Emerald City Ball Hockey

Breaking News Event Recap · July 2026

Grow the Game Day Seattle 2026: A Smash Hit

Breaking barriers · The future is now

The full Grow the Game Day Seattle team gathered in front of the banner at the Frances Anderson Center

USA Ball Hockey's Grow the Game Day Seattle is in the books — but it won't be forgotten anytime soon.

Emerald City Ball Hockey and our partners at USA Ball Hockey hosted Grow the Game Day this past Saturday, July 18th, at the Frances Anderson Center in downtown Edmonds, WA, to a massive turnout — celebrating all things hockey and the movement of ball hockey in Greater Seattle.

The biggest ball hockey event to date in the Puget Sound hosted three clinics across three age groups, each one full of fun, hard play, and new friendships. We kicked it off with our 4–6 year-olds, who set the tone with energy, passion, and fun. Next came our 7–9 year-olds, who ran into a very special guest — Buoy, the Seattle Kraken mascot, made an unexpected visit to the Frances Anderson Center, sending the kids into utter elation.

But it didn't end there. We closed out the day with our 10–13 year-olds and a high-energy game to finish. Each group showed up in large numbers, proving ball hockey is the next great youth sport — knocking down barriers, making our game truly inclusive, and showing that Emerald City Ball Hockey and our sport are for everyone.

Grow the Game Day also welcomed special guests from the Seattle Kraken and the Seattle Torrent, the new women's team fresh off a tremendous first season in the PWHL. Emerald City Ball Hockey brought a top-notch coaching staff led by Liz Crouthamel, the women's director at USA Ball Hockey. Liz was amazing with all of our players and our growing young female audience, while Bob Ruediger and Trampus Adams — from the Seattle Old Snacks and Pacific Pilots of the National Ball Hockey League PNW adult division — ran our passing and shooting stations, bringing even more smiles and passion to the day.

There were giveaways galore, too: every player received a free USA Ball Hockey jersey from 2and10 Apparel, a free stick and ball from our partners at Knapper USA, and even more from the Kraken, the Torrent, and Emerald City Ball Hockey.

"I am humbled and so grateful toward everyone who made Grow the Game Day the best thing we have done to date at Emerald City Ball Hockey. Special thanks to all our coaches and parent volunteers, Kyla with the Kraken Power Play Program, Kaylee and Steph with the Seattle Torrent, Knapper USA, USA Ball Hockey, and especially all the families who chose hockey on a beautiful Pacific Northwest Saturday in the middle of summer. I look forward to the growth of this sport and our community. The best is yet to come — now that we have a home for our first-ever Emerald City Ball Hockey League."

— Coach Salvatore

Join us for our remaining summer events on August 1st — a small-group Skills Session and our signature Scrimmage Series. We also have a few seats left for Summer Camp, August 17–21, before fall programming begins in October and we get ready for the first-ever Emerald City Ball Hockey League in 2027. Stay tuned for the official announcement and league location, coming soon.

Aug 1 Skills Session → Aug 1 Scrimmage Series → Summer Camp (Aug 17–21) → Join the League Interest List →

It takes a community to make anything great. Thank you all for being part of ours on Saturday. Message Coach Salvatore with any questions — and remember, the best is yet to come.

Coach Salvatore Ippolito
"Hockey is for everybody"

Now Booking June 2026

Stickhandling, Smiles & Summer Fun: ECBH Summer Skills Session Is Here!

Coach Salvatore leading a skills session

Picking up a stick for the first time? Or looking to grow the skills you've started building with ECBH? This Summer Skills Session is the perfect next step.

Join Coach Salvatore for a high-energy, beginner-friendly Summer Skills Session designed for players ages 6–9 who are new to ball hockey or have little experience with ECBH.

With 45+ years of hockey experience, Coach Salvatore will guide players through the fundamentals that make hockey fun — while helping kids build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy the game.

This one-hour small group session (maximum 6 players) will focus on the three building blocks of hockey:

🏒

Stickhandling

Learning ball control and confidence with the stick.

🏒

Passing

Learning how to give and receive passes.

🏒

Shooting

Building accuracy and learning that scoring goals is FUN!

Most importantly, players will leave feeling more comfortable, confident, and excited to keep playing.

Whether your child has joined us before or this will be their very first ECBH experience, everyone is welcome. This is the perfect first step into ball hockey and a great introduction to future ECBH programs and the Emerald City Ball Hockey League.

Space is extremely limited — reserve your spot today!

