Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/77643
The new cross-ice mandate for all players at the 8 & Under age level will create a consistent system of skill development across the country. ONE SIZE FITS ALL Cross-ice Mandate Seen As A Move To Put Everyone On A Level Playing Surface By HARRY THOMPSON S 20 ince the American Development Model has seen the ranks of its its inception in 2009, sooner than others, but thanks to the tireless work of its regional managers, the ADM is a concept that continues to attract a new legion of supporters. And while the majority of associations have pushed ahead with implementing the ADM and cross-ice hockey, there is still that small but vocal minority that wants to see Mites play on the same sized ice surface as the NHL players. supporters continue to swell. As is often the case with change, some bought in That's about to change as starting in the 2013-14 season USA Hockey will put some muscle where its mouth is by mandating that all 8 & Under hockey will be played on a cross-ice playing surface, thus providing every association and Affiliate with a consis- tent and level playing field. And while most youth organizations already play cross-ice hockey, the delay will give those few holdout organizations time to get a program into place. "We always knew that we were going to mandate it, it was a question of when," said Jim Smith, USA Hockey vice presi- dent and head of the Player Development Committee. slower, but it's something that USA Hockey firmly believes in." "Sometimes you just have to go a little bit Affiliate presidents and many others around the country praised the move, which they say will help close the loopholes that some have used to cherry pick a pro- gram that will allow them to play by their own rules. "I think it was a great move by the board of directors to pass it and it's something that a lot of the Affiliate presidents have been looking for a couple of years," said Joe Baudo, president of New York State Amateur Hockey Association. "What this rule or standard or mandate, MONTHHERE.2012 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM PHOTOS BY Xxxxxxxxxxx PHOTOS BY USA Hockey