Bellmore Youth Take to the Coliseum Ice

The New York Islanders hosted their fourth annual Kids Hockey Jamboree on Sunday, Jan. 16 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. More than 1000 boys and girls from ages 4-10 participated in three different groups: mini-mites (ages 4-6), mites (ages 7-8) and squirts (ages 9-10). The young skaters represented 12 metro area rinks and got to participate in 10-minute cross-ice games, which were played simultaneously on three rinks across the Coliseum ice with a break for an Islanders practice and autograph session.

The young stars got to meet and greet their favorite Islanders for autographs and souvenirs before the team headed out on the ice for a practice session in front of an adoring crowd, which was pressing up against the glass all around the rink just to watch their favorite players take the ice.

Newbridge Arena in Bellmore, the Islanders Iceworks in Syosset, the Rinx in Hauppauge, the Port Washington Skating Center and the Ice Arena in Long Beach were among the 12 metro area rinks that participated in the all-day event.

The event continues to grow in popularity since it began four years ago according to Islanders Vice President of Operations Tim Beach. “Every year participation in this event increases, which shows the commitment that all Long Islanders have towards expanding upon the numerous youth hockey grassroots programs offered in the area,”  he said.

While the Isles were out on the ice getting ready to host the New Jersey Devils, the young stars from around Long Island had a nose pressed firmly against the glass all around the Coliseum and were seen showing off their new gear and newly acquired souvenirs.

Puck handlers as young as 2 years old, and their hockey moms, were spotted just off the ice for a close-up look at what it's like to be a pro. Several local Long Islanders, like Tony Romano of Smithtown, have made it to the pros, maybe the next Islander great is already among us.