After the festival’s initial off-ice testing last weekend, the players were finally able to take to the rink.

Of the 95 attendees, the 64 over-18 players and 31 under-18 players were broken up into multiple teams.

“The first day of camp is fun getting acclimated and getting testing completed, which is the hardest part before we hit the ice and the real fun begins,” said defenceman Megan Keller.

One thing that will be noticeably different than recent years is a format change that involves a greater number of players, allowing for flexibility in setting rosters and mixing various ages and levels of play to gauge the overall competition level and individual progress in a different way.

“USA Hockey is committed to providing the appropriate structure at these events and creating an environment that allows our players to grow and excel," said Reagan Carey, director of women’s hockey at USA Hockey.

“We constantly evaluate everything we do and evolve in our methods as needed.”

The expansion of having four over-18 teams at the National Festival and the top 31 under-18 players speaks to the growth and depth of elite female players in the U.S.

Having 25 post graduate players competing, they are able to push the performance of top level veterans while ensuring momentum in the development of the 39 of their younger core of over-18 players.

The coaching staff at each level of the the festival is integrated in a way that creates synergy within all levels of the programme and reinforces the player habits and team values that are expected of the national team players.  

Each player in camp will look to distinguish themselves this week and emerge onto future rosters with the ultimate goal of representing Team USA.