The Swords Mites will be skating during 2 upcoming Cyclones games. You can join them the in the stands and cheer them on during the 1st intermission. Tickets are only $13 and open to all Swords Families. Follow the links below to purchase your tickets at the reduced rate. You will be directed to the Cyclones group ticket site and will be able to purchase tickets directly from there.

November 23rd: www.groupmatics.events/Swords1123

December 14th: www.groupmatics.events/Swords1214

 We have received our second quarter distribution from Kroger.  I checked my personal account and it has been updated so I am assuming if you are participating yours has been updated as well.  Please send me your information if you are participating no later than 5pm on Friday, November 22.  If you have not received a confirmation email from me by Monday, November 25, please resubmit your information.

PLEASE NOTE:  KROGER HAS CHANGED OUR NUMBER TO TT350.  PLEASE BE SURE YOUR NUMBER HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THE NEW NUMBER SO YOU CONTINUE TO RECEIVE CREDIT.  KROGER INDICATED IT WAS AUTOMATIC BUT I WOULD DOUBLE CHECK SO YOU HAVE NO INTERRUPTION IN RECEIVING YOUR CREDIT. 

Below are the directions for determining your Kroger funds.  Please follow them as stated below and if you run into any problems, please contact Kroger directly.  Please try to confirm that the amount has changed from your last submission as they do not date the information posted and it is difficult for me to check everyone's past balance.  These funds can be used for any 2018-19 program.  

1. Go to www.krogercommunityrewards.com.
2. Log in by clicking on "Sign In" about 2/3 down the page.    DO NOT log in by the “Sign In” at the top.
3. Enter your email address and password.
4. The next page that comes up should read View Your Rewards Detail (click on this).
5. The bottom box of information is labeled “Community Rewards”.
6. Highlight the information in the entire box and copy it.  You can do this by highlighting and RIGHT clicking your mouse and selecting copy or you can do this by highlighting and clicking CTRL C on your keyboard.
7. Once you copy the information, open your email and where you would type text, paste the Community Rewards information.  Can be done by putting your curser in the text box and either RIGHT clicking your mouse and selecting paste or by clicking CTRL V on your keyboard.
8. In your email subject line, please type Community Reward, YOUR NAME, YOUR SKATER’S NAME and send the email to me at treasurer@swordshockey.com.

If you are someone who has multiple people helping you out, you may want to contact them and ask them for their log in and password information so you can get the information.  That is clearly up to you.  I can take the information from you or from them.

Here’s some general information Kroger’s passed along with their information email that the check was going to be coming soon.

We cannot enroll or create online accounts for supporters over the phone.  If you have a supporter who is experiencing issues with their online account please have them contact our dedicated online support team at 1-866-221-4141.

If they have forgotten their email address, need to update their Kroger Plus Card information or change their alternate I.D. (the phone number they use at the store) please have them contact our loyalty department at 1-800-576-4377, option 4, then option 3 to update.

If your supporters do not see the Community Rewards message at the bottom of their receipt, please have them contact us at 1-800-294-4438 option #2.  We will contact the appropriate personnel to have the problem corrected.  Supporters may also call us for previous cycle donation amounts or to double check that they are enrolled.

The winter season and thus winter weather is upon us.  Travel can become difficult at times and families should take that into consideration when making decisions.  As a reminder Sports Plus will only close if Hamilton County declares a Level 3 snow emergency but attending practices/games during inclement weather is a family decision.  If you are unable to attend, please be sure to let your coach know as soon as possible.

Congratulations to the following 2019-20 CharityMania FootballMania winners.  Thank you so much for supporting the Swords!

