NYSAHA said goodbye to 2024 by welcoming some new players into the game while also helping those already playing improve their skills with a pair of clinics for youngsters from the Western Door Association, an organization dedicated to giving Indigenous youth an opportunity to discover the thrill of playing hockey.

The clinics were held on Dec. 29 at the Cattaraugus County Center, which is located in the heart of the Seneca Nation of Indians Territory.

The energy and enthusiasm ticked up a couple of notches with a free skills clinic that had 18 skaters and three goalies of various ages and skill levels take the ice to work on individual skills. The clinics focused on power skating, stickhandling, shooting and game sense drills. The energy on the ice was contagious as players worked hard and supported each other.

On-ice sessions were led by an enthusiastic team of coaches including Linda Groff, Frank Albert and Adam Frentz. Off the ice, NYSAHA President Eric Guzdek ensured the event ran smoothly, greeting participants, managing check-ins and providing support wherever needed.

Special thanks to Western Door for hosting us in their beautiful facility and to the dedicated NYSAHA coaches and volunteers who made this clinic possible. Your efforts truly embody our mission to grow the game and provide opportunities for all players to develop and enjoy hockey.

The success of this clinic demonstrates the strength of our hockey community and the potential for future events in the area. We look forward to seeing these young athletes continue their hockey journeys and welcoming them back to the ice at future NYSAHA programs.