📅 Saturday, August 1st
⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main St, Edmonds, WA
👧🧒 Ages 6–9 · Beginner / Little Experience Preferred
💵 $40 per player · Max 6 spots

Come learn, play, and have some summer hockey fun with Coach Salvatore!

Reserve Your Spot ($40) Questions? Contact Coach Salvatore

Program Recap May 2026

Coach Salvatore and ECBH putting the E for Excitement in After-School Enrichment

ECBH after-school program in action at Chase Lake Elementary

Emerald City Ball Hockey recently concluded several exciting after-school enrichment programs across Greater Seattle, including two new schools in Everett and Edmonds, along with our top school program in Lynnwood. We welcomed Hawthorne Elementary (Everett) and Chase Lake Elementary (Edmonds) to ECBH ball hockey programming this winter, alongside another standout program at our longest-standing school, Beverly Elementary.

65 total kids got their ball hockey on across these schools in a fun, fast, safe, and inclusive environment from different ages and skill levels. They left wanting more, and returns have been planned for the 2026-2027 school year.

"Emerald City Ball Hockey would like to thank the amazing school staff members who make this happen, giving their students a new sports experience that they otherwise would never have known this version of hockey was even available to them. We also thank the Seattle Kraken's Power Play Ball Hockey program and One Roof Foundation, who offer funding to several Title-1 schools across Greater Seattle. And most importantly, the families who entrust ECBH with their kids."
— Coach Salvatore Ippolito, Founder, Emerald City Ball Hockey

"Our elementary school ball hockey program thrived, bringing kids of all skill levels together to grow their teamwork, confidence, and make new friends along the way. A special thank you to Coach Salvatore. Each week our students eagerly anticipated the scrimmages and cheered one another on with excitement."
— Rachael Bauer, Chase Lake Elementary

Emerald City Ball Hockey is now taking requests for after-school enrichment and public programming for the 2026-2027 school year. If you are a school (public or private), parks program, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, church with a gym, or any organization ready to give kids a new youth sports experience, look no further. We also have a few weeks of slots remaining for 2026 Summer Camps.

School Interest Form Contact Coach Salvatore

Game Recap April 2026

The Future is Now: ECBH Signature Scrimmage Series Delivers Again

Watch the highlights

Our Emerald City Ball Hockey Signature Scrimmage Series continued this past Saturday at the Frances Anderson Center in Edmonds with an amazing match. Team Blue took a late 3-2 lead, only to have Team White come back, tie, and win the game late, adding an empty netter for an exciting 5-3 win. Both teams had tremendous chances throughout the entire game.

The level of play was competitive, fast, fun, and thrilling for the many parents in attendance, giving a sneak preview of the energy you can expect from the future Emerald City Ball Hockey League coming this fall. It was a special day and proved the power of our growing ball hockey community, as our game featured boys and girls spread across several ECBH programs — from Beverly Elementary, to Redmond, to Hawthorne Elementary, to new fans coming from Snohomish, and some from our local program at the Frances Anderson Center.

Ball hockey is the next great youth sport in Greater Seattle, and we want you to be a part of it.

League Interest Form USA Ball Hockey Grow the Game

Breaking News June 2026

The Wait Is Over! Grow the Game Day (Free) Officially Lands in Downtown Edmonds at the Frances Anderson Center

It's official. The biggest youth ball hockey community event of the Summer officially has a location.

On Saturday, July 18th, Emerald City Ball Hockey and USA Ball Hockey are teaming up to host Grow the Game, a FREE community ball hockey event at the Frances Anderson Center (700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020) from 10am to 1pm. Check session times for your child.

This special event is all about introducing more kids and families to the fun, growing sport of ball hockey while celebrating everything that makes youth sports great: friendship, teamwork, community, fun, and healthy activity.

Whether your child is already playing hockey or has never touched a stick before, Grow the Game is the perfect opportunity to jump in and experience the excitement. No experience or skates required, just bring comfortable athletic clothes, running shoes, and be prepared to have a great time.

What Participants Can Look Forward To

Fun ball hockey games and activities
Skill stations led by experienced coaches
Free giveaways and prizes
A welcoming environment for all experience levels
Opportunities to meet new friends and be part of our growing hockey community
A potential huge special guest that young hockey fans won't want to miss

Our goal is simple: introduce more families to the sport and create an unforgettable day of fun for kids throughout the Edmonds community and beyond.

