The History of Thousand Islands Youth Hockey

Hockey in Clayton has a proud and rich heritage.  For several years in the late 1960's and early 1970s, teams of multi-age kids began to play the game of hockey here.  Indoor ice was not available which led to many trips early in the morning across the border to Gananoque or down the river to Alexandria Bay.  When the weather turned cold an outside rink in Clayton, near the Lions Field was utilized as well.  In March of 1973 various town leaders met to officially discuss the formation of the Clayton Minor Hockey Association.  Mr. Earl Cole acted as chairman and out-lined what had to be done for the organization to join the New York State Amateur Hockey Association.  All members present unanimously voted to form the association and the first slate of officers were elected.  The officers were:  Alvan Taylor-President, Joseph Turcotte-Vice President, Richard Haycock-Secretary, Louis Constantino-Treasurer, and Suzanne Turcotte-Publicity.  The meeting also led to the formation of a Board of Directors who included Mrs. Dorothy Paynter, Earl Cole, Robert Kittle, Dr. John Eppolito, Walter Kittle Jr., James Fisher and James Kennedy Jr..  In November of 1973 largely due to the tireless work of Gordon Cerow Jr. the contracts for a new indoor arena were handed out with the goal of the arena being available for the 1974-1975 hockey season.  In February of 1975 and after several delays the new Clayton Arena was officially opened with 4 games being played.  Fittingly, Gordon Cerow dropped the ceremonial first puck.  Between the years of 1975 and 1987 Clayton Minor Hockey continued to grow and prosper.  In April of 1987, with the addition of a Varsity Hockey team on the horizon the Board of Directors voted to change the name of Clayton Minor Hockey to the current name Thousand Islands Youth Hockey.  Below is a video slideshow of the early years.  It is a tribute to our humble beginnings and a reminder of the tireless work of the forefathers of hockey in Clayton.