Learn More About USA Hockey
Hockey isn’t just Canada’s game, it’s awfully popular within the US too and in the United States it is governed by USA Hockey Inc. Read on to learn more about USA hockey.
USA Hockey Inc is the governing body for ice hockey within the USA and its mission is to promote hockey in American and to promote the growth of the sport. It is not only responsible for administrative duties; it is responsible for the advancement and development of the game and for encouraging hockey participants.
USA Hockey is also the official representing body for the International Ice Hockey Federation and the United States Olympic Committee. In this capacity USA Hockey is responsible for the training of teams for international tournament events such as the Olympic Winter Games.
They also work with the NHL and NCAA on hockey issues. With a membership of just under 600,000, members include coaches, players, officials, and even volunteers. It’s difficult to believe that only 15 years ago their membership was around 200,000. That’s certainly a substantial growth.
The organization is made up of eleven districts which are spread throughout the USA. The divisions are broken down geographically throughout the United States with their headquarters located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Each chapter of the organization is run independently with their own executives and administrative personal. The initiation program administrator is in charge of all programs for young and old that are related to learning to play hockey and promoting the game of hockey. The referee in chief is in charge of organizing their clinics and ensuring officials are registered. There is also a coach in chief who is in charge of educational programs for all their coaches, and a risk manager that manages safety programs and deals with all liability issues. Teams within the district register with their appropriate chapter.
USA Hockey sponsors championship tournaments throughout the year for different age groups, regions, and even national events. They also sponsor camps, make awards, provide insurance programs, and provide information and recommendations relating to hockey equipment.
Each year there are many clinics and camps for coaches and other officials as well as training videos and training manual which are available through the Officiating Education Program or the Coaching Education Program. And there are also several programs for the parents to help promote the parents role in hockey, the game rules, and information on buying hockey equipment.
Each registered member receives the American Hockey Magazine which is full of information about the organization, events, and hockey information in general.
USA Hockey recently elected Dave Ogrean as their executive director. He recently served on the board from 1993 to 1999 and his career with the organization actually dates back to 1978 when he held the position of public relations director with the organization. Many are happy to see him return to the executive board.
USA Hockey does more than administrative duties for the game. It’s a valuable tool for players, coaches, parents, and anyone else that’s involved in the all American sport!
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