Town Of Oyster Bay Awarded NHL Grant For Youth Ice Hockey Program

BETHPAGE, NY — The Town of Oyster Bay bolstered the experience for the 8U Youth Ice Hockey Program by acquiring new ice rink dividers, Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand announced Friday. The dividers, which will be used in instructional and game settings to split the ice rink surface for the youth ice hockey program at the Town’s Ice Skating Center in Bethpage, were purchased by using a grant from the National Hockey League.

The dividers are currently only being used in the 8-year-old youth ice hockey division, but they'll be used more over time.

"The Town’s Youth Ice Hockey program has consistently been recognized as one of the best on Long Island, as kids who are enrolled are given the great opportunity to improve their skating and hockey skills as part of a program that has earned recognition by the National Hockey League for its high level of quality," Hand said. "I want to thank the NHL, who serve an important role in fostering the sport of ice hockey in our Town through the ‘Try Hockey for Free’ program, for their generous grant which made the acquisition of these new ice rink dividers possible, and has led to a much more enjoyable experience for both the kids and instructors!"

Under the grant provided by the NHL, the Town received $3,500 towards the purchase of the equipment, which covered most of the cost. The ice rink dividers are used extensively in the 8-year-old ice hockey division, and have proven to be a huge hit with players, coaches, and parents alike.

Registration for the Town’s 2020 Spring Youth Ice Hockey Program and House League began, and continues in-person through Sunday, Jan. 26 at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center at 1001 Stewart Ave., Bethpage.

The program is open to girls and boys ages 3 through 16. Individuals interested in registering for the 2020 Spring Youth Ice Hockey Program must bring a copy of their birth certificate, proof of Town of Oyster Bay residency (tax or utility bill) and payment. Check, money order, MasterCard or Visa are accepted. All registrants must bring these items, even if they have participated in the past. A parent or legal guardian must be present at registration.

Anyone unable to make in-person registration dates who would like to sign up for the program should call Buzz Deschamps at 516-433-7465, x8233. For more information regarding the Town’s Youth Ice Hockey and House League Program, contact the Department of Parks at 516-797-4136.