Board of Directors Applicants

CYHA MEMBER FOR 7 YEARS

 As an invested member of our youth hockey community for 7 years, I am excited to announce my interest in a position on the Camillus Youth Hockey Board. While I still don’t fully understand the difference in forechecking and backchecking, with four sons actively participating from Bantams to Tykes in the program and my spouse serving as a dedicated coach, I have a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities our players face. I became the person that I am today from the local sports programs that were available to me in my youth in this very community.

For 12 years, I had been privileged to contribute to the development of young athletes as a coach WG JV Volleyball coach. This experience has given me invaluable insights into the needs of players, from the fundamentals of sports participation to the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.

My primary goal is to be part of fostering a program that prioritizes player development at all levels while having fun and making lifelong memories. I am committed to exploring and implementing innovative training techniques, providing access to resources that enhance skill and personal development, and ensuring that every player has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Beyond the rink, I believe that youth sports play a crucial role in shaping character. I am passionate about creating a positive and inclusive environment where our players learn valuable life lessons, develop strong character, and grow into responsible and respectful citizens. I am dedicated to working collaboratively with fellow board members, coaches, and parents to ensure that our program provides an exceptional experience for all involved. Sports is an integral part of personal development, from facing adversity to setting and achieving goals independently and with a team. I am also deeply committed to having our CYHA families make positive changes and contributions to the community.

I am eager to bring my passion, experience, and dedication to the Camillus Youth Hockey Board and contribute to the continued success of our program.

CYHA MEMBER FOR 10 YEARS

My name is Nicole Cormier. I am a mom of 3 (2 boys and 1 girl) that all play hockey. For the 2025-2026 season I will have a Midget, Peewee (second year) and Squirt (first year). I have held a seat on the board in previous years as the Parent Org representative. Those years were spent learning a lot about the organization and how it works. At that time my kids still required my utmost attention and I made the choice to step down from that position and handed it off to Rachel Abert.

I don't know what the future holds for my kids but I know they just want to play hockey for CYHA. I am an advocate for the building blocks of the organization and the house teams it represents, as my kids have been a part of those teams for many years now. I have experience with 'equal' house teams, in addition to tiering teams, both of which have given me a different perspective.

I have been fortunate enough to have created relationships with many other hockey parents and I have learned a lot throughout my years here. I still attend almost every board meeting as a member of the organization to stay up to date on what is happening.

My oldest, completing his second year of Bantam's, almost didn't have a team to play on here at CYHA for the 2024-2025 season. Due to the situation, I recently got my coaching certification for 14u and below just so I could be a bench coach, if needed. I want to make sure anyone who wants to play hockey has a place here at CYHA. I've experienced highs and I've experienced lows here, each providing their own learning experiences.

Throughout my years at this organization I know there are many opinions on how things should run. I am a firm believer if you have something to say, insight or wish to make a change, it's best to speak up and take a seat at the table. That's why I am here.

I believe we can grow this organization, create many positive memories and friendships, and create an atmosphere for all kids that want to play hockey. I hope to continue to educate hockey parents at the younger levels and build the future for them to have here at CYHA, therefore I am asking for your support to elect me to the CYHA board.

CYHA MEMBER FOR 6 YEARS

Hello Camillus Cougars family! I am seeking election to the CYHA Board of Directors and would appreciate your support. My family and I have been involved in CYHA for six years now and during that time I have had the privilege of meeting and spending many hours at the rink with you. My son Easton is wrapping up a successful season on our squirt travel team and my daughter Caroline loves playing in our mite program as well as on the girls’ team. I recognize how unique and special the Shove Park rink and CYHA is to this community and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to it.

I have been a coach here for six years as well and love sharing my passion for the game with our young players. Along with playing the game for most of my life, I am a certified level 4 USA Hockey coach and maintain a level 3 official’s certification. If elected I promise to use my experience to advocate for player development at all levels. With any player I coach I focus on mastering the basics, working hard, playing for your teammates, and sportsmanship.

It is important to me to see our organization continue to grow the game of hockey through strength of community and program quality. I look forward to the opportunity to support this effort and hope to have your vote. Thank you.

CYHA MEMBER FOR 2 YEARS

I live on Onondaga Hill with my husband, Brendan, and our three children—Kevin (8), Patrick (6), and Ellie (3). Kevin and Patrick play at the mite level, while Ellie is at the tyke level. Kevin and Patrick attend Split Rock Elementary, where Brendan is the school nurse, and Ellie attends preschool at Holy Family. I am an attorney and work as a law clerk for a federal judge.

For the past two seasons, I have been an assistant coach for our younger kids’ teams. I have loved getting to know many of the young CYHA players and watching kids who have never stepped on the ice learn to skate. Our family has had amazing experiences with CYHA, developing friendships and seeing firsthand the impact of this organization.

