Community Hub
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
- 5/15-5/30, Rink CLOSED
- 5/19, May Board Meeting, 6:30pm
- 5/26-6/7 Uniform & practice jersey fittings with Pure Hockey. Online store is OPEN for placing orders
- 5/27 Rec/house registration opens
- 6/10, Supplemental tryouts for 14U A Green, 7:40pm
- 6/16, June Board Meeting, 6:30pm
- 7/4, Kiwanis of Granville 4th of July Parade (details TBA)
- 7/11, Golf Outing
- 7/21, July Board Meeting, 6:30pm
- 8/18, Open Forum for Members, 5:30pm
- 8/18, August Board Meeting, 6:30pm
Jersey info
For the 26-'27 season, game AND practice jerseys are to be ordered through New Albany Pure Hockey. Gens' players can go into the shop on Hamilton Road anytime 5/26 through 6/7 to be fitted for the items they need. Completing an online order will be the responsibility of the player/family.
For game jerseys: Players who have game jerseys that still fit are not required to order new.
Numbers must be verified with the Registrar if you didn't have one last year.
For Practice Jerseys: Ordering practice jerseys are required for everyone this year, with your player number included on the back. Practice jerseys will be reversible Black/White. You will be able to keep yours at the end of the season.
Other: Shells are required for Travel A and High School. If you have a pair from last year that still fit, there is no need to buy again. The design is close enough.
Don't forget about socks.
Warm-ups are optional.
Other gear items such as gloves, helmets, etc, are available through Pure Hockey as an option for those who need them, but players are not required to purchase those items though Pure Hockey.
The new fitting/ordering process is outlined below:
- Step 1: Players who would like to be fitted: Go to the Pure Hockey New Albany location (Hamilton Road) during the same time the online store is active (5/26 – 6/7). Let an associate know you are with the Newark Ice Hockey Association / Generals, and you are there for preseason uniform and practice jersey fittings; someone will help you out!
- Step 2: After the in-store fitting, Pure Hockey will provide you with an ordering sheet, don't leave the store without it! You will be responsible for completing your online order when you return home.
- Step 3: Visit the online store by Sunday, June 7th, to place your order. Note: All orders will ship out on Monday August 10th, no matter when yours is placed.
Click the link below to view the uniform mockups.
Click the link below to order your uniform items.
golf outing 2026
Registration is now open for the 2026 NIHA Annual Golf Outing! Join us for a fun filled day on the links while supporting this important annual fundraiser. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just in it for the camaraderie, it's an event you won’t want to miss.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available visit our golf outing website to learn more, or reach out to Natalie at 740-590-3826 for additional details on how you can get involved.
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 photo album has been created on NIHA's Facebook page.
NOTE: You are welcome to download and save/share your favorite images. If you share the images on FB or IG, the photographer kindly requests that you tag them in your posts. It will really help get their name out there. On Facebook, please tag Butcher & Co Photography (type @butcherandcophotography in your post to tag their business page) or on Instagram as @butcherco.photography
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.
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.
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
End-of_Season Survey Results
Curious about the feedback shared on the recent end-of-season survey? Click below to learn what members had to say and actionable next steps.
Rec/House registration is open
Registration for 8U-14U is now open to players who want to participate in our recreational/house hockey program. No tryouts, just sign up!
Click below to learn more or to register.
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.
Adult League
The Newark Adult Hockey League is proud to present The Moe's Draft league summer 2026 4v4 session! Games start June 1st! All games played at the Lou & Gib Reese Ice Arena. The Draft Party will go down Thursday May 27th 6-8:00 pm at Moe's BBQ. All games are played on Mondays with game times of 8pm, 9:10pm, & 10:20pm
This is a mixed level league with some tweaks to the rules. The goal here is to just keep playing hockey, having fun, and staying in shape over the summer! The rosters are a nice blend of great people from both leagues along with some new faces that are in it just for the love of the the game. Nothing beats going to the rink wearing sandals and grilling in the parking lot after the games. Players to the Moe's DRAFT league will fill out a form about themselves during registration that will be used during the draft for teams to make selections.
We are completely rebooting this year. Full 6 team redraft! New 10 week pool play schedule! New team names! Same great fun summer hockey! So if you are new to our hockey community or looking to start playing in the summer this is a great place to start! If you already have a jersey from previous sessions you can turn it in for credit for a jersey from your new team. CLEAN jerseys can be dropped off ahead of time in a bag with your name at the Lou or Mid City Auto Body, or bring it with you to the DRAFT.
Click the link below to register as a full or part time player and experience the draft process! Or register as a Sub to just play in a game or two this summer. Do not miss this great opportunity to get involved in Adult Hockey! If you need help getting started please reach out to info@newarkhockey.com
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!
