Those endless lists of names must be pared down to a select group of 30. That group is invited to Ann Arbor to participate in an evaluation camp. While at the camp, potential players are split into two teams and monitored by the USA coaching and scout staff. At the conclusion of the camp, the first batch of invitations to play for the NTDP is issued. Once a player receives an invitation to train in Ann Arbor as a member of the U.S. National Under-18 program, the decision is up to him and his parents.
Some players mull the decision over for a few weeks, while others commit right on the spot.
While most people would catch their breath after the players have committed, Ken Martel and his staff are just getting started. The process is far from over after the March training camp. The scouting staff returns to St. Cloud to watch the Select 16 and 17 Festivals in the summer. While there, the staff evaluates the final group of players and issues the remaining invitations to join the National Under-18 Program in Ann Arbor. When all is said and done in August, the USA Staff puts together the team of 46 players that will have the honor of wearing the USA crest for the next season.