As we previously communicated, the State of Illinois has classified hockey in the “higher risk” category, which currently limits our ability to play competitive games, but not our ability to train on-ice under certain conditions.  AHAI, with the support of the clubs, rinks, and USA Hockey, is working to appeal the placement of hockey in the "higher risk" category.  We remain hopeful that the State of Illinois will reconsider this classification. 

We understand and acknowledge that there is a great deal of uncertainty regarding what our 2020-2021 season might look like, and we waited as long as possible to send this communication in the hopes that we might have more concrete information to share.  We plan to play the fullest season of hockey we are able within State of Illinois guidelines.  The DuPage Stars Board believes with continued oversight and proper procedures, we can continue to operate, while keeping our players, coaches and family members safe.  Accordingly, at the direction of AHAI, we moved forward with tryouts and team selection. (Our 2020-21 Varsity and Junior Varsity rosters are posted above).

It is required that you contact your local Athletico and register for baseline concussion testing as part of the A Step aHead Program.

AHAI has notified Illinois hockey clubs that it will certify rosters.  The certification of rosters allows the clubs to be ready to start the season once the State of Illinois approves game play.  Moreover, State of Illinois guidelines require that we assign players to teams in order to minimize the spread of the virus and assist in contact tracing. 

Our hockey director, Jon Woodring, and our other coaches have been working on plans for the season under different practice and game scenarios.  Our players will continue to receive top-level coaching and development.  We plan to provide the same weekly practice cadence – two practices a week plus one session of off-ice.  As we progress through the State of Illinois guidelines, we will begin scrimmaging and eventually playing games once permitted. The leagues in which we participate plan to start league play as soon as permitted.  All hockey clubs in Illinois, at all levels (e.g., High School, Central States, NIHL, etc.), will start sanctioned games at the same time.

Because we are unable to play games at this time, our expenses at the start of the season include coaches’ salaries, ice slots for practice, off-ice training, a minimum amount of required league fees, and a small amount of miscellaneous expenses.  At this time, we have structured our fees to cover these expenses.  Accordingly, our player fees for the start of the season will be:

• Skaters - $2,400
• Goalies - $1,200

If allowed to play games at some point in the future, the Club will incur additional expenses that include additional league fees, additional ice slots for games, and scorekeeper fees.  Obviously, we will need to collect additional player fees at that time, and you must agree to pay these fees in order to be placed on a roster.  The difficult part is that we are unable to tell you exactly what those fees will be because they are dependent on the number of games we ultimately play.  Last year, we charged $3,900 for skaters and $1,850 for goalies for a full season.  So, for planning purposes, the collective amount of our fees for this season will not exceed last year’s fees and will end up being less if we play less games.

We will continue to update you as we receive additional information.

If you have any questions, please contact Bob Surrette at 312-375-1404 or president@dupagestarshockey.com.

The DuPage Stars Board of Directors

Our Varsity and Junior Varsity teams will play in the Illinois West Hockey League (www.illinoiswesthockey.com) during the 2020-21 Season. League standings and player statistics can also be found at www.ahai2.org.  Our website also has a link for www.arenamaps.com, which gives addresses and directions to all rinks in the Chicagoland area.

DuPage Stars Hockey Club consists of the following schools :
 

• Downers Grove North (District 99)
• Downers Grove South (District 99)
• Hinsdale South (District 86)
• Lisle (District 202)
• Westmont (District 201)

Are you interested in receiving information about upcoming events, skates, seasons for the DuPage Stars?  Please click the registration below to add your name to our email list:

ZERO TOLERANCE

The Stars would like to stress that we have a "Zero Tolerance" policy for players as well as parents. Please show respect towards officials, players, and other parents at all games. 

Thank you and go Stars!

DuPage Stars Hockey Club

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