Community Hub
new full-time hockey director announced
We are thrilled to announce that Julian Giantonio has officially joined the Newark Ice Hockey Association as our new full time Hockey Director. Julian brings an incredible wealth of experience to our program, having spent over 20 years coaching at the NCAA Division I and III levels, as well as playing experience at the NCAA DIII and ACHA DI level and professionally in the Federal Professional Hockey League. His impressive coaching track record includes being named the PAC 12 Coach of the Year and leading multiple programs to playoff appearances and national championships.
Julian is a proven leader in player and program development, with a specific expertise in building winning cultures and mentoring athletes. His background as a USA Hockey Coach Developer ensures that our coaching staff and players will benefit from the highest standards of instruction and strategic growth. Beyond his on-ice success, Julian’s commitment to academic support and community fundraising will be instrumental in elevating the overall experience for our families and athletes.
We are confident that Julian’s leadership will usher in an exciting new chapter for Newark Ice Hockey. His focus on recruitment, retention, and skill specialization aligns perfectly with our mission to provide the best possible environment for our players to thrive.
Julian will run our pre-tryout camps and oversee tryouts in April. We will announce a meet-n-greet at a later time.
Please join us in giving Julian a warm welcome to the community; we look forward to seeing his impact on the ice this coming season.
President's Blog
This past season, we rallied under a specific banner: Strength Through Community.
That wasn't just a slogan; it is the secret to our survival and our success. We are a unique program. We come from different schools, different neighborhoods, and different backgrounds. We bring a mix of personalities—the quiet leaders, the vocal motivators, the grinders, and the artists.
But the moment we step into "The Lou," those differences disappear. When we pull on that sweater, we aren’t students from different districts—we are teammates. We are friends. We are a family. That is the true definition of "Together, We Are Generals."
As we look toward the next 30 years, we recently asked our community what it truly means to be a General. Your feedback gave us five core values that will guide every player who puts on our skates from this day forward:
We are Relentless—we never back down from a challenge.
We are Courageous—we play with heart, regardless of the scoreboard.
We are Selfless—we play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back.
We are Committed—to the grind, the practice, and each other.
We are Leaders—on the ice and in our community.
Together, We Are Generals.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the "Generals Way." It’s about more than just winning; it’s about identity, accountability, and community.
Here’s to the founders who saw a patch of ice and saw a future. Here’s to the coaches who gave their time. And here’s to the next 30 years of Newark Generals hockey.
Important dates
- PRE-TRYOUT CAMPS for High school and Travel AA, A/A2:
- 4/21, 5:30-6:30pm: High School
- 4/22, 5:20-6:20pm: 10U & 12U
- 4/22, 6:30-7:30pm: 14U
- 4/23, 5:30-6:30pm: High School
- 4/24, 5:20-6:20: 10U & 12U
- 4/24, 6:30-7:30pm: 14U
- TRYOUTS for High school and Travel AA, A/A2:
- 4/25, 10-11:30am High School
- 4/25, 12:45-1:45pm 10U
- 4/26, 10-11:30am High School
- 4/26, 12:45-1:45pm 12U
- 4/26, 3:30-4:30pm 14U
- 4/29, 5:30-6:30pm 10U
- 4/29, 6:40-7:40pm 12U
- 4/29, 7:50-8:50pm 14U
- Lady Generals Tryouts
- 5/3, 3:30-4:30pm
30th Anniversary & year-end celebration!
2025-2026 marked the 30th anniversary of NIHA and Generals Hockey, so what better time could there have been to bring back the annual banquet!?
On Saturday, March 21st, 375 people gathered at Venue 901 in Newark to reflect on our past season and honor players, coaches, volunteers, and alumni.
A special shout-out to the 30th Planning Committee for making the night a smashing success with organized live music, catered food, awards, surprises, prizes, and guest speakers, including Mayor Jeff Hall!
The planning committee consisted of NIHA's Event Planner, Summer Dougherty, leading the charge, with support from Emily Winters, Darci Miller, Rebecca Albright, Lindsey Brighton, and Nandi O'Dell.
Check back soon for pictures and a full recap of our event-of-the-year!
Player awards announced
For a Century, "Challenge Coins" have been an American military tradition, meant to instill pride and recognize individuals for hard work and superior performance.
The Newark Generals have adopted this tradition to honor our players who exemplify excellence. The inaugural recipients were announced at the end-of-season event.
To learn more about the Challenge Coin Tradition and how it started, or to see the full list of the 25-'26 award recipients, click on one of the links below.
tryouts for the 26-'27 season
Newark Generals High School teams will play in the OSHL, and we will field one JV and one Varsity team. We will evaluate the need for a lower-level high school team if the numbers make sense.
Travel will play in either the BTHL or MCHL, and we will field AA, A/A2 and B (House) travel teams at 10U, 12U, and 14U as long as the numbers support this. Any players who tryout for Travel AA or A/A2 but are selected for travel B will be credited back their tryout fees.
