Well, ya see, hockey’s a big deal in them parts, especially in the Lakes Region. Y’know, where all them little towns and lakes come together, it’s like a second home for some of them kids who wanna skate and whack a puck around. Folks there been playin’ hockey for ages, and it don’t matter if it’s a small rink or a big one—there’s always a game goin’ on somewhere, even if the ice ain’t perfect!
Now, when we talk about the Lakes Region, it ain’t just a pretty spot for the folks who like to fish and boat, no sir. It’s also where young hockey players get their start, whether it’s in a big ol’ league or just some scrappy kids messin’ around on a frozen pond. You see, there’s plenty of teams around, like the Lakes Region Youth Hockey Association (LRYHA), which is all about gettin’ young’uns into the game, teachin’ ’em the basics, and helpin’ ’em grow up strong with a stick in hand.
The LRYHA, they do a real good job of bringin’ them kids along. From what I hear, they ain’t just learnin’ how to slap a puck into a net—they’re also learnin’ about teamwork, discipline, and a thing or two about how to take a hit and get right back up. Them kids, they start young, and they get better with each season, playin’ on teams from towns like Dover, Keene, and Hanover. Some of them even go off to big prep schools, like Kimball Union or Cushing, where they take the game to the next level.
And it ain’t just the kids. The whole area gets in on the fun! In them big towns like Hanover and Dover, there’s always folks cheerin’ from the bleachers, watchin’ the local teams go at it. I tell ya, there ain’t nothin’ quite like seein’ them young fellers skate so fast you can barely catch a glimpse of ‘em. It’s real excitin’, especially when the teams are all geared up and ready for battle, like it’s the Stanley Cup or somethin’!
One thing folks talk about a lot is how competitive the prep hockey leagues are around the Lakes Region. Teams there ain’t no pushovers! In fact, if you ask anyone, they’ll tell ya the teams in this region, they’re some of the best in the whole New England area. If you’re lookin’ for top-notch hockey, you don’t gotta go far—just head to one of them arenas in the Lakes Region, and you’ll see what I mean.
The season, it’s always a bit of a waitin’ game, but when it starts, boy, it’s like somethin’ just clicks. Players from all around are eager to hit the ice and show what they can do. And don’t even get me started on the rivalries! When them teams from different towns face off, it’s like the whole community is watchin’. The air’s electric, everyone’s shoutin’ and hollerin’ from the stands. Makes ya feel like you’re right in the middle of the action, even if you ain’t on the ice.
And talkin’ ’bout those arenas, well, there’s some nice ones out there too. Like the Taffy Abel Arena, which, from what I’ve heard, is real nice for watchin’ games. Whether it’s a junior game or a full-on prep school match, the crowds are always there, bundled up nice and warm. Ain’t nothin’ like the feel of a cold rink and the smell of popcorn waftin’ through the air.
But what makes the Lakes Region hockey scene so special ain’t just the big games or the fancy arenas—it’s the folks. The coaches, the parents, and the fans, they all come together for the kids. They support ‘em no matter how many goals they score or miss. It’s about the community and watchin’ them young’uns grow up strong, and maybe one day, make it all the way to the big leagues, who knows?
So, if you’re in the Lakes Region or nearby, don’t be shy to head out to a game. Whether you’re a fan of the sport or just curious to see what it’s all about, there’s always somethin’ goin’ on. And if you got a young one who’s lookin’ to get started, there’s plenty of opportunities to get ‘em in the game. Hockey in the Lakes Region, well, it’s more than just a sport—it’s a way of life.
Teams and leagues:
- Lakes Region Youth Hockey Association (LRYHA)
- Kimball Union
- Cushing Academy
- Hanover Hockey Association
- Dover Youth Hockey Association
- Keene Youth Hockey
So, next time you’re near the Lakes Region, keep an eye out for them rinks and the folks who love their hockey. You never know, you might catch a game that’ll have you comin’ back for more!
Tags:[Lakes Region, Hockey, Youth Hockey, New England, Ice Hockey, Lakes Region Hockey]