Youth hockey in the United States was not in a good place as the 20th Century expired, as a record number of children were quitting on the sport by age 10.
They weren’t having fun.
Long car rides just to be a member of some select team playing tournament games in far-away places, only to freeze on the end of the bench and wonder why the coach doesn’t like them.
Confronted with this growing reality, USA Hockey came up with the American Development Model (ADM), which provides a framework whereby children get not only an attentive, engaging hockey experience but tools to take and apply to other areas of their lives at any age level.
Coaches study, gain experience and earn certifications prescribed for appropriate age levels, and players, regardless of their level of success at certain ages, continue learning because, as USA Hockey and the hockey community has learned, we don’t know when a young athlete is going to spike, plateau, develop and gain a life-changing amount of ability, maturity or passion. The ADM seeks to keep enriching young athletes’ experience so that hockey leaves a person in a better place than that person was found by the sport.
One major result is that USA Hockey has grown the game of hockey exponentially and geographically, especially in non-traditional hockey markets. National Hockey League players now come from places such as Arizona, California and Florida.
Those with a passion for the sport look for ways to contribute to the betterment of the game and its potential to positively affect young lives. Boston Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs is such a person. By engaging former NHLer Bob Sweeney’s concerns about area families’ challenges to afford NHL games, Jacobs developed bigger thoughts and founded the Boston Bruins Foundation (see below).
When one ponders the long-awaited redevelopment of North Station as the Hub on Causeway and the destination that the block has become, it’s no wonder that Jacobs’ vision is sought after. Now USA Hockey has his voice at its table.
Here is the press release on the partnership established by Jacobs with USA Hockey via its Board of Directors:
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |  |
| Wednesday, February 5, 2025 | |
| Charlie Jacobs Joins The USA Hockey Foundation Board of Directors | |
| COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The USA Hockey Foundation announced today that Charlie Jacobs (Boston, Mass.), chief executive officer of both the Boston Bruins and Delaware North, will join its Board of Directors.An influential leader in the sports and entertainment industry, Jacobs, who also serves as alternate governor for the Bruins, brings extensive experience in sports management and philanthropy that will be invaluable in furthering The USA Hockey Foundation’s mission of supporting grassroots hockey development, player safety initiatives, and access to the game for all.Jacobs founded the Boston Bruins Foundation in 2003 and since its inception more than 67 million dollars has been raised to help in supporting a strong support system for children and families in the community though education, athletics, and health and wellness.“We are thrilled to welcome Charlie to The USA Hockey Foundation Board,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey and The USA Hockey Foundation. “His leadership in the hockey world, combined with his dedication to growing the game at all levels, will help us continue to make a meaningful impact on the sport.”“It’s an honor to join the USA Hockey Foundation Board, particularly alongside a group of people as passionate as I am about the sport of hockey, “ said Jacobs. “I’m proud of the work the Boston Bruins organization has done – and will continue to do – to grow our sport across New England and I look forward to the opportunity to further the advancement of our great game throughout the nation in this new role with USA Hockey.”Jacobs joins a distinguished group of leaders committed to advancing the Foundation’s efforts in strengthening hockey across the country. His involvement will support ongoing initiatives to enhance opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels, while also promoting the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.For more information about The USA Hockey Foundation, click HERE.For more information, contact Dave Fischer (dave.fischer@usahockey.org / 719.684.5940) |
Rink Rap with Mick Colageo 