Already registered? Invite a friend! One of the best ways to grow the game is by sharing it with someone who has never tried ball hockey before. The more kids who participate, the more exciting and impactful this event becomes for everyone involved.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, July 18th, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
Ages: 4-6, 7-9, 10-13 (check session times)
Cost: FREE

Spaces are limited. Reserve your spot today and join us for this celebration of hockey, community, and summer fun.

Send direct questions to Coach Sal and our team via our contact page. We can't wait to see you on July 18th at the Frances Anderson Center!

Let's Grow the Game together!

Register Now Contact Coach Salvatore

Game Recap March 2026

What a Game. Thrilling Finish in Lynnwood.

Beverly Elementary ball hockey game highlights

Watch the highlights

Big dogs eat at Beverly Elementary. Our awesome after-school program in Lynnwood showed the power of ball hockey and what to expect for the future of this sport in Greater Seattle and the entire Pacific Northwest. Team White scored at the buzzer to force overtime and pulled out a heart-pounding 7-6 comeback win. There were heroes on both sides of the ball in this game and an excellent match from start to finish.

Not only that, but Kyla from the Seattle Kraken Power Play Ball Hockey program was in attendance for this amazing game. This was just a sample of what you can expect in an after-school ECBH enrichment program and in our future Emerald City Ball Hockey League.

Are you ready for a new youth sports experience? Fill out our league interest form below. And if your school is ready for a game-changing after-school enrichment program for the 2026-2027 school year, share with your PE teacher or PTSA and fill out our school interest form below.

Special thank you to Regina at Beverly Elementary, to the Seattle Kraken Power Play Ball Hockey program, and the One Roof Foundation.

League Interest Form School Interest Form

Special Feature February 2026

US Men's and Women Win Gold in Milan, Italy

How the 1980 Miracle on Ice Changed My Life and How 2026 Men's and Women's Olympic Gold May Shape Your Child's

February 22nd, 1980, is the reason I stand here before you today. As a nine-year-old boy growing up in Long Island, New York, I was not yet into hockey. I knew what hockey was and became curious about the sport from photos I would see in my school's encyclopedia. But not yet on my journey to living my purpose.

But something happened on this Winter Day in 1980 that would make me a hockey fan forever. The United States Men's Olympic Hockey Team was supposed to be nowhere near the medal podium in Lake Placid, New York. Especially with a bunch of college kids competing in a tournament with the famed Soviet Union, who at that time were the bad guy and the greatest hockey team in the world...

Just two weeks earlier, the 1980 Men's Olympic hockey team played an exhibition match with the Russian Red Machine in the world's most famous arena at Madison Square Garden before the games and was blown out 10-3. And it should have been worse than that. Men versus boys. The USA by all accounts and by everyone had NO chance.

But on Feb 22nd, 1980, in a cold little rink in the New York Mountains, a hockey game became the greatest event in US sports history and perhaps all of sports history. With exactly 10:00 left in the game and miraculously tied 3-3, Mike Eruzione scored to give the United States an incredible 4-3 lead. But there were still 10 minutes left to hold off the greatest hockey power on the planet.

My mom and dad, understanding what was happening and the significance of it, woke 9-year-old Salvatore out of bed to watch the last 10:00. Holding on with our last gasps of breath until the final buzzer, the US withstood everything from the Russians until five, four, three, two, one....... and the most famous call in sports history from Al Michaels.

"DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES? YESSSSSSSSSSSS"

Life changed forever. What if they did not get me out of bed that night?

46 years later to the day, Jack Hughes scored at 1:41 of overtime to give the Americans a heart-pounding 2-1 overtime win versus Canada, and Team USA's first gold medal since the 1980 Miracle on Ice. Not only that, but days earlier the USA Women's National Team, on the heels of a memorable move from Megan Keller, scored also versus Canada at 4:07 into overtime to give the Women gold by the same 2-1 overtime score.

Team USA Men and Women are golden!!!

These are the kind of sporting moments through the eyes of young boys and girls that they will remember forever. Like 1980, which inspired a whole new generation of hockey fans—myself included—and players, 2026 will do the same. The big difference now as compared to 1980 is that there is more access to the game than ever. Skates, sneakers, or both. The game is now truly for everyone, and kids have more access and resources than we ever had. This is just one of many reasons the pure excitement of hockey makes it the greatest sport in the world.

My hope is that you tell your children, if they are into sports, how important this moment is. I hope they can take in the significance of this rare special time in US sports history and that I can light an even brighter flame in that inspiration. Join us in 2026, starting with our first ball hockey league later this year and our free Grow the Game event with USA Ball Hockey on July 18th. Your future is golden.