Week 1 - $50 winner - M. Sansabrino supporting the Sochocki family
Week 1 - $25 winner - M. Thurman supporting Team Backen
Week 1 - $25 winner - K. Marlatt supporting the Atchison family

Week 2 - $400 winner - M. Miller supporting the Mulvaney family
Week 2 - $25 winner - K. Mount supporting the Schneider family
Week 2 - $25 winner - L. Cheng supporting the Farwell family
Week 2 - $25 winner - J. Black supporting the Mulvaney family
Week 2 - $25 winner - St. X Hockey

Week 3 - $25 winner - D. Hauschild supporting the Sochocki family
Week 3 - $25 winner - D. Goetz supporting the So family
Week 3 - $25 winner - S. Busch supporting the Gold family
Week 3 - $25 winner - V. Campos supporting Team Backen
Week 3 - $25 winner - D. Wickman supporting the Farwell family

Week 4 - $50 winner - Lifestyle Resumption sponsoring the Kocan family
Week 4 - $25 winner - B. So sponsoring the So family
Week 4 - $25 winner - S. Doss sponsoring the Kramer family
Week 4 - $25 winner - S. McCarthy sponsoring the So family
Week 4 - $25 winner - L. Mulvaney sponsoring the Mulvaney family
Week 4 - $25 winner - S. Schomaker sponsoring the Fackey family
Week 4 - $25 winner - C. Josselyn sponsoring the Schneider family

Week 5 - $25 winner - C. Brown sponsoring the Mulvaney family
Week 5 - $25 winner - D. Eagan sponsoring the Leever family
Week 5 - $25 winner - K. Hughes sponsoring Team Backen
Week 5 - $25 winner - K. Willis sponsoring the Sochocki family

Week 6 - $100 winner - W. Reidinges sponsoring the Mulvaney family

Week 7 - $400 winner - S. Dalrymple sponsoring the Park family
Week 7 - $100 winner - J. Foley sponsoring the Hare family
Week 7 - $25 winner - K. Irwin sponsoring the So family

Week 8 - $100 winner - M. Malone sponsoring the Atchison family
Week 8 - $25 winner - D. Hogan sponsoring the Hogan family
Week 8 - $25 winner - K. Busch sponsoring the Gold family
Week 8 - $25 winner - C. Heiny sponsoring the Ropp family
Week 8 - $25 winner - L. Volz sponsoring the Kramer family

Week 9 - $25 winner - R. Moore sponsoring the Mulvaney family
Week 9 - $25 winner - K. Park sponsoring the Park family
Week 9 - $25 winner - R. Spiller sponsoring the Schneider family
Week 9 - $25 winner - W. Hux sponsoring the Farwell family

Week 10 - $100 winner - H. Jones sponsoring Team Backen
Week 10 - $25 winner - T. Amend sponsoring the Gold family
Week 10 - $25 winner - M. Anglavar sponsoring St. X
Week 10 - $25 winner - Lifestyle Resumption sponsoring the Kocan family
Week 10 - $25 winner - T. Pisanelli sponsoring the So family
Week 10 - $25 winner - G. Kramer sponsoring the Kramer family
Week 10 - $25 winner - M. Jackson sponsoring the Polkow family

The Cincinnati Swords Board of Directors is pleased to announce the formation of the Cincinnati Swords Hockey & Skating Academy and its new partnership with Learn to Skate USA.  Learn to Skate USA is endorsed by US Figure Skating, US Speeding Skating and USA Hockey.  As Cincinnati’s premier youth hockey program, we believe this partnership will benefit our programs and players.  Participants in our Academy programs will have membership and the benefits (including supplemental insurance) through either Learn to Skate USA or USA Hockey.

We have been working through the summer to design new programing to advance our players.  The Academy will fall under the guidance of our Skills Development Committee headed by Ellen Metz.  It is hard at work on the following programs that have already occurred or are in process:

Learn to Skate USA – We will now partner with the Learn to Skate USA and have formed a new skating program entitled Cincinnati Swords Learn to Skate.  All instruction will be conducted by professional skating instructors who have experience at all levels of skating.  Families will be able to register through our website and the Learn to Skate instructors will offer Hockey 1-4 classes which work on a player’s skating skills.  Hockey 1&2 will now be prerequisites to our Learn to Play Hockey program.  Hockey 3&4 will be optional programs focused on enhanced skating skills for a hockey player.

