OUR MISSION

Why we're here

At Grand Strand Youth Hockey (GSYH), our mission is to grow the game of hockey in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas in a fun and friendly way. We’re an instructional league focused on teaching kids ages 4-17 the fundamentals of hockey and giving them the tools to expand their knowledge and love for the game.

Surrounded by the 60 miles of sand known as the Grand Strand — and without an ice rink within 100 miles — we play and advocate for the sport of inline hockey in our area, but also hope to provide the skills and interest for our players to someday take their passion beyond the beach to ice rinks and roller rinks across the country.

GSYH is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, who partners with the City of Myrtle Beach to use their outdoor rink to teach kids of all ages and skill levels the game of hockey.

GSYH Youth Director Allen Ryals, left, and League Commissioner Chris Mowder, right
WHO WE ARE

Our organization

Grand Strand Youth Hockey was founded in 2019 by organizers Chris Mowder and Allen Ryals — both long time players, coaches and hockey lovers.

Since that time we have grown from just a handful of participants playing pick-up games to an league with more than 100 players and coaches across multiple age divisions.

In addition to our organizers and board of directors we are supported by numerous parents, volunteer coaches, contributors and supporters which help our league continue to grow.

If you're interested in getting involved, please contact us for details.

WHERE WE PLAY

The Market Common Rink

Grand Strand Youth Hockey holds all games and practices at the Market Common Hockey Rink, located at the intersection of Emmens Avenue and Crabtree Lane in Myrtle Beach, near the Grand Park Athletic Complex.

The facility is owned and operated by The City of Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department, and shared by Grand Strand Hockey adult league and GSYH, as well as being open to the public during times when league activities are not booked.

It is an outdoor rink with a surface constructed of hard plastic "waffled" tiles known as sport court. The surface is designed to be more shock-absorbent than concrete and just as fast as ice while providing for easy sliding of plastic pucks.

Due to the outdoor nature of our playing surface, league activities can be affected by weather and even a small bit of rain or moisture can make our surface dangerous and unskateable. Our policy regarding weather is that decisions on rink condition will be made no later than 45 minutes before a practice, game or skate and that decisions will be announced via e-mail, TeamSnap and on this website.

HISTORY

Hockey at The Beach

Over the years, there have been many hockey leagues and organizations our area dating back to the mid-1990s.

Past groups include Myrtle Beach Xtreme Hockey, the Grand Strand Inline Hockey Association, Myrtle Beach Wave travel team, Myrtle Beach Pirates semi-pro inline hockey and several other organizations that have helped craft a small, but loyal hockey community in this beach town.

Currently, groups including the Grand Strand Hockey adult inline league continue to carry on the legacy of inline hockey here locally, while groups such as Coastal Carolina University club ice hockey  and Grand Strand Ice Management  continue to promote ice hockey and the area's ongoing quest to secure and frozen surface at the beach.

Myrtle Beach Wave
Myrtle Beach Xtreme
Myrtle Beach Pirates
GSIHA Youth Hockey
CCU Roller Hockey
CCU Ice Hockey
Grand Strand Adult Hockey
Chiclets Cup Tourney Team

Grand Strand Youth Hockey
‪(843) 633-3150‬
The Market Common Hockey Rink
Emmens Avenue & Crabtree Lane
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
info@grandstrandhockey.com

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