GearUp4Kidz: Increasing Access To Youth Hockey In Johnstown, PA
In the fall of 2023, GearUp4Kidz, a hockey program born out of a community need, took shape in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Its mission: to provide underserved kids with the opportunity to experience the sport of hockey—an activity often limited by the high costs of equipment and ice time. The program’s founders recognized the growing need for affordable access to hockey for children, particularly in a region where the sport is beloved but out of reach for many families.
IDENTIFYING A COMMUNITY NEED
Through their participation in the John B. Gunter Leadership Initiative, Kathy West, Matt Bender, Adam Rogers, and Wes Strawn worked together to create a project around community volunteerism.
Kathy’s love for hockey began later in life, when her daughter took up the sport. After amassing a collection of hockey gear, her daughter jokingly suggested Kathy could start her own journey in the sport. As Kathy’s daughter prepared for college, the idea of repurposing unused equipment sparked an idea. It quickly became clear that there was a gap in the local community around youth hockey access. The team spoke with local hockey coach Ben Webb (now the Jr. Hawks
coach with GearUp4Kidz) and learned that although some programs offered equipment and coaching, they often catered to younger children. For those ages 10-15 — an age group typically overlooked — there was little opportunity to start playing hockey and progress toward middle and high school teams.
Additionally, the financial barrier to entering the sport of hockey is significant. Gear alone can cost upwards of $1,000, and many teams require additional fees for ice time, coaching, and travel. Travel hockey teams can even exceed $2,000 in expenses. As the team began to explore how to make hockey more accessible, they faced the challenge of raising thousands of dollars to cover these costs.
PARTNERSHIPS: A KEY TO SUCCESS
Kathy, Matt, Adam, and Wes designed GearUp4Kidz as a graduation project through their leadership program, combining their professional networks and skills to build a program that addresses both the need for equipment and opportunities to play. The turning point came when Kathy connected with Leveling the Playing Field (LPF). “The first time we walked into the warehouse there was like a light from above,” said Kathy. “We didn’t know what to expect that first time.” added Matt, GearUp4Kidz co-founder. “We were fortunate enough to go through all the gear. We have petite girls and bigger guys. Being able to sort through the variety of sizes and types of gear was amazing.” Without the access to affordable equipment through LPF, Kathy shares, “I don’t know how we would do this program at all.” The donated gear allowed the team to reallocate funds towards coaching and additional ice time, ultimately providing a richer experience for the kids.
Since GearUp4Kidz first applied to receive gear in 2023, LPF has provided the program with over $16.5K worth of hockey gear.
The local junior hockey team, Johnstown Tomahawks, have also been instrumental partners to GearUp4Kidz. Between helping with registration, providing junior hockey players to volunteer, and more, the Tomahawks have helped the program deepen its impact for local kids.
A GROWING PROGRAM WITH LIFELONG BENEFITS
GearUp4Kidz now provides free hockey equipment and a comprehensive 8-week program called “Jr. Hawks” to children in Cambria County, one of the poorest regions in Pennsylvania. The focus of the program is not to create professional athletes but to allow kids to experience hockey, to better appreciate the sport, and to develop life skills like discipline and teamwork.
Kathy notes that this experience is transformative, especially for those who have never been on the ice before. “You can see a difference in just 8 weeks,” she shares. “They start to look like hockey players by the end of it.” One of the standout moments for the children was a field trip to a local hockey game, where they had the chance to walk onto the ice with the players. Reflecting on her personal journey, she shares, “Sports are part of life. I didn’t play sports growing up, but now I’m playing in leagues for adults. There’s no age limit. Anyone can try it.”
For the GearUp4Kidz team, the value of youth sports is clear. Adam shares, “Sports teach you everything you need as an adult. The teamwork, the respect—it’s all so important.” Hockey, in particular, has shown to be a gateway for children to find a community and passion that can last a lifetime.
As GearUp4Kidz continues to grow and impact the lives of local children, the team’s passion for the sport and commitment to providing opportunities for all kids to play will undoubtedly create lasting change in the Johnstown community and beyond.
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Here are ways to get involved with LPF:
