Jim Smith re-elected as president of USA Hockey; other notes from Annual Congress

By @MichaelCaples –

USA Hockey’s Annual Congress took place in Colorado Springs last weekend, and there were a few news items of note.

Jim Smith was unamiously re-elected as president of USA Hockey during the Board of Directors meeting on June 9.

At that meeting, it was also announced that USA Hockey had a record 562,145 players as part of the organization for the 2017-18 season.

“With our focus on safety, growth and player development, it is encouraging to see advancements in all areas, especially in the number of players involved in USA Hockey and particularly at the entry level,” Smith said in a release.

Another record was set at the 8U level of play; 122,135 players were registered at that age group, which is crucial to the growth and well-being of the sport.

“Thanks to the continued efforts of our volunteers all across the country; the partnership and engagement with the NHL and its members clubs as well as the NHLPA; our corporate partners; and so many other important stakeholder groups, our sport continues to make positive gains,” said executive director Pat Kelleher. “We have continued work to do and the conversations at our Annual Congress were productive as we set for the course for this coming season and beyond.”

A total of 1,178,711 players, coaches, officials, volunteers and parents were part of USA Hockey during the hockey season.

Other notes:

Ron DeGregorio (Salem, N.H.) was re-elected as board chair for the USAH Board of Directors.

Donna Kaufman (Tacoma, Wash.) was elected to fill the remaining term of John Vanbiesbrouck as vice president and chair of the junior council.

MAHA president George Atkinson was elected to one of the two available director at-large positions.

John Beadle (East Lansing) was elected as director emeritus.