USA Hockey concluded its Winter Meeting in Orlando with almost 450 attendees, filled with hope for the future of ice hockey.

**Key Highlights:**
– **Safety Legislation:**
– New rule mandates neck laceration protection for all youth players and officials under 18, effective August 1, 2024.
– Encouragement for adults to use neck protection and cut-resistant gear.
– Led by Dr. Mike Stuart, the Safety Committee emphasized participant safety as paramount.

– **Tier I Regulation:**
– Introduction of a “one team, one season” policy for Tier I youth and girls teams commencing in 2024-25 to prevent mid-season player tampering.
– Establishment of a President’s Commission on Tier I Hockey to standardize operational practices.

– **Growth in Participation:**
– Reports showed growth in player participation, alongside record numbers of coaches and officials for the 2023-24 season.
– The final numbers will be disclosed at the Annual Meeting in June, reflecting the efforts of volunteers and collaboration with NHL partners.

Pat Kelleher, USA Hockey’s executive director, credited grassroots initiatives for introducing many new families to the sport and enhancing educational resources.

Mike Trimboli, USA Hockey president, expressed optimism throughout the meeting, highlighting collective efforts to improve hockey for communities nationwide.