Thursday, Apr. 02, 2009

Youth hockey heats up

Irmo Ice Hockey Federation works to recruit fans, players

While many are enjoying the warmer weather, a small but dedicated group of young hockey players are bundled up and working hard.

The sport has been growing in popularity since the first league began eight years ago.

Craig Dooley, president of the Irmo Ice Hockey Federation, recognized that most people growing up in the South don’t think about the sport much, but insisted “When you see a game just once, you’re hooked.”

There are two leagues, a House League and a Traveling Team, that practice regularly at the Plex in Irmo. Once a week, around 70 boys and girls ranging from age 4 to 18, meet on the ice to practice.

Coached by dads who have been certified through USA Hockey, the teams prepare for their weekly games. While the House League is open to anyone interested, players must try out to be a part of the Cyclones, the league’s traveling team.

Although the IIHF is in its first year of operation as a merging of programs at the Plex and the Inferno Hockey Association, it has been successful in the recruitment of new fans and players.

“The sport is definitely growing in the region,” said Andy Donato, vice president of IIHF. “Every time you turn around there’s a new kid on the ice.

“Hockey is a great sport; it’s a lot of fun. We want to get people more involved in hockey. Once you start watching it and really begin to see things, you realize it’s a beautiful sport”

To find schedules, registration, and contact information, visit the Irmo Ice Hockey Federation at www.leaguelineup.com/iihf/.

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