GULLS AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

The Gulls organization is home to over 200 players, ranging in age from 5-15, from throughout the Tri-State area each season. While the value of participation in the association’s programs has been proven time and again and can be measured by the individual and group successes on and off the ice over the years, providing the opportunities does not come without a cost. Ice bills, equipment needs, and travel expenses currently make participation in ice hockey all but impossible for many families. The vast majority of local families interested in having their child take up the sport of ice hockey are unable to make the financial commitment, and those who are fortunate enough to get started often struggle to keep their children involved with rising costs year after year. The Gulls organization has always recognized the economic challenges these families face and has continued to work with all involved to keep tuition costs down, but the need for financial assistance for many players in the organization remains.
This year, the Gulls have 14 teams with significant growth at the grassroots level. . By focusing on growth at these younger levels, we have been able to get more children involved while keeping costs down for participating families. Long term, the increased participant pool at the grassroots levels will aid in overall organizational funding which will in turn keep tuition costs down across the board. In between the Mini-Mites (beginning at age 5) and the 1 5Pure program, the Gulls have continued to build on their rich history of success on the ice in recent years. Long Island continues to be breeding ground and premiere destination for some of the nation’s top talent. The Gulls have experienced team success at every level including wins at numerous prestigious Elite Invitationals, 14 State Titles, and 3 National Championships. Individually, the organization has produced hockey players that have gone on to play at various levels including Prep School, Junior A & B, NCAA Division I & III, ACHA Division I, USHL, OHL, USNTDP, AHL, and the NHL.
Our organization is comprised of 4 full time staff members (administrators and hockey directors), 22 paid part-time staff members (coaches), and 29 volunteers (team managers and governors).
The Long Island Gulls are proud members of the Long Island Amateur Hockey League (LIAHL), the New York State Amateur Hockey Association (NYSAHA), the Atlantic Youth Hockey League (AYHL), and USA Hockey (USAH). At the local level, the Gulls are one of 23 organizations in the LIAHL. For years, our organization has set the standard for personal and player development in the region. Beginning with the hire of an experienced and elite coaching staff to mentor our players on and off the ice, we are committed to helping every athlete reach their full potential. Off-ice training beginning at the youngest levels to help instill work ethic and healthy choices, video classroom sessions to reinforce good habits, and a year round commitment to player development have all been key components to our continued individual and organizational success. In addition, in an effort to ensure we continue to build not just great athletes, but great citizens in the community, the organization encourages all players take part in several philanthropic initiatives each season. Last season, the Gulls hosted the “Lt. Michael P. Murphy Military Appreciation Night” to honor the fallen veteran and help raise awareness for multiple military related foundations. Through these types of events, we pride ourselves on doing our very best to help each individual player not only become the very best all-around athlete, but also the very best person they can be long after their youth hockey career is over.