Building Bridges in the West: USA Ball Hockey Expands Reach in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA – This past weekend, USA Ball Hockey Director of Hockey Operations Cory Herschk took a significant step in strengthening the game’s footprint on the West Coast with a visit to Los Angeles—blending high-level partnership building with grassroots engagement during the LA Kings, “Ball Hockey Operator Day.”
Herschk’s trip centered on collaboration, meeting with key stakeholders including the LA Kings and NHL Street, while also connecting with more than 30 local ball hockey program operators from across the Los Angeles area from independent organizations to local YMCAs. The visit underscored USA Ball Hockey’s ongoing commitment to growing the sport nationwide by aligning professional resources with community-driven initiatives.
A major highlight of the weekend was Herschk’s time with the LA Kings and NHL Street team, where discussions focused on expanding access to ball hockey and creating sustainable pathways for youth participation. These conversations reflected a shared vision of making hockey more accessible, inclusive, and visible in non-traditional markets.
Equally impactful was the gathering of local program leaders. Bringing together over 30 operators created a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, address challenges, and unify efforts across Southern California. Herschk shared insight into national development strategies while also listening closely to the needs and successes of those working on the ground.
“The energy and passion in Los Angeles are undeniable,” Herschk said. “There’s a real opportunity here to connect resources, support local leaders, and continue building something meaningful for the next generation of players.”
By bridging national leadership with local execution, the weekend served as a blueprint for future expansion efforts. Conversations throughout the trip also helped lay the groundwork for several long-term initiatives, including the potential expansion of the National Scholastic Ball Hockey League to introduce a Western Conference High School Division as early as Spring 2027. Plans to further integrate West Coast talent into USA Ball Hockey’s Future Stars program were also discussed, creating new pathways for elite player development in the region.
Herschk goes on, “In collaboration with the LA Kings, NHL Street, the NHL, and equipment partner Knapper, we would like to open discussions for the development of dedicated ball hockey facilities to support the sport’s growth in Southern California.” Additionally, the group discussed the possibility of a large-scale “Grow the Game Day” event—bringing together the LA Kings, LAPD, and the Los Angeles Fire Department to celebrate the sport while strengthening community connections.
As USA Ball Hockey continues to grow, efforts like these reinforce the organization’s hands-on approach—meeting communities where they are, building meaningful partnerships, and working collaboratively to elevate the sport across the country.
With momentum building in markets like Los Angeles, the future of ball hockey in the United States looks increasingly bright. To get involved with the LA Kings Street program visit: https://www.nhl.com/kings/local-hockey/nhl-street
Cover Photo by LA Kings Street
