The Salmon Hockey Association represents a small town at its best. 

RYYY

We are a can-do organization that is strongly supported by the entire community. 

Best of all, we are succeeding at our main mission – the SHA provides a 

creative, constructive outlet for Salmon’s most prized resource, our 

young people.

Salmon Youth Hockey was started in 1986 and for 12 years players skated 

on the most basic rink. Nevertheless, enthusiasm spread for the sport 

in this remote town situated between the Salmon River and the 

Continental Divide.  This year, 126 kids ages 5 through 19 are 

registered players with the Salmon Hockey Association. Even more 

children and their families use the free community rink that SHA 

maintains throughout the winter. The Salmon High School P.E. department 

also uses the rink as part of their Lifetime Sports class. There are 

approximately 100 students involved in this program. That means the 

Association serves about 1 out of every 10 kids in the Salmon area.

Salmon Hockey makes every effort to include anyone interested in the 

sport. These efforts have resulted in the girls’ program that is 

growing in popularity every year. Our Lady Rapids won the 2005 state 

championship, playing teams from much larger areas.

Additionally, SHA tries to break down any economic barriers that would 

keep a child from playing hockey by making equipment available to those 

who can’t afford to buy their own. Lemhi County has one of the highest 

rates of children living in poverty in the State of Idaho so members of 

the Association are extremely sensitive to this economic reality. SHA 

believes that hockey and skating are for everyone.

Our coaches are volunteers, often parents of players, who are dedicated 

to teaching hockey skills, sportsmanship, integrity and teamwork. Not 

only do they volunteer their time, but they also pay a fee to cover the 

cost of coaching certification. Each year our community recognizes 

individuals who make a significant contribution to local youth. Each 

year the local healthy youth, healthy communities organization, Lemhi’s 

Promise to Youth, recognizes Salmon Hockey Association volunteers as 

Red Wagon Heroes.

Gina Knudson

Freelance Writer

Salmon, ID