Growing the Game in the Sonoran Desert!
TUCSON, AZ – This past weekend, USA Ball Hockey and Knapper partnered with Tucson Ball Hockey to bring a free Grow the Game Day clinic to families in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. The players were even surprised by a visit from Dusty, the mascot of the AHL Tucson Roadrunners!
With dozens of young athletes in attendance, the morning showcased the rapid growth of ball hockey in Arizona, a state quickly emerging as one of the sport’s most exciting expansion markets. Tucson Ball Hockey, led by Commissioner David Theriot, continues to build the game from the ground up by hosting youth clinics, adult pickup games, and community-driven events against the stunning desert mountain backdrop of their home facility.
Coach Sal Ippolito, founder of Emerald City Ball Hockey in Seattle, led the clinic and shared his nationally recognized skills-and-drills program with players ages 5–13. From passing and stickhandling to shooting technique and small-area gameplay, participants received hands-on instruction before finishing the morning with an energetic scrimmage in the desert heat featuring highlight-reel goals and impressive defensive efforts!
“Our mission is simple — make the game accessible and fun for every kid who wants to play,” said Ippolito. “You don’t need ice to fall in love with hockey.”
USA Ball Hockey will continue hosting Grow the Game Days across the country throughout 2026 as part of its commitment to expanding opportunities in both established and emerging markets. None of this would be possible without the continued commitment from our friends at Knapper and Knapper USA who donated more than 50 hockey sticks and hockey balls to young players in the desert.
Communities interested in hosting a free Grow the Game Day clinic can contact USA Ball Hockey at info@usaballhockey.com
for more information!
