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A C H A 2 0 2 6 C O N V E N T I O N G U I D E 4 2026 CONVENTION WEDNESDAY • APRIL 29 11:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. Men's Coach of the Year Luncheon in Estero A, B, C This event is sponsored by USA Hockey, with additional support provided by the USHL and NAHL; the Coach of the Year awards are sponsored by CCM. Four of the AHCA Major Awards will be presented along with the two AHCA/CCM Coach of the Year awards. The dress code is "business casual." Membes of an NCAA coaching staff will have no charge for this event. Everyone else must pay $50 at the door. Award winners get a complimentary table of eight. 12:30 - 1:30 P.M. Registration Attendees who did not receive their ID badges earlier in the weekend need to pick them up at this time slot. 11:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. Opening Business Meeting AHCA President Steve Wiedler of the University of Vermont will formally open the Convention. The traditional "AHCA Roll Call" will take place, with each attendee standing to identify themselves and their affiliation. A brief report will be given by AHCA Executive Director Forrest Karr. 1:50 - 2:20 P.M. USA Hockey Report USA Hockey is a major benefactor of the annual AHCA Convention. USA Hockey's Scott Paluch (an AHCA Governor) and USA Hockey staffers will give a brief report. Here is a breakdown of the Agenda and who will speak at the AHCA 2026 Convention Agenda Highlights K E N M A RT E L 2:20 - 2:50 P.M. USA Hockey Presentation: Ken Martel — "Increasing On-Ice Awareness With over 25 years of experience in player de- velopment and a long history as a coach with USA Hockey, Ken Martel was named senior director of player and coach development in November 2022. He is charged with helping provide a framework for associations nation- wide to follow for optimal athlete development. Prior to arriving in Colorado Springs, Martel was a part of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program staff as an assistant coach for eight years (1998-2006). Martel has coached at Air Force, Michigan Tech and St. Cloud. State University. A four-year letter win- ner at Lake Superior State University, Martel helped the Lakers to the school's first-ever NCAA title in 1988.