Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/837498
8 // JUNE/JULY 2017 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM O F F T HE D R AW PHOTOS BY USA Hockey Archives; Angela Daves-Haley; Getty Images; Linda Isenbarger NTDP FTER 16 SEASONS as an equipment manager with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, it's safe to say Brock Bradley has just about seen it all. As a first-year equipment manager with the program during the 2001-02 season, Bradley watched Greg Moore and Team USA win the federation's first IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship in 2002. Now, Bradley is working alongside Moore after the NTDP alum assumed the role of an assistant coach. Bradley came to Ann Arbor, Mich., following his graduation from Clarkson University in 2001. He has no plans to step aside anytime soon. The West Stockholm, N.Y., native recently accomplished a personal goal, working his 1,000th game March 12 when the U.S. National Under 17 Team took on the Bloomington Thunder of the United States Hockey League. Over the years, he's seen the U.S. climb to the top of nearly every international tourna- ment. For him, the U18 title in 2002 sticks out above the rest. "That was the turning point for our organization," Bradley says. "It was a big moment for our hockey history. We've seen this result in another generation of players having success." Along with his work with the NTDP, Bradley has also worked at the National Junior Evaluation Camp and with the U.S. Junior National Team. Looking back on his time with USA Hockey, Bradley has nothing but fond memories and great things to say about his experiences. And as he continues on with the organization, he is grateful for every moment. "You don't get to 1,000 games without shorting the 999 before," Bradley said. "I've never considered this to be work. It's been all fun. It's awesome making a living doing something you love to do." NTDP EQUIPMENT MANAGER REACHES MAGIC MILESTONE A 3 ON THE ICE, the Peewee Minor L.A. Junior Kings hockey team capped off a successful season with a state championship. Off the ice, this group continues to work toward a bigger goal. For the past two years, the team has come together to help fight cancer by participating in the Tour de Pier. This annual stationary bike ride, which took place in Los Angeles in May, helps raise money for pancreatic and brain cancer research. Calvin Vachon, an 11-year-old Jr King and grandson of Hall of Fame goalie Rogie Vachon, helped lead the effort. The younger Vachon wanted to give back when his grandmother died of brain cancer in February 2016. Following his grandmother's death, Calvin soon realized he wasn't the only Jr King whose family was affected by cancer. This prompted the entire team to get involved. In the first year, the team, which called itself the Jr. Kings Fights Cancer Group, raised more than $15,000 for Tour De Pier. This year, the goal was $30,000. "It's just amazing to see all these people riding for people they have lost. It's my favorite day of the year," said Renee Vachon, the mother of Calvin and director of the Uncle Kory Foundation, which is one of the charities that benefits from the Tour De Pier. The entire LA Junior Kings organization has no plans on to stop anytime soon. The group enjoys supporting a good cause, and their good deeds have helped the teams excel on the ice. "It's a great opportunity for everyone to see the importance of this effort," said James Vachon, Calvin's father. "Hockey is just a game. This is life. You become aware of this effort and develop some important bonds with teammates." COMMUNITY Junior Kings Looking To Roll Over Cancer By Ryan Williamson