On October 31, 2009,  the President of USA Hockey, Ron DeGregorio, changed the regular playing season and registration period for the 2009 season and all subsequent seasons to Sept. 1 - Aug. 31 (from May 1 to April 30). This change was made to address concerns raised by some of our members about a perception that they did not receive a full seasons worth of membership privileges as a result of USA Hockey's prior decision in January 2009 to change the regular playing season and registration period to May 1 to April 30th.

USA Hockey and Total Hockey have joined forces to recognize what you are doing in your community to help grow the game. We are asking you to tell us your story about a program or initiative that your association has created and how it has helped grow the game of hockey in your community. The local association that submits the winning entry will be rewarded with a $2500 gift card from Total Hockey.

The newly created USA Hockey Membership Development Department has the unique charge of growing participation in hockey among those already smitten with the game and those who’ve never put blade to ice. Pat Kelleher, who was named in June as the assistant executive director of the department, has set ambitious goals.