Community Hub
Updates from Julian
Coaching Director Update – 10/5
Dear NIHA families,
One of my goals as your full-time Hockey Director is to provide greater visibility of the progress our Generals players are making across the organization. As a result, I plan to send monthly communication to members, and I continue to welcome any questions or feedback while getting to know more folks on a first-name basis.
- We have started our goalie-specific training, giving our goaltenders focused development and additional reps.
- Fundamentals Night has kicked-off, taking place every Thursday, emphasizing the basic skills and habits that will help our players continue to develop.
- We recently held a team-building event with the high school team at the bowling alley in Heath, giving the players an opportunity to build chemistry and strengthen relationships off the ice.
- We have our first varsity home game this Friday, 10/9. This will be an exciting opportunity for the team to put its preparation and progress into action in front of our home town crowd. All are encouraged to come and cheer on our Gens... let's pack the house!
- Overall, our players are steadily improving and getting better each week. We are seeing continued growth in their skills, confidence, teamwork, and overall understanding of the game.
- Lastly, the program continues to move in a positive direction, with a strong focus on player development, fundamentals, team culture, and preparation for competition.
Together, We Are Generals.
Important dates
- Starting 9/22, Goalie Clinics will run every Tuesday at 8:40pm (Generals only)
- 10/7-18 Gens online holiday shop open
- 10/9 First Varsity Home Game Event
- 10/17 NIHA Association Night at Nationwide Arena
- 10/22 Raising Canes Dine-to-Donate 5-9pm
- 10/25 All coach skate from 7-8pm & meeting to follow
- 11/21 Varsity Tailgate
Online holiday shop with Pure Hockey
Shop for Gens' merchandise October 7th - 18th to receive your shipment in time for holiday gift-giving. (Ship Date will be Friday, December 18, 2026).
Click below to place your order!
coach's corner
NIHA coaches kicked-off the season with a coach skate and meeting on 9/13.
During the skate, all coaches participated as players so they could have a first-hand experience of the pace, organization, teaching, transitions and drills they will be responsible for this season.
During their interactive off-ice work session, they talked through team goals, personal goals, coaching standards, and Julian's vision for the program.
Click below to view the agenda and expectations for coaching consistency across all teams in the organization.
The schedule is currently being assessed for coaching sessions to take place on a regular basis this season.
VOLUNTEER INFO
Our non-profit organization relies on volunteers to run our programs and to help keep costs down.
For the 2026-27 season we are introducing "Volunteer Your Way" - a flexible incentive program designed so every NIHA family has a way to get involved:
- WHERE you can
- HOW you can
- HOW MUCH you can
Earn points for free Gens' swag, to get discounts on clinics, or receive other special volunteer perks, all while helping strengthen our hockey community.
It will be easy to sign-up from your NIHA account, and points will be tracked via Crossbar. Volunteer opportunities will be communicated as various needs arise throughout the season.
Click documents below to learn more details about the program, and review the point system to see where you can start earning points!
Together, We Are Generals.
FUNDRAISING
Fleet Feet will be present with shoes and insoles fittings for hockey players at Lou & Gib one day in early October (date & time TBA).
Fleet Feet has generously offered to return 20% of profits to the NIHA organization. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Sounds like a win-win!
Additionally, we have two "Dine-to-Donate" events scheduled in October. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a great meal while supporting local businesses and our own hockey programs.
- 10/4 City BBQ (stop in anytime all day)
- 10/22 Raising Canes from 5-9pm
10%-20% of funds raised during those times will directly support our players by helping subsidize tournament registration fees, travel costs, and essential training equipment.
Adult League
The NAHL celebrates 20 years strong at the Lou & Gib Reese Ice Arena!
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!
