ICE HOCKEY IN HARLEM is a non-profit community based organization for youth that uses the sport of hockey to promote academic achievement, responsibility, teamwork and good character.

The objective of the organization is to provide inspiration, encouragement and guidance to children leading to better life experiences, education and career opportunities. Since 1987, ICE HOCKEY IN HARLEM has enriched the lives of more then 1000 inner-city boys and girls.

Ice Hockey In Harlem (IHIH) began in the winter of 1987 with forty eager participants ranging in age from 9-12. All participants agreed to attend weekly classroom sessions and skate one night a week. In class these IHIH pioneers were taught math, reading, and geography using hockey cities and statistics as teaching tools.

With a cursory knowledge of the basics, the youngsters donned mismatched, second-hand equipment and wobbled onto the ice of Lasker Rink, an outdoor facility at the northern end of Central Park. Under the tutelage of Co- Founders Dave Wilk and Todd Levy, and with the help of former Ranger Pat Hickey, the boys were soon skating, shooting, and passing as though they had been playing the game for years. After that rookie season, the program managed to raise enough money to send one player to a summer hockey camp in California.

By Year Five, IHIH had expanded to 125 kids. With this increase in enrollment, IHIH was on the ice at Lasker Rink three nights a week for clinics, a six-team intramural league, and an All-Star touring team. The New York Rangers were generously supporting the program with a mid-season clinic at Lasker and fund-raising efforts. That summer players went off to summer hockey camp, in Canada and the U.S. Two players graduated from the program to attend prep schools on IHIH scholarships.

Before the start of Year Seven, the Ice Hockey In Harlem Board of Directors decided that expansion of the program and the increase in participants exceeded the capabilities of an all-volunteer staff. The full-time staff includes a Hockey Director and an Events Manager.

Now in its third decade, Ice Hockey In Harlem has become a widely recognized and highly respected name throughout the hockey community. It has also served as the model for numerous successful programs throughout the country.

Ice Hockey In Harlem, for nearly two decades now, has helped thousands of needy youngsters learn a sport that would otherwise be financially unavailable to them. More importantly, through its educational and community service components, IHIH has given its participants the tools to succeed in their schools and as solid citizens in their communities.

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“IHIH is a great opportunity for my son Babacar and any other children. IHIH made Babacar's dream come true. Every week he can't wait to get on the ice. IHIH gave Babacar more self esteem, courage, strength, and determination at school and toward his peers. IHIH also gave Babacar the opportunity to go on summer camp to learn more about hockey”.
- Aminata Kebe, Mother of Babacar Kebe

“Ice Hockey in Harlem has helped my child’s progress by helping her become responsible, a team player and grow as a young woman. Participating in Ice Hockey in Harlem has taught my child to build up her self esteem and prepare her to work hard and keep going even if it gets tough. She is proud to be part of the Ice Hockey in Harlem family. Ice Hockey in Harlem has helped my daughter by giving her a scholarship so she can attend a catholic high school of her choice”.
- Brenda Gonzalez, Mother of Elizabeth Marza

“I have been part of the program for 7 years. IHIH has been a home and a hobby. The coaches teach a lot and tell us when it’s time to be serious and when it’s time to play. Ice Hockey In Harlem lets me go to camp, so I can leave the city during the summer and go somewhere new”.
- Antwaun Joyce

"Ice Hockey in Harlem means everything to me. It makes me believe in myself and taught me to try my very best. Ice Hockey In Harlem made me confident in what I do, and it keeps me out of trouble."
- Xavier Corey