Community Hub
President's Blog
together we are generals
At the Newark Ice Hockey Association, we’re building more than hockey players, and we would like to assure our NIHA community that recent developments within the local hockey landscape will have no impact on our vision or course. We remain fully committed to building the premier community ice hockey organization here in Licking County.
For thirty hockey seasons, our local program has proven that elite development doesn’t require long drives and bad ice times. It’s the result of dedicated coaching, a culture of accountability, and families who believe in something bigger than a single season. When you become a General, you join a tradition of resilience, community, and local pride.
Not to mention the hockey atmosphere is flat-out unrivaled in central Ohio. Our rink isn’t a cookie-cutter hockey experience. Join us for a Varsity game on Thursday night, and you’ll find standing room only and letter jackets from all the local schools surrounding the boards, all coming together to slam their hands on the glass, shout, and support their Generals.
Newark Ice Hockey remains strong and growing stronger.
Our program is built on decades of achievement and a foundation that continues to benefit our athletes and families:
· A long history of competitive success across all levels
· Dedicated local home rink that supports consistency and balance for families
· A dedicated Varsity Locker Room that fosters identity, accountability, and daily team culture
· A structured practice model with three ice sessions per week, ensuring repetition, development, and coaching continuity
· Established membership in the OSHL, providing reliable scheduling, strong competition, and a clear path to the State Tournament
If you’re looking for a place to thrive, be challenged, and grow within a hockey community that all comes together as one, NIHA is the place for you.
Together, We Are Generals.
Important dates
- 3/13-3/15 Newark Invitational for 12U & 14U Travel B teams
- 3/21 Year-end event & 30th celebration at Venue 901 in Newark from 5-7pm
Registration is open for PRE-TRYOUT camps
- 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
Registration is open for TRYOUTS
- 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!
Tickets have been SOLD OUT!
2025-2026 marks the 30th anniversary of NIHA and Generals Hockey, so what better time could there be to bring back the annual banquet to reflect on our past season as well as honor players, coaches, volunteers, and alumni?
Event Details
Date: Saturday, 3/21 from 5-7 pm
Location: Venue 901, Newark, Ohio
The 30th Anniversary Celebration & Year-end event will serve as:
- A season wrap-up recognizing the dedication and achievements of our players, coaches, and volunteers.
- A celebration of 30 years of youth hockey in our community.
- An opportunity to strengthen community ties through alumni engagement, sponsorship recognition, and family participation.
tryouts for the 26-'27 season
Registrations now open for:
- PRE-TRYOUT CAMPS (High school and Travel AA, A/A2)
- TRYOUTS for High school and Travel AA, A/A2
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.
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!
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
Support the Newark Generals every time you shop at Kroger!
Sign up for Kroger Community Rewards and link your Kroger Plus Card to the Newark Ice Hockey Association. A percentage of your spending will go directly back to the Generals—helping our players and programs grow.
✅ No extra cost to you
✅ Doesn’t affect your Kroger fuel points or rewards
✅ Just shop like you normally do!
👉 Register today at www.kroger.com/communityrewards and search for Newark Ice Hockey Association.
Every swipe makes a difference. Thank you for supporting the Generals!
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!
Strength Through Community.
Go Generals!
COACH'S CORNER
A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.
-John Wooden
UCLA Basketball Coach
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.
player awards to be announced at the year-end event on 3/21
The following awards will be presented to three players per team during the main ceremony at the 30th Anniversary / Season-end Event on 3/21/26.
- Iron Standard Award
- Unit First Award
- Forged in Fire Award
Coaches from each team will select their recipients (due to Summer Dougherty by 2/27).
NIHA Hockey Director, Jeff Laird, will announce the winners. Each recipient will receive a commemorative challenge coin at the event.
Click below to learn more about each award!
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
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 Winter '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!
