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Las Vegas youth hockey boom outpaces rinks, inspires a grassroots solution – Las Vegas Sun News

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Editor’s note: Este artículo está traducido al español.

When Gina Usufzy’s son started playing hockey in Southern Nevada 13 years ago, families faced a stark reality: the sport was virtually inaccessible. The Vegas Golden Knights didn’t exist yet, and hockey in the desert remained a mostly unfulfilled dream.

As a single mother navigating the steep costs of equipment and travel associated with youth hockey clubs, Usufzy experienced these barriers firsthand. Her response was to create Jake Kielb’s Hockey Foundation — a nonprofit named after her son that breaks down barriers to the sport through free gear programs, clinics and scholarships.

Nearly a decade later, Usufzy is ready to expand her vision.

She’s working to establish Las Vegas Community Sports Complex, the region’s first nonprofit community ice rink and multiuse indoor turf field.

Turning that vision into reality will require the community’s support. The proposal calls for a facility in the northwest valley and carries a $15 million price tag — and unlike many athletic complexes, it would be built without public funding.

“Youth hockey itself has exploded — we see it in our USA Hockey numbers each year — and it’s a great thing to have, but when you don’t have enough facilities to support that growth, then you’ll start seeing a decline when there’s a ton of kids who want to play but there’s nowhere for them to play,” said Usufzy, CEO of the foundation. “They’re going to find another sport, so we’re really hoping that we can get this launched so that kids will continue to fall in love with the game, and we’re hoping that we can provide ice rinks for them.”

Since the Golden Knights took the ice in 2017, hockey has surged in popularity across Southern Nevada.

The numbers tell the story: Youth hockey participation jumped 268% after the team’s arrival, according to the National Hockey League.

Recognizing this momentum, the NHL has committed $3.6 million through its NHLPA Industry Growth Fund to support the Golden Knights’ youth hockey initiatives. That investment funds partnerships with organizations like the Clark County School District, along with learn-to-skate programs and the NHL/NHLPA Learn to Play program.

When the Golden Knights were granted their franchise in 2016, Southern Nevada had just three community ice rinks. That number has grown to seven, including City National Arena, built and paid for by Golden Knights owner Bill Foley and his investment group, and the America First Center, developed in a public-private partnership between the city of Henderson and Foley Entertainment Group.

Still, Usufzy and Beau Young — the foundation’s marketing and sponsorship lead — say the region remains underserved. Young knows the challenge intimately.

Young, the father of multisport athletes, is familiar with the scramble to secure ice time or turf fields for practice. The problem intensifies during Southern Nevada’s brutal summers, when triple-digit temperatures push outdoor sports indoors — and the competition for limited facilities becomes even fiercer.

About 18 months ago, Usufzy began working to transform her vision into reality. She’s since analyzed feasibility studies, developed architectural designs and pursued sponsors to help finance the project. They still need to acquire the land.

Young joined the effort after hearing about Usufzy’s plans from one of his sons’ coaches in the Las Vegas Ice Warriors youth hockey organization, which Usufzy also leads. Drawing on his marketing background, Young signed on to help raise the funds needed to bring the complex to life — driven by the same frustrations he faces when he tries to book practice space for his kids.

“The growth of (hockey) is going crazy within our city,” Young said. He too believes a lack of infrastructure is preventing an even bigger growth of the sport in Southern Nevada.

“When you have to practice at 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. and they’re closing a rink at 11 or 12 at night, and there’s still not enough ice time for everybody to play, there’s a need,” Young said.

The proposed 130,000-square-foot multiuse complex will feature two NHL-sized sheets of ice for hockey, figure skating, public skating, curling and other ice sports, along with a 200-by-85-foot indoor turf field for sports like soccer, lacrosse and football. The plan envisions seating for 1,500 spectators.

Additionally, plans call for a premium training and workout room; retail space available for lease; concessions; a full-service restaurant and bar with rooftop patio seating, Usufzy said.

The rinks and fields will be for sports practices, along with community events, watch parties, summer programs, year-round cross training and more, she added. The Las Vegas Ice Warriors would also make the Las Vegas Community Sports Complex their home facility.

The duo think the complex could be a boon for other sports too, including ice skating, cheer and futsal, a five-on-five game of indoor soccer with rolling substitutes and a smaller ball than what’s used in traditional soccer.

In countries like Brazil, Argentina, Portugal and Spain, futsal is where younger players develop skills such as ball control, which Young stressed could work for budding soccer players in Southern Nevada as well.

