About
Emerald City
Ball Hockey
Mission Statement
Emerald City Ball Hockey is dedicated to showing the world that all hockey matters—and that there’s always a place for you in this game, even if you’ve never worn or ever wear a pair of skates.
Our mission is to put sticks in as many hands as possible, breaking down barriers and making the sport accessible to every child regardless of background or experience. We emphasize youth physical and mental wellness while teaching life skills that are simple yet essential for success in everyday life.
Through the joy of play, we foster new friendships, create lasting childhood memories, and open doors to competitive opportunities through national and international governing bodies.
About
Coach Sal
Coach Salvatore Ippolito
Founder of Emerald City Ball Hockey
Known affectionately in the community as "Coach Salvatore," Salvatore Ippolito has dedicated his life to the game of hockey. His journey began on Long Island, where he played competitive ball hockey for over 20 years, traveling up and down the East Coast to participate in tournaments.
In 2000, he took his passion south to Florida, where he spent 12 years with the Florida Panthers organization in media relations and as an official statistician. During that time, he also served as the head of USA Hockey Inline for 8 years, helping grow the sport at both the grassroots and national levels.
After relocating to Seattle in 2013, Coach Salvatore launched Emerald City Floorball (now Emerald City Ball Hockey) in 2019. What began as a single after-school program has grown into over 15 school and city programs throughout the region, heading into the 2025–2026 season.
His next vision is to establish the first-ever Emerald City Ball Hockey League and advocate for the development of the region’s first dedicated ball hockey rink.
Coach Salvatore still actively competes as a member of the National Ball Hockey League and is a four-time Pacific Northwest Division champion. Off the court, he’s a devoted father to a 13-year-old daughter and lives with his wife in Mill Creek, Washington.
About
Emerald City
Ball Hockey
Emerald City Ball Hockey is a youth-focused organization promoting wellness through active play and reducing screen time. Founded five years ago, we've grown from a single school to offering after-school enrichment programs at over a dozen schools across Seattle.
With the rise of the Kraken and growing local interest in hockey, our mission is to expand access to ball hockey and build a thriving community around the sport. We're planning to launch the Emerald City Ball Hockey League this January and envision a dedicated rink with a pro shop and locker rooms in the years ahead.
Our goals include expanding program visibility, attracting sponsors, and building partnerships with PTAs, schools, and community organizations. We work closely with PE teachers and PTA leaders, ensuring safe and fun programming for students across the region.
Follow along as we ramp up our social presence, launch our new website, and grow the game—one school at a time.
Special thanks to
USA Ball Hockey for their support!
