Malik Garvin Continues to Support the Growth of Ice Hockey in Harlem
Over the past four years, Malik Garvin has witnessed the determination of those involved with the Ice Hockey in Harlem initiative.
Garvin, who is in his fourth year as the executive director of the program, commended the players and their families for their passion for the sport, even in light of the considerable geographical challenges encountered when the program’s primary rink temporarily closed for a four-year renovation.
“People truly embrace and continue to recognize the developmental opportunities, life skills, and the prospects beyond ice hockey that the sport provides,” Garvin stated. “Our teams may not secure many victories, but we maintain full rosters across the board because the children and parents value the chance to participate and enjoy witnessing the growth of each player.”
Ice Hockey in Harlem is a community-focused nonprofit organization that provides complimentary ice hockey and enrichment programs to boys and girls living in the Harlem area of New York City.
Garvin is a former participant in the organization, having played at The Harvey School in Katonah, New York, and subsequently at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts.
“I am very grateful that our program is entirely free for families,” Garvin remarked. “It’s remarkable.”
Ice Hockey in Harlem began with 40 participants in the winter of 1987 as an after-school initiative. Currently, it serves approximately 175 boys and girls across three rinks in New York City: World Ice Arena in Queens, and Wollman Rink and Gottesman Rink, both located in Central Park.
“We can only field one team for each age group,” Garvin explained. “We simply lack sufficient ice time, and we also do not have enough opponents to create a second team, as that would reduce our schedule significantly.”
Ice hockey activities occur from November to March, and no prior experience is necessary to join the program. All participants practice for a minimum of 90 minutes each week, and enrichment programming is available throughout the year. During the warmer months, the organization engages in ball hockey and conducts a summer camp for one week each July.
“Our focus is on developing better individuals through participation in ice hockey,” Garvin stated. “It’s about fostering our hockey community and providing children with the opportunity to grow and develop in a secure environment. We believe this elevates our program to a higher level.”
Garvin mentioned that the program has recently broadened its College Exploration Series, which enables older participants to visit various colleges and universities. Under Garvin’s leadership, players have traveled to institutions such as Harvard, Boston College, Long Island University, Princeton, Williams College, Michigan, Wisconsin, Buffalo State, and others on overnight excursions.
“It’s about introducing kids to the intersection of higher education and hockey,” Garvin noted. “The message isn’t that you’re going D1 or turning pro, but these schools have ice rinks where you can skate, play club hockey, and be involved. However, your education remains the priority.”
In Michigan, the players connected with a similar organization at the Clark Park outdoor rink in Detroit. They also engaged with players from Michigan’s hockey team, including Marshall Warren, a supporter of the program who is currently affiliated with the New York Islanders organization and was the first Black captain in Boston College’s history.
In Wisconsin, eight girls visited the school and interacted with Laila Edwards, who is set to become the first Black player to represent the U.S. women’s team at the Olympics. Wisconsin’s coach Mark Johnson also conducted a practice session with the players.
“It’s all about expanding horizons, which is the essence of our program,” Garvin stated. “It’s what hockey can provide beyond just wins and losses.”
The organization also benefits from the support of local professional teams, including the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and New Jersey Devils. Garvin indicated that every child in the program has the chance to interact with at least one of these teams each year.
One of the program’s teams skates at Madison Square Garden during the intermission of a Rangers game annually. Players have attended New Jersey Devils games from a suite, and the Devils have also contributed proceeds from their 50-50 raffle to the program. Groups also attend Islanders games and have opportunities to meet players and members of the ownership group.
“We depend on the support of all our partners in various ways, not just through financial contributions, but also through opportunities for engagement,” Garvin stated. “When kids participate in experiences like this, they talk about it, and it becomes a lasting memory for them.
This is also motivating for the players and their families. Such moments and memories inspire growth, which helps Ice Hockey in Harlem continue to thrive as the program nears its 40th anniversary.
“We are consistently gaining momentum,” Garvin remarked. “We have a larger presence than ever, which is beneficial because our kids serve as natural ambassadors for the program. Our logo and name are more visible than ever, leading to new and unique opportunities that may not have arisen otherwise.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc
