Category Archives: Grow the Game

The Long Goodbye…

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Chris Peters

As a noted procrastinator who utilizes the stress and anxiety of a tight deadline to focus and tighten his writing, and as someone who so often said on this very website that this piece would come at this time only to … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014 Olympics, All-America Teams, American Prospects, Blog News, Grow the Game, High School Hockey, Hockey Weekend Across America, IIHF Men's World Championship, Junior Hockey, Minor League Hockey, NCAA, NHL, NHL Draft, NTDP, Paralympics, U.S. National Teams, USA Hockey, USHL, Whimsy, Women's Hockey, World Junior Championship, World U17 Hockey Challenge, World U18 Championship, Youth Hockey | 17 Comments

U.S. Hockey Participation Numbers for 2013-14

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Chris Peters

There were more people playing hockey in the United States than ever before during the 2013-14 season according to USA Hockey. The national governing body’s membership report released in early June indicates that 519,417 people registered as players last season, … Continue reading →

Posted in Grow the Game, High School Hockey, Junior Hockey, Minor League Hockey, NCAA, NHL, USA Hockey, Youth Hockey | 12 Comments

Charlie Coyle Makes One Kid’s Day, Reminds Rest of Us There’s Still Magic in Sports

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Chris Peters

Standing against the boards, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound, 21-year-old hockey player. Chinstrap undone, pucks at his feet, focused on the battle ahead. Then come several light taps on the glass. Nervous ones, but hopeful. Minnesota Wild forward Charlie Coyle maybe due … Continue reading →

Posted in Grow the Game, NHL | 5 Comments

Hockey’s Growth in the United States: 2003-2013

Posted on September 13, 2013 by Chris Peters

Another hockey season is upon us. As NHL training camps open, many hockey players across the country, young and old, are registering for yet another season in the amateur ranks of the sport in the United States. In all likelihood, … Continue reading →

Posted in Grow the Game, NHL, USA Hockey | 16 Comments

Wayne Gretzky Trade’s Impact on U.S. Hockey Growth

Posted on August 9, 2013 by Chris Peters

The NHL has been so closely tied to hockey’s growth in the United States, from the very beginning really. However, there are two significant events that altered the game forever in this country: Southeast expansion and The Trade. Wayne Gretzky … Continue reading →

Posted in Grow the Game, NHL | 2 Comments

Hockey Participation in U.S. Down Slightly in 2012-13

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Chris Peters

When USA Hockey released its membership statistics a few weeks back, there was some good news and bad news. The bad news was that for the first time in four years, hockey participation didn’t grow in the United States. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Grow the Game, NHL, USA Hockey | 9 Comments

College Hockey Expansion: Nebraska has home if it wants hockey

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Chris Peters

The formulation of a hockey branch of the Big Ten has continually conjured up hopes of a path towards expansion of college hockey, particularly within the conference. It’s easier said than done for a school to add a sport like … Continue reading →

Posted in Grow the Game, NCAA | 7 Comments

Peewee Body-Checking Ban: Why Hockey Canada, USA Hockey are Getting it Right

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Chris Peters

Last weekend, Hockey Canada announced its board of directors voted to eliminate body-checking from the peewee level nationwide. USA Hockey is headed into its third season with no checking in peewee after making a similar decision in 2010, while local … Continue reading →

Posted in Grow the Game, USA Hockey, Youth Hockey | Comments Off on Peewee Body-Checking Ban: Why Hockey Canada, USA Hockey are Getting it Right

Hockey is Back, But Where Did it Go?

Posted on January 13, 2013 by Chris Peters

“Hockey is back,” the National Hockey League proudly proclaimed late Saturday night to go along with its stunningly produced return video. That’s the new marketing slogan coming out of the lockout at least. Really that’s all it is, a marketing … Continue reading →

Posted in Grow the Game, Junior Hockey, Minor League Hockey, NCAA, NHL, USA Hockey | 4 Comments

Big Ten Expanding, College Hockey Speculation Follows

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Chris Peters

It appears the Maryland will announce later today that it will be joining the Big Ten Conference (possibly by the 2014-15 academic year) and it is expected that Rutgers will announce the same Tuesday. Now that the Big Ten is also … Continue reading →

Posted in Grow the Game, NCAA | 3 Comments