Volunteers are the backbone of any successful hockey organization, and the New York State Amateur Hockey Association has been fortunate to have some of the best volunteers in the game. Their selfless dedication and tireless efforts have helped NYSAHA become among the very best within the USA Hockey family of affiliates.

This year two of the organization’s very best volunteers will be inducted into the NYSAHA Hall of Fame when Mike Shapey and Ralph Scannapieco are enshrined during a ceremony held during NYSAHA’s annual meeting at the Hyatt Regency Long Island in Hauppauge.

NYSAHA created the Hall of Fame in 2013 as a way to recognize the pioneers who not only helped bolster their local associations but have also made contributions at the state and national levels. This year’s inductees are well deserving of joining the esteemed group of past inductees.

Mike Shapey

From the time Mike Shapey officiated his first youth hockey game until he stepped aside as the referee-in-chief for the state of New York after more than 35 years, he has left his mark on the game

During his tenure as the state’s top official, which began in 1991, Shapey has been instrumental in bringing technology to the officiating program, including development of the N.Y. state officials website for administration and reporting. 

He was one of the visionaries of USA Hockey’s National Evaluation Program, which he implemented on a state level to identify and develop high potential officials while improving the on-ice performance of all officials. He was also the driving force behind the official’s development camp, which is held each summer in the New York District. Additionally, he implemented meetings that are held in conjunction with the Level 1 seminars to educate the parents of new officials.

During his time as the state’s referee-in-chief, Shapey has worked nonstop to grow the officiating staff in all corners of the state to include sectional referee in chiefs, coordinators, evaluators and seminar staff. He was also instrumental in creating the state’s officiating mentorship program and the women’s officiating coordinator position. 

Ralph Scannapieco

Long before he became involved at the state level, Ralph Scannapieco played an integral role in fostering stability and organization in the East Section. 

In addition to his work with the Suffolk County Police Athletic League, Scannapieco also served as a governor, deputy commissioner and commissioner of the Long Island Hockey League.

He was elected as president of the NYSAHA in 1998, serving one term where he worked hard to understand and appreciate the differences between the state’s four sections. After his term, Scannapieco would continue to serve the organizational as a member of the board of directors while also serving as the vice president in the East Section.

Scannapieco was a strong and guiding force as NYSAHA became a leader when USA Hockey implemented its SafeSport program. He was instrumental in the development and implementation of the state’s screening program, and his efforts over the course of more than 20 years have been credited with creating a safer environment for all participants.