The stated goal of the NTDP is "to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on the U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers.

However, following that season, the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL relocated, freeing up the what was then known as the Compuware Arena.

The NTDP teams previously competed in the North American Hockey League until 2009.

[3] The NTDP became part of the annual CHL/USA Prospects Challenge in 2024, a two-game series versus the Canadian Hockey League to showcase the talents of top prospects for the upcoming entry draft of the National Hockey League.

[4][5] The United States has won 11 gold medals in IIHF World U18 Championship.