— Coach Salvatore Ippolito
Emerald City Ball Hockey
"Hockey is for everybody"

USA Ball Hockey Grow the Game - Register League Interest Form

The Time is Now: Building Greater Seattle's First Ever Emerald City Youth Ball Hockey League 🏒

December 2025

Something exciting is taking shape within Emerald City Ball Hockey — and we want you and your family to be part of it from the very beginning.

In 2026, we're planning to finally launch our first-ever youth ball hockey league, created specifically for boys and girls who love hockey, sport, competing, learning, making new friends and having fun in a positive, inclusive, high-energy environment. This league has been a long-time dream and a long time coming, inspired by the incredible response we've seen from kids and parents from all our school programs, camps, and clinics across the community from one side of the lake to the other.

Right now, we're in the listening and planning phase.

That means there are no official details just yet — no schedules, divisions, or locations to announce today. What we do know is that families have been asking for more opportunities to play, and we want to build this league the right way, shaped by the interest and needs of the community. So, if your child is ready for a new groundbreaking youth sports experience, fill out our interest form below. Direct any general questions to Coach Salvatore on the contact page.

Be a part of the first Emerald City Ball Hockey League — Sponsored by USA Ball Hockey (the premier governing body of ball hockey in the country), Knapper (the premier ball hockey equipment manufacturer), and supported by the Seattle Kraken Power Play program.

Fill Out Interest Form Contact Us

Emerald City Ball Hockey Welcomes Chase Lake Elementary

January 2026

Emerald City Ball Hockey is excited to announce our new school partnership with Chase Lake Elementary School, of the Edmonds School District. Launching a six-week after-school ball hockey enrichment program to students beginning February 2026 with a special thank you to the Seattle Kraken Power Play Program and One Roof Foundation. We are anticipating high participation and we are excited to raise awareness of ball hockey to new students.

Growing Demand for ECBH and New Youth Sport Activities

This partnership highlights the continued growing demand for ECBH and the need for new youth sport activities across Greater Seattle, as families continue to look for fun, active, affordable, and inclusive programs that keep kids moving and engaged while learning other skills and making new friends. Emerald City Ball Hockey is leading the way.

More schools and families are turning to Emerald City Ball Hockey for a new youth sport experience that is easily accessible and welcoming to everyone. Our programs are designed for boys and girls of all ages and skill levels, making hockey available without the traditional barriers of ice, skating, expensive equipment, and a never-ending schedule.

Chase Lake Elementary students will learn the fundamentals of ball hockey while building confidence, teamwork, coordination, and sportsmanship—skills that support both physical and mental development. Things you can expect in every ECBH Ball Hockey program. Each partnership allows us to create meaningful impact by offering high-quality after-school sports enrichment that supports students, families, and school communities.

Who's Next? Bring Emerald City Ball Hockey to Your Community

Looking for new youth sport activities for after-school sports programs at your school, district, parks and recreation, boys and girls club, church or other?

📩 Reach out to Coach Salvatore on our contact page to learn more about the hottest growing youth ball hockey program in Greater Seattle—to learn how we can bring a fun, inclusive, and high-energy hockey experience to your students.

Fill Out Our School Interest Form Contact Coach Salvatore

Discover Ball Hockey in Downtown Edmonds! New exciting format for 2026.

Frances Anderson Center Winter Classes - Registration Opens December 1st

November 2025

Kids playing ball hockey at Edmonds program

Discover Ball Hockey. The hottest new youth sport sweeping the Puget Sound, region, nation and yes the world is back at the Frances Anderson Center! We're excited to announce that starting January 9th, Emerald City Ball Hockey will be hosting our 1st ever age-skill appropriate weekly classes. This new format and classes will feature smaller groups with more instruction and enjoyment to learn at your own pace. Working on your skills for the first ever Emerald City Ball Hockey League coming in 2026. So warm up your Winter with Coach Salvatore and Emerald City Ball Hockey. Seats per session will be limited. So, sign up fast. Registration opens Monday, December 1st.

