The United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) has officially restructured its front office ahead of the 2026-27 season. On Thursday, USA Hockey announced a pair of significant promotions, elevating Rod Braceful to Senior Director of Hockey Operations and naming Andrew Whiteside as the new Director of Player Personnel.
The moves reward internal progression and provide continuity for a program that has been instrumental in developing some of the most elite American talent in recent history.
Big day for @USAHockeyNTDP: Two significant promotions to lead the program that’s been the engine for USA Hockey’s success on the world stage.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) August 20, 2026
Rod and Andrew are two of the sharpest young executives in hockey and both have NHL experience in their back pocket. pic.twitter.com/gvlRHwPC6E
Braceful steps into the newly expanded role of Senior Director of Hockey Operations after leading the USNTDP’s scouting and recruitment efforts as Director of Player Personnel since 2023. The 38-year-old Detroit native has built a highly respected resume in USA Hockey circles, having most recently served as the general manager for the United States’ 2026 Under-18 Men’s National Team. In 2025, he also managed the U.S. Under-18 Select Team to a gold medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
“Rod is an outstanding young executive who has had a big, positive impact on the program,” said Scott Monaghan, the USNTDP's Assistant Executive Director, in Thursday's release. “This promotion allows him to have a more direct impact on growing our day-to-day operations, philosophy and player development. It's a great opportunity for Rod and for the NTDP.”
With Braceful transitioning into operations, Andrew Whiteside will seamlessly slide into the role of Director of Player Personnel. Whiteside, 34, has spent the last two seasons serving as Braceful's assistant director, making him the natural successor to take over the program's vital scouting and recruitment responsibilities. The Philadelphia native brings a wealth of evaluation experience to his new title, having previously spent two seasons as an amateur scout for the Montreal Canadiens before joining USA Hockey.