About Us
mission statement
The Mission of the Newark Ice Hockey Association is to teach the youth of central Ohio sportsmanship, fair play, respect for coaches, referees, players and fans through the sport of ice hockey, so that they can continue to be good citizens and enjoy the sport of ice hockey forever.
Board Members
Brad moved to Licking County 11 years ago, he has two kids in the program and is a level 4 hockey coach. He first fell in love with the game while attending Miami University (Go Redhawks!), and his favorite hockey memory is of taking his family to a CBJ playoff game vs. Boston. "I was sure we were taking the cup after that win!"
As President, Brad strives to enhance our hockey community by fostering relationships through a deep connection to the sport. "NIHA provides opportunities for all ages and abilities to develop skills on and off the ice. Strong connections between players, coaches, and families create a foundational environment where members return to have fun, grow, and be a part of something bigger. It's here they can discover their true potential."
Mike was an avid skier before developing a keen interest in hockey. He started playing when there were only five sheets in Central Ohio and has been hooked ever since. Mike joined NIHA in 2022 and is a proud PeeWee Goalie Dad. His favorite hockey memory is of when his son learned to tie his own skates (surely something any hockey parent can relate to). In his role as VP, Mike hopes to instill a sense of Hockey for a Lifetime among members. "I want to ensure that NIHA will always be able to provide an opportunity for kids at any level to develop a lifelong love of the game, both on and off the ice."
Julian brings an incredible wealth of experience to our program, having spent over 20 years coaching at the NCAA Division I and III levels, as well as playing experience at the NCAA DIII and ACHA DI level and professionally in the Federal Professional Hockey League. His impressive coaching track record includes being named the PAC 12 Coach of the Year and leading multiple programs to playoff appearances and national championships.
Julian is a proven leader in player and program development, with a specific expertise in building winning cultures and mentoring athletes. His background as a USA Hockey Coach Developer means our coaching staff and players will benefit from high standards of instruction and strategic growth. Beyond his on-ice success, Julian’s commitment to academic support and community fundraising will be instrumental in elevating the overall experience for our families and athletes.
Rick has lived in Licking County with his family since 2020. He has two boys in the Newark Ice Hockey Association (NIHA) program. Rick grew up playing lacrosse and soccer and currently coaches rec lacrosse and club soccer in Granville. Rick has witnessed how much his sons enjoy the sport of hockey, and believes that this is due, in part, to NIHA's strong sense of community, and the opportunity and value of the NIHA program itself.
As the fundraising board member, Rick works to make the NIHA experience rewarding for all those involved while ensuring the financial stability of the program both now and in the future.
Summer joined the Board in 2025 and also volunteers as a Team Manager for the 12U "White" House team. She brings considerable experience in event planning, though professionally, she is a Pediatric Nurse. She has a deep love for hockey – it’s more than a sport for her; it’s a way she connects with her son, sharing the excitement of skating, cheering, and learning together.
Summer lives in Licking County with her husband and their son, who plays on a 12U House team. As small business owners, she and her husband are active hockey parents, and they are proud to be part of the NIHA community. She’s excited to support the kids, families, and volunteers who make youth hockey such a special and rewarding experience.
David Deal
On Ice Strategy
David Deal is originally from Athens and moved to Granville in 2017. He has been involved in hockey for the past 26 years, beginning at the age of 9 and continuing through the varsity level. David served as captain of his high school’s 2008 state championship-winning team.
Coach Deal has spent the last five years coaching with NIHA and led the 10U Travel A team to an MCHL Championship during the 25-'26 season. He is passionate about player development and keeping up with how the game continues to evolve. He is constantly working to better understand how young players think, respond to the game, develop skills, and manage the emotions that come with competition and growth in hockey.
David especially enjoys coaching his son and values the additional time and bond they share through being part of his son’s hockey journey. His wife, Natalie, and daughter, Frankie, have also developed a strong love for the sport, making hockey an important part of their family life.
When he’s not at the rink or on the ice, David enjoys spending time with his family, boating, and playing golf.
