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USA HOCKEY Of USA Hockey The Building More Than Brick And Mortar, The Organization's Foundation Is Formed By The Heart And Soul Of Its Volunteers BY HARRY THOMPSON I t's only fitting that the Walter L. Bush, Jr. Center, the headquarters of USA Hockey, would be located on Bob Johnson Drive. ry, 27,000-square is perched on two acres of prime Colorado Springs real estate, just a long slap shot's distance away from the World Arena and adjacent Ice Hall. In the eyes of many, it is the center of the USA Hockey universe. In reality, the heart and soul of the organization isn't confined to one physical location. It is found in the 1,800 community-run and privately owned rinks scattered throughout small towns and major metropolitan cities, where a legion of dedicated volunteers operate learn to play clinics, house leagues and travel programs. Built in 1999, the two-sto- foot building USA Hockey's National Office is located at 1775 Bob Johnson, Dr., in Colorado Springs, but the heart and soul of the organization can be found in the thousands of dedicated volunteers who do so much for the game. What started out as a shoebox full of records kept in Tom Lockhart's New York City apartment has grown into a first-class organization of nearly 600,000 strong, cov- ering all aspects of the game, from Mites to Midgets, Peewees to the professional play- ers who make up the men's Olympic team. The game and the organization continue to grow at the grassroots level thanks to thousands of volunteers who work tire- lessly without any chance of receiving a gold medal for their efforts. Their reward comes in seeing the look on a young boy or girl's face as they master the basic skills of the game, score their first goal or lead their team to victory. With a myriad of house programs and travel leagues, USA Hockey is a rock-solid organization because of the people who form the foundation. "They put themselves out on the line and make it happen. If it weren't for them, there would not be a USA Hockey – it's just that simple," says Rae Briggle, assistant executive director of Member Services for USA Hockey. "They are the lifeblood of the organiza- tion. We owe them such a debt of gratitude. It's not always a lot of fun collecting money or doing a lot of the hard work, but they love the opportunity it provides for the kids." Over the course of more than seven decades, USA Hockey has enjoyed more than its share of memorable moments on international ice as well as success in its homegrown programs. More Americans are suiting up for NHL teams than ever 14 USA Hockey 75TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE PROGRAM It takes more than just gold medals to spur growth at a local and national level. USA Hockey takes great pride in the new pro- grams created to attract more boys and girls to try the game in nontraditional places such as Nashville, Tampa and Phoenix. Working with NHL teams and local associations, USA Hockey's before, and there are growing opportunities for all athletes – able-bodied and disabled, youth players and adults – to enjoy the thrill of competing. grass-roots membership development program contin- ues to open doors with programs designed to provide girls with a league of their own. Not only are more kids playing the game, they are being coached by a growing legion of qualified male and female coaches who are great role models for future athletes. Thanks to outstanding leadership at the top and a total team effort throughout the hockey world, there are expanding opportu- PHOTOS COURTESY OF USA HOCKEY