Congratulations to 12U Madeline McCrory!

·  Current Team: Girls 12U House

·  Player Position: Left wing

·  Player Experience: 6 years with Girls house team 

·  Most Memorable Hockey Experience: When I played travel with the Girls Fusion 10U team and went to South Bend for a tournament

·   Favorite team: Toronto Maple Leafs

·  School/Grade: I am 11 years old and I go to Clay Middle school, Grade 6

·  Favorite Food:  Cheese Pizza

·  Favorite Movie: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

·  Tell us a random fun fact about you:  I'm good at climbing trees and I have 3 citizenships: American, Canadian & British!

The Jr Fuel is very fortunate to have a great group of coaches that are dedicated to the players, the teams, and the sport of hockey and Coach Anthony Deardorff is one of our finest. His ability to communicate and connect with young players in the beginning stages of their development is extremely effective and his passion for hockey is contagious at the rink. Coach Anthony always brings his positive attitude to the ice in practice and during games which gives the kids the encouragement to learn from mistakes and have fun while doing so.

Every week Coach Anthony takes the time to write up an entertaining game summary with player highlights of individual efforts and team successes. These are the little things that can make a difference in a child’s life. If you haven’t read one of Coach Anthony’s game summaries, you’re missing out! It’s not about the scoresheet for Coach Anthony, it’s about the youth hockey experience. It’s about giving the boys and girls the best opportunity to find out what they are able to accomplish with a little hard work, determination, and perseverance on and off the ice. Thank you Coach for all that you have done and are doing to make the Junior Fuel all it can be!

“Coach Anthony always takes the time to say hi and talk to the kids and joke with the kids. He is always positive with them but works them hard. My son Niklas loves seeing Coach Anthony at the rink and has a great relationship with him. Coach Anthony is a tremendous asset to the 8U division and the IYHA.” -Jim Hansen

Each newsletter will feature players who are nominated by their coaches for standing out with their hard work, leadership and representing the IYHA Jr Fuel on and off the ice. 

We also want to recognize our great coaches and volunteers who generously give their time to the kids and the organization. Thank you all! 

Would you like to nominate a coach or volunteer for next month? Email JJ Beck: jj@iyha.com

The IYHA Jr Fuel is a fast-growing, dynamic organization whose purpose is to teach and promote ice hockey to children in Fishers, Carmel, Westfield, Indianapolis, and the nearby communities.

The IYHA Jr Fuel is the largest youth hockey association in the Midwest, with over 1200 local boys and girls ages 3 – 18 participating. We are committed to providing opportunities for all skill levels to ensure each player has a positive experience that they will always remember.

In order to be successful in our goals, the IYHA Jr Fuel is seeking financial support from individuals and businesses. Please contact JJ Beck for sponsorship opportunities: jj@iyha.com

By Ryan Beck

The IYHA Jr Fuel is back in action and Learn to Play Hockey is offering classes at multiple locations for boys and girls of all ages. This a great introduction to the sport and skill levels are welcome. Players will learn everything from the fundamentals of skating, controlling the puck, passing to teammates, and scoring the game winning goals! Our station-based format gives players the opportunity to learn the skills necessary in a safe and competitive environment. The action packed practices keep the kids moving, engage, and excited to back to the rink every week!

Register today for classes at www.iyha.com/ltp

Class Days, Times, and Locations:

Saturdays 10:30am - 11:30am
Arctic Zone Iceplex 16616 Southpark Drive, Westfield 46074

Sundays 3:15pm - 4:15pm
Indy Fuel Tank 9022 E. 126th Street, Fishers, Indiana 46038

Mondays 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Carmel Ice Skadium 1040 3rd Avenue SW, Carmel, Indiana 46032

Thursdays 5:15pm - 6:15pm
Indy Fuel Tank 9022 E. 126th Street, Fishers, Indiana 46038

By Jimmy Mullin

No Excuses for Devon Levi

https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/devon-levi-an-outlier-canada-world-juniors-hockey-1.5856330

During the crazy year of 2020, every sport, league, and age group has been affected by Covid-19. People are losing job opportunities to play professionally, kids are being pushed out of junior hockey, and youth organizations are missing games, and practice time. Some teams have had to forfeit games, reschedule or even leave showcases due to exposure and positive test results. Unfortunately, this is the norm right now and kids have every excuse to be mad, angry and so do the parents. But... this article that I am going to attach isn't about the negative side of Covid. It's about making do and maximizing  the opportunity that you are given. This article is about taking advantage of every opportunity and controlling the controllables. This article is about the Canadian World Junior Goalie Devon Levi and he is defying all the odds in many different ways.

