COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey and one of the most influential leaders in amateur sports today, has received a four-year contract extension, it was announced today by Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey.

“We’re extremely pleased to announce the extension of Dave’s contact through 2018,” said DeGregorio, who has served as president of USA Hockey since 2003. “His leadership has been a significant factor in the continued progress we’ve made overall and we’re very fortunate to have him guiding USA Hockey.”

“I could not be more appreciative of the confidence shown in me by Ron, the executive committee and our entire board of directors,” said Ogrean, who has spent 17 years of his professional career involved with USA Hockey. “Together, we’ve accomplished so many good things and I look forward to the opportunities to further grow and enhance our sport that lie ahead.”

Ogrean, annually among the The Hockey News Top 50 People of Power and Influence, returned for his second stint as executive director of USA Hockey in 2005. Since that time, he has led USA Hockey in multiple groundbreaking initiatives, including the launch of the American Development Model. In addition, USA Hockey has enhanced its industry-leading coaching education program by becoming the first amateur sports organization in the U.S. to offer online education modules and also strengthened efforts to ensure the safest possible environment for all participants through multiple initiatives, including the implementation of USA Hockey SafeSport.

Ogrean is widely credited for forging a significant partnership with the National Hockey League that has positively impacted the sport in multiple areas, including more American players competing in the NHL; growth in the overall number of players; and significant gains in player development and retention. The past three seasons, USA Hockey has had more than 100,000 kids eight-and-under playing the game, a feat that had never before been accomplished.

Ogrean has also led efforts to increase the profile of The USA Hockey Foundation and presided over the organization as it has generated record revenue in corporate partnerships and events. Further, under Ogrean’s leadership since 2005, USA Hockey has enjoyed record success in international competition.

Ogrean’s relationship with USA Hockey began when he served as the organization’s director of public relations from 1978-80. He led USA Hockey as its executive director from 1993-99 and returned for his second stint in the position in August of 2005.

He is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee Board of Directors and serves on the USOC Audit Committee, Olympic Bid Working Group, USOC Strategic Planning Committee and Paralympic Advisory Committee. He has also been a member of the nominating committee for the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

Ogrean is also active in his home community of Colorado Springs, Colo., serving on the El Pomar Foundation Pikes Peak Regional Advisory Council and the Colorado Springs World Arena Board of Directors.