Grand Traverse Hockey Association one of three new USA Hockey Model Associations

By @MichaelCaples –

USA Hockey announced today that they have added three new Model Associations, and one of them is in Michigan.

The Grand Traverse Hockey Association, based out of Traverse City, is one of the new programs to commit to fully implementing programming dedicated to American Development Model principles.

The Walpole Express in Walpole, Mass., and the Yale Youth Hockey Association in New Haven, Conn., join Grand Traverse as the three associations joining the USA Hockey Model Associations list, which now stands at 20 nationwide.

“We’re excited to welcome these new model associations and we’re excited for the kids who will benefit from the commitment of these associations to age-appropriate skill development,” said Kevin McLaughlin, senior director of hockey development for USA Hockey. “By taking this step, these associations are making a strong move to offer the best possible competition and training environment for their players.”

The Model Associations “implement programming dedicated to age-appropriate, age-specific skill development, in accordance with USA Hockey’s American Development Model, throughout the 8-and-Under, 10-and-Under and 12-and-Under age classifications.” Each association receives support from USA Hockey to implement the ADM, including in-person coaching training, on-ice instruction and parent education from USAH national staff. Model Associations also receive equipment, signage and educational resources from USA Hockey.

Grand Traverse joins the Orchard Lake United (the first Model Association) and the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association as Michigan’s Model Associations.