About Us
mission statement
The Mission of the Newark Ice Hockey Association is to teach the youth of central Ohio sportsmanship, fair play, respect for coaches, referees, players and fans through the sport of ice hockey, so that they can continue to be good citizens and enjoy the sport of ice hockey forever.
Board Members
Brad moved to Licking County 11 years ago, he has two kids in the program and is a level 4 hockey coach. He first fell in love with the game while attending Miami University (Go Redhawks!), and his favorite hockey memory is of taking his family to a CBJ playoff game vs. Boston. "I was sure we were taking the cup after that win!"
As President, Brad strives to enhance our hockey community by fostering relationships through a deep connection to the sport. "NIHA provides opportunities for all ages and abilities to develop skills on and off the ice. Strong connections between players, coaches, and families create a foundational environment where members return to have fun, grow, and be a part of something bigger. It's here they can discover their true potential."
Mike was an avid skier before developing a keen interest in hockey. He started playing when there were only five sheets in Central Ohio and has been hooked ever since. Mike joined NIHA in 2022, is a level 3 coach, and is a proud PeeWee Goalie Dad. His favorite hockey memory is of when his son learned to tie his own skates (surely something any hockey parent can relate to). In his role as VP, Mike hopes to instill a sense of Hockey for a Lifetime among members. "I want to ensure that NIHA will always be able to provide an opportunity for kids at any level to develop a lifelong love of the game, both on and off the ice."
Hockey is in Nandi's blood. With Canadian roots, she grew up in a family that revolved around the sport. Her father trained with the Toronto Maple Leafs, played professionally in Europe and South Africa, and went on to coach D1 hockey (Go 'Gate!) Nandi learned on hand-me-down hockey skates and still uses her vintage SuperTacks when playing in the Women's League. In 2024, she volunteered as the 12U House Manager and joined the Board to plan and run the 2025 Newark Invitational. Nandi hopes to make a positive impact by fostering a fun and engaging learning environment for players. She encourages open dialogue with families in the spirit of enhancing members' experiences within the program.
Rick has lived in Licking County with his family since 2020. He has two boys in the Newark Ice Hockey Association (NIHA) program. Rick grew up playing lacrosse and soccer and currently coaches rec lacrosse and club soccer in Granville. Rick has witnessed how much his sons enjoy the sport of hockey, and believes that this is due, in part, to NIHA's strong sense of community, and the opportunity and value of the NIHA program itself.
As the fundraising board member, Rick works to make the NIHA experience rewarding for all those involved while ensuring the financial stability of the program both now and in the future.
Lindsey has been a proud hockey coach wife since the first year she and her husband were married, 17 years ago. She loves watching her two boys play for The Gens, and she's volunteered as a Manager for numerous teams over the years. Lindsey grew up in Athens (Go Bobcats!) and now works full time for the City of Newark. In her free time, she enjoys camping and solo hiking. Lindsey had an integral role in orchestrating the NIHA Women's Ice Hockey League. Playing games with women on Sunday nights is her favorite part of the week! "My goal as a Board member is to provide transparency, communication, and coordination to this organization's hockey families. I think our rink is a hidden gem in Licking County, and I hope to spread the word about our hometown hockey program."
Andy started playing hockey as an adult and is a passionate tennis player. He has always been drawn to sports and has coached tennis, baseball, and track and field at the high school level. As a father to a Pee Wee hockey player, he’s now fully immersed in the hockey world, embracing the challenge of learning the game alongside his son. Andy joined the NIHA community to give back and help support the next generation of players.
His goal is to foster a love of the game, on and off the ice, and ensure that NIHA remains a welcoming environment where kids of all skill levels can grow, learn, and enjoy the sport. “It’s about building not just players, but a strong, supportive community where families can come together and share in the experience of youth hockey."
Bryan grew up playing hockey in the greater Columbus area and enjoyed serving as the past President, attempting to grow the sport of hockey.
The Grass Roots of NIHA
The roots of our Association date back to 1989. The Newark Public Ice Rink opened in December, 1989. Ice hockey began in December, 1991. Ten adults and ten children played on Saturday mornings.
December, 1992, ice hockey clinics began for local youths on Saturday mornings with about 20 children. Adults continued to play pick up hockey with 10-15 adults participating.
During the 1993-1994 season, the youth players joined the Police Athletic League (PAL). Financial help came from the State of Ohio PAL to purchase helmets. The enrollment grew to approximately 60 children along with help from 12 adults. This was basically a learn to skate/play format. Adult hockey continued active.
In 1994-1995, the City of Newark enclosed the ice rink and membership grew to 96 children ranging in ages 5 to 18. We continued as PAL. The Evans Foundation financed goalie equipment. We began playing games against Athens, OH. Games were on Saturdays and Sundays and we began practicing on Monday and Tuesday evenings. The format changed from a learn to skate/play format to team play. The adult hockey continued. The adult league (approx. 20 adults) moved from Saturdays to Tuesday nights leaving Saturdays available for the children.
The 1995-1996 season was the formation of NIHA, filed as a USA Hockey Association in the Mid-American District. The membership grew to approximately 120. We began playing teams from CAHA and CCYHA. Adult hockey increased to Tuesday and Thursday evenings with 20-25 participating. By 1998 season, NIHA had grown to 187 players!
Today our High School, Travel and House teams play in the Ohio Scholastic Hockey League, Metro Columbus Hockey League, and Blue Jackets Hockey League.