Trimboli was chosen for the role during a vote of the Board of Directors at its latest meeting, held as part of USA Hockey's virtual Annual Congress.

Smith, President since 2015, confirmed earlier this year that he would not stand for re-election.

He had been under investigation by the US Center for SafeSport regarding his handling of allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse by a youth coach.

USA Hockey is the subject of a federal lawsuit filed by players in the U.S. District Court of Minnesota last month.

While Smith is not a defendant in the case, The Athletic reported the complaint claims he did not report allegations of sexual abuse or report launch an investigation when he served as the head of a regional ice hockey organisation.

Smith denies the accusations.

USA Hockey said Smith had "played a significant role in the advancement of the sport over the past 30-plus years as one of the most active volunteers in the organisation".

Trimboli, a former USA Hockey vice-president, worked in law enforcement with the New York State Police for over 31 years.

He has held several coaching roles in the sport and has been involved with the sport since 1970.

Trimboli was elected to the USA Hockey Board of Directors as a director from the New York District in 2005.

He has since served as a director representative to the Executive Committee and also been part of the Marketing Council, Junior Council, Player Development Committee and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force.