How are things over at USA Hockey?
We hear from some sources there may be a shake-up in the next month or so in the structure of the American hockey body after the dismal showing at the IIHF World Junior Championship. On a positive note, though, the NHL is about to up the ante significantly in terms of its support of USA Hockey with a potential eightfold increase in funding to support programs, sources told ESPN.com this past weekend. Coming out of the 2004-05 lockout, the NHL agreed to a four-year deal with USA Hockey, allocating $900,000, $1 million, $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, to the national body. Now, that support could grow to $8 million annually to fund the National Team Development Program, USA Hockey’s program to seek out and develop top young talent in the U.S., as well as a new long-term athlete development program started by USA Hockey. Details were sketchy at this point, but an NHL source said the program will benefit all levels of hockey. “Not just elite, grassroots. It’s an impressive pro
