David LaGalia
Sport: Ice Hockey
Skill / Age Level: Other
About:
Arrows Youth Hockey Association, Inc. (the “Arrows” or “Arrows Hockey”) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing boys and girls ages 3 to 18 the opportunity to play ice hockey through instructional, house and travel programs. Arrows Hockey is one of the oldest hockey organizations on Long Island. The Arrows were first established as Skateland Hockey in 1962, borrowing the name from its initial home ice at Skateland Ice Rink (now known as Iceland) in New Hyde Park, New York. In 1986, the organization established its home ice at the Freeport Recreation Center in Freeport, New York and began operating as Arrows Hockey. In the early 1990’s, the Arrows were one of the first organizations in the region to develop and nurture girls hockey with the establishment of the Waves, now known as the Lady Islanders. The Arrows were also the first organization on Long Island to sponsor a “learn-to-skate” program geared towards offering beginners with their first on-ice experience with certified ice hockey equipment at an affordable cost.
The mission of Arrows Hockey is to develop character and self-esteem of its players through the lessons of competitive sports: individual improvement, team dynamics, discipline, responsibility, respect, and good sportsmanship. The Arrows are focused on cultivating boys’ and girls’ interest in, and love for, the game of ice hockey in a fun but structured and competitive environment. Through the “Arrows Give Back” program, the organization is also keenly determined to instill good citizenship and provide opportunities for all Arrows member to “give back” to the community. Just over the past two months, Arrows teams and players have participated in the Autism Speaks Walk at Jones Beach, the Long Island Cares Thanksgiving Adopt-a-Family food drive, the 11th Annual Bethpage Turkey Drive benefiting Island Harvest, and a self-sponsored clothing drive.