10-18-2023 11:05am

Macon Mayhem's New Youth Hockey Program Takes Center Ice as the Macon Gators Launch on October 20th

Nate Weeks Editor

The Macon Gators mascot is a feisty looking alligator biting down on a hockey stick (Graphic courtesy of the Macon Mayhem)

The Macon Mayhem is set to begin their 2023 - 2024 season on Friday, October 20th. As they gear up for an exciting new season, there's something else remarkable on the horizon: the launch of the Macon Gators, a youth hockey program that promises to be a valuable resource for aspiring young athletes in Middle Georgia.

The start of the Macon Mayhem's new season will also welcome the start of the Macon Gators, a youth hockey program that the Mayhem are strongly supporting. The program is designed to introduce children from age six to sixteen to the joys of hockey.

Because Middle Georgia isn't known for having a lot of ice skating rinks, no prior experience with ice skating is necessary, as learning to skate is part of the foundational training provided.

As students become proficient at skating on the ice, they will begin lessons focusing on basic hockey skills and then will gradually progress to team play.

The Macon Gators program is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a quality hockey experience for all youth in Middle Georgia. The young people who take part in the youth hockey program will play under the name "The Macon Gators".

Dr. John Sapp, who is an orthopedic hand surgery specialist in Macon, is at the helm of this new initiative and he emphasizes the importance of inclusivity when considering who will play on "The Macon Gators".

"Our intent is to create an inclusive experience for young people regardless of gender or economic status," said Sapp.

The team will be instructed on the ice by volunteer coach Kyle Blight, who emphasized his enthusiasm and gratitude for being a part of the youth hockey program.

"I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this program and can’t wait to get on the ice and introduce the game to as many of the youth here in Macon as we can. We are going to have a lot of fun out there this season," said Blight.

The Macon Gators offers two types of membership to cater to varying skill levels. The "Intro to Hockey" program is designed for beginners, where students learn fundamental skills such as standing, balancing, striding, and stopping. This program's mandatory pieces of equipment are skates, gloves, a helmet with cage and stick (and elbow pads, shin pads, and a mouth guard are highly recommended).

For those with previous hockey experience or students ready to take the next step, the "Macon Gators Advanced program offers more advanced training. A full set of Hockey equipment is mandatory for the advanced program (and a mouth guard is highly recommended).

Registration for the 2023-24 Season is now open, with the first practice scheduled for Friday, October 20th. Registration begins at $200 per child, which includes 20 sessions on the ice with Coach Blight and the rest of the Gators team. To learn more about the Macon Gators and their upcoming season, you can visit their official website at MaconGatorsHockey.net.

The Macon Mayhem will also start their own season with two home games against the Knoxville Ice Bears at the same times as the launch of the Macon Gators youth hockey program, with the season opener game taking place on Friday, October 20th.

The Macon Mayhem will have a total of 4 home games in October:

- October 20 (Friday): Opening Night - 7:00 p.m.

The Macon Mayhem's season opener promises a night filled with excitement and hockey thrills as they face off against the Knoxville Ice Bears.

- October 21 (Saturday): Star Wars Night - 6:30 p.m.

The force will be strong at the Macon Coliseum as the Mayhem continue their series against the Knoxville Ice Bears. It's not just a hockey game; it's a Star Wars extravaganza, complete with themed activities and surprises.

- October 27 (Friday): STEM Night - 7:00 p.m.

Get ready for a night of scientific excitement as the Mayhem take on the Fayetteville Marksmen. STEM Night will feature educational activities that make the game even more engaging and fun for young aspiring scientists and hockey fans alike.

- October 28 (Saturday): Peanuts Night - 6:30 p.m.

Wrap up the month with the Macon Mayhem at a family-friendly Peanuts Night, featuring your favorite Peanuts characters.

With the Macon Gators youth hockey program making its debut and an action-packed schedule of home games, October promises to be a month full of hockey magic in Macon. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be a part of these exciting events and witness the Macon Mayhem in action, both on and off the ice. Whether you're a seasoned hockey enthusiast or a young, aspiring player, the Macon Mayhem is bringing the joy of hockey to the heart of Middle Georgia.

Curious about the rest of the Macon Mayhem's 2023 - 2024 season? Below you will find a link to a printable pdf copy of all of the scheduled games and theme nights for the Macon Mayhem's 2023 - 2024 season.