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
- 5/27 Rec/house registration opens
- 8/7-8/30, Round 2 jersey ordering
- 8/18, August Board Meeting, 6:30pm
- 8/22 "Welcome back, Gens" Day 12-3:30
- Town Hall Meeting 12-1pm in the conference room (with refreshments)
- On-Ice w/ Julian 14U Travel Gold & Green only 1:15-1:45pm
- On-Ice w/ Julian all divisions 1:45-2:15pm
- Try Hockey For Free 2:30-3:15pm
- 8/25 Registration closes for Rec (House) teams playing in the BTHL
- 10/4 Mite Select tryouts 6:00pm
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!
