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USA Hockey’s NTDP Unveils Community Tribute Third Jersey Honoring Region’s Hockey Heritage

By USA Hockey's NTDP, 11/13/25, 4:00PM EST

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U.S. National Under-17 Team set to debut jerseys Friday, Nov. 21

PLYMOUTH, Mich. – USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program is proud to unveil its new third jersey — a design that pays tribute to the local communities and the NTDP’s home in Plymouth Township, celebrates the team's 10 years at USA Hockey Arena and honors the region’s deep-rooted hockey tradition.

“This jersey is more than just a design — it’s a reflection of the partnership and pride we share with the community,” said Scott Monaghan, assistant executive director for the NTDP and USA Hockey Arena. “It represents our gratitude to the people and places that have supported us, and the values that unite us both on and off the ice.”

The red, white and blue sweater reflects Team USA’s patriotic identity while incorporating key symbols of unity, gratitude and community service. Embroidered on one shoulder is the Plymouth Township Police Department patch, and on the other, the Plymouth Township Fire Department patch — representing the dedication and bravery of the local first responders who serve the community every day.

Etched into one sleeve are the words “Land of the free, home of the brave,” which reflects the pride of the national anthem, while the opposite sleeve reads “Unity. Sacrifice. Attitude.” - a phrase that has come to embody the spirit and culture of the NTDP since its inception.

The front of the jersey proudly displays “Plymouth” diagonally across the chest, a nod to the historic hockey legacy of the building and the many youth and junior programs that have called it home. The diagonal lettering is an homage to a jersey style from the Plymouth Whalers who once called the arena home. The nod connects generations of players and fans who have contributed to Plymouth’s longstanding hockey tradition. From its earliest days as Compuware Arena to today’s USA Hockey Arena, the venue has stood as a cornerstone of hockey development in Michigan.

Above the name plate, the words “The Program” are displayed as an homage to the more than 600 players who have worn the NTDP crest since its inception in 1996. To date, over 400 NTDP alumni have been drafted into the NHL including 103 first rounders and five selected first overall. Collectively, these players have combined for more than 67,500 NHL games played, earning numerous NHL All-Star selections, Stanley Cup championships, and individual honors including the Hart Memorial Trophy, Calder Memorial Trophy and James Norris Memorial Trophy.

The building’s legacy stretches back to its origins as Compuware Arena, built under the leadership of Peter Karmanos Jr., co-founder of the Detroit Compuware Hockey organization and former owner of the Whalers. Karmanos’ vision helped establish Plymouth as a cornerstone of hockey development in Michigan. His contributions to the sport were recognized with inductions into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015 (Builder Category).

Beyond the ice, Team USA’s presence in the community has always extended into the community. Players and staff regularly volunteer throughout the area — from ringing Salvation Army bells and reading to local schools, to assisting with food drives and community events in Plymouth, Northville, Canton and the surrounding communities. The new jersey serves as a thank you to the community that has embraced Team USA over the past decade.

Team USA will debut the third jersey Friday, Nov. 21 as the U.S. National Under-17 Team will face off against the Sioux Falls Stampede. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. ET and tickets are available at USAHockeyNTDP.com/tix or by calling the box office at 734-453-8400.

ABOUT THE NTDP: USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program is in its 29th season of competition and is based at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. Established in 1996, the NTDP was based in Ann Arbor, Mich., at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube before relocating to USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich., prior to the 2015-16 season. The goal of the full-time development program is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers. Its efforts focus not only on high-caliber participation on the ice, but creating well-rounded individuals off the ice.

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