If you ask USA Hockey President Jim Smith to describe his impact on USA Hockey, he would modestly say “I’m just a volunteer”. But in reality his footprint on the growth of USA Hockey has been staggering. His record speaks for itself.
The suburban Chicago native played Division 2 hockey for the University of Illinois-Chicago. His resume includes coaching on the squirt, bantam, midget, high school levels. Add refereeing, along with involvement in NIHL hockey, as well as State of 
Illinois Hockey Association.
His involvement in USA Hockey began in 1981; where he implemented hockey development camps. In 1987, Jim joined USA Hockey’s Executive Committee as secretary and treasurer.
He became President in June of 2015.
USA Hockey’s mission statement is simple. Provide hockey opportunities to as many individuals as possible. In doing so, create a fun experience in a safe environment. And provide opportunities that will enable players to reach their maximum potential.
As Jim Smith states, “Hockey is in a good place”. The numbers speak for themselves. Last year over 542,000 players participated. For the sixth consecutive year over 107,000 kids under eight played hockey. 56,000 plus coaches and over 22,000 officials participated.
Solid numbers coupled with a solid financial foundation. The USA Hockey Foundation continues to raise money from sponsorships; thus providing grants for inner cities hockey via their diversity program. Also providing financial backing for equipment/technology development, safer playing environment, as well as the building of hockey facilities nationwide.
To increase the growth of hockey, several initiatives are being considered and/or implemented. This includes possibly increasing the roster size. Building new hockey rinks in non traditional areas. Train more goaltenders with the goal of doubling the amount of netminders annually. In that regard, a one-piece zip up goaltender protection suit has been developed. Lightweight. Ready to implement in seconds.
Smith’s mandate plays a major role in USA Hockey’s development. Namely,
- Provide a hockey experience to anybody that’s interested; all of which in an affordable environment. With a competent staff in place to support hockey; whether it’s youth or adult hockey.
- Stay the course on the business side. Sponsorship growth is crucial.
- Make the game as safe for possible as possible.
The number of hockey growth opportunities continues to grow. For example, 75 plus year olds are interested in starting a USA Hockey supported league.
“Try Hockey for Free” scheduled for the weekend of February 20 encompasses reaching out to the community; introducing people to the sport via outreach in schools, boy scouts and girl scouts, disabled groups. The annual disabled hockey festival features sled hockey, spinal affected hockey, standing amputee hockey, deaf/hard of hearing group, disabled vets and blind hockey.
The future for hockey in the United States is equally exciting. The newly created World Cup will both expose and sell the sport of hockey. The Olympics will shine with the hopes that the NHL and international committee will come together. The Women’s World Championship continues to flourish for women’s hockey in the United States. In fact, Jim Smith states, “We expect to be on the podium for every hockey event that we participate in”. The amount of American born players drafted by the NHL continues to grow.
The core of USA Hockey’s success is dependent on volunteering. As Jim Smith says, “We’ve got the most passionate volunteers and staff in all of sports”. He adds,
“For every successful player you have hundreds of volunteers and family members who provided support in that player’s development”.
Volunteering. Passion. On a mission. Those three attributes describe what Jim Smith means to the success of USA Hockey.
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