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STOPs & STARTS USA HOCKEY NEWS & UPDATES U.S. To Field Team At Maccabiah Games Ice hockey will return to the Maccabiah Games in the summer of 2013, and the United States is currently recruiting top Jewish hockey players to compete at the Junior ('97-'98), Youth ('95-'96), Open, and Masters (40 & Over) levels. Sometimes referred to as the "Jewish Olympics," the Maccabiah Games are held every four years in Israel attracting the most outstanding Jewish athletes from around the world. This year more than 7,000 participants are expected to take part. The hockey competition will feature teams from the United States, Canada, Israel, France, and Russia. Ice hockey was first held in the Slovakia A Second Home For U.S. Under-17 Squad T "I'm very proud of how our guys played against tough competition," said Don Granato, head coach of the U.S. National Under-17 Team. "It's an honor to represent USA Hockey in every tournament, but coming home with a title makes it extra special." The U.S. squad heads down the homestretch of the season with several games remaining against USHL opponents. he U.S. National Under-17 Team made it three in a row by defeating the hosts from Slovakia, 8-3, to claim the 2012 Vlad Dzurilla Under-18 Tournament in Piestany, Slovakia. Team USA outscored its opponents, 22-4, in the tournament, beating Germany (8-0), Switzerland (6-1) and Slovakia. Maccabiah Games in 1997 when the United States team captured the silver medal. Former NHLer Mike Hartman and current NHL television analyst Billy Jaffe, along with several professional and collegiate players, led that team. Tryout dates and locations will be announced soon at Maccabiusa.com. HOCKEY LINGO Fire Wagon Hockey (v.) A style of play noted for being fast-paced and wide-open. Characterized by hi-tempo offensive transition, featuring end-to-end rushes and exciting scoring chances. THOMAS ASSIST A BIG SAVE FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY The scenic town of Woodland Park, Colo., is a long way from the hustle and bustle of Boston, but it's where Tim Thomas and his family plan on putting down roots after the 38-year-old Bruins goaltender retires. To show his commitment to his new community and its efforts to get it fledgling hockey program off the ground, the Tim Thomas Foundation has donated a new ice resurfacer to the cause. The refurbished 2003 Zamboni is a huge upgrade from the previous 1973 ice resurfacer, Brian Kane, a local youth hockey coach who is also Thomas' brother-in-law, said after presenting the keys to Woodland Park Hockey Association President Daniel Rupp. "This will allow us to make better ice and a longer season, which will help grow the game 04 in Woodland Park," Kane said. Located just outside of Colorado Springs, Woodland Park currently has 135 registered players and an open-air rink at Meadowood Park that operates from November to mid- March. The Zamboni donation is part of a long- term plan to install a roof and one day enclose the facility for year-round use. "We are grateful to the Tim Thomas Foundation. They have made a commitment to our community, which is demonstrated by this generous donation," Rupp said during the dedication ceremony on Feb. 24. "Tim is putting down roots in our community, and we are quite fortunate to have him here." For his part, Thomas is happy to help do whatever he can to help grow the program and get more kids involved with hockey. "Woodland Park is a small enough area where you feel like you can make a difference," Thomas said. "They have an outdoor arena up there, and I grew up playing on an outdoor arena … I just thought I'd support a program that reminded me of the program where I grew up." APRIL/MAY.2012 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM PHOTOS BY IIHF Images on Ice; Harry Thompson