NHL, USA Hockey and USHL announce new partnership

By @MichaelCaples –

Three major hockey institutions in the United States are joining forces to help hockey development and marketing efforts moving forward.

The NHL, USA Hockey and the USHL have announced a multi-year partnership “geared toward maximizing developmental and business opportunities throughout the country.”

The long-term agreement will provide financial support and other resources in furthering the development of players, coaches and officials at the USHL level – the main feeding source to the NCAA.

The agreement establishes cooperation in on-ice and off-ice player development, coaching, officiating, playing rule development and cross-promotion, in addition to marketing, communications and community engagement.

“We depend on amateur hockey organizations all over the world to develop the players, coaches and officials that aspire to matriculate to the NHL,” said the NHL’s Bill Daly. “The USHL has consistently demonstrated an ability to produce outstanding talent. Going forward, it is our continued intent to focus resources on the USHL’s developmental efforts.”

“The USHL’s ongoing commitment to development has been a key contributor to the continued elevation of our sport,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “Together with the NHL, we’re extremely pleased to escalate our efforts in support of the league.”

“The developmental partnership with the NHL and USA Hockey will support the efforts of league shareholders to operate one of the top junior hockey leagues in the world,” saidBob Fallen, USHL president and commissioner. “We are excited about the opportunities created by working closely with the NHL and USA Hockey.”

Stay tuned for more on this…