Long Beach Hockey Players Take to Coliseum Ice

More than 1,000 boys and girls skating out of 12 New York metro area ice rinks, from Long Beach to Westchester to Hauppauge, hit the Nassau Coliseum ice and like a teenage rock band took over the arena for a day.

The New York Islanders hosted its 4th annual Kids Hockey Jamboree of boys and girls in three age groups: mini-mites (ages 4-6), mites (ages 7-8) and squirts (ages 9-10), who participated in 10 minute cross-ice games simultaneously on three rinks on the ice, followed by a break for an Islanders practice, autograph signing and souvenirs.

The kids got to meet and greet there favorite Islanders for autographs and souvenirs before the team headed out on the Ice for a practice session in front of an adoring crowd that pressed up against the glass around the rink.

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

While the kids got to show off their new gear or a newly acquired souvenir, the pros demonstrated their skills in practice session after they stretched and did exercises before playing.

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,” Beach said.