Inside ‘the program’ churning out U.S. stars like Jack Hughes - New York Post

Inside ‘the program’ churning out U.S. stars like Jack Hughes  New York Post

BUFFALO — The players just refer to it as “the program,” which makes it sound ominous. But to everyone else it is known as the U.S. Developmental Program, and it has produced its best crop of young hockey players ever this year, led by the presumptive No. 1-overall pick, Jack Hughes. There are five others projected to go in the first round, and a total of 10 ranked by Central Scouting among the top 50 North American skaters, plus the top-ranked North American goalie, Spencer Knight. The program has never had more than three first-rounders, but is projected to possibly have seven this year. ...