Following a four-point weekend by the National Team Development Program Under-18 team in USHL action, both the U-17s and U-18s continue conference action this weekend (Nov. 20-22) at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. The U-17s face Tri-City and Fargo on Friday and Saturday afternoon, respectively, while the U-18s will meet Tri-City on Saturday evening and Fargo on Sunday afternoon.

It can be pretty hard to follow in your big brother’s footsteps sometimes. For National Team Development Program Under-17 forward Cole Bardreau, it actually helped him and has made him a more complete player.

Following gold medal performances by both the National Team Development Program Under-17 and Under-18 teams at the Four Nations Cup, the U-18s head jump back on the ice this weekend with a two-game USHL schedule. The U-17s enjoy a bye weekend before returning to action next weekend.

Opportunities can knock at any time and any place. One opportunity can turn into a lifetime chance to fulfill a dream at a place that one can only imagine. If you are unsure of that, just ask National Team Development Program Under-18 forward Brandon Saad, who is currently living out a dream of playing for Team USA.

The National Team Development Program Under-17 and Under-18 teams head to their first international competition — the Four Nations Cup — this week. The U-18s will head to Finland for a three-team round robin event while the U-17s travel to Slovakia for a three-game set.

Growing up, no one in Robbie Russo’s family played hockey, so the learning experience was completely new to him and his family. It is a good thing for the U.S. NTDP Under-17 Team that Russo decided that hockey was his sport.

There are just three games remaining before the National Team Development Program Under-17 and Under-18 teams head to its first international competition of the season. The U-17s dropped a hard-fought 3-2 decision to the Omaha Lancers on Thursday in its only contest of the week, while the U-18s will face Omaha on Friday and Adrian College on Saturday.

Spend a few moments speaking with National Team Development Program Under-18 goaltender Andy Iles and it’s easy to feel his energy, enthusiasm and love for the game of hockey. One more thing stands out — his love for Team USA and finally reaching the goal that he has worked for since he was a youngster.

Another busy weekend is on tap for the U.S. National Team Development Program. The Under-18 team will face three college teams in New York over a three-day span, while the U-17s head out on the road for a two-game stint in Sioux City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.