He also believes an increase in sports infrastructure could attract more families to the area and become an economic driver by raising the number of youth tournaments in Southern Nevada. Think: more soccer, hockey and even lacrosse tournaments with families from across the nation bringing in hundreds of dollars each in hotel stays, flights or gas, food and other means.

Jake Kielb’s Hockey Foundation launched its $15 million capital campaign for the sports complex earlier this month and expects to spend the next 12 to 18 months collecting monetary and in-kind donations from community members.

In-kind donations can be everything from bleachers or cabinets for offices to sports equipment that children will eventually use once the complex is open.

“My old rink director used to tell me all the time, ‘Gina, Rome wasn’t built in a day,’ and that’s always stuck with me. If it was easy, somebody would’ve already done it,” Usufzy said. “The community needs this, and we need help giving the community what they need. Help us help our youth.”

Contact Young for details at [email protected], or donate online: https://helpvegasplay.com/donations/





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UC Athletes Participate In Prestigious Indoor Meet

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January 6, 2026

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UC Athletes Participate In Prestigious Indoor Meet | radio NWTN




























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Little League Launches SAFE Program Framework and Annual Compliance System

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4 hours ago

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January 6, 2026

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Key Takeaways

  • Little League retired its 30-year ASAP program to launch Little League SAFE and SAFE to Play on January 5, 2026
  • SAFE Summary Builder replaces manual safety plan uploads with an automated, customizable reporting tool for leagues
  • Leagues completing compliance requirements qualify for a 15% AIG insurance credit and access to Musco-funded facility grants
  • Four safety pillars now formalize Little League’s approach: child protection, physical safety, mental well-being, and risk management
  • District administrators can earn up to $800 in AIG-supported incentives for promoting safety program participation

Replacing Three Decades of Safety Infrastructure

Little League International retired its A Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) after nearly 30 years of operation, replacing it with a two-part system designed to centralize resources and measure compliance more systematically. The transition reflects a shift from awareness-based programming to measurable participation standards.

“Little League SAFE provides education, tools, and resources to help leagues build and maintain safer programs, while SAFE to Play establishes annual compliance requirements and a recognition structure that measures participation and rewards achievement,” said Joy Reynolds McCoy, Little League Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer.

The organization built the new framework around four core areas: child protection, physical safety, mental well-being, and local league risk management. Each area now has dedicated resources accessible through a central portal at LittleLeague.org/SAFE, including the Child Protection Policy, JDP background check information, and state-specific guidance.

New Digital Tools Streamline Safety Documentation

Little League introduced the SAFE Summary Builder as the primary change to league-level administration. The guided online tool generates a customized safety summary based on league input, eliminating the previous requirement for manual safety plan uploads. Leagues can share the resulting document with volunteers and parents.

The organization also launched two free training courses. The Safety Awareness Training covers core safety principles, risk management, and best practices for all volunteers. The First Aid Awareness Training focuses on injury prevention and first aid response protocols.

Little League redesigned its Annual Facility Survey to integrate directly with each league’s SAFE Summary. The updated version generates a summary report with practical feedback and recommended actions for improving field and facility safety. Leagues must complete both the SAFE Summary Builder and Annual Facility Survey to establish baseline participation in the SAFE to Play program.

Insurance Credits and Grant Funding Tied to Compliance

The SAFE to Play component functions as Little League’s annual compliance and recognition program. Leagues that complete the required SAFE Summary Builder and Annual Facility Survey through the Little League Data Center qualify for a 15% credit on accident insurance premiums purchased through the AIG Accident Insurance Program.

Leagues that meet baseline compliance requirements become eligible to apply for funding through the Musco-Funded SAFE to Play Grant Program. In 2026, grant funding covers facility improvements that enhance safety and playing conditions, plus purchases of automated external defibrillators for emergency preparedness.

The program prioritizes a range of leagues, including those demonstrating strong existing safety practices and those facing resource constraints. Completion of additional training courses such as Safety Awareness, First Aid Awareness, and Diamond Leader increases a league’s grant eligibility.

District-Level Incentives Support Program Adoption

Little League established District Incentives supported by AIG to encourage active communication and promotion of safety initiatives. District administrators who help local leagues complete safety requirements can earn up to $800 per district through three separate achievement levels.

The incentive structure aims to build oversight capacity at the district level and foster accountability throughout the program. District administrators serve as the primary communication channel between Little League International and local leagues, making their engagement critical to program adoption rates.

Formalizing Safety as Measurable Infrastructure

Little League’s shift from ASAP to SAFE represents a move toward quantifiable participation standards rather than purely educational programming. The organization now ties financial incentives, insurance benefits, and grant eligibility directly to completion of digital documentation tools and facility assessments.