Players do not need to tryout for Travel B (formerly known as House).
Click one of the links below to learn more about tryouts or to register.
25-'26 League Champions!
Congratulations to our FOUR league champion teams for the 25-'26 season! WOW!!!
- 10U Travel A MCHL
- 12U Travel A MCHL
- 14U Travel A MCHL
- 12U Travel B White BTHL
NEWS FROM THE BOARD
Read our 3-year strategic planning document to understand our current vision for NIHA
It's a new era for high school hockey. The Ohio Scholastic Hockey League (OSHL) has removed boundaries. This means players from any school district can try out to become a General!
coach's corner
A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.
-John Wooden, UCLA Basketball Coach
25-'26 Don Jennings Coaching Excellence Award Announced
The Don Jennings Coaching Excellence Award is presented annually to a coach who embodies stewardship, integrity, and leadership—someone who makes a lasting impact on players both on and off the ice.
This year, we are proud to recognize outgoing Hockey Director, Jeff Laird, as the recipient of the Don Jennings Coaching Excellence Award!
Click below to read the speech acknowledging Jeff's contributions and accomplishments. Way to go, Jeff! And thank you for all you've done, and are still doing, to make NIHA so special.
Become a coach
Are you interested in making a positive impact in kid's lives while having fun with other volunteers? Become a coach for NIHA!
Don't worry if you've never coached before; there is a first time for everything! We'll provide the right guidance and support to succeed.
Great coaching for young athletes isn't just about wins, skills, or game plans. It's also about relationships, trust, encouragement, and helping shape players into good citizens.
VOLUNTEER INFO
chuck cubra volunteer award announced
Established in 1997, this award is presented each year to honor the VOLUNTEER within our organization who exemplifies the spirit and passion that makes youth hockey in Newark and the surrounding areas possible.
This year, we are proud to recognize Jocelyn Patton as the recipient of the Chuck Cubra Volunteer Award!
Chuck Cubra was instrumental in developing an ice hockey program here in Newark. He was involved in the original clinic hosted at the rink, the progression to organized play among teams, and served as a referee. As the program grew, the Newark Ice Hockey Association (NIHA) was formed, and Chuck played an active role in this development, serving on the original board. His contributions and commitment to the Newark hockey program’s successes are why the volunteer award was created in his honor.
Click below to read the speech acknowledging Jocelyn's contributions and accomplishments. Way to go, Jocelyn! And thank you for all you've done over the past 9 years toward the success of the organization!.
become a volunteer
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.
Please contact any Board member to learn more and get involved!
If you see someone wearing this pin, ask them what it means and learn how you can get one!
FUNDRAISING
R. Riveter + Newark Generals
NIHA has proudly teamed up with R. Riveter, a handbag company with a mission; their signature bags are assembled by military spouses across the U.S.A. The owner of the brand is local to Granville and -a parent of a Newark General!
R. Riveter will be offering 15% off your purchase as well as a 15% donation to NIHA with each purchase when you use the code NEWARK_HOCKEY
Shop with a purpose, double the impact!
rink news
The rink will be closed May 15th-30th. Please plan accordingly.
Gens merchandise
Interested in apparel, helmet decals, or other Gens products & gifts? Click one of the buttons below to view your selections and make a purchase.
Jersey info
Coming soon!
Check back for order deadlines and delivery dates for the 26-'27 season.
- Jersey order #1:
- Jersey order #2:
- Jersey order #3/FINAL:
Adult League
Registration for the Spring '26 session is now live! The Lou offers a six-week beginner adult hockey program. All adults who've ever had any interest in hockey are encouraged to sign up. Let’s grow the sport of hockey right here in Licking County. Besides, your kids might think you're cool if you try it! Sign-up today!
The NAHL celebrates 20 years strong at the Lou & Gib Reese Ice Arena!
WOMEN'S LEAGUE
We are a beginner-friendly, small, non-checking, recreational hockey league for women of all skill levels (18 years and older). Whether you are new to hockey or a seasoned vet, we would love to have you join us on the ice!
Note: The NIHA women’s league has games just before the adult skills session on Sunday nights. Ladies, join both! We hope to see some moms out there!
Gens image library
Help us grow our image library by sending us a favorite photo or video clip to feature on our website and social media. We want to see players, families, and volunteers from all across NIHA, top to bottom, representing what it means to be a General on or off the ice.
Please send images as .jpg files and video as MP4. Bonus if you share a quote on what it means to be a General! Send to Nandi O'Dell at odellnandi@gmail.com or text to 614-563-3579
Hockey cards
Calling all hockey card enthusiasts! Shows coming up!
Ken Cappell, one of our sponsors for the Newark Invitational, will be selling hockey cards along with many other collectors who have Baseball, Football, Basketball, Pokémon and OSU collectors cards.
Ken has been a hockey fan since he was 10. He loves volunteering for the Newark Adult League and has been a devoted card collector since the age of 7. He is also a huge Blue Jackets fan!
