Youth Hockey gaining momentum in Iowa City

CORALVILLE – Despite competition with wrestling, basketball and a host of other year round sports, hockey is gaining popularity in the Iowa City/Coralville area. Over the past 3 years, the number of youth participating in the sport has grown 300 percent.

 In 2007, approximately 25 kids from the area were playing hockey at Coral Ridge Ice Arena. In 2009, the ICH (Iowa City/Coralville Youth Hockey Association) program had 70 players and is anticipating enrollment to reach close to 100 players this year.  

 “Iowa is not known as a hockey state, but the combination of speed, eye-hand coordination and full gear brings an excitement to this game that other sports don't offer, “ said Kayle McKay, ICH president.

 In addition to increased enrollment in the sport, the travel teams have also become more competitive, recording one of the best seasons in the history of Iowa City youth hockey:

 The Mite (7-8 yr. olds) competitive travel team won 1 Winter Iowa Games and placed 2tournament.

^st

place in the

^nd

place in the Dubuque Midwest Meltdown

 The Squirt (9-10 yr. old) competitive travel team also won 1 Winter Iowa Games and placed 2tournament and ended the season with a record of 20-3-1 after winning no games the previous two seasons.  

^st

place in the

^nd

place in the Dubuque Midwest Meltdown

 "When kids get a taste of hockey they are immediately in love with the sport. Even after two winless seasons, these kids came back to play. It is a wonderful lesson in perseverance," said Kayle McKay, ICH president.

 Iowa City/Coralville Hockey (ICH) has competitive and recreational teams for all abilities and ages ranging from 4-15 yrs old. The 2010-2011 Hockey season begins in November and ends in March. Online registration begins August 15, visit www.iowacitycoralvillehockey.org for more information.

About Iowa City × Coralville Hockey

Iowa City × Coralville Hockey is a non-profit, 501(c) 3 organization that has been active for 9 years and is comprised of dedicated volunteers, parents, players and coaches from Iowa City and the surrounding areas including Solon, Cedar Rapids and Tiffin. Our mission is to promote athletic competition emphasizing mutual respect, good sportsmanship among players, leadership, responsibility, commitment, fairness and cooperation; these are all important qualities that our local youth can use throughout their lives as they grow and develop into the young men and women of our community.