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 Salvatore
Coach Salvatore Ippolito
Founder of Emerald City Ball Hockey
Coach Salvatore is widely recognized by many throughout the Pacific Northwest as the leading authority in ball hockey, bringing 45 years of experience in the game and a lifetime of knowledge, teaching, and leadership to every program he leads. Known for his deep expertise, passion for player development, and ability to introduce the sport in a way that is fun, structured, and accessible, he has become one of the most trusted names in ball hockey across the region — and his reputation is now growing across the nation. From his hometown where he honed his skills on Long Island, New York, to Tucson, Arizona.
Over the past 5 years, Coach Salvatore has coached in schools and parks & recreation programs, specializing in beginner instruction for boys and girls ages 5–13. His programs are carefully designed to help first-time players build confidence, learn proper fundamentals, develop teamwork, and enjoy the game from the very beginning. By organizing players into age-based segments and teaching in a positive, energetic environment, he creates a learning experience that is both effective and memorable.
What sets Coach Salvatore apart is not just the length of his experience, but the authority and credibility he brings to every organization he works with. Schools, parks & recreation departments, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, church centers, athletic centers, and community organizations can trust that they are partnering with someone who has spent decades mastering the game and understands how to teach it at a recreational level to new players — and at a higher level to experienced players when necessary. His program is especially valuable for organizations looking to offer a beginner-friendly youth sports experience led by a true expert.
Throughout the Pacific Northwest, Coach Salvatore — also an accredited Grow-the-Game Coach with USA Ball Hockey — has built a reputation not only as a coach, but as a respected ambassador for ball hockey across the nation: someone who knows the game deeply, teaches it effectively, and helps young players discover confidence, enjoyment, and enthusiasm through sport. For families, organizations, and communities looking for the very best in youth ball hockey instruction, Coach Salvatore represents experience, trust, and leadership at the highest level.
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 supporters, 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!
