National Coaching Symposium coming up in Washington DC

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Some of the most experienced coaches and administrators in hockey -- including George McPhee, vice president and general manager of the Washington Capitals; Brian Burke, general manager of the 2010 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team and general manager and president of the Toronto Maple Leafs; and Stanley Cup-winning coach Peter Laviolette, currently the head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers -- are among the featured speakers for USA Hockey's National Hockey Coaches Symposium Aug. 23-26 at the Renaissance Downtown Washington, D.C., Hotel. "The National Hockey Coaches Symposium is a marquee event that offers coaches a valuable opportunity to learn from the very best," said Mark Tabrum, director of USA Hockey's Coaching Education Program. "We have an impressive array of speakers that will help educate America's coaches and prepare them for the next level of coaching." "This is always a significant event," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. "It gives aspiring coaches the chance to learn from some of the most outstanding people in the game of hockey as they continue to grow the game throughout the country." USA Hockey certifies coaches from Levels 1-5. Attendance at the National Hockey Coaches Symposium, which is typically held every other year, is required to achieve Level 5 certification. Those attempting to attain Level 5 status must also write a thesis based on one of the main session presenters. In addition to McPhee, Burke and Laviolette, other general session presenters at the four-day event include: Dan Bylsma - Head Coach, Pittsburgh Penguins John Coleman - Affiliate President, Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association Jon Cooper - Head Coach, Norfolk Admirals Ron DeGregorio - President, USA Hockey Kevin Dineen - Head Coach, Florida Panthers Don Granato - Head Coach, U.S. National Under-18 Team John Hynes - Head Coach, Wilkes/Barre-Scranton Penguins Dr. Tom Lenz - Director, USA Hockey's Southeastern District Mike MacMillan - National Coach-in-Chief, USA Hockey Ty Newberry - Coach-in-Chief, USA Hockey's Southeastern District Dave Ogrean - Executive Director, USA Hockey Eddie Olczyk - NHL on NBC Lead Game Analyst Ron Rolston - Head Coach, Rochester Americans Mike Sullivan - Assistant Coach, New York Rangers Joe Sacco - Head Coach, Colorado Avalanche Mark Tabrum - Director, USA Hockey's Coaching Education Program In addition to general sessions, coaches will also have the opportunity to explore innovative approaches to coaching through intensive breakout sessions dedicated to the specific age level of the players they're coaching.There were nearly 59,000 registered coaches during the 2011-2012 season, including 1,862 who currently hold Level 5 certification ... Media wishing to cover the event should contact the USA Hockey communications staff at 719-538-1171 ... For more information on the National Hockey Coaches Symposium, click here. (Release Courtesy USA Hockey)