Andy started playing hockey as an adult and is a passionate tennis player. He has always been drawn to sports and has coached tennis, baseball, and track and field at the high school level. As a father to a Pee Wee hockey player, he’s now fully immersed in the hockey world, embracing the challenge of learning the game alongside his son. Andy joined the NIHA community to give back and help support the next generation of players.
His goal is to foster a love of the game, on and off the ice, and ensure that NIHA remains a welcoming environment where kids of all skill levels can grow, learn, and enjoy the sport. “It’s about building not just players, but a strong, supportive community where families can come together and share in the experience of youth hockey."
Hockey is in Nandi's blood. With Canadian roots, she grew up in a family that revolved around the sport. Her father trained with the Toronto Maple Leafs, played professionally in Europe and South Africa, and went on to coach D1 hockey (Go 'Gate!) Nandi learned on hand-me-down hockey skates and still uses her vintage SuperTacks today.
In 2024, she initially volunteered as the 12U House Manager and then joined the Board to plan and run the Newark Invitational. She encourages open dialogue with families in the spirit of enhancing members' experiences within the organization.
Tyler was born and raised in Newark, Ohio, where he attended Newark Catholic High School. He grew up playing hockey as a General from the time he was 8 years old. He has remained an active member of NIHA and is now a Level 2 coach with a son who plays in the 10u travel division.
Hockey is a passion that Tyler shares with his son. "Seeing my son develop skills as a player and grow personally year-over-year is one of the greatest joys I have."
Tyler believes hockey is the greatest sport of all time! As a Board member, he hopes to help grow and strengthen the hockey community while ensuring all players and their families have the best possible experience.
Hockey is Adam's all-time favorite sport to watch and play! He was born and raised in Johnstown, OH, attended Johnstown Monroe High School, and graduated from The Ohio State University.
Adam has played hockey his entire life, including in youth leagues, high school, OSU intramural, and he is currently active with the Newark Men's Adult Hockey League.
Adam is excited to coach 8u again this year and appreciates all that NIHA has to offer the local hockey community.
Jeff began playing hockey at the age of 9, starting his career at NIHA before moving on to play for the Columbus Capitals AA program. He later competed with the PR Prowlers club hockey team, gaining valuable experience at higher levels of competition. After high school, Jeff coached a 16U AA team, furthering his involvement in developing young players.
As a former Hockey Director for NIHA, Jeff has been committed to creating a positive and structured environment for players of all ages and skill levels. He focuses on player and coach development, emphasizing strong fundamentals, teamwork, and a love for the game. With his deep ties to NIHA and lifelong passion for hockey, Jeff is proud to give back to the program where it all began. Hockey is also a family tradition, with his three boys actively playing within NIHA.
The Grass Roots of NIHA
The roots of our Association date back to 1989. The Newark Public Ice Rink opened in December, 1989. Ice hockey began in December, 1991. Ten adults and ten children played on Saturday mornings.
December, 1992, ice hockey clinics began for local youths on Saturday mornings with about 20 children. Adults continued to play pick up hockey with 10-15 adults participating.
During the 1993-1994 season, the youth players joined the Police Athletic League (PAL). Financial help came from the State of Ohio PAL to purchase helmets. The enrollment grew to approximately 60 children along with help from 12 adults. This was basically a learn to skate/play format. Adult hockey continued active.
In 1994-1995, the City of Newark enclosed the ice rink and membership grew to 96 children ranging in ages 5 to 18. We continued as PAL. The Evans Foundation financed goalie equipment. We began playing games against Athens, OH. Games were on Saturdays and Sundays and we began practicing on Monday and Tuesday evenings. The format changed from a learn to skate/play format to team play. The adult hockey continued. The adult league (approx. 20 adults) moved from Saturdays to Tuesday nights leaving Saturdays available for the children.
The 1995-1996 season was the formation of NIHA, filed as a USA Hockey Association in the Mid-American District. The membership grew to approximately 120. We began playing teams from CAHA and CCYHA. Adult hockey increased to Tuesday and Thursday evenings with 20-25 participating. By 1998 season, NIHA had grown to 187 players!
Today our High School, Travel and House teams play in the Ohio Scholastic Hockey League, Metro Columbus Hockey League, Buckeye Travel Hockey League, and Blue Jackets Hockey League.