The 2026 USA Hockey Annual Meeting in Denver served as a celebration of a watershed season, marked by record‑breaking participation and international triumphs.
Organizers announced that the 2025‑26 season saw 586,002 registered players, 68,792 coaches and 32,710 officials, while female participation crossed the 100,000‑player threshold for the first time, reaching 103,324.
The crowning achievement was a clean sweep of triple gold in ice hockey at the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Milan, cementing the organization’s dominance on the world stage.
Executive director Pat Kelleher received a four‑year contract extension, ensuring continuity in leadership as the sport looks ahead.
Board reshuffles and new appointments
During the session, a series of elections filled key posts, including Donna Kaufman’s re‑election as vice president and chair of the Membership Council, Chris Washburn’s election as treasurer, and Caitlin Cahow’s ascent to vice president and chair of the Legal Council. Cheri Bonawitz, Declan Farmer, Bill Daly, Erica McKee and Christina Bailey Fisher also secured seats, with Erica McKee and Christina Bailey Fisher slated as athlete representatives to Congress.
The meeting also recognized volunteer and staff contributions, with President Mike Trimboli presenting President’s Awards to Darryl Thompson, Taylor Swierc and John Vanbiesbrouck.