USA Hockey USA Hockey ( known until June 1991 as the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States or AHAUS ) is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and the United States Olympic Committee as the governing body for organized amateur ice hockey in the United States and is a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation . Founded on Oct . 29 , 1937 , in New York City , New York , the organization is based in Colorado Springs , Colorado , and has a total membership exceeding one million . Its mission is to promote the growth of hockey in America and provide the best possible experience for all participants by encouraging , developing , advancing and administering the sport . USA Hockey programs support and develop players , coaches , officials , and facilities . In January 2009 , the organization launched the American Development Model , which - for the first time ever - provided associations nationwide with a blueprint for optimal athlete development . USA Hockey also has junior and adult hockey programs that provide opportunities for players of all ability levels . In addition , the organization supports a disabled hockey program . USA Hockey provides certification programs for coaches and officials to ensure education standards are met that coincide with the level of play . A large focus is put on parent education with equipment needs , rules of the game and parental roles in youth sports among common topics . Members of the organization receive a subscription to USA Hockey Magazine . At 412 , 892 subscribers , < ref name = " Alliance for Audited Media Snapshot Report - 6 / 30 / 2013 " > < / ref > it is the most widely circulated hockey publication in the world . Members also receive insurance coverage and access to participate in national championships and player development camps . USA Hockey ' s youth program has had tremendous success . The program has developed future stars such as Carter Johnston , Jack Glover , Branndon Michaels , Brad Krakowitz , Conner Fenman , and others . Johnston is the 1st ranked player in Minor Midget Hockey , as Michaels and Krakowitz are 7th and 12th , respectively . National Team Development Program . USA Hockey also operates the National Team Development Program , based in Ann Arbor , Michigan . The program ' s goal is to prepare student - athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U . S . national teams and continued success throughout their future hockey careers . The NTDP consists of two teams ; the U . S . National Under - 18 Team , and the U . S . National Under - 17 Team . The teams compete in the United States Hockey League in addition to playing NCAA colleges and in International competition . Until 2009 , the NTDP competed in the North American Hockey League . Numerous NTDP alumni have gone on to play in the NHL . In the 2012 - 13 season , 60 former NTDP players suited up for NHL teams . In the 2006 NHL Entry Draft , six first - round selections ( including no . 1 pick Erik Johnson ) were former members of the NTDP . In 2007 , four NTDP members were selected in the first round , with Patrick Kane and James van Riemsdyk going 1st and 2nd overall respectively . Through 2013 , some 228 NTDP players had been selected in the NHL Entry Draft . The NTDP plays home games at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube . Notable alumni : Districts . USA Hockey has divided its control into geographical youth districts as follows :