to date.

Feel free to contact any officer or fill out a DHA web contact us form with any questions or suggestions.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the Willie O-Ree 50th Anniversary Celebration and Hockey in the Hood IV on February 15-17, 2008.

I-Program Begins this Saturday

The first i-Program skate begins this Saturday, 10-27-07 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. It is not too late to sign up. Please visit the i-Program page of DetroitHockey.org for more information and registration forms.

Come out and skate Metro-Detroit!

Invest in Your Future - Attend Akil Adams Clinics

Hey, Dragon Players, if you are not attending one of Akil Adams hockey clinics you are putting yourself at a competitive disadvantage. Those of you who have been showing up and working hard, know the skills you are leaning from Akil and his coaches will improve your game this upcoming season.

The Detroit Hockey Association has invested in our players’ future by hiring one of the best local coaches. Please do your very best to show up and take advantage of the opportunity! Dragon and i-Program Coaches are also encouraged to join these valuable sessions.

AKIL ADAMS CLINICS FOR THIS WEEK: 10-22-07 through 10-28-07

Thursday (10-25):
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm (Mites-Midgets)

Saturday (10/27):
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (Mites and Squirts)
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Bantam and Midgets)

Sunday (10/28):
3:00 pm-4:00 pm (Mites and Squirts)
4:00 pm- 5:00 pm (Bantam and Midgets)

Mandatory Preseason Clinics & Important Meetings

It's that time again, the Detroit Dragons are back on the ice. If you plan to play this season haven't registered yet please do so ASAP. Team registration forms are available online via the following link. Parents, please remember in order to roster your child you must complete all necessary paperwork and pay 1/2 of the registration fees.

All teams are having mandatory skills clinics for the next 3-4 weeks. All players at all levels must be in attendance!! Each player must show up for their scheduled clinic time. These clinics are designed specifically to prepare Detroit Dragons players for the upcoming season. If you want to play and have a good season this year, you will be there!

MANDATORY CLINICS FOR THIS WEEK (10/8/07):

Thursday: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm (Mites-Midgets)

Saturday: 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm (Mites and Squirts)
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (Bantam and Midgets)

Sunday: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Mites and Squirts)
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (Bantam and Midgets)

Please follow the following practice schedule for the week of (10-14-07):

Mites and Squirts: Tuesday from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm and Thursday from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Bantams: Tuesday from 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm and Saturday from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Midgets: Thursday at 8:30 pm and Saturdays at 3 pm (You must also attend the above clinics this is mandatory!!) * Sunday, October 14th the Midgets have an away game.

Important Dates:

Saturday, October 13, 2007: I-Program Parent meeting @ 12:00 pm

Saturday, October 27, 2007: 1st day for the I-Program

Sunday, October 28, 2007: HITH 4 Planning Meeting @ 5:00 pm

Please contact a DHA board member with any questions.

DHA to Host USA Hockey Level 1 Clinic 10/13 & Important Dates

As the DHA continues to grow, there will be an increasing need for new coaches. The DHA will host a Level I coaching certification program at Jack Adams Arena on Saturday, October 13th from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Register online via this link. Parents and care givers are strongly encouraged to get certified and learn the latest USA Hockey coaching techniques. No special skills or experience are required.

Soon new players will be signing up for the i-Program and Detroit Dragon teams. There is a great need for volunteers to help us prepare for the season and all season long. The DHA kicks off the pre-season this coming Saturday.

Volunteers Needed!!!!!

Saturday, September 15, 2007: To help clean out the equipment cage. We will be cleaning the cage out from 9 am-11 am. We need some volunteers to help us get the cage area cleaned out and organized.

Coaches Meeting - 9/15 - 11:00 AM: It is mandatory for all coaches who plan to coach this season to be in attendance. The DHA needs active participation in order to have a successful season.

Parent/Player Orientation - 9/15 - 2:00 PM: Please remember that each parent and player must attend an orientation session. There will be others scheduled if you are unable to attend this one (see the following dates).
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If you have not registered there will be several onsite (Jack Adams Arena) registration dates coming up soon. Please remember to register you must pay at least half your fees. All registration fees are due by November 5, 2007!!!

Onsite Registration Dates:

Friday, September 14, 2007 6-8pm

Saturday, September 15, 2007 12pm-2pm

Friday, September 21, 2007 6-8pm

Saturday, September 22, 2007 12pm-2pm

Friday, September 28, 2007 6-8pm

Saturday, September 29, 2007 12pm-2pm

*Remember to register/roster your child at least half of your fees must be paid at registration. (See link to player registration form here)
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Additional Important Dates:

Friday, September 21, 2007: Parent/Player orientation @ 6:30 pm @ Jack Adams.

Saturday, September 22, 2007: Managers meeting @ 12 pm at Jack Adams. *If you are interested in becoming a team manager please contact Marilyn Alexander at (313) 340-0119 or (313) 587-2747.

Sunday, September 23, 2007: General Membership Meeting @ 3 pm. All association members should plan to attend. Come out and hear what new ideas we have planned to improve and strengthen the Detroit Hockey Association.

Saturday, September 29, 2007: Hockey In The Hood IV (HITH 4) Planning Meeting @ 12 pm. We need your help! Please plan to attend.

This committee will be responsible for the planning and publicizing for HITH 4. As well as organizing the various committees for HITH 4. Some of those committees are: Registration, Welcome/Liaison comm., Concession Stand, Light breakfast, Luncheon, Pancake Breakfast, Locker room/Lobby Monitor, Score keeping, Decorating, Media/Publicity, Entertainment, Tournament Badges, Hospitality, Clean-Up, Parking Lot, HITH 4 banquet/silent auction, raffle and apparel to name a few.

* If you are interested in signing up to volunteer for any of the above mentioned committees please plan to attend the meeting if you can't make it please contact Cynthia to sign up for one of the committees. We need all our parents support to make this HITH 4 unforgettable. This HITH will be an celebration of Willie O'ree's 50th year anniversary since breaking the color barrier in the NHL. Please help us make this a memorable event. We can't do this without your help. We ask that each parent volunteer for at least one committee.

Sunday, September 30, 2007: For any of you interested The Detroit Hockey Association has reserved this day at Perani's in Livonia from (10am-12pm) for all our members to get hockey equipment at a discounted price. All CCM and Reebok equipment will be especially discounted. So save the date and plan to save some money on all your hockey equipment needs.

* If you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.

Hope to see you all soon,

Cynthia

313-834-2563 or 313-727-7330

End of Summer Important Dates

Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone is enjoying there summer. Well were almost at the end of July hockey season will soon be here again. I know your as anxious as we are to get started. We hope to have a very good season this year!

Important Dates:

Saturday, August 4, 2007: Coaches meeting at Jack Adams @ 12pm. All coaches should be in attendance. If you are planning to coach for the 2007-2008 season you must be in attendance. We will be discussing the coaching plan for this season. So each coach should plan to be in attendance at this meeting. The season will soon be here and we want to be ready.

Saturday, August 4, 2007: Parent Meeting at Jack Adams @ 1pm. This will be the first of many. Each parent must attend one of the parent meetings there will be several prior to the begining of the season. (* other dates TBA)

Saturday, August 11, 2007: Player meeting at Jack Adams @ 12pm. There will be several schedule prior to the begining of the season. Each player must attend this meeting. (* other dates TBA)

Don't forget about the early registration discount. If you register now thru August 31, 2007, you can save $25.00 of your registration fee. Please remember all fees must be paid in full to receive discount. Save yourself some money and register today!

Feel free to contact any Detroit Hockey Association officer for more information about the upcoming season. The registration form is found here.

Cynthia