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OPEN ICE BY JIM RICH No Miracles Needed The new expectations of USA Hockey are signs of growth and development I f the U.S. skates away with Gold in Sochi next month, it will not be because a prayer was answered by some hockey god. It will be because the Americans earned it through decades of determination, development and dedication—all led by the staff at USA Hockey. As a "hockey" country, the talent has been there in the past, as witnessed by the 1960 and 1980 U.S. Olympic Teams that captured gold medals. And today, the focus of developing players to be their competitive best has never been a higher priority. Those teams of the 1960s and 1980s were primarily led by individual players; guys like Roger and Billy Christian, and coaches like Herb Brooks, who guided the Red, White and Blue to international success. Since those hockey miracles, the leadership at USA Hockey saw the talent and ingenuity in the raw resources, and created a clear vision for development and growth. The plan was to create opportunities for players that would lead the U.S. to the medal platform, not just in men's hockey, but women's hockey as well. A notable first step was the formation of the National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This program took 22 the best of the best from across the country and placed them in an incubator that not only worked on their skills on the ice, but their skills to become leaders in the game of hockey. The dividends have been immense. USA Hockey began capturing more U-18 Men's and Women's World Championships, Women's World Championships, World Junior Championships and Olympic medals. On top of team accomplishments, American-born hockey players are excelling at the game's highest levels. Minnesota Hockey continues to do its part, consistently leading the way in both numbers and top talent. This year is no different, as 11 men and women are throwing on the Team USA sweater for the 2014 Winter Olympics. The Reebok Minnesota Hockey High Performance programs (previously Selects) have provided premier development opportunities locally, along with a chance to advance to USA Hockey's Player Development Camps for national competition and exposure. Goals and expectations have risen. Last Olympics, the U.S. came within an overtime goal of winning Gold. Two of the players who will represent the U.S. in Sochi, Zach MINNESOTAHOCKEYJOURNAL.COM // FEBRUARY.2014 Parise and Ryan Suter, have become shining examples of the success of the investment made in developing American talent. Both growing up under USA Hockey guidance, they have U-18 and World Junior Championships Gold Medals in their back pockets. Now, they have visions of completing the trifecta this February in Sochi. Parise and Suter's drive has to be immense. After all, four years ago, Parise scored the game-tying goal against Canada with only 24 ticks left on the clock in regulation. Unfortunately, Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give Canada their eighth gold medal. In an article supplied to USAHockey. com, Parise admits he knows how Team USA will play against the world, because it is the same way they have attacked and conquered in the past. "That's the identity we established as a team … a hard-working, honest, two-way team that is hard to play against," said Parise. "We really embraced the roles we had, and I think that's what made us a good team, so I think you're going to have the same type of team we had in Vancouver." And that's exactly what USA Hockey wants. So, as we settle down to watch our men and women battle for Olympic supremacy, remember that the product on the ice is the result of years of growth initiatives, education and development. All of America will be watching with the expectation that the models built by USA Hockey will be rewarded in Gold. And, once again, with a heavy Minnesota flavor. Jim Rich is the Sports Director at Fox 9 News. He also is the play-by-play announcer for the St. Cloud State Men's hockey TV broadcasts. PHOTOS: USA HOCKEY ALL OF AMERICA will be watching with the expectation that the models built by USA Hockey WILL BE REWARDED IN GOLD.