Learn to Play Hockey – Our LTPH program will continue to be headed by Ellen Metz and Jeff Johnson.  However, during the summer we tested bringing skating instructors into the LTPH program and felt it was a strong addition to the program.  Moving forward all LTPH sessions have added a skating component with professional skating instructors. 

Checking Clinic Refresher – With the new checking emphasis, we have added a checking refresher clinic for ALL bantam and midget level players.  Don Biggs, Director of Hockey, will be leading these refresher classes and all players have been notified of their date and time.

Goalie Clinics – In support of our goalies, Randy Petruk will be leading monthly goalie training for ALL Swords goalies.  Randy has put together a strong staff of goalie instructors to help all our goalies advance.  Goalies have been notified with a schedule for the entire 19-20 season.

Lucas Miller – All our U10-U18 players were given an opportunity to work with Lucas Miller over the Sale-A-Thon weekend.  Lucas brings strong training for our players.  He has agreed to offer ALL Swords players a discount to his Thanksgiving clinic here in Cincinnati (you should have received information with your t-shirts) and we are already discussing having him come up back for the 20-21 season kick off.

These are just a few of the programs the Academy has put together.  Keep on watching for even more training options for our players. 

Cincinnati Swords Board of Directors

USA Hockey is committed to creating a safe and fair environment for all participants. Respect for the game, opponents, coaches, and officials is a critical part of that environment and it covers several different aspects of sportsmanship and fair play. This Declaration of Safety, Fair Play and Respect will guide a change in culture as to what is considered to be acceptable/unacceptable body checking and competitive contact at all levels of play.

Please full the video from USA Hockey by CLICKING HERE

We are pleased to announce that the Cincinnati Cyclones will continue the 50/50 Raffle for the 2019-2020 season.  The 2018-2019 season was only about 1/2 a season and our families raised approximately $6,000 to help offset their fees.  This is a great way to help with your fees so Don't Miss Out!  Sign up is available now through the link below.  If you cannot read on your device, the information is also posted on our website.

Thanks so much to the Cyclones!

Click HERE to link.

The Cincinnati Swords Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Greg Drach has accepted the role of President.  Greg has been involved in youth hockey and soccer since 2001 and has been actively involved with the Sword’s board since 2017.  He has held the role of High School Commissioner, Head Coach, Assistant Coach and, most important, parent to a Swords player.  He currently works for Enable Injections, Inc. in Sharonville as a Sr. Director.  Greg and his wife Elena have 3 children.

In addition, the Board in consultation with the new president, has developed a new structure to better align with Article II of our bylaws which outlines our purpose and objectives.  The Board voted to realign to a committee-based operation with oversight by the Executive Committee.  Our new committees include a Coaches Committee, Disciplinary Committee, Skills Development Committee, Promotion and Organization Development Committee and League Oversight Committee.

Coaching Committee will be chaired by Paul Benkner and include the following members:

Andrew Backen
Danny McDonald
Ellen Metz
Randy Petruk
Kyle Robinson

Jamie Asquith – will work with Paul Benkner as Tryout Coordinator.

Our coaching committee will work with the Director of Hockey to establish training requirements, practice plans and other programs to advance the organization’s level of play.

Disciplinary Committee will be chaired by Scott Davis and include the following members:

Paul Benkner
Don Biggs
Ellen Metz
Dave Reno

Our disciplinary committee will resolve any disciplinary issues and be sure our association is SafeSport compliant.  Their goal will be to develop and encourage sportsmanship between players, coaches and parents.

Skills Development Committee will be chaired by Ellen Metz and include the following members:

Kevin Brennan
Rod Rayner
Skating Instructors – TBD

Our skills development committee will focus on our Learn to Play Hockey, our ADM program for our U8 players and the soon to be announced Swords Hockey Academy.  This committee will work to be sure we are offering a development program in compliance with USA Hockey’s recommendations and goals.

