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JUNE 2026 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 35 One of the true architects of hockey's growth in the United States, Donna Guariglia's vision and dedication have shaped the trajectory of USA Hockey. Raised in a hockey family, she turned her lifelong passion into action. As a volunteer and board president for the New Jersey Colonials, Guariglia became the driving force behind girls and women's hockey in the state. In 2004, she founded the Colonials' Girls Hockey Program and the Mid-Atlantic Women's Hockey Association to expand grassroots opportunities. Since then, female hockey participation has grown nearly 120% in the Atlantic District—a testament to her leadership. Guariglia joined USA Hockey at the national level in 2008, serving in various positions, including a five-year tenure as chair of the Girls and Women's Section. She also spearheaded diversity initiatives, chairing the committee dedicated to making the sport more welcoming nationwide. In 2015, Guariglia made history as the organization's first female officer when she was elected treasurer. Over her decade-long tenure, she guided USA Hockey through a period of immense growth and international success, as well as unprecedented challenges like the COVID -19 pandemic, always leading with transparency and long- term vision. Fo r l e g e n d a ry h o c k e y c o a c h M a rk Carlson, success isn't just about wins; it is defined by the personal growth of the thousands of athletes he has men- tored. Originally from Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Carlson played at UMass- Lowell before transitioning to coach- ing. After assistant roles at Lowell and Northeastern, he became the head coach a n d g e n e r a l m a n a g e r o f t h e U S H L's C e d a r Rapids RoughRiders in 1999, a position he has held for 26 years as the only coach in franchise history. Over his historic tenure, Carlson has built one of the most remarkable resumes in junior hockey history. He has coached a USHL-record 1,532 games and secured his 779th win on October 3, 2025, marking the most regular-season victories in league history. Under his leadership, Cedar Rapids has captured three Anderson Cups as regular-season champions, reached the Clark Cup playoffs 20 times, and posted a winning record in all but six campaigns. One of his most storied seasons came in 2004-05, when he guided the team to a program-record 42 wins and its first-ever Clark Cup championship. His excellence behind the bench has earned him the USHL Coach of the Year honors four times, including the 2025- 2026 season. Carlson's impact also extends to the international stage, where he guided Team USA to consecutive World Junior A Challenge titles in 2008 and 2009, sparking a dominant run of six tournament titles in seven years for the American program. Ultimately, Carlson's enduring legacy stretches far beyond the scoreboard, defined by nearly three decades of commitment to integrity, mentorship, and shaping the future of American hockey stars both on and off the ice. Donna Guariglia Builders Award Mark Carlson Distinguished Achievement Award MARK CARLSON WITH YEARS OF SUCCESS IN THE USHL Click to read more on Carlson A SELFLESS VOLUNTEER AND STRONG LEADER, DONNA GUARIGLIA Click to read more on Guariglia