Our Mission
The mission of Marblehead Youth Hockey is to provide for the development of individual physical abilities, moral character through a program of organized competitive hockey, and to foster the development of sportsmanship and team play. To provide, through a program of organized practices, games, and team play opportunities, for the individuals to realize their potential and to develop self-confidence and a sense of responsibility to themselves, their team, and their community.
Our History
A Legacy of Excellence and Sportsmanship Since 1958
What is now known as Marblehead Youth Hockey Association was formed in 1958 by Bud Orne and Collie Williams. Bud and Collie took a group of interested kids and formed the first town league in Marblehead. At the time, town teams for youth sports did not exist. Kids that wanted to play hockey had to play outside of Marblehead. As seen in the picture below, in our first year the kids practiced stick handling in the bowling alley at the old YMCA on Pleasant Street.
The following season, 1959-1960, Bud and Collie purchased ice time at the only ice rink in the area, The Old Lynn Arena. There were a few practices on the ice, but most of the work was done on land. The team couldn't play games or join an official league as none of the kids had helmets nor could afford to purchase them. The Marblehead Women's Club, a charitable organization in town that raised money for local kids in need, donated 12 helmets so they could play games...and the rest is history.
The Oldest Youth Hockey Exchange in North America
The Marblehead - St. Lambert Hockey Exchange is steeped in sportsmanship, camaraderie, and tradition. The origins of the exchange, conceptualized by Bud Orne and Bill Haskell, date back to 1964 when the first tournament was played.
Each year in November, teams from St. Lambert, Canada travel to Marblehead for a 3-day tournament filled with multi-level events. In turn, the Marblehead squads travel to Canada in February. Events include Games, a Skills Tournament, a Rising Stars Mini-Game, Outdoor Pond Hockey, and a Coaches' Game. The St. Lambert Exchange is the highlight of each player's hockey season as they are exposed to a different culture, an action packed weekend, and matched with a supportive billet family. Hockey is what brings the two towns together, but the relationships that have been formed are what has kept the tradition going for over 55 years.