Program Details:

When: Winter Session #1, January 9 – February 13, 2026 (6 weeks)
When: Winter Session #2, February 20 – March 27, 2026 (6 weeks)
Where: Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main Street, Edmonds, WA
Ages 6-9: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Ages 10-13: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cost: $159 resident - $179 non-resident per player (all equipment provided) - Sneakers / Gym shoes only requirement
Max seats per class: 12 (Coed)
Supported by: Seattle Kraken Power Play Program
Sponsored by: USA Ball Hockey. The governing body of ball hockey in the United States

Ball hockey combines the excitement of ice hockey without the skates, the ice, the expense, the high probability of injury. Removing all barriers and making it truly all inclusive. Our program focuses on skill development, teamwork, and having a blast while learning the fundamentals of hockey. Participants will learn the skills used by the best ball hockey players in the world tied with the ability to learn at your own pace. Whether your child is a first-timer or looking to build on existing skills, Coach Sal and Emerald City Ball Hockey creates a fun, welcoming, energetic environment where every player can thrive.

Space is limited, so don't wait! Registration opens December 1st through the Edmonds Parks and Recreation website.

Ready to register? Visit Edmonds Parks & Recreation to sign up.

Have questions? Contact us today to learn more about bringing ball hockey to your family or community!

WE'RE EXPANDING!

After School Ball Hockey Enrichment Programs Available

November 2025

Emerald City Ball Hockey is coming off its most successful season yet, and we're excited to announce a new opportunity for schools and community programs to bring ball hockey to even more young athletes!

Due to the growing popularity of Floorball - Ball Hockey, we've expanded to include After School Enrichment Programs at elementary schools throughout the Greater Seattle area. Our six-week sessions introduce students (grades 2-5) to the fundamentals of hockey in a safe, engaging, and energetic setting. Each one-hour class focuses on skill-building, teamwork, and—most importantly—having fun on the rink!

Ready to join the ball hockey revolution? Inquire today to get started!

Interest Form Contact Us

The New School: Emerald City Ball Hockey Partners with Hawthorne Elementary!

November 2025

Emerald City Ball Hockey partnership with Hawthorne Elementary

Emerald City Ball Hockey is thrilled to announce our newest school partnership with Hawthorne Elementary in Everett, WA! Starting this January, we'll be bringing our exciting six-week afterschool Ball Hockey program to Hawthorne students. Classes will run Monday's from 3:00–4:00 PM, giving a new set of kids (grades 2-5) the chance to learn the fundamentals of hockey in a fun, safe, and active environment. This is our first program in the Greater Everett area, home to the Western Hockey League's Everett Silvertips.

This particular partnership is made possible thanks to the incredible support from the One Roof Foundation and the Seattle Kraken, whose generous grant funding to certain Title-1 schools helps us continue expanding access to youth ball hockey across the Greater Seattle area. Allowing Emerald City Ball Hockey to give access to this great sport to all students. Their commitment to growing the game and supporting local communities allows us to make a positive impact—one school at a time.

We can't wait to introduce Hawthorne students to the fast-paced fun of ball hockey, where they'll build teamwork, confidence, and a love for the game!

Are you next? If you're ready to bring Ball Hockey enrichment to your school, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA or City program, Click the contact tab and reach out to Coach Salvatore Today.

Featured Story

Inspiring the Next Generation of Ball Hockey on Long Island - USA Ball Hockey

Coach Sal inspiring the next generation of ball hockey on Long Island through USA Ball Hockey clinics and programs.

Coach Sal with USA Ball Hockey on Long Island

News

Grow the Game Day Seattle 2026: A Smash Hit

Stickhandling, Smiles & Summer Fun: ECBH Summer Skills Session Is Here!

Stickhandling

Passing

Shooting

Coach Salvatore and ECBH putting the E for Excitement in After-School Enrichment

The Future is Now: ECBH Signature Scrimmage Series Delivers Again

The Wait Is Over! Grow the Game Day (Free) Officially Lands in Downtown Edmonds at the Frances Anderson Center

What Participants Can Look Forward To

Event Details

What a Game. Thrilling Finish in Lynnwood.

US Men's and Women Win Gold in Milan, Italy

The Time is Now: Building Greater Seattle's First Ever Emerald City Youth Ball Hockey League 🏒

Emerald City Ball Hockey Welcomes Chase Lake Elementary

Growing Demand for ECBH and New Youth Sport Activities

Who's Next? Bring Emerald City Ball Hockey to Your Community

Discover Ball Hockey in Downtown Edmonds! New exciting format for 2026.

Frances Anderson Center Winter Classes - Registration Opens December 1st

WE'RE EXPANDING!

After School Ball Hockey Enrichment Programs Available

The New School: Emerald City Ball Hockey Partners with Hawthorne Elementary!

Featured Story

Special thanks to USA Ball Hockey for their support!

Special thanks to
USA Ball Hockey for their support!