“I was never able to skate, and then I could skate across the whole place without holding on.”

That is how one Indianapolis Public Schools student described their experience with Our Hockey House—and how a love for hockey can begin.

Our Hockey House makes hockey accessible to the youth of Indianapolis, with a focus on children from underserved communities. Founded in 2022 and connected to the NHL’s Hockey Is For Everyone program, we provide free and affordable opportunities through school and community partnerships, equipment access, supportive instruction, and mentorship.

For many children, this is their first chance to step onto the ice. They arrive unsure, fall, get back up, encourage their friends, and discover what they can do. Along the way, they build confidence, perseverance, and belonging.

One parent shared:

“My kids have gone from not knowing what hockey is to loving it and looking forward to it because of you.”

We want children to have both the opportunity to discover that love and the support to keep going. A family’s finances should never determine whether a child gets to play.

The Need Is Growing

Our Hockey House began with 122 children in our first year—far more than the 10 to 15 we expected. Participation grew to approximately 300 in Year 2 and more than 500 in our most recent program year.

Today, more than 600 children remain on our combined school and community waitlists.

In our 2026 survey of IPS after-school participants:

96% said their skating improved
99% said they wanted to come skating again
95% said they were happier to go to school on skating days

The demand is clear. Meeting it requires dependable people, equipment systems, and ice access that support both first-time participants and children ready for Player Development.

Our 2026–27 Funding Goal: $220,000

Our annual operating goal supports the complete program children need to try hockey safely, develop their skills, and continue playing.

Your support helps fund:

On-ice learning barriers that divide the rink into smaller teaching areas and help us serve different skill levels.
Youth equipment so children can try hockey safely without families purchasing expensive gear upfront.
Equipment storage, drying, cleaning, and sanitation. We have outgrown transporting equipment back and forth. Shared gear needs dedicated space and dependable care between uses.
Ice and facility access to sustain current programs, welcome more children, and support ongoing Player Development.
Transportation assistance and program essentials, including insurance, participant-safety resources, coaching supplies, and apparel that makes coaches and volunteers easy to identify.
The people who make it possible: program leadership, instructors, coaches, mentors, school and family coordination, volunteer management, equipment fitting and care, and ongoing communication.

Why support now: Earlier commitments let us schedule confidently, close equipment and ice gaps, and determine how many children we can welcome and support through Player Development this season.

Become an Early Supporter

Individuals, families, and businesses supporting this campaign help OHH strengthen its programs and prepare responsibly for growth.

Supporters who give $5,000 or more by November 1, 2026 may be recognized, with permission, as 2026–27 Early Leadership Supporters at Our Hockey House: The Next Chapter, our December 3 kickoff fundraising and vision event at Holliday Park. Recognition is optional, and donors may remain anonymous.

This year’s goal funds current programs and 2026–27 operating needs. Our future facility vision and any related capital campaign will be introduced separately.

Help Open the Door

Some children need their first chance to step onto the ice. Others have discovered a love for hockey and need a path to keep going.

Your support gives them both.

Please make a gift, share this campaign, or introduce Our Hockey House to someone who believes every child deserves the opportunity to discover where they belong.

For the Love of Hockey

Making Hockey Accessible - A Place to Start. A Path to Keep Going.