History of USA Hockey in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 15, 2026

USA Hockey is 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 is also a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation. Previously known as the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States (AHAUS) before June 1991, USA Hockey oversees organized ice hockey development and competition throughout the country.

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.

September 1938: AHAUS and CAHA Agreement

In September 1938, Tommy Lockhart from AHAUS and W.G. Hardy from the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) reached an agreement to regulate international games, transfer players and recognize each other's authority.

1938: Inaugural USA Hockey National Championships

Since 1938, USA Hockey has conducted the country's ice hockey national championship tournaments, crowning champions across various classifications.

1940: AHAUS Union with CAHA

In 1940, AHAUS united with the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) to establish the International Ice Hockey Association, with Lockhart 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, recognizing it as the international governing body of hockey in the United States.

1949: First National Ice Hockey Tournaments

In 1949, 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, Lockhart announced the establishment of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Eveleth, Minnesota.

1972: William Thayer Tutt Succeeds 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: 2006 NHL Entry Draft

In the 2006 NHL entry draft, six first-round selections (including no. 1 pick Erik Johnson) were former members of the NTDP.

2007: 2007 NHL Entry Draft

In 2007, four NTDP members were selected in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft, with Patrick Kane and James van Riemsdyk going 1st and 2nd overall.

2009: NTDP Leaves NAHL

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

2012: NTDP Alumni in NHL 2012-13

In the 2012-13 season, 60 former NTDP players were on NHL teams.

2013: NTDP Players Selected in NHL Draft

Through 2013, approximately 228 NTDP players had been selected in the NHL Entry Draft.

2016: USA Hockey Youth Level Division Name Change

In 2016, USA Hockey began using divisions labeled with the oldest age in the group to indicate the age level of youth players, replacing names like Mite, Squirt, and Peewee, starting with the 2016-17 season.