Cole Guttman, who began the season with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ 16U AAA Major team, has joined USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program’s (NTDP) Under-17 Team.

Guttman, a forward from Northridge, ranked second in Tier 1 Elite Hockey League scoring in the 16U division with 18 goals for 37 points in 24 games before his departure to the esteemed Plymouth, Mich.-based program.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for Cole, and one that’s well-deserved,” said 16U AAA Major head coach Jack Bowkus. “We’ll miss him, but as an organization we’re committed to developing, exposing and advancing our players to higher levels of the game, and we couldn’t be happier to see him earn this recognition.”

The 1999-born Guttman made his debut with the National Team on Dec. 30 against the United States Hockey League’s (USHL) Muskegon Lumberjacks; the NTDP won the contest, 7-4.

Former Jr. King Rory Herrman also made his NTDP debut against Muskegon. The forward from Poway who began this season with the Anaheim Jr. Ducks’ 16U AAA team recently committed to attend and play his NCAA Division I hockey at Arizona State University.

“It’s a great opportunity for Rory,” Jr. Ducks 16U AAA coach and director of player personnel Alex Kim said. “Any time a player gets to wear a USA jersey in any capacity, it’s an honor and a privilege.”

Joey Cassetti, a former San Jose Jr. Shark from Pleasanton, began the season with the NTDP’s Under-17 Team. The forward has committed to attend and play his NCAA D-I hockey at Boston College.

The pinnacle of USA Hockey’s amateur player development program, the NTDP has groomed countless players for the NCAA Division I ranks, as well as the NHL, since its inception in 1996.

For more information on the NTDP, visit USAHockeyNTDP.com.