After weeks of disputes that disrupted high school ice hockey across Section 2, the issue has been resolved, clearing the way for student-athletes to complete their season.
Section 2 officials and the Eastern New York National Ice Hockey Officials Association, or ENY NIHOA, announced Friday they reached an agreement following mediation earlier this week. The deal ensures games will be officiated for the remainder of the season while introducing a new collaborative event during the 2025–26 season.
Under the agreement, ENY NIHOA officials will lead a Section 2-wide ice hockey officials clinic focused on rules interpretations, penalty enforcement, and game situations. Officials will also oversee a skills challenge where student-athletes compete in multiple events, with an added emphasis on education and recruitment.
Section 2 representatives said all 11 teams in the section have committed to participating in the clinic and will pay a team fee associated with the event. An officials’ recruitment table will also be available, aimed at strengthening the local officiating pipeline.
ENY NIHOA acknowledged that the agreement does not resolve all outstanding concerns, but said continuing the season without further disruption was a priority.
Both sides described the 2025–26 event as a one-year pilot program, with discussions planned after the season to determine whether the model should continue.
For now, officials say the focus remains on student-athletes returning to the ice and completing the season without additional interruptions.