The four-pillar framework standardizes expectations across all leagues while the SAFE Summary Builder creates a consistent reporting format. By centralizing resources at LittleLeague.org/SAFE and linking compliance to tangible benefits, Little League has positioned safety as both a cultural priority and an administrative requirement with measurable outcomes.

via: Little League

YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.

About Youth Sports Business Report

Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.

Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.

Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:

  • Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
  • Youth Sports events and tournament management
  • NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
  • Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
  • Sports technology and data analytics innovation
  • Youth sports facilities development and management
  • Sports content creation and digital media monetization

Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.

Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.

Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.

Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry 

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn

Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?

Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.

About Play Up Partners

Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.

Why Sponsor Youth Sports?

Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.

What Does Play Up Partners Do?

We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.

Our Approach

Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:

  • Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
  • Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
  • Elevate the youth sports ecosystem

Our Vision

We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.

Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing

Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?

We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.

Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.



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18th District lawmakers propose youth sports safety bill

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4 hours ago

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January 6, 2026

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The Reflector

Lawmakers from the 18th Legislative District are sponsoring legislation aimed at protecting children participating in youth sports programs from abuse and sexual predators.

House Bill 2180, sponsored by Rep. John Ley, R-Vancouver, and endorsed by Rep. Stephanie McClintock, R-Vancouver, would require background checks for all youth sports coaches and others who manage or supervise youth sports programs, according to a Washington State House Republicans news release.

The proposal would also direct the Department of Children, Youth and Families to develop mandatory training on reporting child abuse tailored to youth sports coaches. Youth sports organizations would be required to complete the training, and coaches would be designated as mandatory reporters.

“This legislation was prompted after concerned parents encountered a convicted sex offender who failed to disclose his conviction while seeking to coach their children,” Ley said in the release. “By requiring background checks — paid for by the individual or organization — we give parents and program administrators better tools to protect kids.”

The bill would require organizations to submit background checks through the Washington State Patrol and would prohibit the hiring of individuals convicted of crimes against children or other persons, the press release stated.

The bill will be reviewed during the 2026 legislative session, which begins Monday, Jan. 12.





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JASH Celebrates Astros’ Signing of Tatsuya Imai, a Milestone in U.S.–Japan Sports Exchange — Japan-America Society of Houston

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January 6, 2026

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The Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) warmly congratulates the Houston Astros on the signing of Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, marking an exciting new chapter for both the Astros organization and the enduring relationship between Houston and Japan.

Imai-senshu’s arrival in Houston is more than a roster move—it is a powerful example of how sport continues to serve as a bridge between cultures. Baseball has long been a shared passion of the United States and Japan, fostering mutual respect, admiration, and people-to-people connections across generations.

The timing of this signing is especially meaningful. The year 2026 represents a historic milestone for both nations, with the United States commemorating its 250th anniversary and Japan marking the 100th anniversary of the Showa era. It was during the Showa period that baseball became deeply embedded in Japanese society, evolving into a national sport and a cultural touchstone. Imai-san’s journey from Japan to Major League Baseball reflects this rich legacy and the sport’s continuing role in strengthening bilateral ties.

Houston has long been a gateway for U.S.–Japan exchange, and the Astros’ global presence further amplifies the city’s role as a hub for international connection. Imai-san’s signing underscores the Astros’ commitment to excellence on the field while embracing the global nature of the game.

As an organization dedicated to advancing understanding and friendship between Japan and the United States, JASH celebrates this moment with pride. We look forward to welcoming Imai-san to Houston, cheering him on throughout the season, and continuing to support the many ways cultural exchange enriches our community—on and off the field.

Please join us in welcoming Tatsuya Imai to Houston and wishing him great success with the Astros.



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Community support for North Colonie’s Couture family after loss

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January 6, 2026

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The North Colonie community is mourning the loss of Erin Couture, wife of Shaker High School Dean Garrett Couture, who passed away unexpectedly.

Erin, a former employee at Shaker Middle and High Schools, was cherished by students and staff, the district said in an email to parents. She leaves behind her husband and two young sons, who are students in the district. Garrett Couture is an active figure in youth sports, coaching football and lacrosse, with Erin’s support always by his side.

The district will hold a half-day session on Thursday, Jan. 8, to allow staff to support the Couture family during services. Shaker High School will dismiss at 11:30 a.m., Shaker Middle School at 12:30 p.m., and elementary schools at 1:30 p.m.

You can read Couture’s obituary here.

A gofundme has been set up for the family. You can donate here



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District 10 high school basketball midseason freshman of the year fan vote

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6 hours ago

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January 6, 2026

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Jan. 5, 2026, 4:02 a.m. ET





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