Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/95789
STOPs & STARTS into a specific theme designed to celebrate the passion and dedication that players, coaches, parents, officials and fans have for the game. Friday, Feb. 15, will be "Wear Your Favorite Hockey Jersey To School Day," sponsored by ShopUSAHockey.com. This is your chance to show your hockey pride by wearing your favorite jersey to school. It can be your youth hockey jersey, or one of your favorite Junior, college or pro team's colors. ockey Weekend Across America, presented by CCM, returns to center ice Feb. 15-17, as USA Hockey teams up with hockey organizations from coast to coast for the 6th annual celebration of our great game. In keeping with its tradition, each day of Hockey Weekend Across America is broken up H This would also be a good time for organizations to work with local schools to showcase hockey in gym class, the classroom or during an assembly. Saturday, Feb. 16, is "Try Hockey For Free Day," sponsored by the National Hockey League. This is the perfect opportunity for youth hockey organizations to host an open house to expose hockey to those who don't play the game. Youth players are encouraged to bring a friend to the rink for public skating or just to watch a Junior, college or pro game. Sunday, Feb. 17, is "Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes Day." Don't think you have any local hockey heroes in your town? Just look around. Here's your chance to honor your favorite coach, volunteer or referee through a special recognition event. You can also host an open house at which some of your local heroes can talk about the benefits of playing hockey. For more information, log on to USAHockey.com/hwaa. INCH Takes Its Final Step T he college hockey world lost one of its most influential and informative voices with the end of Inside College Hockey, a website that chronicled all things college hockey over the last decade. Since its inception on Oct. 1, 2002, Inside College Hockey has provided a host of information about the college game with unique features that included Power Rankings, conference notebooks, INCH Podcasts and Hobey Trackers. According to the editors, the time and effort that went into creating a first-class hockey labor of love became too much. "Real life has caught up with us," they wrote in their farewell press release. Over the years the website grew in size and stature but always 06 stayed true to the vision of original writers Mike Eidelbes (CCHA), Nate Ewell (Hockey East), Joe Gladziszewski (ECAC) and Jess Myers (WCHA). "We were proud to provide innovative ways to present stories and ideas that changed the way college hockey is covered by many traditional and new media outlets," the editors wrote. "We also thought there was room for college hockey coverage with a more national perspective, and with a sense of humor. We hope we've provided all of that, and we had an absolute blast doing it." To help fill the void in the college hockey ranks, the editors have created INCHwriters.com, as an avenue for writers to share their thoughts about the college game. Starry Night In Big D They say the stars at night shine big and bright deep in the heart of Texas. That was particularly true on Oct. 15 in Dallas as some of the biggest stars in the game turned out to salute the U.S Hockey Hall of Fame's Class of 2012. Leading the way was Mike Modano, who spent all but one season of his 21-year NHL career with the Dallas Stars organization. Rounding out the Class of 2012 were the legendary general manager and coach Lou Lamoriello of the New Jersey Devils, and 1984 U.S. Olympian Eddie Olczyk, who enjoyed a 16-year NHL career before becoming a broadcaster with his hometown Chicago Blackhawks and NBC. With the Class of 2012, there are now 156 enshrined members in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minn. Also honored were long-time Ft. Wayne Comets broadcaster Bob Chase/Wallenstein and Dick Patrick, who received the Lester Patrick Award for their service to grass-roots hockey in the United States. Long-time international administrator and pioneer Murray Costello was awarded the Wayne Gretzky Award, which pays tribute to international individuals who have made major contributions to the growth and advancement of hockey in the United States. USA HOCKEY NEWS & UPDATES Hockey Weekend Offers Six Pack Of Fun CLICK PLAY To view hall of fame video THEY SAID IT for a lot of kids." — Brett Hull talking about teammate and longtime friend Mike Modano, who was recently inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame DECEMBER.2012 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM "The way he played the game and the way he carried himself made him a natural role model PHOTO BY Ross Dettman