Yankton Area Ice Association

Yankton Area Ice Association We offer exciting Youth Hockey, Figure Skating, Learn-to-Skate and community open skate programs. We need ice sheets, locker rooms and re-surfacers.

Miracle History & Philosophy:
When the YAIA began, it was primarily focused as a hockey program. The name “Miracle” was chosen as a reflection of an Olympic miracle. Legendary Herb Brooks, who was married to Yankton native, Patti Lane, coached the 1980 USA Olympic hockey team. That gold-medal team brought a legacy of hope, hard work and homegrown triumph to hockey. The second reason for the Miracl

e moniker was because of the tall odds the organizers overcame to bring ice recreation to the area. Despite many stating the ice facility would never be accomplished in Yankton, ground was struck, a building was constructed and the first league hockey team hit the ice. YAIA’s philosophy follows that of how Herb Brooks believed hockey should be grown: grow the game from the grass roots and make it available to everyone. Of note, Brooks once said “Let’s be real -- Arenas cost a lot of money and we don’t always need elaborate indoor facilities with restaurants, beautiful lobbies and architectural niceties. We have to ask ourselves, who are we building these for; the fans or the kids?”

Other Herb Brooks quotes:
“Every now and then it’s okay to take a leap of faith. That’s when miracles can happen.”
“Winners, in my opinion, are those who are willing to make sacrifices for the unknown, both for themselves and for the team. Once you have that, then the results take care of themselves.”
“The name on the front of the jersey is much more important than any name on the back.”

🚨 AUGUST 31 DEADLINE — DON’T MISS OUT! 🚨Hockey should be an opportunity for every kid who wants to play. 🏒The Dave Stahl...
08/25/2026

🚨 AUGUST 31 DEADLINE — DON’T MISS OUT! 🚨

Hockey should be an opportunity for every kid who wants to play. 🏒

The Dave Stahl All-Star Fund helps South Dakota hockey families with registration costs, and applications for the 2026–2027 season are being accepted through August 31.

This year, up to $5,300 in scholarships is available to players across the state. Applications will be reviewed in September, so now is the time to apply!

To apply:
✅ Complete the application at sdaha.org
✅ Include a brief explanation of your request
✅ Attach a copy of your 2026–2027 USA Hockey registration
✅ Send the completed application to YAIA President, Ryan Rusher. Once verified, it will be forwarded to South Dakota Hockey for review.

If registration costs are making it difficult for your child to play hockey this season, please consider applying. This fund was created to help keep kids on the ice. ❤️

📅 Applications are due August 31!

Application information can be found here:
https://sdaha.sportngin.com/register/form/267427494?_gl=1*1xwb1fm*_ga*NzA1NzQzMDM0LjE3ODc2ODc3NTk.*_ga_PQ25JN9PJ8*czE3ODc2ODgyMjk3ODQtemNqYWEzMXR4aGgkbzEkZzEkdDE3ODc2ODgyMzAkajYwJGwwJGgw =2.22972984.2000217925.1787687759-705743034.1787687759

08/17/2026

Thanks for the shoutout, Morgan!

Congratulations on becoming part of UND Hockey Cheer, Eva!⛸📣
08/13/2026

Congratulations on becoming part of UND Hockey Cheer, Eva!⛸📣

Please give a warm welcome to our first rookie, freshman Eva Paulson!! Eva is coming to us from Yankton, South Dakota!

Welcome to the Hockey Cheer family Eva!💚🥳

Judging by those smiles, these skaters had a great time at FCA Camp in Omaha last weekend! 🏒😊 What a fun opportunity to ...
08/12/2026

Judging by those smiles, these skaters had a great time at FCA Camp in Omaha last weekend! 🏒😊 What a fun opportunity to learn, grow, and make some great memories on the ice!

Left to right Brantley Reining, Wade Lichty, Franklin Lichty, Laiken Crisman and Blair Crisman

Last night was a beautiful night for Skate the Meridian! 🌅Our skaters enjoyed an evening skating across the Meridian Bri...
08/06/2026

Last night was a beautiful night for Skate the Meridian! 🌅

Our skaters enjoyed an evening skating across the Meridian Bridge, soaking up the gorgeous views, and ending the night with root beer floats! 🥤

A perfect summer night with lots of smiles! ⛸️

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jungwirth family and the entire Oahe Hockey Association during this incredibly dif...
08/04/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jungwirth family and the entire Oahe Hockey Association during this incredibly difficult time. ❤️

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of one of our own, Jaxon Jungwirth. He passed away over the weekend as a result of an automobile accident in North Dakota. Please keep Jaxon's family, friends, and teammates in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the unimaginable. Jaxon was a fiery competitor and a compassionate teammate who was never too busy to help someone learn the craft of protecting the net.

In memory of #22, leave a hockey stick out tonight with a light on. Forever in our ❤️ #22. 💚🖤💛

07/14/2026

We want 100 people in the room for our event with Dr. Cindra Kamphoff.

Cindra is one of the leading voices in mental performance, confidence, resilience, self-talk, and learning how to show up strong when life, sports, leadership, and pressure get real.

This event is for athletes, parents, coaches, leaders, women in business, and anyone who wants practical tools to build a stronger mind.

And yes, your ticket includes Cindra’s new book.

So here is the challenge: help us get to 100.

Register. Bring a friend. Tag someone who needs this. Share this post. Help us fill the room with people ready to get stronger.

Let’s do this, Ninja Army.

Register NOW! Corporate seats available as well!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1992018838971?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Yankton, SD
57078

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