USA Hockey's four-day virtual Annual Congress concluded Saturday (June 12) with the election of Mike Trimboli (Massena, N.Y.) as the organization's new president; the formalization of the playing rules for the next four seasons (2021-25); and a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, growth and the upcoming Olympics/Paralympics.

"It was a very productive Annual Congress," said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. "While the pandemic has presented many challenges for us, it's been inspiring to see the collaboration across all levels of our organization  As we invite everyone back to the sport and advance efforts to become more diverse, we will take advantage of the visibility presented in this upcoming Olympic and Paralympic year to grow hockey.

5 YEARS SERVICE Don Allord Central District Risk Manager Michael Svac Central District Disabled Hockey Representative

10 YEARS SERVICE Mike Mullally USA Hockey Director AHAI Director

15 YEARS SERVICE Amy Lapoe USA Hockey Special Hockey Representative 30 YEARS SERVICE Dave LaBuda USA Hockey Referee-in-Chief

By Greg Bates, Special to USA Hockey - However, two years ago when he played for the United States team against Canada in the annual Canada 150 Cup, Ludy was the second-youngest player on the team. The team is comprised of players who are over 80 years old or turn 80 that year. As the second-youngest player on the team, the 79-year-old Ludy had a little extra pep in his step. 

The Level 5 Coaches Symposium will return to the State of Hockey when coaches from around the country come together in Duluth, Minn., in search of USA Hockey's highest certification. The highlight of the USA Hockey coaching calendar, the Level 5 Coaches Symposium will take place August 19-22 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and is available to all Level 4 registered coaches.

The last time the Level 5 was in Minnesota more than 600 coaches attended the event. This year is no different with USA Hockey expecting to see above 600 again. At this event coaches can expect to see a star studded lineup of speakers from NHL coaches to College Coaches and even USA Hockey's ADM staff from around the country. Each presentation will be an hour in length. The topics presented will deal with all aspects of the game of hockey. Please click here for Level 5 FAQs or click here for registration.

The 2021-2022 hockey season is fast approaching and when the hockey season begins it is anticipated that youth and adult games will be USA Hockey sanctioned with no Illinois Department of Public Health restrictions. The only way to work sanctioned games is to be completely registered.

USA Hockey registration is now open and IHOA registration will begin on July 6th. Seminar formats are currently being worked on and will be announced soon. It will be in your best interest to have your seminars and USA Hockey requirements completed as soon as possible. Therefore when competitive play begins, you will be ready to hit the ice skating. Let us look forward to a healthy and great hockey season.

QUESTION: During play, Team A is substituting players while the puck is in front of their bench. A Team A player exits the ice at the center ice side of the bench. Another Team A player at the other end of the bench is about to jump on the ice and reaches over the boards and passes the puck to a teammate already on the ice. Since this player was about to (and did subsequently) jump on the ice, and the player he was substituting for was already off the ice, is this a legal play? ANSWER>>