ADVOCATES

“The program is absolutely fantastic. I know its implementation will take some time, but the principles behind the program are dead on.”

BRIAN BURKE
General manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the general manager for the 2010 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team.
“We should always strive to do the right things for kids and the American Development Model does just that. I think as hockey has evolved in our country, coaches and parents have certainly tried to do the right thing in regard to development. But we haven’t had a national blueprint for associations to use – something that is based on solid research — until now. This is a major step forward and USA Hockey is to be commended for its leadership.”

RON WILSON
2010 U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Coach 7th All-Time Winningest Coach in NHL History
“I’m really excited about the American Development Model. As a parent, I think what’s great about the the ADM is that it focuses on age-appropriate learning and provides kids an environment to reach their fullest potential.”

TIM THOMAS
Boston Bruins, 2009 Vezina Trophy winner University of Vermont Catamounts
“I think it’s pretty cool (the American Development Model). I like the fact that kids are encouraged to play other sports. Hockey is a great sport, but playing other sports definitely helps you become a better hockey player.”

ZACH PARISE
New Jersey Devils, University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux
“I think the American Development Model will really make a difference in helping develop better hockey players and making the game more fun for kids.”

RYAN SUTER
Nashville Predators, University of Wisconsin Badgers
“This effort is one of the best things to happen in USA Hockey in the last 25 years. While it will be a change of approach in some respects, it’s what is best for kids and that’s what we should keep in mind.”

MIKE MULLALLY
Affiliate president of the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois
“Although change is difficult in most settings and organizations, the USA Hockey initiatives provide an opportunity to all of us to see a larger vision and enhanced outcomes for all youth players in Minnesota and around the country.”

LET'S PLAY HOCKEY ARTICLE
“It clearly addresses every segment of the game and more specifically, fully addresses enhancing the fun and development for our youth athletes participating in hockey. From 6 to 17, the strategy is right on.”

DOUG BECHT
ACE Coordinator, Illinois
“Having coached Mite hockey for the last two years, I can unequivocally say that the best experience and most productive game development for my son, was a cross-ice 3 v. 3 tournament we played in this past Columbus Day. We played four 23:00 running time games with a buzzer every minute for shift changes. My son (7 years old) got 46:00 of actual GAME time and many more puck touches then he does when we play full ice. In our regular league we play 3 stop time 12:00 periods, and many kids do not touch the puck, or even skate much for that matter, during a shift. Because of the transitory nature of cross ice hockey kids are forced to change direction, THINK ABOUT THE GAME and have opportunity to handle, pass and shoot the puck far more. ... I would imagine that if we were to use the 50 minutes normally allotted for our regular season games, and played cross ice, that would equate to at least 25 minutes of game action. There is no way possible that my son sees even 15 minutes of game action using the full ice playing 5 vs. 5. This is a no brainer when we consider the development of kids under age 10.”

JAMIE RICE
Head Coach, Babson College