Thread: American ranks growing; one-fifth of NHL players are from U.S.

really good to see on all teams the growing american presence and seeing it at the local rinks alot more kids playing hockey again, which is the future and will kee the arena's filled for the next generation..

American ranks growing; one-fifth of NHL players are from U.S.

A record 20.5% of NHL players are American this season, and that number is expected to increase over the next few years.

In 2009-10, the American participation was 19.8% on opening-day rosters.
"We have stated a long-term goal of achieving 30% of the player pool to be Americans," USA Hockey assistant executive director Jim Johannson said. "I think we will attain that number. More importantly, within that number we will have a much larger 'impact player' pool of guys."

Canada remains the top talent supplier, with Canadians holding down 54.4% of roster spots.

According to statistics provided by the NHL, the league has more players who were born in New York state (23) than were born in Russia (22).


Of 711 players on opening-day rosters, 146 were Americans. Minnesota and Michigan still lead the way with 32 and 25, respectively, but 22 states are represented, including Utah, Iowa, California and North Carolina.

"More and more players leads to more kids aspiring and believing they will have an opportunity to succeed at the NHL level," Johannson said. "Look at (New Jersey Devils defenseman) Matt Taormina. … He grows up in Michigan, plays junior hockey in Texarkana, goes to Providence and is now in the NHL."
Projections for rising U.S. participation in the NHL result from the significant number of Americans drafted the last few seasons. Last summer, 11 of the 30 first-round picks, and 28% of all draftees, were American.

The Anaheim Ducks drafted Californian Emerson Etem in June. Among the Nashville Predators' top prospects is Blake Geoffrion, who grew up south of Nashville.

Johannson said the increase of Americans in the player pool reflects the NHL's growth into non-traditional markets, which has led to the building of more rinks. According to Johannson, New York, Colorado, California and Texas are prime growth areas.

"Plus," he said, "we have a real nice wave coming from St. Louis in the next few years."

Key games this week

• Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning (Wednesday): Pittsburgh'sSidney Crosby and Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos tied for the goal-scoring lead last season. This season, both are in the top five in goals.

• Washington Capitals at Minnesota Wild (Thursday): A special-teams bonanza. The Wild lead the league in power-play percentage with an impressive 38.7%. The Capitals have killed off 31 of 35 short-handed situations.

• Devils at Los Angeles Kings (Saturday): Ilya Kovalchuk negotiated with the Kings during the summer but signed with the Devils instead.

Around the rinks:Boston Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk (broken bone in forearm) will miss four weeks. He was working on a three-game point streak before he was slashed Saturday. … The Carolina Hurricanes play their home opener Wednesday. They swept their season-opening series in Helsinki, then went 2-3 on a road trip in North America.
Contributing: Mike Brehm