YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Youth hockey in the Valley has grown over the years, especially with the success of the USHL Youngstown Phantoms and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In Youngstown at the Deep Freeze Ice Arena, organizers are trying to get more kids involved in the ice sport.
“I was crazy scared and what kept me going was scoring and winning games,” said Jr. Phantoms player Braxden Mauer.
“As soon as I got onto the ice I fell straight on my butt, but I just try to work my way up,” said Jr. Phantoms player Stanley Sarna.
10-year-old Mauer and nine-year-old Sarna are both members of the Deep Freeze youth hockey programs in Youngstown.
Deep Freeze Hockey Director Brad Patterson said since he has been involved the program has expanded with more classes and kids.
“You need to taste it, it’s like a delicacy,” said Patterson. “I’m from Western Canada and everyone does it there, not everyone’s had the exposure to it.”
Patterson started as an assistant coach with the Phantoms in 2009 and was promoted to head coach in 2016. He left the Youngstown team in 2022 and started with the Deep Freeze youth hockey programs shortly after.
He said kids can come into their program as young as four to six years old. Next year the organization is creating an under-16 league because of the growth.
He said many Valley kids come into their programs having never played hockey before.
“Found out I was Canadian, tried out hockey,” said Mauer.
“I really like watching it, especially those Pittsburgh Penguins, Sydney Crosby, he has the momentum to keep up,” said Sarna.
Deep Freeze’s entry-level program is called Take a Shot at Hockey, which is a four-week program for boys and girls. Age groups range from 4-14 with classes over four weeks.
Patterson said the program also gives out new hockey equipment to participants in the class. Then, once it ends and if you want to continue, you can keep the hockey equipment for free. If you don’t want to continue playing hockey through their program all you do is give it back with no financial commitment.
“You sign up little Jimmy, Jimmy shows up on day one and we give him a full bag of equipment,” said Patterson. “He’s got a brand new jersey, he’s got a brand new stick, plus his equipment. It’s $300 worth of equipment those players are getting.”
The developmental leader said the program is already a success as the organization is already adding new classes and sessions.
Patterson said 70-75% of the kids who went through the program continue on in the organization. He also said this program with no financial restrictions is meant for people who have never played hockey.
Current Youngstown Phantoms defenseman and Valley native Cal Huston grew up in the very same program.
“We’re starting to see it and as you see it, it’s like a tree,” said Patterson. “Once it starts to spread, then we’re going to have a lot more.”
Deep Freeze also has learn-to-play options for all ages including adults. Also, non-competitive to travel youth leagues.
Call 234-719-5000 for more information or head to the Deep Freeze Ice Arena website.