DeGregorio’s tenure as USA Hockey president comes to a close

By @StefanKubus –

USA Hockey will head into the 2015-16 season with a new leader at the helm for the first time in 12 years.

Ron DeGregorio’s tenure as the organization’s president comes to a close Saturday, but he said in a press release Tuesday afternoon that it certainly isn’t the end of his involvement.

“With the help of the great people in our organization and beyond, I think we’ve been able to get a lot accomplished over these last 12 years,” said DeGregorio. “While I did think it was time for pass the torch to someone else as president, I look forward to continuing to be involved with USA Hockey and the sport in general.”

One of many prominent initiatives that DeGregorio spearheaded during the 40-plus years he has been involved with USA Hockey was the creation of the National Team Development Program in 1996. The program has since gone on to graduate countless young players to the NCAA and NHL, including seven members of Stanley Cup-winning teams since 2006.

“The concept for the NTDP was Ron’s,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “It was met with significant resistance at the outset, but has turned out to be extremely successful and a program that has received much acclaim across the world.”

DeGregorio also helped pioneer the American Development Model that was launched in 2009 as an age-appropriate development program which aimed to give kids of all ages the best opportunity to reach their full potential. In 2011, he assisted with introducing the Progressive Checking Skill Development Program, which among other things, modified the age of allowable body checking in youth hockey games from the Peewee to the Bantam level.

“Ron has been an extraordinary president of this organization,” said Ogrean. “While he is passing the baton as president, the good news for all of us is that he will continue to be actively involved.”