The old adage “hard work pays off” is clearly evident with the Flagstaff Youth Hockey Association (FYHA).

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FYHA will have two travel teams at both the 10U and 12U age groups this coming season. The association was optimistic it would be able to roster two 10U teams, as they did for the first time last year, and had set a goal of having a tournament team and a travel team for 12U this season, according to FYHA president Jamie Miele.

But thanks to the hard work of many coaches and parents alike, the 12U group was able to form two league teams for this season.

Brandon Baille, head coach of the 12U teams, can’t wait for the roll out this fall.

“We are very excited to have two travel teams,” said Baille. “I am not sure if we have ever had two Pee Wee travel teams in the past, but I am very excited our player numbers allow for two competitive teams.”

The Northstars’ 10U head coach, Matt Gibbs, echoes the sentiments of his 12U colleague.

“We are very excited to again have two 10U competitive teams,” Gibbs said. “We believe that this will only help develop higher-level players in the future. Kids want to play in games and experience this great game.”

FYHA practices at the Jay Lively Ice Arena, which experienced a roof collapse in 2010, that forced the association to take a season off and rebuild their player base.

“It is pretty incredible that in seven years, we have been able to grow hockey in our community so much that we can now offer more kids the opportunity to play hockey on a league team,” said Miele. “After crushing our 10U and 12U team goal, I hope that we can add a second 14U team over the next couple of years.”

— Matt Mackinder