Devon just like most kids played AAA hockey and he aged out of his AAA hockey eligibility. After his AAA hockey days, he joined the Carleton Place Canadians in the CCHL, which is “Junior A” in Canada. After a great year in the CCHL Devon earned a scholarship to Northeastern University where he is now a freshman. 

Even though the CCHL is an unconventional route to World Juniors and probably wasn't even a thought in Devon’s mind he earned a spot at camp.  Now, Devon is 1 of 3 goalies in the last 40 years that Canada has rostered that wasn’t a part of the 3 major junior hockey leagues. In this article, they explain his path in hockey and the unfortunate events that occurred where he was isolated for 14 days in the biggest camp of his life due to Covid. 

If the backdoor route to the biggest stage of hockey doesn't inspire you, maybe the relevant pain of Covid-19 and Devon’s training regiment in a hotel room will inspire you or your child to take advantage of the opportunity and extra time at home. Take this time and do more and control what you can control!!!

By Brent Gwidt

Development quote of the month:
“Let your mistakes make you better, not bitter…”

Small area game of the month:
https://youtu.be/bKzCZTj9uHE
 

8 Ways to be more coachable:

1. Take criticism in stride- Anytime a coach is criticizing you, understand that they are trying to help you get better and not trying to single you out. 
    
2. Communicate with your coach-Coaches want to know how their players are feeling and how the athlete cares about their game. Ask a coach where you need to get better. If you are confused on something, ask a coach after practice to help explain it to you. Coaches appreciate when players show maturity and take the time to have a conversation, it shows you care, and it helps with communication skills. 
    
3. Get out of your comfort zone- With so many practices and skills sessions find some time to try new things you have been working on. Be ok with failing at something and just keep working to get better. Getting out of your comfort zone shows a coach you have the courage to try and be creative on the ice, while also being realistic and competitive. 
    
4. Show class- Whether it is losing with class or winning with class, always represent the IYHA with class and pride. When going to other cities and rinks wear the Junior Fuel logo proudly and always show respect for other facilities and establishments. 
    
5. Be competitive- Coaches love players who are always willing to compete, especially in practices. One of the best things’ teammates can do is work hard against each other. Practice being competitive by challenging yourself each day to be the hardest worker on the ice. An undercover way to be competitive is to move on from a mistake quickly. I always tell players that when things are not going their way, don't get angry, don't get upset, get competitive. 
    
6. Respect the coach- The coaches are there to set the culture of the team and to develop each individual athlete. The coach is there for a reason and has credentials and most likely playing experience. You may not always agree with the coach and their decisions but trusting the coaches will show maturity and keep a positive mindset for the individual. 
    
7. Show passion for the game-There are countless ways to show passion for hockey. Follow the NHL or NCAA, use YouTube for great hockey content, take part in at home training challenges, set goals, utilize any extra ice that is available. You should always bring passion and energy when you are on the ice, it is contagious to your teammates and coaches. 
    
8.  Be reliable- Come to the rink every day with a positive mindset and be prepared for your practice or game. Be on time, be prepared, be competitive. Have fun!

By Adam McHugh

By JJ Beck

Indy Fuel games are underway. Stay tuned for 50/50 details and winners!

Learn to Skate USA Marathon Challenge allows for individual and group participation, including off ice for skaters with limited ice time. Want to give it a try? Select an option below and get started!

1. Participate as an Individual

Download the Marathon Challenge Mileage Tracker here (or download image on the right). Bring your tracker and a marker to the rink every time you skate, and chart your progress by tracking your laps and filling in the marathon loop.

2. Participate as a Team

Download the Marathon Challenge Mileage Tracker here and skate your marathon with friends! Get a group of skaters together and track your laps around the ice. Contribute five laps or a 5K — it’s up to you!

Turn it into a full team effort by taking turns skating laps to complete the marathon as a relay, or skate as a group to see how fast you can complete all 289 laps. For friendly competition, you can even use different colored markers to see who completes the full marathon loop first.

3. Participate Off the Ice

If your ice time is limited or you need a good warm-up or team building activity, get your friends together and use the Marathon Challenge Mileage Tracker to track your laps off the ice.

No pedometer? No problem! The average person walks a mile in 2,000 steps, so with a bit of counting, you can walk, run, skip or rollerblade your way through each mile, be it on the ice, around your rink or in a local park or gym.

Want to challenge yourself even more? Add some lunges, straight leg kicks or wrist weights to your steps.