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JULY 2022 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 35 JULY 2023 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 35 loss on the line. Whereas when we had the mixed teams in the past, it was a little too individual. Kids were only focused on making the (Hlinka) team. I don't think we saw the quality of hockey play that we are seeing now. I am not buying the competitiveness. I think kids were competitive before. But I absolutely am seeing a better hockey environment." In fact, Jason Guerriero, head coach for the New England District, knows what it feels like to repre- sent a district and win a championship at the Boys 17 National Festival as a player. Guerriero represented the New York District during his developmental years and helped New York win the 1998 USA Hockey Boys 17 National Festival in overtime. "This new format has taken on a different vibe for sure," Guerriero said. "It was exciting and fun. I went through this as a 15-,16- and 17-year-old when it was this old way, and I was fortunate enough to win it my 17-year for the New York District in overtime. To do it as a coach now in overtime is pretty cool and pretty special." Guerriero is currently an assistant coach for the Northeastern men's hockey program, and Mancini said an additional benefit of this year's Festival is that it gives USA Hockey a chance to showcase some of its up-and-coming coaches as well. "The other thing that is huge is we want to give back to our best young, American coaches," Mancini explained. "A lot of times they are assistant coaches at the college level or at the junior level and they have a bright, bright future, but they don't get a chance to be a head coach. We thought this would give our young American coaches experience at being a head coach. Then they can bring their college, junior or high school experience and give young kids an element of coaching or being coached that they maybe are not receiving. "There are tremendous positives in the whole envi- ronment here." The biggest accomplishment, of course, is the smiles and memories that were created on the ice. Even Guerriero could not stop grinning as he stood off to the side alongside Mancini as the New England District players took turns lifting the championship trophy high into the air. "I hope they keep it this way, and I think a lot of the coaches would agree," Guerriero concluded. "It is just really exciting, and it means a lot to these guys. You can tell with the celebration in overtime. It was like they won their regular-season championship. It is great for the kids and it is all about their player development, but they got a great experience and I hope we get to do it again next year." P V I D E O S Check out some of the action from the Boys 17 National Festival Hear from the New England District following its Boys 17 National Festival championship New England's Kolin Sisson led all players at the Boys 17 National Festival with six goals. Pacific's Colin Frank had a tournament- high nine assists and 12 points. New England's Zachary Ericson led all goalies with 96 saves in six games. 6 12 96