Promotion & Organization Development Committee will be chaired by Greg Drach.  We have not finalized all committee members and would welcome anyone interested in helping.  If you would like to participate, please contact Greg at . 

Our promotion & organization development committee will look for opportunities to grow the game of hockey in the Cincinnati area.  This committee will work with our other Sword’s committees, teams, coaches, and parents to expand our outreach to the community.  Committee objectives will focus on increasing enrollment, building relationships with external partners, and marketing Sword’s hockey.

League Oversight Committee will be chaired by Dave Reno and will include the following members:

Kirk Andreae/Chris Sample:  Co-chairs BTHL/MYHL
Jamie Asquith:  Mid-Am Hockey/USA Hockey
Scott Davis:  Cincinnati High School Hockey League

Our league commissioners will work with the designated leagues to facilitate the interests of the Cincinnati Swords teams.

By USA Hockey, 03/15/19, 10:10AM MDT

Player safety is the top priority of USA Hockey. That’s why updates are being made to the Concussion Management Program and Return to Play forms for the 2019-20 season.

Kevin Margarucci, USA Hockey’s manager of player safety, answered questions about the changes, how they’ll be implemented, and how they’ll enhance the youth hockey experience.

Q: What's new with the Concussion Management Program?

A: Beginning with the 2019-20 season, any athlete held out for concussion evaluation or who has been diagnosed with a concussion must provide a written Return to Play form from a qualified medical provider allowing them to return to any training, practice or game activity with no restrictions. The parent must sign the form and the coach must also sign the form acknowledging that they received it.

Q: What do parents, coaches, managers and volunteers need to know about the Return to Play form?

A: The form will be available online in April for the new registration season, and it will be required starting with the 2019-20 playing season. The form can be printed and filled out, and then must be signed by a qualified medical provider. The parent and coach must then sign the form. It should be kept with the team coach or manager. We are working on a system where the forms can be filed with the district player safety coordinator and we can begin an injury database for concussion incidents. The data will be de-identified for privacy and HIPPA compliance. I should note that beginning with the 2019-20 season, a new volunteer position called Player Safety Coordinator will be implemented in each district (see more information here).

Q: Who counts as a qualified medical provider that can sign off on Return to Play?

A: That is defined differently in each state statute as it pertains to concussions. This is an area where the district player safety coordinators will work to clearly identify those health care professionals in each state who can legally clear a player to return after a concussion.

Q: Has USA Hockey been trending in the right direction with its emphasis on concussion prevention, management and return-to-play protocol? How will this be another step forward?

A: Our concussion management program has always been updated based on the latest research and recommendations. It also aligns with the 2017 Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport from the 5th International Conference on Concussion in Sport in Berlin. Many state statutes pertaining to concussions require written return to play. Some of our districts and affiliates already require written clearance for return to play. This latest update aligns all of USA Hockey with this written return to play requirement and provides a standard form for use by all.

Q: Is the culture surrounding concussions making progress in youth hockey?

A: I believe so. The awareness and recognition of concussions has grown by parents, coaches and players. The mantra, ‘When in doubt, sit them out’ is a guiding principle that has taken hold in our sport and something we will continue to reinforce. And a relatively new initiative through the Concussion Legacy Foundation that we’ve supported is called Team Up, Speak Up. It’s focus is to let players know it is OK to, and that they should, speak up for a teammate who may have a concussion and report to a coach, parent, doctor or athletic trainer.  It’s great to see the progress we’ve made, and together we will continue to affect positive change related to the overall safety of our game.

Beginning this year for the 2017-18 season, all skaters, at least one parent and all coaches (head, assistant, on-ice helpers) must comply with OH Senate Bill 252 (Lindsay’s Law).  Below is general information about the bill and the requirements.  Even if you do not live in Ohio, if you are participating on a Swords team, you must complete the requirements. 

