SYLVANIA YOUTH HOCKEY CLUB

The future of youth hockey in Sylvania just got brighter with the exciting announcement from the Sylvania Youth Hockey Club (SYHI). As a significant step forward for the local hockey community, SYHI is proud to unveil the formation of a full-season, Tier II 18U team that is set to debut in the 2025-26 season. The new team will be known as the Sylvania North Stars and will make Tam-O-Shanter its home rink.

The addition of a full-season 18U team is not only a thrilling development for the players but also for the entire Sylvania community. SYHI’s leadership has been considering this initiative for several seasons, and now, after thorough discussions and planning, it is finally coming to fruition. "This is something that has been discussed for a couple of seasons, and we are excited that it is coming to fruition," said SYHI Hockey Director Mike Mankowski.

Having a dedicated full-season team provides a unique opportunity for young athletes to elevate their skills and compete at a higher level. The North Stars will engage in a competitive Tier II schedule that includes numerous games and tournaments throughout the season, fostering not just athletic development but also camaraderie and teamwork among players.

The home rink, Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter, is a well-known facility in the region, offering excellent amenities for both players and fans alike. With its supportive environment and commitment to youth sports, Tam-O-Shanter is the perfect venue for the North Stars to establish their identity and grow within the community.

Tryouts for the new team are slated to take place in March 2025, with exact dates and times still to be determined. This presents a prime opportunity for aspiring hockey players to showcase their talents and potentially become a part of this exciting new chapter in Sylvania hockey.

As the community rallies around this initiative, the creation of the Sylvania North Stars represents a significant advancement in youth sports within the area. It reflects SYHI’s dedication to not only developing skilled hockey players but also nurturing a love for the game and building lasting relationships among young athletes.

With this announcement, the Sylvania Youth Hockey Club is poised to strengthen its influence in the regional hockey landscape, providing players with pathways to success, both on and off the ice. As the countdown to the inaugural season begins, anticipation and excitement grow for what the North Stars will bring to Sylvania's vibrant sports community.

Furthermore, we are incredibly excited to announce the appointment of Grant Meyer as the head coach of our U18 hockey team. With a wealth of coaching experience and a distinguished playing background, Coach Meyer is exceptionally well-prepared to guide our athletes as they strive for excellence both on and off the ice.

In the 2024-25 season, Coach Meyer led the U16 North Stars, where he made a significant impact by instilling a philosophy centered on skill development, teamwork, and work ethic. Prior to his tenure with the North Stars, he served as an assistant coach for the University of Toledo’s club hockey program, further honing his coaching expertise at a competitive level. Beyond his coaching roles, Coach Meyer has been an integral part of the Sylvania Player Development clinics since 2013, helping to develop aspiring young hockey players in the community.

Grant's impressive playing career included stops in the USHL, NAHL, and NCAA Division I, providing him with a deep understanding of the game and the unique challenges faced by aspiring athletes.

"I am excited to lead our U18 team," said Meyer. "This team will serve as a vital component of our club, offering young players a platform to showcase their skills while preparing for future hockey opportunities. My goal is to foster a positive and competitive environment where players can thrive both in the game and in life."