Atlanta Thrashers Become First NHL Club to Implement USA Hockey’s American Development Model into Local Youth Hockey Programming

The Atlanta Thrashers, and its Youth Hockey Development Team, fully support USA Hockey and will be the first NHL club to implement its recently-launched American Development Model into local youth programming, including the Junior Thrashers program and Thunder AAA Hockey Club (Tier 1 AAA youth hockey).

USA Hockey created the American Development Model in conjunction with the National Hockey League to provide a blueprint for youth hockey associations throughout the country for optimal athlete development. The ADM concept has never been done before in the United States and will help influence increased participation by providing a better overall experience for the player, regardless of ability level.

The Thrashers have long-standing ties to USA Hockey, led by Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell, and have been a staunch supporter of youth hockey development since the team’s inception in 1999.

“USA Hockey’s American Development Model is an initiative that is a priority for all NHL member clubs located in the United States,” commented Waddell. He went on to say, “This undertaking is an exciting opportunity for all of us involved in youth hockey and we look forward to working with USA Hockey and being a host city for the program model at every age level.”

“The ADM is based on age-appropriate training methods and we’re excited about is implementation because it will positively affect our children,” said Ken Martel, Director of USA Hockey’s American Development Model. “We’re grateful to the Thrashers for their support and know the people of Atlanta and surrounding communities will enjoy learning more about the ADM.”

The Thrashers Youth Hockey Development Team, led by Darren Eliot (Community Hockey Liaison), Reagan Carey (Director of Hockey Development), Chris Uber (Manager of Hockey Development) and Misha Donskov (Coaching Coordinator), has implemented various programs and furthered many philosophies aimed at growing the game of hockey, including:

--Running over 245 clinics per season
--Providing award winning content on atlantathrashers.com
--Hosting the first of its kind Jr. NHL All –Star Tournament in 2008
--Developing its own internal and USA Hockey recognized Instructor Orientation Program
--Running USA Hockey’s Coaching Certification Program in the Atlanta market
--Providing an abundance of supplemental resources to augment the coaches’ efforts.

Atlanta Thrashers Season Tickets for the 2009-10 regular season start as low as $10 per game and are available by visiting atlantathrashers.com or calling (866) 715-1500.
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