The Peoria Mustangs are getting ready to start their season and they are in need of some more billets. Billets are host families that the families live with during the season. For more information please see the flier below.

IHOA Seminar registration is now open for the 2019-20 season! 

Seminar registration is on a "first come, first served basis" and registration for each seminar will be closed when the seminar reaches capacity. 

Register early as seminars often fill up quickly. Walk-ins are allowed IF space is available.

The Peoria Seminar will be held at the Owens Center on August 24th. Seminar runs from 7:30am-4:00pm with on-ice instruction included. 

Steps to becoming a USA Hockey official: 

To completely register with USA Hockey as an official you need to complete the following each year:

FIRST step to complete:

USA Hockey Membership Registration:

1. 1. Go to USAHockey.com. At the homepage you will click on “Become a Member”  in the upper right corner and register as an Ice Official. This is where you will provide USAH with your information for their database and pay your annual membership fee (no affiliate fee for IHOA through this portal).

2. Once you are registered, you will receive a confirmation email within 24-hours. A copy of the USA Hockey Playing Rules & Casebook (new officials and Rule Change Seasons only) will be sent to you within a week, along with some additional information to help you along with the registration process.

3. Open Book Exam: Go to the “Open Book Exam” page at the OFFICIALS section of USAHockey.com and follow the steps to begin your online exam. It’s designed to allow you to go at your own pace. You may answer all questions at once, or answer ten questions every day until it is completed. Please review all answers before submitting it to the National Office. The exam will be accessible 24-hours after online registration, and we strongly encourage you to wait until you receive your Rulebook and attend your seminar (see below) before attempting to take the test. 

• • • Returning officials: You will receive an email giving you information (including your USAH Officiating Number) relating to completing your online “Open Book Exam.”
    • New officials (1st season): You will receive an email with information to complete your online “Open Book Exam;” you will NOT have a USAH Officiating Number at this time.

4. Online Education: Once registered with USA Hockey, you will receive instructions regarding the online Officiating Education module program. These modules are a mixture of required and elective topics that teach fundamental skills of officiating using video examples, animation, and knowledge-based testing. You must complete your required hours of training to receive your card and crest. You can access the Online Modules under the OFFICIALS tab at USAHockey.com.

*** SafeSport Training (if 18+ years old): All officials who are 18 years-of-age or older must complete the United States Olympic Committee SafeSport training program. This online based program trains coaches, officials, and key volunteers in detecting and preventing detrimental behavior (hazing, abuse, etc.) off the playing surface. Once completed, the training certification is good for two years before re-certification is required. This training must be completed in addition to your USA Hockey Local Affiliate Background Checks. SafeSport training can be completed by using the SafeSport link under the OFFICIALS tab at USAHockey.com

Second step:

ILLINOIS HOCKEY OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION (IHOA) REGISTRATION:

1. 1. Register for the in-class seminar : http://ihoa.com/registration/

• • • The seminar schedule is now online, and most seminars are between mid-July and mid-October.
    •  IHOA fee is non-refundable.
    • Frequently Asked Questions page has a list of commonly asked questions and answers regarding seminars and the registration process.

Any questions not found on the FAQs page should be directed to the

IHOA Registrar Dave ZedniK

The PYHA is looking to increase our numbers of referee's and to do this we will be offering eligible people the ability to become a referee for free.  Applications are due by August 16th.

• If you’re accepted PYHA will pay for:  first year registration, referee jersey and class cost. Also, PYHA will consider reimbursements for certification level increases for referees in good standings.
• Referees will commit to a minimum of 3 years to PYHA
• If a referee does not complete their 3 years they will be responsible to reimburse PYHA for their first year certification cost.
• If PYHA has no games available, you will be allowed to referee for other organizations, PYHA is first priority.
• Children under 18 will need a parent signature, showing they understand all terms and conditions as well.

A Huge Thank-You to the Blackhawks and Stanley Cup alumni Jamal Mayers

Last Saturday the Little Hawks Learn to Play sessions had a special guest coach on the ice helping with lessons.

Jamal Mayers, Blackhawks alumni from the 2013 Stanley Cup winning team and his son Crew visited Peoria to help with the PYHA and Blackhawks Little Hawks program.

During the sessions Jamal went back and forth between groups and worked with the kids on group skill sessions and took time with each kid individually.

It was a great experience for the kids (and parents).  His son Crew jumped right into one of the groups and practiced his skills along with everyone else.  At the end of the session Mr. Mayers spent a few minutes talking to the kids letting them know how impressed he was with them.

After the  on ice session, Mr. Mayers stayed and signed autographs then had to head to Chicago for a Hawks game where he is the NBC Sports Chicago Blackhawks analyst.

PYHA would like to identify and track our former players who are playing at the "next level". Please let us know if you or your child has played or is currently playing at the junior, college, or professional levels. We would like to post the names of these players as well as the organizations they moved on to on the website and at the rink. Please contact Brad Mitchel at bmitchell@pyha.org.