Greensboro Youth Hockey Association

GYHA News

Latest Update: December 21, 2007

GYHA and WSYHA considering merger...

To all youth ice hockey families in the Triad region, This letter is from both the Greensboro Youth Hockey Association and the Winston-Salem Youth Hockey Association to inform you that we have begun to explore the feasibility of the two organizations joining together to form a single youth hockey organization for the Triad region. Our goal in looking at this is simple; to increase the quality of, and opportunities to play, youth hockey in our area. Our premise is that a single, integrated organization will strengthen the programs and provide more options for youth players at all skill levels, and all age groups.

We understand the difficulties in attempting a change of this scope. At this point, we are exploring this idea to better understand the challenges that face us. To do this, we have formed a steering committee, with representatives from both organizations, to create options for the boards of both organizations to consider.

Both organizations understand that the parents of the players have an important voice in a process like this. When the steering committee has formed their recommendations, we will hold "town hall" type meetings to allow parents to ask questions and share their opinions.

We are looking at this endeavor with the 2008 - 2009 season in mind. We may make some transitional steps in the upcoming 2007 - 2008 season, but no decisions have been made yet. In the meantime, both organizations are operating "business as usual."

We pledge to keep you posted as this process continues.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Chris Dewar President, Winston-Salem Youth Hockey Association
Shelby Montgomery Greensboro Youth Hockey Association

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Illness can't stop hockey coach
By Tara Holland, Staff Writer
News and Record, September 5, 2006
"Mike Mollison takes pride in knowing hockey from all sides of the game. ... Mollison was diagnosed with ALS on March 15..." (Full article...)

GYHA Coach Mike Mollison Receives The Southeastern District Volunteer Of The Year Award

The Volunteer of the Year award is presented each year in recognition of an outstanding volunteer within the District. This year's recipient is Mike Mollison of Greensboro, North Carolina. Mike is a coach and volunteer with the Greensboro Youth Hockey Association and was diagnosed this past season with ALS. He has given to the local hockey community as a volunteer, coach, and referee for countless years.

Mike Mollison accepts the SE District Volunteer of the Year award with his sons Jeremy and Lucas from CAHA President Ken Rosenbaum

During the 2005-2006 season, Mike was the head coach of the GYHA Midget 16 & Under Tier II team. Even after being diagnosed and suffering from the cruel debilitating effects of ALS, when he was barely able to walk anymore, he never gave up and stayed with the team through the completion of the affiliate championship, the Ryan D. Sobiech Memorial Tournament. What Mike Mollison taught his players about dedication and determination was personal and first hand. For his loyalty and courage, he is recognized as the Southeastern District Volunteer of the Year. Click here for CAHA announcement!

After a long battle with ALS, our friend and coach Mike Mollison passed away on Weds. October 3rd.