“We’re delighted to report another year of record growth in our 8U player pool and we’re excited about what that means for the future of American hockey,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey.

The record 8U participation total represented an increase of nearly 8,000 players, a boost due in part to a new Learn to Play program launched by the NHL and NHLPA with support from USA Hockey.

Measured by USA Hockey affiliate, the Potomac Valley, consisting of Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia (+1,230), showed the largest year-over-year 8U participation gains, followed by New York (+738) and California (+716).

Minnesota (18,002), Massachusetts (13,196) and New York (11,514) posted the largest 8U participation totals.

“Growing hockey at the grassroots level is our primary focus, so we’re definitely pleased to see another season of record-breaking growth. It’s a testament to our amazing volunteers and coaches nationwide who create the tremendous experiences for the kids,” said Pat Kelleher, USA Hockey assistant executive director for membership development, who will take over as the organization’s executive director June 10. “The record numbers also reflect the support of the NHL, its member clubs and the NHLPA, along with initiatives like Try Hockey For Free Days and our American Development Model, which provide age-appropriate fun and skill development for players throughout the country.”

U.S. collects record-breaking fourth IIHF gold medal of 2016-17

When the U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team earned a gold medal at the IIHF U-18 Men’s World Championship on April 23, it marked an unprecedented grand slam of international success for USA Hockey, with its national teams capturing gold in the first four major IIHF World Championships of 2016-17. No other nation has ever won gold in the first four IIHF World Championships of a single season.

In all, Team USA has claimed top honors at the IIHF World Junior Championship, the IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship, the IIHF Women’s World Championship and the IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.

The U.S. will attempt to become the first nation to win all five IIHF titles in a single season at the upcoming 2017 IIHF Men’s World Championship in Cologne, Germany, and Paris, France. Team USA begins play Friday, May 5, against host Germany. Opening faceoff is set for 8:15 p.m. local (2:15 p.m. ET) live on NHL Network from LANXESS Arena in Cologne.

For complete coverage of the U.S. Men’s National Team throughout the tournament, visit teamusa.usahockey.com.