Community Hub
Updates from Julian
Dear NIHA Families,
I hope everyone had a relaxing Labor Day weekend!
First, I thought I'd take a moment to express how enjoyable it's been getting to know more names and faces within this fantastic hockey community! Please continue to introduce yourselves to me at the rink, ask questions, or provide your feedback.
Second, I wanted to share a few highlights from the past 2 weeks, so all members have visibility to our progress across divisions.
- We have continued to build on player development with a checking clinic for our Generals, focusing on proper technique, body positioning, angling, and playing safely and confidently in contact situations.
- High School teams recently competed in two tournaments (Cleveland and Columbus), giving our players valuable game experience and an opportunity to compete, develop, and put the skills they’ve been working on into action!
- Travel teams participated in the MCHL seeding tournament, another great opportunity for teams to compete and establish themselves heading into the season.
- Off the ice, we continued our dryland training, working on strength, conditioning, agility, and overall athletic development.
- Finally, in partnership with The LGRIA and the Columbus Blue Jackets, the "Try Hockey For Free" event was a success! A special shout-out goes to the rink staff, NIHA coaches, and our 14U volunteers for assisting 75 first-time skaters on the ice!
It has been great to see the continued commitment from our players and coaches. Together, we’re building a strong foundation both on and off the ice. Let's keep this positive momemtum going!
Together, We Are Generals.
Important dates
- 10/4 Mite Select tryouts 6:00pm
- 10/6 National Coaches Day
- 10/9 First Varsity Home Game Event
- 11/21 Varsity Tailgate
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 8/7 through 8/30 to be fitted for the items they need. Completing an online order will be the responsibility of the player/family. Allow 8 weeks for delivery.
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 (8/7 – 8/30). 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 August 30th, to place your order. Allow 8 weeks for delivery.
Click below to place your order.
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.
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
Julian's July Power Challenge (High school)
This program is designed to combine physical training with hockey IQ.
Daily Minimums (5 days/week):
- 30–50 quality puck shots
- 30–45 minutes of lifting
Weekly Structure:
- Monday (Lower Body + Shooting): Squats, Romanian deadlifts, lunges, and 50 shots.
- Tuesday (Upper Body + Hockey IQ): Bench press/push-ups, rows, pull-ups, and shoulder work. 30 shots. Focus on puck support and positioning during the game.
- Wednesday (Recovery Skills Day): Mobility/stretching, 10–15 min stickhandling, and 30 shots. Track one player for an entire period during the game.
- Thursday (Full Body Power): Deadlifts, box jumps, medicine ball throws, and 50 shots.
- Friday (Upper Body): Overhead press, rows, pull-ups, and core work. 30 shots.
- Weekend: Choose between a light skill session (50 shots), outdoor cardio, or full rest with playoff hockey.
Scoring System (Max 15 points/week):
- 1 point = lifting workout
- 1 point = shooting session
- 1 point = playoff study
- Goals: 12+ (Excellent), 10–11 (Solid), 8–9 (Maintain), Under 8 (Reset).
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
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!
Adult League
The NAHL celebrates 20 years strong at the Lou & Gib Reese Ice Arena!
Rink News
Check back soon.
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!
