USA Hockey revealed this week that it has appointed two assistant coaches to its National Team Development Program, a move designed to reinforce the organization’s pipeline of elite young talent ahead of the 2026‑27 season.
Coaching Additions Emphasize Holistic Player Growth
CJ Kusch will take charge of the U.S. National Under‑18 team, while Cam Babiak is slated to work with the Under‑17 squad. Both will integrate on‑ice instruction with off‑ice mentorship, ensuring that prospects develop not only as athletes but also as students and community leaders.
The program, anchored at the USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, draws student‑athletes from a network of training sites that includes rinks in Grosse Pointe, Saline, and Northville, Michigan, as well as facilities in Syracuse, New York; Grand Forks, North Dakota; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Beyond technical skill, the Development Program stresses character building and academic readiness, preparing athletes under 18 for the rigors of international competition and life beyond the rink.
With Kusch and Babiak now on board, USA Hockey aims to deepen its coaching expertise and broaden the program’s impact, positioning the next generation of American hockey players for success on the world stage.