About Us
Our Mission
The mission of SLVYHA is to provide youth in our area with competitive opportunities to experience the great game of ice hockey. We aim to create a program where every participant can enjoy a positive, character-building experience that fosters a lifelong passion for the sport.
We emphasize education, personal growth, teamwork, and sportsmanship as core values. We hold board members, coaches, players, and parents to high standards of conduct, cultivating a positive culture that honors the sport and represents an organization our community can be proud of.
SLVYHA is dedicated to offering a safe, organized hockey program for the youth of the San Luis Valley. By providing a supportive learning environment, we challenge players to grow in every aspect of the game. As an all-volunteer organization, we remain committed to keeping expenses as low as possible to make hockey accessible for all.
Our History
The San Luis Valley Youth Hockey Association (SLVYHA) was founded to support young athletes in the San Luis Valley who have outgrown the City of Alamosa Parks and Recreation hockey program and wish to continue playing organized ice hockey. For decades, ice hockey has been a part of our community’s culture, with locals skating on frozen ponds and reservoirs. In March 2010, a passionate group of hockey enthusiasts came together to form SLVYHA, aiming to provide a safe, organized, and competitive environment for youth ages 13 to 19—those beyond the age range of the City’s youth program, which is limited to ages 5 to 12.
Since then, SLVYHA has expanded its offerings and now provides hockey opportunities for ages 9 to 18 (or up to age 19 for high school seniors). We are affiliated with USA Hockey and the Colorado Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA), allowing our players to compete within CAHA-approved “Flex” programs, USA Hockey divisions, and 18U teams. Our teams compete against other USA Hockey programs throughout Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, proudly representing the San Luis Valley.
A significant milestone for SLVYHA came in the spring of 2018 when we collaborated with the City of Alamosa to open a multi-use facility. This facility includes an ice rink during the colder months, which has enabled us to run our youth hockey program consistently each season. Prior to this, the program operated on a weather-dependent outdoor rink at Carroll Park in Alamosa, a charming venue with boards, glass, benches, and lights, as well as a warming and changing house. This rink, while slightly narrower than regulation size, even had its own Zamboni to maintain quality ice. Although it has been decommissioned, it remains a beloved part of our history.
SLVYHA is completely volunteer-driven. We are committed to keeping player costs as low as possible, especially given our community’s economic challenges. Thanks to the City’s support in providing affordable ice time, along with generous contributions from community sponsors and dedicated player fundraising efforts, we can significantly offset costs. Additionally, registration scholarships may be available to further reduce financial barriers, ensuring that our program remains accessible to all participants.
Together, we are building a vibrant, enduring tradition of hockey in the San Luis Valley. Join us in keeping this remarkable legacy alive and thriving!