Community Hub
President's Blog
Believe it or not, the 2025-2026 hockey season is here!
I’m Brad Cook, the newly appointed Newark Ice Hockey Association (NIHA) President. I have two boys in the NIHA program, and I am an 11-year resident of Granville. I coached for NIHA before joining the board, and I am also a proud (maybe too proud) Miami University graduate and Navy veteran.
When asked to sum up my goals for NIHA for the next two years, it boils down to one phrase: "Strength Through Community", because what sets us apart is all of you. The Newark Generals aren’t just teammates, we are neighbors & school friends. We support one another's businesses and causes. I've had the privilege of watching this organization come together and support one another's families through the toughest times. This is a community where we can watch our children grow, not only in hockey, but as individuals surrounded by support from all participants.
If you see me around the rink, please stop and chat. I am looking forward to an incredible year of hockey, and none of it would be possible without all of you.
Important dates and events
- 9/13-14 BTHL Seeding tournament
- 10/4 First JV Home game of the season! 6-7:20 pm
- 10/18 First Varsity home game of the season! 5-6:50 pm
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
2025-2026 marks the 30th anniversary of NIHA and Generals Hockey! There will be much to celebrate throughout the season as we plan and host events with current members and alumni!
We want to thank the LGRIA staff for allowing us to kick-off our season with Opening Day at the rink! It was a big success with Try Hockey for Free, a dunk tank, snow cones, face-painting, a Gear Sale from the shed, face-painting, the coach's game, and more.
We also want to thank our sponsors for their continued support and for donating some fantastic items to raffle off to attendees.
Winners of the raffle items were:
- Hockey bags donated from Moo Moo Carwash, estimated value $115: Winners were Summer Dougherty, Adam Dague, and DJ Rostorfer
- Gift Basket donated from The Lot, estimated value $115: winner was Melinda M.
- Lotto gift basket, donated by Jeff's Auto, estimated value $75: Winner was Jason Hutchison
- President's Basket, donated by NIHA, estimated value $140: Winner was Lindsey Brighton
- Denison Hockey Jersey, donated by Head Coach Jeff German, estimated value $100: Winner was Adam Schlattman
- Golf package, donated by World Wide Technology & Pure Data Storage, estimated value $300
NEWS FROM THE BOARD
- Shed hours are from 6-8pm Wednesday nights, or by appointment. Contact Andy Hollis, Gear Coordinator
- Registration is ongoing for our 8U in-house program and 10U House division participating in the CBJHL
Need to refresh your Gens wardrobe this season? We got you covered.
Ladies, don't be seen without that super-cute Generals Pom Pom Beanie or a Puffer Vest this season! Dad's will be rockin' the 1/4 zips and MVP caps. Don't forget the ultra-cool warm-ups and an always-favorite hoodie for your player.
This season, we have TWO online store options for Generals merch! Order now!
Order with Got Gear 4U by September 12th.
Orders with Perani's by September 21st.
VOLUNTEER INFO
Help strengthen our community and become a volunteer! Our non-profit organization relies on volunteers to run our programs and to help keep costs down.
NIHA is currently in need of volunteers for the following:
- Videographer
- Board sub-committee volunteers
Please contact any Board member to learn more and get involved!
If you see someone wearing this pin, ask them what it means and how you can get one!
FUNDRAISING
Once again, we are offering pepperoni rolls as an optional fundraiser for players to earn and offset their fees! All orders must be in by 9/25. Contact Jocelyn Patton with questions registrar@newarkhockey.com. Download the files below to start earning!
- Gens and Bella's Beans continue its partnership. 100% of first delivery profits will go to NIHA when using the promo code PUCK at checkout. bellasbeans.com Pass this along to your friends and family! More than $100 has been raised to-date!
- If you have any recommendations for community events or venue locations, please contact fundraising@newarkhockey.com
COACH'S CORNER
A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.
-John Wooden
UCLA Basketball Coach
The NIHA all-coaches meeting took place on 9/8 with coaches ranging from 8U through Varsity in attendance. They discussed rules and expectations for the 2025-'26 season, shared tips & tools for successful practice structures, game-day experiences, and more. Hockey Director, Jeff Laird, highlighted the importance of being a mentor and the benefits of positivity; "Not only do great coaches provide the technical knowledge and tactical guidance to improve an athlete's performance and lead a team to success, but they also teach young people how to interact, bond, grow, learn, and overcome adversity."
Next time you see one of our amazing coaches, please let them know how much you appreciate their time, effort, and energy.
Every year, The Lou hosts the Denison Intersquad Scrimmage. This year, NIHA youth players had a unique opportunity to be a part of the action! The bigger goal? Helping our youth players connect with and “adopt” a favorite Denison player - potentially leading to a fun mentorship program that builds lasting bonds between our teams and strengthens our hockey community. Stay tuned for more information soon!
Rink News
Stay tuned for updates.
Board Meeting Minutes 2025-'26
Stay tuned for updates.