Boucher, Grimaldi to join U.S. NTDP

Twelve players are committed to join USA Hockey's National Team Development Program starting in the 2009-10 season.

The players, all from the 1993 birth-year, will compete as members of the U.S. National Under-17 Team.

"We are extremely proud to announce the first group of players to commit to the National Team Development Program for next season," said Ryan Rezmierski, director of player personnel at the NTDP. "We will continue evaluating the top talent in the 1993 birth year and look forward to filling out our roster for 2009-2010."

Seven forwards have accepted the invitation to play at the NTDP including Cole Bardreau (Fairport, N.Y./Rochester Alliance Midget Minor), Tyler Biggs (Loveland, Ohio/Toronto Jr. Canadiens), Reid Boucher (Grand Ledge, Mich./Lansing Capitals Midget Major), Travis Boyd (Hopkins, Minn./Hopkins H.S.), Rocco Grimaldi (Rossmor, Calif./Little Caesars Midget Major), Zac Larraza (Scottsdale, Ariz./P.F. Changs Midget Major) and J.T. Miller (Epalestine, Ohio/Pittsburgh Hornets Midget Major).

Five defensemen have also committed to suit up for Team USA next year including Barrett Kaib (Upper St. Clair, Pa./Culver Prep), Michael Paliotta (Westport, Conn./Choate Rosemary Hall), Alexx Privitera (Old Tappan, N.J./New Jersey Avalanche Midget Minor), Robbie Russo (Westmont, Ill./Chicago Mission Midget Major) and Matthew Van Voorhis (Edina, Minn./Edina H.S.).

Both the U.S. National Under-18 and Under-17 Teams will begin play in the United States Hockey League in the 2009-10 season. The U.S. National Under-17 Team will also compete in three international competitions next year.