USA Hockey Magazine

h e h o l i d a y s e a s o n i s a t i m e t o c e l e b r a t e w i t h f a m i l y a n d f r i e n d s. I t 's a l s o a t i m e f o r g i v i n g . And no one know s that b e t t e r t h a n t h e p l a y - e r s a t U S A H o c k e y 's N a t i o n a l Te a m Development Program. USA Hockey 's NTDP is composed of two squads — the U.S. National Under- 1 7 a n d U n d e r - 1 8 Te a m s — a n d b e i n g i nv o l v e d i n t h e i r h o m e c o m m u n i t y o f Plymouth, Mich., is an important part of their development, on and off the ice. The program's annual Teddy Bear Toss is one of the fun ways for both players and fans to put a smile on the face of local youngsters during the holidays. Early in December, the U18 team hosts either a USHL or NCAA Division I pro- g r a m a t U S A H o c k e y A r e n a . Fa n s a r e asked to bring a teddy bear or a stuffed animal of any kind or can purchase one at the rink. After Team USA scores its first goal, stuffed animals can be seen raining down onto the ice. The team gets in on the fun and helps collect the stuffed animals that are donat- ed to local families for the holidays. Even during the 2020-21 season which w a s a f f e c t e d b y C OV I D -1 9, c r e a t i v i t y shined through to maintain the tradition, and a virtual Teddy Bear Toss was born where patrons could donate $5 for a teddy bear that would be donated. Along with the Teddy Bear Toss, NTDP players have volunteered their time to be bell ringers on behalf of the Salvation Army 's Red Kettle Campaign. C u r r e n t N H L e r s a n d f o r m e r N T D P players, like Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, and Stanley Cup champion J.T. Compher, are among the many who have given their time and braved the ele- ments to raise money for the good. In addition to the work with Salvation Army, members of both teams volunteer t h e i r t i m e f o r G l e a n e r s C o m m u n i t y Fo o d B a n k t o h e l p f e e d h u n g r y n e i g h - bors in the community. While the holiday season is always a focal time of giving, players at the NTDP are involved in their home community throughout the season, including help- ing with clean-up at the annual Rotary C l u b C h i c ke n B B Q d u r i n g P l y m o u t h 's Fall Festival. Events in the community provide players the chance to positively impact their adopt- ed hometown. It's all part of the NTDP's mission to help mold the next generation. Michael Reedy is the 2021-23 Brian Fishman Fellow. 36 // NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM Hockey With A Heart Hockey With A Heart NTDP Players Have Carved Out A Tradition Of Giving Back During The Holidays T By Michael Reedy Players with the National Team Development Program have enjoyed a long history of helping others during the holidays.

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