History of USA Hockey in Timeline

USA Hockey serves as the national governing body for ice hockey in the United States. Recognized by both the International Olympic Committee and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, it oversees organized ice hockey programs throughout the country. USA Hockey is also a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation, solidifying its role in international competition and governance. Previously known as the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States (AHAUS) until June 1991, the organization continues to promote and develop the sport at all levels.

October 29, 1937: Amateur Hockey Association of the United States (AHAUS) Founded

On October 29, 1937, the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States (AHAUS) was founded in New York City by Tommy Lockhart to manage the growing sport of ice hockey, instead of the Amateur Athletic Union.

September 1938: AHAUS and CAHA Agreement

In September 1938, Tommy Lockhart of AHAUS and W. G. Hardy of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) signed an agreement regulating international games and player transfers in North America.

1938: First USA Hockey National Championship Tournaments Conducted

In 1938, USA Hockey conducted the country’s first ice hockey national championship tournaments.

1940: AHAUS Joins CAHA to Establish International Ice Hockey Association

In 1940, Tommy Lockhart led AHAUS into a union with the CAHA by establishing the International Ice Hockey Association, and served as its vice-president.

1947: AHAUS Admitted to Ligue Internationale de Hockey sur Glace

In 1947, AHAUS was admitted as a member of the Ligue Internationale de Hockey sur Glace, being recognized as the international governing body of hockey in the United States, replacing the Amateur Athletic Union.

1949: First National Ice Hockey Tournaments Established

In 1949, Tommy Lockhart established the first national ice hockey tournaments for pre-high school boys.

May 19, 1968: United States Hockey Hall of Fame Established

On May 19, 1968, Tommy Lockhart announced the establishment of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, to be located in Eveleth, Minnesota.

1972: William Thayer Tutt Succeeds Tommy Lockhart

In 1972, William Thayer Tutt succeeded Tommy Lockhart as president of AHAUS.

June 1991: AHAUS Rebrands as USA Hockey

In June 1991, the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States (AHAUS) changed its name to USA Hockey.

2006: Six First-Round NHL Draft Picks from NTDP

In the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, six first-round selections, including Erik Johnson (no. 1 pick), were former members of the National Team Development Program (NTDP).

2007: Four NTDP Members Selected in First Round of NHL Draft

In 2007, four National Team Development Program (NTDP) members were selected in the first round of the NHL draft, with Patrick Kane and James van Riemsdyk going 1st and 2nd overall respectively.

2009: NTDP Ends Participation in NAHL

Until 2009, the National Team Development Program (NTDP) competed in the North American Hockey League.

2012: NTDP Alumni in NHL

In the 2012 season, 60 former National Team Development Program (NTDP) players suited up for NHL teams.

2013: 228 NTDP Players Drafted into the NHL

Through 2013, approximately 228 National Team Development Program (NTDP) players had been selected in the NHL Entry Draft.

2016: USA Hockey Changes Youth Division Names

In 2016, USA Hockey switched from division names like Mite, Squirt, and Peewee to divisions labeled with the oldest age in the group, starting with the 2016–17 season.

2022: Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championships Held

In 2022, the Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championships crowned champions at 25 different classifications, across nine different host sites across the country with 17 states represented.