50th Anniversary Celebration: Toms River Hockey Club Honors Legacy and Community
The Toms River Hockey Club is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary season with a special event on September 13 at Winding River Skating Center. The Blackhawks program, established in 1975, offers travel ice hockey for players aged 6 to 18 in central and southern New Jersey, focusing on competitive play in a welcoming environment. A highlight of the celebration will be a game between the Blackhawks U18AA team and the Brick Stars Challenger Organization, a program that teaches skating and hockey skills to children and young adults with developmental disabilities.
During the event, the club will honor John O’Connell, a Toms River resident who was recently named USA Hockey’s 2025 Disabled Athlete of the Year. O’Connell, a visually impaired United States Air Force veteran and former pilot, competes with the New Jersey Warriors, a team of disabled veterans. The day's activities, which are open to the public, will kick off at 7 a.m. and feature games throughout the day, culminating in a final match at 8:30 p.m. There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted to support the Brick Stars Challenger Organization.
In addition to the anniversary celebration, the Blackhawks are encouraging new skaters to give the sport a try this fall. The club offers a developmental program for children aged 5 to 8 and supports Winding River Skating Center’s “Learn To” classes, which help introduce first-time players of all ages to the sport and prepare them for club programs. More information about the programs and registration links can be found on the club's website at njblackhawks.com and the Brick Stars Challenger Organization's website at brickstarschallenger.wixsite.com/brickstarschallenger. For further inquiries, interested individuals can contact the Toms River Hockey Club Executive Board at [email protected].
In conclusion, the Toms River Hockey Club is excited to kick off its 50th anniversary season with a community celebration that includes exciting hockey games, special recognitions, and opportunities for new skaters to get involved in the sport. Join the Blackhawks on September 13 at Winding River Skating Center for a day of fun and camaraderie as they continue their tradition of promoting hockey in the community.