named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Clinics
Youth hockey clinics for ages 4–8, focusing on skill development; includes beginner sessions with equipment provided.
House Hockey
Recreational-level hockey for youth, serving as an entry point for players of all skill levels in age groups from Mini-Mite to Midget.
Luke Gould Memorial Tournament
Annual spring tournament for Squirt-level house teams in memory of WSYHA goalie Luke Gould.
Sabres Learn To Play
Beginner program for first-time participants ages 4–9, offering free equipment and instruction led by Sabres alumni and USA Hockey-certified coaches.
Travel Hockey
Competitive Tier II boys and girls teams for players aged 6–18, competing across Western New York and Southern Ontario.
activities · 5 groups
What they do
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Youth Ice Hockey Development 2 activities
- Deliver skill development clinics for new and existing youth hockey playersHosts hockey and goalie clinics for children ages 4 to 8, including a Learn to Play program offering free head-to-toe equipment, age-appropriate instruction, and certified coaching led by NHL alumni, with sessions held at the West Seneca Rink.
- Operate youth hockey programs for boys and girls across competitive and recreational levelsProvides youth hockey programming for over 800 players through 19 Tier II travel teams, 27 house teams, development programs, and clinics for players aged 6 to 18, including Tier II boys and girls teams competing in Western New York and Southern Ontario.
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Youth Sports Safety & Risk Management 1 activity
- Administer player and coach registration and compliance programsCharges a $25 fee for youth hockey tryout registration, requires coaches to register annually with USA Hockey, complete background screenings, and fulfill Safe Sport Training and age-specific certification modules, including a $60 annual certification clinic.
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Youth Sports Community Events 1 activity
- Host youth hockey tournaments and showcase eventsOrganizes the annual Luke Gould Memorial Tournament each March for Squirt House players and hosts multiple AA showcase events and the Luke Gould squirt house tournament at the West Seneca town rink.
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Ice Rink Operations and Winter Sports Programming 1 activity
- Manage and operate the West Seneca Town Rink for hockey and recreational skatingOperates the West Seneca Town Rink as a venue for hockey and recreational skating, serving as home rink for the Wings youth hockey team, hosting WSCSD Fed Hockey Teams and Club Hockey games and practices, and offering public skate sessions and on-site amenities including a pro shop, concessions stand, and renovated locker rooms.
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Youth Sports Access and Equipment Support 1 activity
- Offer financial incentives and support for participationProvides a $50 discount on league fees for participants who register for the 2026/27 WSYHA season and offers free equipment and instruction through the Learn to Play program to lower barriers to entry.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$1.01M
Contributions & grants$00%
Program service revenue$1.01M100%
Investment income$740%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$940K
Program expenses100%
Admin / overhead0%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineOther
balance sheet
Total assets$845K
Cash$559K
Investments$0
Liabilities$393K
Net assets$452K
Liquid reserves7.1 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +31.7%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 12
- CHRIS CIAMAGA — COACHING AND DEVELOPMENT
- DAVE COX JR — ICE SCHEDULER AND WEBMASTER
- DAVID COX SR — CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDSQUIRT DIRECT
- ERIC DANAT — TREASURER
- JAMES SCHOENHALS — PRESIDENT
- ROBERT PATTISON — SEARGEANT AT ARMS
- STEVE SCHAEFER — SECRETARY AND MINI MITE DIRECTOR
- TIM ACKER — REGISTRAR
- TIM TRAPP — PEEWEE DIRECTOR
- TIM WEIXELMANN — MITE DIRECTOR
- TIMOTHY WEIXLMANN JR — VP HOUSE HOCKEY
- TIMOTHY WEIXLMANN SR — VP TRAVEL HOCKEY
relationships · 13
Who they work with
- Depew Ice Arena Partner — Uses Depew Ice Arena as a venue for youth hockey tryouts and practices.
- Hockey Canada Partner — Developed the Learn to Play initiative with input from Hockey Canada experts.
- NHL Network — Participates in the NHL/NHLPA Learn to Play initiative as the local implementation site.
- NHLPA Network — Part of the NHL/NHLPA Learn to Play initiative, indicating affiliation with the joint NHL and NHLPA program.
- Sabres Alumni Partner — NHL alumni associated with the Buffalo Sabres provide on-ice instruction and coaching in the program.
- USA Hockey Partner — Collaborates with USA Hockey on program development and to promote the American Development Model.
- USA Hockey Partner — Partners with USA Hockey to deliver coaching certification and education programs.
- WSCSD Fed Hockey Teams Partner — Hosts WSCSD Fed Hockey Teams at the West Seneca Town Rink for games and practices.
- West Seneca Ice Arena Partner — Uses West Seneca Ice Arena as a venue for youth hockey tryouts and practices.
- West Seneca town rink Partner — Hosts the Luke Gould squirt house tournament and AA showcase events.
- Western New York Amateur Hockey League Network — Member organization participating in regional hockey league
- Western New York Amateur Hockey League Network — WSYHA is a member organization competing within the league structure.
- contact us Partner — General contact point for house hockey inquiries
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Barrier Reduction Through Equipment Access and Role-Model Coachingmethodology: barrier-free_entryBy providing free equipment and instruction from certified coaches and NHL alumni, the organization increases access for first-time participants because removing financial and experiential barriers creates an inclusive, engaging introduction to hockey that encourages sustained participation.
- Character Development Through Sportsmethodology: character-development-through-sportsBy integrating athletic training with character building and core values, the organization promotes holistic youth development because sports provide a structured environment where personal growth and ethical behavior are reinforced through teamwork, discipline, and mentorship.
- Developmental Pathway Modelmethodology: developmental_pathwayBy offering house leagues as an entry-level program aligned with age-specific coaching, the organization builds foundational skills and prepares youth for competitive play because a staged, developmentally appropriate progression increases retention, skill mastery, and long-term engagement.