Steamboat Springs Youth Hockey Association

Keep Kids on the Ice. Give Them More Than Hockey.

For many families in the Yampa Valley, the cost of youth hockey can be a significant financial challenge. Steamboat Springs Youth Hockey Association has committed $15,000 to financial aid this year, but we know there are more families who could benefit from assistance. Our goal is to raise additional funds through Colorado Gives so we can say “yes” to more families who need help and ensure that a child’s opportunity to play hockey isn’t determined by their family’s financial circumstances.

Youth hockey is about so much more than learning to skate, pass, and shoot. It teaches discipline, resilience, accountability, teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. It creates friendships and a sense of belonging. 

As one former player shared:

“Playing hockey has given me discipline, accountability, escape, and a great work ethic… Every year, we are family. Our job as teammates is to hold each other to a higher standard at practice and games and off the ice as well.”

Another player described what hockey has given them this way:

“Youth hockey has shaped me far beyond the rink, teaching me discipline, resilience, and leadership… Most importantly, hockey has shown me the value of teamwork and perseverance.”

And sometimes, the lessons are as simple — and as lasting — as learning how to handle failure:

“I developed the ability to laugh off mistakes, learn communication, and how to lead a team.”

Help Us Help More Kids Play

Steamboat Springs is a small mountain community, and hockey families make significant commitments of time, travel, and resources to give their children the opportunity to play. We have already set aside $15,000 for financial aid, but we want to do more.

Every additional dollar raised through Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day will go toward expanding our financial aid program and helping more local families afford the opportunity to play.

A financial aid gift doesn’t just help pay a registration fee. It helps a child:

• Find their team and their community
• Build confidence and resilience
• Learn how to work hard and overcome adversity
• Develop lifelong friendships
• Experience the pride of contributing to something bigger than themselves

As a former player put it:

“Not only did I meet my future friends for life, but I also learned crucial lessons that I will take with me forever.”

This Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day, help us build on our $15,000 commitment and make sure more kids have the opportunity to experience the game, the team, and the lifelong lessons that come with it.