The U.S. National Team Development Program’s impact on American hockey continues to resonate through its alumni, with five players from the 2013-14 Under-17 team set to represent Team USA at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.
Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, and Charlie McAvoy will serve as team leaders, reflecting the program’s success in developing NHL talent. They’re part of a group of 15 NTDP alumni on the 23-player roster.
“It’s a candy store for elite hockey players,” said former NTDP coach Danton Cole.
The program, founded in 1996 by Notre Dame head coach Jeff Jackson, transformed USA Hockey’s development system. Before the NTDP, American teams struggled internationally, winning just three medals combined at world juniors and world championships in the 16 years after the 1980 Olympic gold.
“We were making it up as we went,” said NTDP assistant executive director Scott Monaghan about the program’s early years.
Players typically spend two seasons at the program, with the first year presenting significant challenges. Former coach Donny Granato describes the U17 year as “pure survival.”
“It’s so new and taxing for the kids,” Granato said. “These kids were Superman in their hometowns. They get pounded. Their confidence takes a real hit in the process.”
The program’s intensity shows in its signature “men are men” drill, where players battle in confined spaces.
“There’d be two or three guys per team, our coach would flip a puck in, and guys would run each other,” said Zach Werenski, now the Blue Jackets’ top defenseman.
Matthew Tkachuk credits the program for his development. “The No. 1 thing in hockey is competitiveness and one-on-one battles,” said the Panthers winger, who’s recorded two 100-point NHL seasons.
Auston Matthews, the first 1997-born player recruited to the program, demonstrated exceptional drive even while recovering from injury. He’s gone on to lead the NHL in goals since entering the league in 2016, with 179 points in 104 NTDP games.
The program’s success shows in its current facility in Plymouth, Michigan, where a sign reads: “Take responsibility for your development.”
“That’s what it comes down to,” Monaghan said. “You have to put in the work to really grow.”