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Lindsay’s Law: Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Youth Athletes

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

A Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.  Sudden cardiac arrest is fatal if not treated immediately, most often by a defibrillator.

Who is Lindsay?

Senate Bill 252 is named for national heart health advocate and former Miss Ohio Lindsay Davis who suffers from a heart condition and has since dedicated her career to raising awareness of this potentially fatal condition.

"Sudden cardiac arrest is the number one killer of student athletes," said Davis. "At any moment I could have died because coaches and teachers had no idea this was even a possibility for someone who looked as healthy as I did at that age."

Lindsay’s Law

Lindsay’s Law, Ohio Revised Code 3313.5310, 3707.58 and 3707.59 went into effect in 2017.

In accordance with this law, the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio High School Athletic Association, the Ohio Chapter of the American College of Cardiology and other stakeholders jointly developed guidelines and other relevant materials to inform and educate students and youth athletes participating in or desiring to participate in an athletic activity, their parents, and their coaches about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest.

The following resources were developed to implement Lindsay’s Law:

For parents/guardians and youth athletes:

• Required video
• Required SCA Informational Handout
• Required Signature Form

For coaches:

• If you are a coach for an interscholastic sport and are licensed by the Ohio Department of Education, please visit their website for information about their training requirements around Lindsay’s Law.
• If you are a coach in a community program, please use the following resources:
  • Required video
  • Required SCA Informational Handout

ODH Contact Information

Ohio Department of Health
School Nursing Program
246 North High Street, 7th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

Telephone: 614-466-1930

Email:     

Page Updated: 7/10/2017

If you have not participated in the past but would like to details on the program and how to enroll are listed below.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
 
The Cincinnati Swords is enrolled in the Kroger Community Rewards program for the upcoming year and are pleased to offer ALL members the opportunity to participate.  You must register your Kroger Plus Card Number online and select Queen City Hockey Association (NPO Number TT350) as your participating organization (see detailed instructions below).  Once you are registered, you only need to use your Kroger Plus card and you will accumulate rewards.  Quarterly, Kroger will distribute $1,000,000 to all participating organizations based on their percentage of spending.  Our allocation of the Kroger funds is outlined below.
 
We hope that all Swords families will participate to help offset their hockey costs.  If you have any questions, please email Melanie Luft at .  You must register with the NPO number TT350; old CAHA or Queen City team participation numbers are void.
 
DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS:
 
The Kroger Co. will distribute funds on a quarterly basis with statements and donations being sent on or before September 15, December 15, March 15 and June 15. 
 
Families will need to provide an email copy of Kroger funds earned each quarter and funds will be applied directly to a skater's program.  Funds can be used for any Swords or Sabres online registration.  Your friends and family may also sign up on your behalf but will need to provide the necessary information to us each quarter for you to receive credit.

 If a skater’s family decides to no longer participate with Queen City Hockey Association and has outstanding funds, all funds will be allocated to the general fund as we are not allowed to distribution funds to individuals and all funds must be used for our organization’s purpose which is youth hockey.  Funds can be held for up to four cycles.  After that, any unused funds will be transferred to the general fund.
 
REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS:
 
Already a Kroger Community Rewards Participant?
 
Go to krogercommunityrewards.com

Click on “Sign In” and log into your account

Under Community Rewards click Re-enroll and enter Queen City Hockey Association in the Search bar

Be sure to select Queen City Hockey Association TT350 and click Enroll at the bottom
 
New to the Kroger Community Rewards Program and have a Kroger Plus Card?
 
Go to krogercommunityrewards.com
Click “Create An Account”
Enter your email address and create a password
Enter your Store Preference (be sure to do this)
Enter your Kroger Plus Number or Alternate ID

Click Enter – this creates a general account and then you need to sign up for the Kroger Community Rewards outlined above.
 
New to the Kroger Community Rewards Program and do NOT have a Kroger Plus Card?
 
You must obtain a Kroger Plus Card at your local Kroger Store and then complete the steps above.