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20 An American Hockey Parent Handbook PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES "The American Development Model has made a huge impact on our young athletes, and by staying committed to the ADM, we'll continue giving them the overall skill development they need." —PHIL HOUSLEY, Nashville Predators assistant coach, 2013 gold-medal winning U.S. National Junior Team head coach, U.S. Olympian, highest-scoring American defenseman in NHL history "The ADM will have the effect of increasing player participation, creating a positive environment for children to learn and play hockey, and it will facilitate better skill development." —GARY BETTMAN, Commissioner of the NHL " I'm really excited about the American Development Model. As a parent, I think what's great about the ADM is that it focuses on age-appropriate learning and provides kids an environment to reach their fullest potential." —TIM THOMAS, Florida Panthers goaltender, U.S. Olympian, 2009 Vezina Trophy winner "We should always strive to do the right thing for kids, and the American Development Model does just that. Hockey has evolved. Coaches and parents have certainly tried to do the right thing in regard to development, but we haven't had a national blueprint for associations to use—something based on solid research—until now. This is a major step forward, and USA Hockey is to be commended for its leadership." —RON WILSON, 2010 U.S. Olympic men's hockey coach, 7th winningest coach in NHL history What They're Saying About the ADM "I think it's pretty cool. I like the fact that kids are encouraged to play other sports. Hockey is a great sport, but playing other sports definitely helps you become a better hockey player." —ZACH PARISE, Minnesota Wild forward, U.S. Olympian "The ADM is absolutely fantastic. The principles behind the program are dead-on." — BRIAN BURKE, Calgary Flames president of hockey operations, general manager of 2010 U.S. Olympic Men's Team