I played lacrosse in college at Geneseo and am a firm believer in the value of organized youth sports. As a parent, I have had a front-row seat to the lessons hockey teaches—teamwork, discipline, and community. I am particularly passionate about supporting youth development, promoting inclusivity within hockey, and expanding opportunities for players at all levels.

It would be an honor to contribute to the continued growth and success of CYHA as a board member.

CYHA MEMBER FOR 10 YEARS

CURRENT CYHA PRESIDENT

My name is Michael LaRocca, and I have a son who plays at the 10U level. I have been a coach with CYHA for 10 years and a board member for a total of seven years. Throughout my time with the organization, I have coached at all levels, both house and travel. As a board member, I have served in multiple roles, including Division Director, Equipment Manager, Scholarship Committee, Nomination Committee, Policy Committee, ACE/Coaches’ Coordinator, Registrar, Vice President, and for the past year, President of CYHA.

A little about my background, I was born and raised in Cranston, RI, and played most of my youth hockey in Boston, MA, at the AAA level, including two National Tournament appearances. I played high school hockey through my junior year and was selected to attend USA Hockey’s Select 16 and 17 National Camps in Colorado Springs, CO. I continued my career in the USHL with the Waterloo Blackhawks before playing four years of Division I college hockey at Quinnipiac University, where I played in 142 games and made an NCAA Tournament appearance. In 2012, I was honored with induction into the Quinnipiac Athletic Hall of Fame. After college, I moved to the Syracuse area, where I refereed high school hockey for 12 years before transitioning to coaching when my older son began playing.

Hockey has given me so much in life, and I am committed to giving back to the game by helping kids have a positive and rewarding experience learning hockey. CYHA is a thriving organization that consistently produces State Tournament qualifiers and Snowbelt Jam champions. I believe we can continue teaching the game, creating opportunities for all types of players, and fostering an environment where kids develop and have fun. My goal is to ensure CYHA remains a strong and healthy organization that provides these opportunities for years to come.

I appreciate your time in reading my message, and I would be grateful for your vote.

Thank you,

Michael LaRocca

CYHA MEMBER FOR 10 YEARS

I am passionate about hockey and community involvement, I am excited about the opportunity to join the hockey board. Growing up in the sport, I have experienced firsthand the positive impact that organized hockey can have on young athletes, teaching valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and resilience. I am eager to contribute my fresh perspective and energy to help enhance our programs, engage more youth, and create an inclusive environment for players of all backgrounds. I believe my age allows me to connect with my peers and understand their needs, making me a strong advocate for the future of our hockey community. I am committed to making a difference and ensuring that hockey remains a positive and enriching experience for everyone involved.

CYHA MEMBER FOR 7 YEARS

CURRENT CYHA BOARD MEMBER

I have two sons in CYHA and have been coaching for 7 years. I'm a firefighter with the city of Syracuse and coach lacrosse in the summer as well. I would like to continue serving on the board to help maintain a positive environment at CYHA and provide a place for local kids to play competitive hockey.

CYHA MEMBER FOR 4 YEARS

I grew up playing hockey for CYHA and West Genesee. My youngest son plays 10u for CYHA and I had the pleasure of head coaching his team this year.

I work at a bank underwriting loans for not-for-profit organizations, so I am familiar with the finances and workings of boards and would be able to contribute to various committees.

I'd like to be a part of the CYHA board so that I can give back to an organization that has been so important to me and my family. An opportunity to be a part of the conversation about keeping CYHA strong and healthy, now and into the future, would be an honor.

If I am elected to the CYHA board, my goal would be to ensure all players are treated fairly and that all of our teams are successful at their skill level. I believe that hard work and doing the right thing, on and off the ice, leads to success, both for our players and our organization.

CYHA MEMBER FOR 8 YEARS

CURRENT CYHA BOARD MEMBER

I have been invested in CYHA since my players started: James is currently a Pee-Wee and Joey, a Squirt. I joined the board two years ago because of my life-long commitment to hockey and the belief I have in providing players an enriching experience. I would like to continue my service to CYHA and the community as a member of the board for a few reasons. First, I support player development for all players no matter their skill or age. Players develop at different times as they grow, and I want to be a part of ensuring the organization continues to help players thrive. Second, I believe that we can continue to enhance CYHA and the experience for players and families. Over the last couple of years, the board has made important changes at Shove to enhance the organization and the experience of youth hockey including the purchase and installation of a new scoreboard and introducing tiered Snowbelt teams, to name a couple. Finally, I value serving a community and building positive experiences through a shared love of the game, whether by coaching or volunteering for the board, I hope to continue to represent the community as a member of next year’s CYHA board.