Golden Hat Trick and Record Attendance Acknowledged at USA Hockey Annual Gathering
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey marked a significant year of accomplishments and expansion during its Annual Meeting last week in Denver, underscored by record participation figures and an unparalleled streak of international success.
“We engaged in fruitful discussions across our various councils, committees, and sections regarding how to fully leverage the momentum created by our gold-medal achievements,” stated Mike Trimboli, president of USA Hockey. “Thanks to the enthusiasm and grassroots leadership of our volunteers nationwide, our sport continues to flourish. We are enthusiastic not only about the advancements we have made but also about the prospects that lie ahead.”
GOLDEN HAT TRICK
During the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Milan this past February and March, the U.S. became the first nation to achieve a “triple gold” in ice hockey, securing top finishes in both the women’s and men’s events at the Olympics, as well as in sled hockey at the Paralympics. All three gold-medal matches attracted record viewership on NBC.
PARTICIPATION REACHES RECORD LEVELS
Participation statistics for the 2025-26 season were presented during the Annual Meeting, including:
- 586,002 players
- 68,792 coaches
- 32,710 officials
All three categories set new all-time records.
Additionally, USA Hockey exceeded 100,000 female players for the first time in its history, concluding the season with 103,324 participants.
KELLEHER CONTRACT EXTENDED FOUR YEARS
Trimboli announced at Saturday’s (June 6) Congress meeting that executive director Pat Kelleher’s contract has been extended for four years.
“Pat provides outstanding leadership, vision, and dedication to USA Hockey every day,” remarked Trimboli. “We are fortunate to have him continue guiding our organization as executive director.”
“I am privileged to keep serving this remarkable organization and thankful for the trust placed in me by our Board of Directors and Congress,” Kelleher stated. “With the steadfast support of our volunteers, staff, and stakeholders nationwide, we have generated significant momentum, and the future of our sport is exceptionally promising.”
ELECTIONS
Below are the election outcomes from the Annual Meeting, with all newly elected or re-elected individuals officially assuming their roles following the conclusion of Saturday’s (June 6) Congress meeting.
Donna Kaufman (Gig Harbor, Wash.) was re-elected as vice president and chair of the Membership Council.
Chris Washburn (Old Town, Maine) was elected as treasurer.
Caitlin Cahow (New Haven, Conn.) was elected as vice president and chair of the Legal Council.
Cheri Bonawitz (Portland, Maine) was elected as a director at-large to the Board of Directors.
Bill Daly (Kinnelon, N.J.) was re-elected as NHL director to the Board of Directors.
Declan Farmer (Tampa, Fla.) was re-elected as an athlete director to the Board of Directors.
Erica McKee (Chicago, Ill.) and Christina Bailey Fisher (Skaneateles, N.Y.) were elected as athlete representatives to Congress.
Sean Hogan (East Lansing, Mich.) was re-elected as the amateur hockey representative – NCAA to Congress.
Donna Guariglia (Morristown, N.J.) and John Tobin (Charlestown, Mass.) were elected as representative emeritus.
PRESIDENT’S AWARDS
USA Hockey president Mike Trimboli presented President’s Awards to volunteer Darryl Thompson (Anchorage, Alaska), along with staff members Taylor Swierc (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and John Vanbiesbrouck (Detroit, Mich.).
