By Sean Golden

January 7th, 2008

Lancaster Eagle-Gazette

 LANCASTER - One might think that a seven-month season and a sizeable drive to practices and games might drain a bit of the fun out of playing any sport for a 12-year-old.

Not so, said Jacob Hedley, of Lancaster.  "I actually like it when the season's longer, cause it's something to do," Hedley said. Without a rink to call home in Fairfield County, many young hockey players make the trek to play in leagues hosted at ice rinks in Columbus and Newark.

Hedley is a part of the Newark Generals Peewee hockey select team, part of a program run by the Newark Ice Hockey Association. The NIHA runs its activities at the newly renovated Lou & Gib Reese Ice Arena.

The NIHA offers youth hockey leagues for ages 6 to 14 and high school club teams as well as adult hockey leagues, among other programs.

Jeff Hedley, Jacob's father, was part of a group of Lancaster residents who tried to garner the support of the community to build an ice rink in Lancaster last year.

Read on...