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NOVEMBER 2018 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 31 " H e 's b e e n a d r i v i n g f a c t o r i n p l a y e r development. He does a lot at the grassroots level training for those involved in programs that are trying to get off the ground. And he does individual training for players all around the state." Last year, Montana had a record number of participants in its player development program, a testament to how much hockey has taken hold. The 10 & Under and girls' programs have specifically seen huge growth in recent years. When Kamman embarks on one of his many journeys to one of Montana's rinks, the distance he travels pales in comparison with how far he has gone to grow the game around the world. Over the past several years, Kamman has touched down in Africa and Malaysia. " I 'm v e r y p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t g r o w i n g the hockey culture," said the 38-year-old Bozeman resident. "I just love coaching, developing players and helping programs grow. Especially in the non-traditional areas, it's struck a chord with me." That passion extends to the lengths he goes to share his love of the sport, despite existing obstacles such as lack of rinks, equipment and cultural or language differences. "It's totally foreign and a new concept in emerging areas. However, it's well received," Kamman said. "I try to bring USA Hockey –Pete Kamman // Montana Amateur Hockey Association's coach-in-chief "I JUST LOVE COACHING, DEVELOPING PLAYERS AND HELPING PROGRAMS GROW. ESPECIALLY IN THE NON-TRADITIONAL AREAS, IT'S STRUCK A CHORD WITH ME." coaching materials and resources for other players and coaches. Whether its CEP clinics, modified versions, I like to dive in deep with the mobile coaching app, as it's a fun base of knowledge to extend to others. The reception of the American Development Model in these areas has been pretty positive." However, his biggest achievement so far might be the one that landed him in the Guinness Book of World Records. T h e a tt e m pt b r o u g h t Ka m m a n t o t h e Ladakh region of India, where he took part in the highest altitude ice hockey game ever played, with a certified international ice rink 14,050 feet above sea level. With t h e H i m a l a y a n m o u n t a i n s s e r v i n g a s a backdrop, the game took almost two years to plan, with various hurdles to overcome, s u c h a s h a v i n g t o f l y i n t h e b o a r d s t o construct the rink. "It's hard to put into words. It was a once- in-a-lifetime experience," Kamman said of the Feb. 6 game. "To be able to grow the game there, experience their culture, and compete in the game, it was surreal. I was in the Himalayans and kept thinking, 'I can't believe I'm here to play hockey in such a remote area.' It was cool to see everyone come together for the cause. It didn't matter what your culture, background, or religion was. You were there to play the game of hockey." Kamman assisted on the game's first goal, and later added one of his own. The Hockey Foundation, which orchestrated the event, has donated nearly 7,000 pieces of equipment to the region since their inception in 2009, giving India a real chance to grow the game and establish national teams, like the Team Ladakh squad participating in the event. W i t h t h i s a m a z i n g e x p e r i e n c e i n h i s rea r v iew mirror, Ka mma n k nows he still h a s a l o t o f w o r k t o d o c l o s e r t o h o m e . There's only been one NHL-player to ever emerge f rom Mont a na , Bi l l Lindsay, a nd changing that begins at the grassroots level. The Vega s Golden K nig hts presence, a nd the boon of youth hockey in that area can only help. "In Montana, the biggest hurdle is there's not a lot of rinks, they're few and far between," Kamman said. "There's a strong hockey culture there, it's just not as big. There's a lot of first-generation hockey families. The numbers are growing, while the top end is reaching higher levels." To speed the transition, Kamman started his own personal training company, Elevated Hockey, in the hopes of producing more high- end Montana-born and bred players. "He's a great representation of what USA Hockey should be about around the country," McIntosh said. Thanks to Kamman's dedication to the sport and his passion for teaching it, big things are on the horizon in Big Sky Country. P k Pete Kamman made the long journey from his home in Bozeman, Mont., to take part in a once-in- a-lifetime event high in the Himalayan mountains.