NTDP & UM CONNECTION: USA Hockey’s NTDP has sent 47 alumni to the University of Michigan since its inception. The University of Michigan’s 2018-19 roster features nine NTDP alumni: Nicholas Boka (NTDP 2013-15; Minnesota Wilderness), Quinn Hughes (NTDP 2015-17; Vancouver Canucks), Griffin Luce (NTDP 2014-16), William Lockwood (NTDP 2014-16; Vancouver Canucks), Luke Martin (NTDP 2014-16; Carolina Hurricanes), Josh Norris (2015-17; Ottawa Senators), Michael Pastujov (NTDP 2015-17), Nick Pastujov (NTDP 2014-16; New York Islanders), and Brendan Warren (NTDP 2013-15; Philadelphia Flyers).
Thirty-five of 47 NTDP turned Wolverine alumni have been selected in the NHL Draft. Notable NTDP & University of Michigan alumni with NHL careers include: J.T. Compher (NTDP 2011-13; Colorado Avalanche), Jack Johnson (NTDP 2003-05; Pittsburgh Penguins), Dylan Larkin (NTDP 2012-14; Detroit Red Wings), Jon Merrill (NTDP 2008-10; Vegas Golden Knights), Jacob Trouba (NTDP 2010-12; Winnipeg Jets), and Zach Werenski (NTDP 2013-14; Columbus Blue Jackets).
U18s forward John Beecher and U17s defenseman Jacob Truscott are committed to play for the University of Michigan following their NTDP careers.
NTDP IN THE TWIN CITIES: A total of 29 National Team Development Program players have gone on to play at the University Minnesota, including current Gopher sophomore forward Scott Reedy (NTDP 2015-17; San Jose Sharks). Reedy is the highest San Jose draft pick from the University of Minnesota.
Twenty-two of 29 former NTDP and University of Minnesota alumni went on to be drafted by the NHL. Notable alumni in the NHL include Erik Johnson (NTDP 2004-06; St. Louis Blues), Phil Kessel (NTDP 2003-05; Pittsburgh Penguins), Jordan Leopold (NTDP 1997-98; Anaheim Ducks) and Brady Skjei (NTDP 2010-12; New York Rangers).
FROM NTDP TO NCAA: Sixty NTDP alums are playing Division I NCAA hockey in their time following Team USA, and 36 are NHL Draft choices. Seven NCAA teams have accumulated the most NTDP alums, all-time: 47 at the University of Michigan, 39 at the University of Notre Dame, 35 at Boston University, 32 at Boston College, 29 at the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin, and 24 at Michigan State University.
TOP TEN WEEKEND: The latest USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine NCAA rankings placed both of the Under-18 Team’s upcoming opponents in the top ten. The University of Minnesota came in at No. 6 and the University of Michigan at No. 8. The full list can be read here.
HUGHES SHOWDOWN: Yost Ice Arena will host a highly anticipated sibling rivalry as brothers Quinn Hughes (NTDP 2015-17) and Jack Hughes face off on Friday (Oct. 12). Before he continued his hockey career in Ann Arbor, Quinn Hughes spent two seasons in Plymouth with Team USA and recorded 53 points (10-43-53) in 65 games during his season as a U18 defenseman. Quinn Hughes was drafted to the Vancouver Canucks as the seventh pick in the first round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Jack Hughes is entering his season as an U18 following a 116 point (40-76-116) season in 2017-18 and is viewed as a top contender for No. 1 pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
BATTLE OF CELEBRATIONS: A pair of NTDP alums who were No. 1 overall draft picks squared off in a battle of celebrations last weekend. Auston Matthews (NTDP 2013-15; Toronto Maple Leafs) and Patrick Kane (NTDP 2004-06; Chicago Blackhawks) turned heads for not only scoring clutch third period goals, but also for exchanging celebrations during the Blackhawks’ home opener on Sunday (Oct. 7). Check out the back and forth between Kane and Matthews here.
REEDY’S RETURN: NTDP alum Scott Reedy returns to the rink he used to call home on Saturday (Oct. 13) as he represents the University of Minnesota. Reedy recorded 42 points (22-20-42) during the 2016-17 regular season with the Under-18 Team, and tallied a hat trick against Division I opponent Arizona State. Footage of Reedy’s hat trick against the Sun Devils can be viewed here.
NTDP NO-HITTER: The Under-18 Team played a clean game in its victory against the University of Notre Dame on Sunday (Oct. 6). Team USA was not issued a penalty in the duration of play, earning a “no-hitter” against the third-ranked Fighting Irish.
PLAYER FEATURE: Playing for the NTDP has had a major influence on John Beecher’s life and career. Read the full feature here.
NEW TICKET PACKAGES: The NTDP is offering season ticket packages for the 2018-19 season. The packages include the College Six Pack, Flex Pack, and Fan Experience Package. More information is available here or by calling 734.453.8400.
UPCOMING PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS
Sept. 11 - Oct. 28 (Wednesdays and Sundays) — Learn to Skate and Learn to Play programs ($15 per weekly session)
Saturday, Oct. 13 — vs. University of Minnesota — U18s Poster Giveaway and Postgame Autograph Night | NTDP vs. NCAA College Series
Friday, Oct. 26 - vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks - Mascot Madness Night | $5 Friday
Saturday, Oct. 27 - vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints - U17 Poster Giveaway and Postgame Autograph Night
Sunday, Oct. 28 - vs. Dubuque Fighting Saints - Sensory Friendly Day