Team USA NTDP looking for host families for incoming hockey players
Players for the Team USA National Team Development Program lace up their skates before a game in 2012.
Joseph Tobianski | AnnArbor.com file photo
The Team USA NTDP prepares American-born hockey players under the age of 18 for possible participation for U.S. National Teams and for their future college and professional careers. Players from all over the country try out for the Ann Arbor-based team, which plays and practices at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube.
The team competes in the United States Hockey League, the top junior ice hockey league in the country as well as against college and international opponents. Players live with host families while attending Pioneer High School and training with the team.
There are 44 players who play on the Under-17 and Under-18 teams. For information, call 734-327-9251 ext. 323 or email Housing@usahockey.org.
Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.
Comments
Brian Bundesen
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 11:47 p.m.
My family has hosted two young men from this program. One in 2005-2006, and another in 2010-2012. It was a great experience both times. It is a large commitment, but very rewarding. These young men are very gifted and dedicated, and the program develops these kids into great young men. You get to know families from all around the country. The players travel almost every weekend during the season, and are often away at tournaments for other long stretches. When they are at home, it is mostly study and sleeping. They have an incredible schedule. The caliber of hockey at this level must be seen to be believed. It is also fun to follow the players as they move on into Division 1 hockey and/ or the NHL. Patrick Kane and Brandon Saad from the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks went through the NTDP program. Jimmy Howard from the Redwings also was in the program. I would recommend adopting a player from this program to anyone who has an affinity for hockey and/ or an extra bedroom. Its a great experience.
aarog
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 2:31 a.m.
We did this before we became foster parents. It is a very cool and rewarding experience. The youngster is gone an awful lot, they need plenty of calories and you get a monthly stipend for it. The games are a blast to watch. it is professionally run and they are likely great students too. It is all hockey though, 24/7, and they are competitive young men. We enjoyed it greatly.
Pete Cunningham
Sat, Aug 3, 2013 : 7:45 a.m.
Very interesting, aarog. Did you do this as a trial to see if being a foster parenting was the thing for you? How do the experiences compare?
Buck Wild
Fri, Aug 2, 2013 : 10:19 p.m.
"...or e-mail us at Housing@usahockey.org." How much of this article was cut and pasted from a press release?