Description

Website: https://www.usahockeyarena.com/

The National Team Development Program is the pinnacle of USA Hockey’s amateur player development program. The NTDP scouts and selects the top 22 players in two age groups (Under-17 and Under-18) to train and develop in a highly competitive environment. The two teams (Under-17 and Under-18) face a rigorous domestic schedule including competition against older, more- developed players. 

The NTDP is a full-time member of the USHL. We differ from a traditional franchise because we have two teams (U17 & U18) that register in the standings as one (Team USA). The combined records of the U17s and U18s are shown within the USHL standings. All 16 USHL teams play a total of 62 games. In the NTDP, the U17 Team plays approximately 35, and the U18 Team plays approximately 25 games. In the event that Team USA qualifies for the playoffs, the U17 Team would represent the NTDP in the chase for the Clark Cup (USHL championship), while the U18 Team is representing the United States at the International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 World Championship against the best from countries like Canada and Russia. The U18 World Championship is the pinnacle event for the players in the NTDP.