Spokane Jr Chiefs | About us
Spokane Youth Hockey provides programming to over 400 players from across the Spokane area from ages 5-18 each season, beginning with Learn to Play and progressing to 14U and 18U national tournament-bound players with aspirations of college hockey and beyond. Spokane Youth Hockey hosts specialty programs like Sled Hockey, goalie clinics, and girls clinics, off-season (spring/summer) camps and clinics, and supports the area's Special Hockey program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. SAYHA hosts five tournaments each season in addition to hosting state hockey tournaments and festivals.
Founded in 1959 - over 60 years of excellence.
Mission & Values
Spokane Americans Youth Hockey Association (SAYHA) is committed to the athletic and character development of youth hockey players. SAYHA is dedicated to individually developing our youth as hockey players, while promoting leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect as we strive for excellence both on and off the ice.
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Program Philosophy
Spokane Youth Hockey has a long history and tradition of athletic excellence. This tradition was not built overnight. It took years of dedication, commitment, and hard work by many people who love and support the game of hockey. As a Spokane Jr. Chief, you must continue to strive to uphold this high standard of excellence. By becoming a member of a team, Jr. Chiefs have made a choice to uphold certain standards expected of athletes in our organization. These standards are outlined in our Code of Excellence.
Participation as a Jr. Chief is a privilege and should be treated as such. Any time our players, families, or fans wear our logo, you are representing yourself, your family, the Spokane Jr. Chiefs and all those that have worn that crest before you. Behavior should be above reproach in all areas and at all times.
Read more about our program philosophy in our Spokane Youth Hockey Code of Excellence.
RESPONSIBILITIES TO YOURSELF
The most important of these responsibilities is to develop strength of character and positive values and behaviors. You owe it to yourself to get the greatest possible benefit from your hockey experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES TO SPOKANE YOUTH HOCKEY
Another responsibility you assume as a Jr. Chief is to our organization. You assume a leadership role when you are on an a team. Because of this leadership role, you can make positive contributions to our organization and to the Spokane community. In addition, you are a role model for younger Jr. Chiefs. These athletes look up to you and dream of being as successful as we hope you to be. Be sure the example you set is a positive one.
RESPONSIBILITIES TO OTHERS
As a Jr. Chief you also bear a heavy responsibility to your teammates. Jr. Chiefs live up to all of their commitments - every practice, every game, every day. A strong rapport amongst teammates is a vital factor in the ability to be successful. As such, a bad attitude or lack of respect directed at another Jr. Chief - in the locker room, on the bench, on the ice, etc., - will not be tolerated.
Respect for - and responsibility to - individual teammates is paramount to the success of the team.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Spokane Youth Hockey, we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our organization. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the sport of hockey, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities. We embrace the principles outlined by USA Hockey, the National Hockey League (NHL), and the U.S. Center for SafeSport and strive to create an inclusive environment for all players, families, coaches, officials, and volunteers.
We recognize that diversity enriches our community and makes us stronger both on and off the ice. We value and celebrate individual differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, socioeconomic status, and physical or cognitive abilities. We believe that a diverse and inclusive hockey community creates a more equitable and vibrant environment for all involved.
By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we believe that Spokane Youth Hockey can create a positive and enriching experience for all individuals involved. We are dedicated to continuously improving our practices and policies to ensure that hockey remains a sport that welcomes and embraces everyone, regardless of their differences.
Together, we can build a hockey community that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive, and create a lasting legacy for future generations.