ADM

The American Development Model (ADM) is USA Hockey’s nationwide approach to youth hockey development. Introduced in 2009, ADM is an all-inclusive program that covers players just starting out at the U8, Learn to Play (LTP) level and goes all the way to elite and professional players. ADM is an instructional roadmap for athletes, coaches, referees, and parents to ensure proper skill development and competition for players at each level.

The ADM is not just about creating elite players. It’s about providing every child with the best possible hockey experience, developing their skills, confidence, and love of the game while creating memories that last a lifetime—for players, families, and the entire hockey community.

• Provide age-appropriate training and competition.
• Encourage multi-sport participation to prevent burnout and injuries.
• Support coaches and referees with modern techniques.
• Make hockey fun, safe, and engaging for all skill levels.
• Build lifelong players and fans of the game.

To reach these goals, ADM identifies 10 GUIDING PRINCIPLES that apply to each of the 8 STAGES OF LONG TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT.

When implemented consistently, these principles promote athlete development, health and safety. ADM builds a foundation that through either competition, recreation or fandom, is a sport for life!

In the past, youth hockey often emphasized winning at too young an age, which could lead to frustration, injuries, and kids leaving the sport. The ADM changes that culture by focusing on development and fun first:

• Skill Development Over Winning: Practices designed to build skills and confidence, not just prepare for games.
• Small-Area Games: Cross-ice and half-ice formats give younger kids more puck touches and keeps them active.
• Balanced Practice-to-Game Ratios: More practices than games at younger ages leads to stronger skill growth.
• Positive Experiences: Happy kids are more likely to stay in hockey long-term.

Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD): Training is matched to each child’s physical, mental, and emotional growth.

AHAI works closely with USA Hockey and our USA Hockey Regional Representative Dan Jablonic to bring ADM programming to local clubs by:

• Supporting and encouraging Learn to Play and 8U Cross-Ice Programs introduce kids to hockey the right way.
• Providing clubs receive age-specific practice plans, game limits, and coach training resources.
• Focusing on fun, skill-building, and inclusion, building a stronger hockey community for all families.